The Nation July 22, 2012

No Sovereign National Conference, Senate insists –PAGE 2

•Mark

NEW INSIDE

–Pages 33, 34 & 47

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.06, No. 2191

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

JULY 22, 2012

N200.00

Impeachment threat: PDP begs Tambuwal –Page 2

My hands are tied –Speaker

Why Reps are angry

•Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (in white shirt ) and his wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (3rd on the queue), among other adults, waiting to be accredited at the African Church Primary School, Ita-Iyalode Ward 11, Unit 12 in Abeokuta North Local Government, during yesterday’s local council polls in Ogun State.

Photo: NAN

Robbers bomb bank, police station in Kogi

Police kill Lagos community leader

• One killed –PAGE 4

•Abubakar

–PAGE 5

My affair in BBA –Goldie –PAGE 55

INSIDE Politics Kebbi Power Struggle —Pg 19

NEWS

2

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Opinion Edo polls without Abuja ‘ oxygen’ —Pg 17

Miscellany

Giving sex workers new skills —Pg 65 Entertainment

Impeachment threat: PDP begs Tambuwal • My hands are tied by House resolution, says Speaker T • Why House of Reps is angry

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday stepped into the stand-off between President Goodluck Jonathan and the House of Representatives over the alleged poor implementation of this year’s budget.

The party, like the President, sued for truce.

The House, at its last meeting on Thursday, gave the executive up till September to expedite action on the execution of the budget failing which it threatened to commence impeachment process against the President.

Moments after the session, President Jonathan personally called Speaker Aminu Tambuwwal for a peace meeting at the Presidential Villa on Friday night.

This was followed yesterday by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who had a lengthy discussion with the Speaker on the matter.

It was gathered that the

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Speaker said his hands are tied by the Thursday resolution of the House.

An authoritative source in PDP said Alhaji Tukur had a down-to-heart discussion with Tambuwal on the telephone on why the House should rescind its ultimatum to the executive to execute the budget 100 per cent by September.

The source said the party decided to intervene because the ultimatum suggested a breakdown in communication between the House and the presidency.

It was also gathered that the party is of the view that 100 per cent compliance with budget execution is unrealistic within two months.

The source said: “The National Chairman pleaded

with the Speaker to prevail on his principal officers to rescind the ultimatum and allow room for dialogue with the President to resolve all outstanding issues.

“The PDP chairman expressed concern that the polity is being heated up by the budget row and a wrong signal is being sent to foreign investors.

“Tukur assured him that the party will intervene in such a manner that the Executive and the House will return to the old order of a smooth working relationship.”

On the response of the Speaker, the PDP source added: “Tambuwal explained that his hands are tied because a resolution has been passed by the House and it will require another resolution to rescind the ultimatum.

“I think in future, we

should avoid a situation whereby issues will degenerate to a resolution level on the floor of the House. This is how you can assist me too as a loyal party man.

“We will look into issues you have raised but I cannot say whether the House will be disposed to reversing itself or not. I am in a difficult situation too because members may stick to their resolution.

“He said the House was not out to either embarrass or make governance difficult for the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

The PDP source quoted the Speaker as saying: “The President put in place a transformation agenda and whatever we are doing is to help the transformation agenda. It is in line with the agenda that the 2012 budget must be implemented to the

D’banj moves up with Oyato —Pg 49

Life Five minutes in hell

•Mr Olu Jacobs (L) , popular Nigerian actor at the opening of the Nigeria House at Stratford, Olympic site on Friday in London.

Photo: NAN

No sovereign conference, Senate insists

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—Pg 24

The Arts In my father’s shoes —Pg 63

HE Senate yesterday insisted there can be no convocation of a sovereign national conference (SNC) in the country.

It however, said it will welcome the views of the proponents of such SNC in amending the 1999 constitution.

This is one of the major resolutions of the Senate Committee on Constitution amendment as it wrapped up its retreat in Asaba, Delta State capital.

No formal communiqué was issued but the Senate Leader, Mr. Victor NdomaEgba, read a summary of the issues discussed at the re-

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

treat.

The decision to shelve a communiqué, he said, was to avoid a situation where it could be misconstrued as the position of the Senate on certain issues.

He said: “The committee reiterates the fact that there can be no other sovereignty that can be derived from the Constitution.

“While the Senate recognises the right of Nigerians to hold opinions and to freely associate, it will therefore encourage Nigerians to

discuss the future of our dear country. The insistence in certain quarters for Sovereign National Conference is untenable as there can only be one sovereignty.”

Ndoma-Egba listed the key issues to be tackled by the Constitution Review Committee to include one term of five years for the President/Vice President, Governors/Deputy Governors; devolution of powers for true federalism; indigene ship and Section 42 of the Constitution; financial autonomy for State Houses of Assembly to strengthen them; and creation of one state for the South East

zone for equity and fairness.

Others are: state police; immunity clause for some elected officers; and judicial reform.

He said the committee resolved to engage stakeholders, governors, State Houses of Assembly, civil society, the Nigerian Bar Association and the media to deepen the amendment process.

Besides, the committee plans to generate sufficient national dialogue around the identified issues and other issues of interest to Nigerians to build a national consensus.

letter.”

The Speaker took time to explain how the House worked with the Senate to ensure speedy passage of the budget ‘as presented’ by the President.

He however gave an insight into why Reps are angry with the Executive, citing alleged disregard for resolutions of the House.

The source said the Speaker noted that the Executive had not been working on the same page with the House on many issues.

The source added: “Tambuwal pledged to convey the position of the party to the House leadership and work for harmonious working terms with the President.”

On the specific action likely to be taken by the House, the source said: “The response was neither here nor there because of the anger of members. But the party will not relent in its intervention.

“I think the PDP leadership may still reach out to some principal officers to concretize its mediatory role.”

A principal officer of the House, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have heard that the PDP leadership tried to intervene in the budget row but the reality is that the Speaker will need to restore the confidence of members before this face-off can be resolved.

“Members are not happy that the Executive is contemptuous of the House.

The recall of the DG of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, on the eve of the presentation of the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Capital Market was an insult.

“To resolve this matter, the House wants commitment from the President that the Executive will always respect its resolutions; there will be improvement in the implementation of the budget; and the Executive will respect the independence of the Legislature instead of undermining it.”

After harmonization, the Senate and the House of Representatives had on March 15 passed a budget of N4.88 trillion with a benchmark of $72 per barrel.

The vote was increased from N4.65 trillion proposed by the Federal Government.

The President however assented to a N4.7trillion budget on April 13.

But the House of Representatives on Thursday expressed displeasure that only 30 per cent of the budget had been implemented.

The chamber also gave the President till September to ensure effective implementation of the budget or face impeachment.

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

The feast of the goat O RDINARILY, the feast of a goat is a great event, a culinary extravaganza. On the other hand, in dark and dangerous places, the endgame for a goat is not for the squeamish. It is a messy and dripping affair, full of blood and gore; brimming with the thunderous fury of the multitude. Yet at another level, it can be argued that this is just why the feast of a goat is such a great historical event. It is a practical demonstration of people’s power in progress. Just as you cannot have omelette without breaking eggs, you can also not have goat’s head pepper soup without breaking a goat’s head.

Readers can now see how even the writer himself can get entangled in the endless fictive possibilities and permutations of an Alice-inthe- wonderland community. Nothing is what it seems. Everything is what it is not. Illusion is reality and reality is an illusion. In such circumstances, it is not the business of the writer to enter into any contest with competing sets of reality but to forcefully align himself with the truly untrue.

Literature sometimes illuminates and sometimes undermines life itself. There are times when fiction itself is a poor copy for actual reality, when the fictitious nation trumps national fiction. In a preface to the outstanding novel titled, A Man Without Qualities, Robert Musil famously explained that his novel “will not attempt to enter into any competition with reality”. But there are also times when it is the turn of life itself to complicate things for literature.

What, then, does Malam Mohammed Haruna have in common with Senor Mario Vargas Llosa? One is a notable Nigerian journalist, prolific commentator and publisher of the now defunct Citizen magazine. The other is a Nobel Literature laureate, a prizewinning iconic Latin American novelist and sometimes Peruvian presidential candidate. Mario Llosa is also the author of the hugely enthralling novel, The Feast of The Goat which chronicles ,from different and often mutually contradictory perspectives, the very last day of Rafael Trujillo, the assassinated Dominican despot.

Known as “the goat” because of his stubborn disposition and LL seems to be quiet now on the Ologbosere front. The great Edo gubernatorial sweepstakes have been won and lost. A new kid stands on the old power blocs.

These are troublesome times for troublous political geriatrics in the land of the great and noble Overamwe Nogbaisi. Mum has been the word from the old fixer and master of digitalized rigging since the Adams Tsunami swept through the entire length and breadth of the old Benin Empire uprooting old umpires and cutting to size ancient political dynasties founded on electoral fraud.

Snooper is reliably informed that ever since Oshiomhole pulverized his political casino, the old master puppeteer of Uromi has been staring at the ceiling like a petrified mouse and mumbling some disjointed nonsense in an ancient Ishan dialect. He has so far refused all entreaties to eat. Not even his favourite delicacy of pounded yam and porcupine washed down with big Stout appeals to him any more.

Whenever he is asked by one of his yet to decamp domestic details whether he wants any-

A

S

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Goat

wild sexual proclivities, Trujillo locked down his island nation in a vice-grip of cruel authoritarian rule for over three decades after the departure of the Americans who had trained him as a marine officer. But one sultry afternoon, the goat itself became national meat in a feast of vengeance. Even then, on his very last day on earth, Trujillo was praying to God to grant him maximum staying power and velocity in a prospective sexual tryst later that evening with a teenage girl.

Snooper is aware that in many enlightened and influential circles particularly in the South-West of the nation, Mohammed Haruna is viewed with political anxiety, to put things diplomatically. Not a few are often affronted by and aghast at what they consider his rightwing reactionary worldview, his overt and covert gaming for northern interests at the expense of national interest, the impish sangfroid with which he puts his views across and the devastating clarity of his presentation.

This columnist believes that everybody is entitled to their worldviews as long as they also regard the right of others to hold contrary opinions as sacrosanct. This is the only way to build a just and tolerant society. In a multi-national

and multi-religious nation, even core values cannot be a set of Talmudic injunctions but precepts arrived at through dynamic collision of ideas. In any nation and at any given point, armies of ideas are constantly locked in a mortal clinch.

There are those who think that Mohammed Haruna’s fierce rallying to a pan-Islamic front is a backhanded glorification of the rigidly patriarchal and feudal authoritarian code and a tacit endorsement of the spiritual enslavement and religious colonization of others such as we have seen in many variants of Islam. While not holding brief for Haruna’s worldview, snooper applauds the puckish courage, the streak of daring and the limpid fluid style with which he presents them.

There are many who believe that this is giving too much to an implacable ideological adversary.

Snooper is often mildly ribbed with bending over too much to see the enemy’s point of view. As a student of the ironies of history, snooper does not believe in rigid binary divisions. More often than not, there is a play of signifiers across such fixed divisions which makes nonsense of their binary code and subverts their most poignant exhortations. This fluid flexibility in battle

leads to a constant adjustment of tactics and strategy rather than an adjustment of principles.

For example, a partial adversarial insight sometimes achieves a painful clarity through antagonistic knowledge. What is unknown to a writer may be better known to those who are listening in on him. In what is known as dramatic irony the audience sometimes know better than the dramatis personae on stage because they are privy to information withheld from the actors.

In the course of preparing this column week in and week out, snooper makes it a point of duty to read all major columnists in all major Nigerian newspapers. Not only that, snooper also listens in on the meta-commentaries, that is the commentaries on the commentaries themselves. There is a Cromwellian readers’ parliament in contemporary Nigerian discourse which takes a savage delight in roasting and panning the host columnist.

Sometimes snooper himself feels the sting of their waspish nettling for days on end. Sometimes, the columnist descends into the wild hallucinatory panic that some of these boys may well be part of a new State Internet Enforcement and Compliance Agency (SIECA) Three weeks ago, snooper propounded the thesis that the appointment of retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki as the new National Securiity Adviser by Goodluck Jonathan is a profound and inspired move on the national chessboard which may eventually lead to a resolution of the Boko Haram menace one way or the other. This thesis has now received complete corroboration by a reader responding to Mallam Mohammed Haruna’s column on Sambo Dasuki. We hereby partially reproduce the letter by Anthony N.Z Sani.

Your submissions on appointment of Col Sambo Dasuki as NSA was apt and insightful in the sense that it threw

The Fixer’s last fixations

thing, the old irascible codger is known to mumble in his peculiar Ishan lisp . “I wan Adam’s Apple”.

The situation reportedly worsened in the past forty eight hours with the old fixer lapsing into some hallucinatory ranting at times berating some imaginary political foes for plucking him from the zenith of glory to the nadir of political catastrophe, and at other times daring some dead and long betrayed political masters to do their very worst, telling them in typical hyperbolic Bendel-speak that after disgrace and disaster death is the logical follow-follow.

It was in these circumstances that Okon barged into snooper’s room looking merrily disheveled with the inevitable Baba Lekki in tow. The old boy had been raising hell in another department of the National Theatre. He had been briefly arrested and detained in Abuja for conduct prejudicial to public order after renting a public address system to announce that he was publicly declaring his assets as a former presidential

candidate. Acting on a tip off from a rogue lawyer and lapsed human rights crusader, the police pounced on him as soon he began his speech which he ended up delivering inside the Black Maria. He was later released after being bound over to be of good conduct by an itinerant magistrate who was also a police informant.

Snooper sensed some wild fun and subversive merry-making as soon as the impossible duo walked into his bedroom that afternoon “Oga, I wan quickly reach Uromi make man sign dem condomless register for Pa Anthony Anenih dem house” the rogue cook muttered with snide relish.

“Why, is he gone?” snooper asked in genuine surprise.

“No, no, no be like dat, but you know sometimes sef he better if man kaput, make dem yeye Bini boys no come dey play with old man him blokos. Abi Baba Lekki, se I no dey talk correct sense?” Okon replied turning to his wobbling mentor.

“Na true you dey talk,”

Baba Lekki began with a deranged grin. “He get time like dat when S.LAkintola come campaign for Owo. Dem Owo people tell am make him no go to dem town after Owo dem dey call Ute becos dem people be ogbologbo NCNC but stubborn Akintola no gree. Him come go Ute and dem come stone am well well. So when him return to Owo him come say after owo na ete , after honour na disgrace be dat. As Oshiomhole come sina bole for dem Anenih man, he be like if say grass cutter don dey bite man.”

“Baba wetin be sina bole? You don come with dem jibiti Yoruba again?” Okon snorted.

“Ah sina bole na Yoruba for Solel Boneh and dem Israeli caterpillar. Na go dem dey hear .

Adam come tear dem ground from under Anenih like dem Israeli caterpillar.”

“Baba dem say Anenih dey scream e pa oooo, epa oooo for middle of dem night. Wetin be epa? No be dem obonge football for dem Yoruba scrotum be dat?” Okon jeered.

Even Baba Lekki could not

more light on possible reasons why Azazi was replaced. I share President Jonathan’s position that all those who play politics with national security lack patriotic courage. That is why I find it hard to comment on the merit or otherwise of appointment of Sambo Dasuki.

However, I am constrained to submit that the appointment has placed northern leaders in position of a goat whose master is sick: if the master recovers from the ailment, the goat would be used to celebrate the recovery. But if the master dies, the goat would still be slaughtered for the funeral. Such a goat cannot win.

In the same vein, if the new NSA is able to rein in activities of Boko Haram, those who posit that northern leaders can be anything but good would say we told you that northern leaders sired the sect for political reasons. They would say wisdom of the adage that “give the thief custody of goods for safe keeping has come unto its own”. And if Sambo Dasuki fails to deliver on the promise of his appointment, the adversaries of northern establishment would still say we told you that it is number one position they want. You see, either way, northern leaders cannot win.

But as you say, it is better Sambo Dasuki delivers on the promise of peaceful coexistence and national security, even as the North will become butt of joke on the street, rather unfairly, that “the white man brought slave trade, and the white man brought it to an end”.

A double-barrel question now remains to be answered. What if the goat is the master such as we have in Trujillo, or what if the master is a goat such as we also have in the late Dominican dictator? Inevitably and one way or the other, we are going to have the feast of the goat in this country, and it is going to be much sooner than later. But it is not going to be Rafael LeonidasTrujillo Molina, a.k.a the goat. For a goat, however stubborn and randy, cannot be killed twice.

It is going to be a different goat.

Snooper rests his goatee. resist a loud laugh. “Okon you are a fool. Dat one na ipa and no be ee paa. E paa na Bini word for big brother. Na Enahoro ghost come dey worry dem Anenih man. You know say Tony na old colonial wizard. Na him come curse Anenih,” Baba Lekki offered.

“And dem dey say he get one mala like dat dem Anenih papa dey curse for night, say make him no come ask for dem old balance,”Okon demanded with wide-eyed curiosity.

“Ah dat one na Shehu Yar’Adua. You no say Fulani man no dey forget nor forgive.

When Abiola come join dem with him own Gbagura palaver, no helele be dat for dem Anenih policeman.”

“Kai, kai he be like if say dem dead body dey worry dem Fixer man pass dem Adam sef,” O k o n s n o r t e d .

On that note, snooper quickly shut his door.

Famous last words “I’m afraiding” Lawrence Anini as he was tied to the stakes.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

News

Rivers petrol Robbers bomb bank, police station in Kogi tanker fire: plosions. For some minutes, Executive Secretary of Kogi the explosion in Iyara, sayOGI State recorded a the town was under siege as State Management Agency ing: “NEMA confirms that fresh bomb explosion ACN faults Kat Iyara on Friday everyone remained indoors. told us that the bombing several bombs exploded in night, the second in one week.

The robbers battled fruit- When they were done with took place between 8pm and Iyara, Kogi State. Robbery is policeman died in the lessly to access the vaults of the bank, they also targeted 9pm on Friday. suspected rather than miliAmaechi latestA blast triggered by rob- the bank after which they re- the police station. We later “According to Kogi tancy. During the bombing, From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

• Backs Femi Falana on litigation From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Rivers State chapter, has disagreed with Governor Rotimi Amaechi, on the factors responsible for the death of about 200 persons, who were scooping petrol from a tanker at Okogbe in Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state on July 12.

Amaechi on a visit to the scene of the disaster on the East-West Road, currently being dualised by the federal government had cited poverty and lack of enlightenment as the major causes of the tragedy.

But the ACN disagreed with him and expressed support for litigation on the incident by human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).

The party said suing the federal government at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the deaths caused the petrol tanker fire is a step in the right direction.

Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Jerry Needam, said : “We view the comment of Governor Amaechi that the innocent people died in the petrol tanker fire at Okogbe as a result of poverty and lack of enlightenment as ridiculous, insensitive and jeering at the dead people, when the world is showing passionate concern about the death of about 200 innocent persons.

“As a state that tops the chart in revenue allocation accruable from crude oil and gas, Governor Amaechi should be held responsible for the poverty faced by the people, which compelled them to want to scoop petroleum product from a fallen tanker.

“The governor should also be held responsible for the lack of enlightenment, which also resulted in the deaths. We regret that Amaechi-led government is lacking in alleviation of poverty and civic education of the people of Rivers state.

“The huge sum of money Amaechi spends on political jobbers, phony contracts, travels and court cases, can better be channelled in the areas of poverty alleviation and civic education.

“The people of Rivers State have no reason to be poor in their land. They produce the golden egg. They are poor because of mismanagement by government. It is most condemnable the belated visit to Okogbe by Governor Amaechi and his comment that they died because of poverty and lack of enlightenment.”

The ACN pledged to partner with Falana and other persons and groups with a view to seeking justice over the most unfortunate incident.

bers who attacked a bank and a police post in the home town of Senator Smart Adeyemi, Chairman, Senate Committee of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident also left a policewoman injured.

sorted to the use of bomb.

When that also failed, they fled the scene.

A source in the town said: “The armed gang caught us unawares. They were desperate to get into the bank leading to a spate of ex-

sent distress calls to the police and other security agents, who came to restore normalcy.”

The Coordinator of the National Emergency Agency, (NEMA) for the zone, Mr. Ishaya said: “The

SEMA, it was case of a suspected armed robbery which left one policeman dead and a policewoman wounded.”

The Head of NEMA Public Relations Unit, Yushau Shuaibu confirmed

a bank and a police station were damaged. A policeman lost his life and an injured policewoman is in hospital.”

P/Harcourt oil vessel explosion: Fire rages 24 hours after • Four bodies recovered • NEMA wants burnt vessel removed • Residents of Abuloma decry pollution From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

F

•Unity Bank, lyara, ljumu LGA of Kogi state that was bombed by robbers on Friday at about 9pm. The robbers also attacked the police station in the town. A policeman was killed by the robbers close to the bank

Boko Haram: Teachers demand drastic action

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RIMARY school head teachers across the country are demanding an immediate stop to what they call the desecration of schools in the North by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

The Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) says incessant attacks on public schools by the sect are damaging the future of education and of pupils.

Rising from a meeting in Abuja, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the association, an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) asked the federal authorities to take more proactive steps to check the wave of insecurity in the country and its consequences on the edu-

• Say ‘Our learning environments have been desecrated’ From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

cation sector National President of AOPSHON, Mr. Lawal Mahmud, told reporters that the Federal Government has not shown enough political will to deal with the situation, particularly the brains behind the assault on the nation’s security.

He said: “We want the Federal Government to take proactive steps concerning this insecurity threat, because it’s already telling on the educational well being of the country. Our pupils no longer feel secured in their learning environment.

“This, government

could do by ensuring that every school in Nigeria is properly given security attention, like what is happening in Borno State whereby some people will just go into school premises and set bombs and in the process killing a lot of our pupils and teachers.

“Government should be very, very serious about it and I also use this opportunity to call on government to come out and deal with the perpetrators of this Boko Haram issue because we believe that there are people in high places that are promoting this group, government should fish them out and deal with them decisively”.

He also spoke of plan

by the association to call out its members on strike over the non-implementation of the 27.5 per cent salary scale in some states.

According to him some of the affected state governors are being insensitive to issues of education in their states, especially those bothering on teachers’ welfare.

“As far as we are concerned we are teachers, we were teachers before we became head teachers, every head teacher in Nigeria is a member of NUT, so the decision of NUT goes along with our decision, it is our responsibility to ensure that whatever the NUT stands for, we go for it,” he said.

We won’t leave streets until our gratuity is paid, say PHCN workers

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HE Senior Staff Association and Electricity Allied Company (SSAEAC) has faulted Federal Government’s estimation of assets of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria(PHCN) at N200 billion.

The union claims the assets are worth over N1.5trillion.

According to the president of the union, Mr Bede

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

Oparah the workers who took to the streets last week to protest government’s nonpayment of their gratuity and pension would continue with the protest.

He accused government of cheating the workers saying, “going by the pension reform, their gratuity and pension should be in one

jacket”.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji however said there is no truth in the workers’ allegation as government has concluded negotiation with them.

He said he could not fathom why they are protesting.

However, Oparah said the workers will continue to protest until government pays them their dues.

He said if insists on selling PHCN at N200 billion, it should sell it to the workers because their deducted 25 per cent pension is enough to acquire the assets.

He claimed that the Federal government greatly undervalued the assets because its vehicles, power plants and cable alone are worth more than N200billion.

IRE raged on yesterday on the oil vessel that exploded at the Abuloma Jetty, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday.

No fewer than 30 people on board the vessel at the time of the explosion are feared dead.

The remains of four of the victims have been recovered.

One of the three persons who jumped from the burning vessel into the river in the bid to swim to safety died at an undisclosed hospital yesterday.

The South-South Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Umesi Emenike, yesterday in Port Harcourt called for the removal of the burnt vessel, to prevent more accidents on the busy waterways.

Emenike listed other things burnt by the fire as a fishing boat, one tug boat and two barges.

The figures were corroborated by the Rivers State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). Dr. Kayode Olagunju, who was part of the rescue team.

Residents of Abuloma told The Nation on Sunday that the pollution of the environment is now a threat to their lives. They threatened legal action against the owner of the vessel.

The oil vessel exploded barely a week after the Okogbe petrol tanker fire in Ahoada West LGA of the state, where at least 200 persons died while scooping free fuel, with many survivors still in hospital.

The vessel was being used to supply food and sundry items to people working offshore for an oil firm. Many of the victims were girls whose mission on board the vessel could not be immediately ascertained.

The explosion occurred when welders were working to fix leaking spots in the vessel.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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POLICE man yesterday allegedly killed an Egun Community leader in Makoko. He was identified as Timothy Huntoyanwha. He was killed during a protest at the site of the ongoing demolition in the area.

According to a press statement signed by the Police PRO, Ngozi Braide, the alleged killer is Corporal Pepple Boma, attached to the Marine Police, Oworonsoki Division and posted on special duty with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on demolition exercise at the water front of Makoko.

The statement said Mr. Boma “allegedly shot a man in the stomach. The victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada where he was later confirmed dead.

The corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital, Ikeja for post-mortem examination, while the suspect has been arrested and detained at the State CID Panti, Yaba.”

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to use this medium to appeal to Lagosians to maintain peace and remain calm as justice must be done in this case, investigation has, however, commenced in the matter, please.”

Since last Monday, the Lagos State Task Force, under the directive of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has been demolishing wooden stilt houses of the Eguns, a community that perches on the lagoon.

According to some residents, the incident, which reportedly happened at about 1pm, was unprovoked. Peter Hunsa, whose father

News

Police kill Lagos community leader

Labour condemns fishermen. We did not go to

By Precious • Arrest six protesters school. We thought they Igbonwelundu, Segun bill seeking Balogun and Miriam the community’s last resort and while we gathered, they only wanted to demolish the Ndikanwu houses under the power after they were reportedly still continued the demoliline. We did not know that pension for was the first Egun man to shunned by the commis- tion undisturbed. All of a they had ulterior plan,” he sioner for the Ministry of sudden the police came and settle in the community, said said, in Yoruba language. lawmakers the community “only went Waterfront Infrastructure started shooting and TimoAn eye witness, Mr. Ade Development, Prince Segun out to plead with the government to keep to their word and stop the demolition.”

He said the government, before the demolition, told them that only the structures under a high tension power line would be demolished.

“So, those of us that were not under the power line did not bother but we were surprised that the demolition has continued beyond the power line and it seems they want to demolish every of our houses,” he said.

The peaceful protest was

Oniru, at a meeting brokered

by Felix Morka, the Executive Director of the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre, on Friday.

“The commissioner refused to receive us,” said the head of all community leaders in Makoko community, Mr. Aganyon. “He only received Dr. Felix, who later came back to tell us that he [the commissioner] refused all entreaties.”

“It was a very peaceful protest. Nobody fought them

thy was killed,” he said.

Since the demolition started, the entire community has been apprehensive of the bleak future that stares at them. Those already displaced, according to Mr. Hunsa, were sleeping outdoor inside the wooden canoes.

“I am more than 60 years old. I was born in this community. The Egun people have been living here for more than 100 years. Where do they want me to go now?” he asked. “We are

L-R: Leader of delegation, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Power, Alhaji Ibrahim Njiddah, Bauchi State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Mr. Yakubu Bello; and chairman Helois Energie German, Mr. Richard Selles during the handing over of MoU for Inkil 30mw Solar Power Project in Bauchi on Friday.

Heavy security as Ogun holds council election

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HERE was tight security across Ogun State yesterday as the residents went to the polls to elect chairmen and councillors for the 20 local governments in the state.

Armed soldiers and policemen were deployed on the roads and strategic places to ensure there was no breach of security.

Restriction of vehicular movement during accreditation and voting was strict.

Of note was the security at the headquarters of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) at Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, where armed policemen and Alsatian dogs kept watch over the electoral materials as they were being sorted for distribution to the various polling stations.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso were accredited at 9: 16 and 9:18 respectively at Ward 11, Unit 12 located at African Church Central Primary School, Ita - Iyalode.

The presiding officer for the polling booth, Mrs Olabisi Akinola said 130 people had been accredited by 9.45am. 968 names were on the Voters’ register there.

Governor Amosun, speaking to reporters after

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• Amosun says it’s a success Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

his accreditation said: “This is the very first time we are conducting local government elections in a free and fair atmosphere since 1999. The last exercise under the previous administration was so marred with malpractices and an atmosphere of fear, terror and intimidation that opposition parties had to boycott the polls. So we are having under the current administration free and fair polls with every party participating.”

He said contrary to prepoll allegations in some quarters, “It is our friends from the other side that are alleged to have been involved in some malpractices this morning.

That’s the report we have received.”

On what he expected from the exercise, he said his party did not take the electorate for granted, hence the strenuous electioneering campaign it embarked on ahead of the polls.

He explained that given the experience in the past vis-a-vis the General Elections, the turn-out at the polls was acceptable but would be improved upon as democracy became rooted in Nigeria.

On the reports of missing names during the elections, he said, from the information at his disposal, it was the voters’ list given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that was used by OGSIEC. Amosun informed journalists that contrary to alleged cracks in the Action Congress of Nigeria in the state, “the party has a mechanism to resolve every conflict.”

He said the party should rather be commended for allowing individuals to air their feelings on the teething problems.

“In a contest in which there were so many aspirants, it was not unusual for some people to express reservations. This is better than using cudgels, guns, cutlass and machete to resolve disagreements. The culture of violence is alien to our party,” Amosun said.

He commended the maturity displayed by the party leaders from the state to the ward level, which provided a peaceful ambience for the polls.

Reports across the state showed that the polls were generally peaceful and devoid of violence that char-

acterised such exercise in the past.

The State Director of the National Orientation Agency(NOA) Mr Shola Babalola expressed satisfaction at the smooth and peaceful trend the poll is taking.

Babalola who spoke to The Nation at OGSIEC’s Headquarters, said the agency had earlier carried out a house to house enlightenment of the people on the need to come and vote for candidates of their choice.

Aguntor told our reporter that the deceased was the assistant Baale of Makoko.

He said the incident occurred at about 10:30am when the representatives of the community who were sent to Alausa secretariat to hold a meeting with the commissioner for Waterfront, Mr. Adesegun Oniru were still briefing the elders on the outcome of the meeting held on Friday.

Aguntor recalled “At the meeting, the Baale of Makoko Community, Chief Aji Steven was informed that the officials of the state government had arrived to continue with the demolition exercise in his territory. And immediately he heard this, he left the meeting to order his subjects to ensure that they remove all their property from the house before the demolition exercise commenced.”

“Steven who was accompanied by Huntoyanwha sat down to watch how the demolition exercise would commence. As the demolition commenced, Steven further ordered those whose houses were being demolish to park their woods, as it will be useful.

“While the Baale was still directing the dwellers on how to go about it, Peddle stood up from where he was sitting and began to shoot sporadically, adding “one of the bullets met late Huntoyanwha in his left side of his stomach”.

According to him, “Immediately he (Huntoyanwha) was hit by the shot, he alerted the Baale who quickly rushed him into the boat towards Oworonshoki jetty.

While on their way to Gbagada General Hospital, Huntoyanwha died.”

A youth in the community, who declined to give his name, said “Government needs to appreciate the maturity of the community’s youth because we could have pushed those police officers inside the lagoon and drown them. They cannot swim better than us but we just wanted peace to reign.”

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is opposed to the bill seeking pension and gratuity for legislators.

The bill sponsored by Babatunde Adewale (Apapa, Lagos State) wants legislators to receive pension and gratuity after their tenure.

But reacting to the development, NLC Deputy President, Comrade Promise Adewusi said legislation in Nigeria is not a career and should not attract pension and gratuity.

He said: “As a unionist, I strongly believe that an employee should enjoy the benefit of the sweat of his labour. But political office holders, including legislators cannot be called employees, properly so called within the contemplation of the law.

“For one, employees do not fix their own salary of their own accord. The concept of pension presupposes compensation for full time in a contract of service, whereas, what a political office holder has is a part time job in a contract for service which ought not to attract any pension since it is a contract appointment, for a fixed period, albeit renewable.”

Adewusi, who is also a lawyer, added:” For legislators to contemplate pension for themselves, is not only insensitive but an insult on the sensibilities of the toiling Nigerian worker who is not sure of his pension, after slaving for 35 years meritoriously.”

He recalled that many retired workers have dropped dead while queuing to receive “the pittance they get paid while our legislators look the other way.”

Adewusi also recalled that part of the reasons legislators give for fixing jumbo salaries and allowances for themselves is their non-entitlement to pension and gratuity.

IOC hand Nigeria relay gold in Pettigrew dope case

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IGERIA was officially awarded the men’s 4x400m relay gold medal from the 2000 Olympics yesterday following a meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.

The Nigerians took the gold originally won by the United States, who have since been disqualified because of the late Antonio Pettigrew confessing to having been doped at the time of the Games.

Nigeria is elevated to title winners with Jamaica taking silver and the Bahamas the bronze.

“Pettigrew was disquali-

fied in August 2008 but the EB delayed a decision on reallocation until it had received information stemming from investigations into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO) sports-doping scandal,” a statement read.

“Having confirmed that no further information on other athletes would be forthcoming the EB agreed to reallocate the medals and diplomas.

“The teams from Nigeria, Jamaica and the Bahamas that finished behind the US men in the 4x400m race will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals respec-

tively.”

However, the Executive Board was not able to perform such an exercise regarding the US women’s 4x400m relay gold medal winners from the 2004 Games despite Crystal Cox admitting afterwards she took steroids from 20012004.

Whilst the athlete herself - who ran solely in the heat had her medal taken back the IOC are awaiting clarification from athletics governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as to whether the whole team should be disqualified.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

News

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Anambra gets 10,000 informal security men From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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OMMANDANT General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ade Abolurin, has commended the Anambra State Police Consultant on Vigilante Matters Chief Kenneth Okonkwo for training over ten thousand (10,000) informal security operatives that have assisted in providing security in Anambra State.

Abolurin spoke at the commissioning of the headquarters of the Model security Agency at Nibo Awka South local government area Anambra state.

Abolurin, who was represented by the Assistant Commandant General/Zonal Commander, Zone G Benin, Nasiru Moh’d Umar, insisted that as a statutory agency of the state government empowered to grant licenses to private guard companies, they would not fail in their duties.

He said they would not hesitate to de-register private guards who are not strictly following laid down procedures.

Abia seeks support for erosion control

AU backs Nigeria for A ICAO Presidency

By Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

…Aviation minister decries Africa’s air safety record

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HE African Union (AU) has endorsed a Nigerian, Dr. Oluwamuyiwa Aliyu, to represent the continent in the 2013 International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) presidential election.

The body’s Director of Infrastructure, Dr. Aboubakari Baba-Moussa, disclosed this during the African Ministerial Meeting on Aviation Safety in Abuja at the weekend.

He said Aliyu will be formally presented at the 13th

From: Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

General Council Meeting of ICAO slated for next year.

Aliyu is Nigeria’s representative on the Council of ICAO. Baba-Moussa said: “It is an historic decision. We should in view of high expectation for Africa improve its image; I think we should be proud of this and congratulate ourselves.”

Baba-Moussa noted that aviation safety requires highly skilled and technical

people, which he said has been a challenge facing the industry in Africa.

Declaring the international conference open, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, decried air safety record in Africa.

Describing the rating as unimpressive, Oduah said: ‘’Africa, based on the number of accidents per million departures, has a rather unimpressive rating on aviation safety compared to other regions or continents.”

She noted that the meet-

ing of the experts is expected to proffer solutions to problems of aviation safety in Africa, stressing that her goal is to make air transportation the most preferred.

The Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, disclosed that the country might consider a mandatory IOSA compliance for airline operators.

Safety, he reiterated, is the greatest watchword for any successful aviation industry.

‘How to change Nigeria’

By Sunday Oguntola

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HRISTIANS can change Nigeria when they demonstrate love and shun acts capable of denigrating the gospel, the South West Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, has declared.

He spoke last week at the 3rd General Assembly of the United Aladura Churches (UAC), the body comprising white garment churches in Nigeria.

Atilade said Nigeria is in dire needs of practising Christians determined to shine the light of the gospel in their daily endeavours.

According to him: ‘’We are done with religion without impact, Christianity without influence and salvation without relevance. ‘’What we need to change Nigeria is practical, responsible Christianity that touches every sector and human effort.’’

He challenged Christians to demonstrate godly virtues and examples in all their dealings. ‘’If we show others how to live, this country will change.

What people are looking for is someone to show the way. ‘’That is what we are called for. That is what we are asked to do. That is a mandate that we must fulfill,’’ Atilade charged.

Circus of the absurd hits market

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RAFTGRIOT, a literary imprint of Kraft Books Limited, has announced the release of Circus of the Absurd, a collection of 11 short stories written by Deji Rahman, a Lagos-based banker and financial analyst.

Its Chaiman, Steve Shaba, said: ‘’the book is an exploration into the absurdities of life.

It is a picture of who we are rather than who we think we are.’’

Rahman said the book was inspired by his daily encounters. ‘’The idea behind Circus lies in the utter complexity of human mind and man’s stupefying inability to predict himself’’.

BIA State has solicited for the assistance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to check erosion at Umuaku Isuochi in Umunneochi local government area.

Governor Theodore Orji made the appeal during a visit to the area where flood destroyed property worth several millions of naira.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba commiserated with the affected residents.

He assured that government will not allow them to suffer.

Orji, who was moved to tears by the devastation, said: “The level of erosion devastation in the state is more than the government of Abia State could handle. ‘’Flood control is also a problem; it is the reason why we are calling on both the federal government and the oilproducing commission to come to our aid”.

Conducting the deputy governor around the affected sites, the member representing Umunneochi constituency at the House of Assembly, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesili, said other areas affected include Jacob Achara Memorial Church.

Ezekwesili said that many houses were submerged by the flood while fences were pulled down with farmlands and livestock swept away.

NGF to partner MDGs Office From: Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

T •Women and children on queue during the distribution of relief materials by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the displaced persons’ camp in Riyom local government Plateau State yesterday

NNPC board: CNPP faults Diezani’s appointment

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HE Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has faulted the composition of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) board.

It also demanded the

From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

immediate removal of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Madueke, as chairman of the board.

PDP chief congratulates Chikwe

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HE Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ghana Chapter, Hon Chuks Ihenetu, has congratulated the party’s National Women leader, Chief Kema Chikwe, on the success of her son’s wedding.

Naetochukwu Chikwe was joined in holy matrimony with former Miss Nicole Chukwueke, a native of Awaka in Imo State in Lagos yesterday.

Ihenetu, who hails from Amaigbo Nwangele local government area of Imo State, praised Chikwe for nurturing her son to manhood.

The PDP chieftain, in a statement, said: ‘’To see a boy become a full-grown man and then get married is the height of parenthood. For this, I heartily congratulate

you’’.

He urged the couple to embrace tolerance and patience for the marriage to succeed.

He wished the couple ‘’a blissful marriage full of joy, grace and abundance.’’

The Conference argued that removal of the minister as the chairman of the NNPC board has been necessitated by the recent revelation of financial malfeasance within the organisation bordering on illegal grant of loans.

Secretary-General of the CNPP, Willy Ezugwu, in a statement yesterday, said the composition of the NNPC board suggested that the government was yet to appreciate the fears of the people on the activities of the Corporation.

The statement reads: “From all indications, it appears the Petroleum

Minister is fronting for some interests in the Presidency.

“If there are no vested interests, the Minister should have been shown the way out of the ministry. With all these revelations from the probes and the audit report, there is no justification for keeping the Minister in office.’’

The CNPP called on President Good luck Jonathan to do the needful by putting the national interest above any other parochial one and disband the board and reconstitute it with Nigerians of impeccable character.

We’d return to the creeks, Bakassi youths threaten

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HE youths of Bakassi Local Government Area in Cross River State have threatened to render the entire Gulf of Guinea inaccessible to oil and marine exploration activities.

The Paramount Ruler of Bakassi, Etim Okon Edet, disclosed this over the weekend while speaking with newsmen.

Edet said: “With total abandonment by Nigeria, the youths are threatening to go back to the creeks to render the entire Gulf of Guinea inaccessible to oil and marine exploration activities in

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

collaboration with their Niger Delta compatriots and their Northern sympathisers.

“They have threatened that before October 10, 2012, they will take back their Bakassi in whatever means possible if urgent steps are not taken by the Federal Government to redress the above.

“Nigerians should bear me witness that I have tried my best over the period from the day the ICJ judgement till today to maintain peace and order within the affected population.”

He alleged fishermen from Cross River are not allowed access to the peninsular because Cameroonian gendarmes harass, molest and kill them.

The paramount ruler lamented the loss of identity and the problem of integration with the host communities.

He also said they have lost electoral wards in the new location.

He said there has been no proper resettlement, while the welfare needs of the displaced population had been abandoned.

HE Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) will collaborate with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office to chart a new course for attainment of set goals before 2015.

The NGF’s Director of Research and Strategy, Alhaji Lateef Shittu, stated this during the 2012 Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) Sensitisation and call for applications workshop in Abuja.

Shittu said: “What we want to do which we have started is to review each of the goals in every single state and then see how far we have gone and to see what is left to work on including their challenges.”

He noted that the CGS had provided state and local governments the opportunity to contribute and partner in the MDG attainment, stating that the scheme has been impressive.

In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr Precious Kalamba Gbeneol, urged states and local governments to re-double efforts to attain the global agenda before the 2015 deadline.

She reminded the CGS’ focal persons of the need to beat time, stating that the country cannot afford to fail.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, hinted that the National Council on the Conditional Grant Scheme (NCCGS) has approved investment focus areas for 2012 as well as the scaling up to more local governments.

She revealed that the investment focus for 2012 will dwell mostly on poverty alleviation, health, water and sanitation sectors in line with the transformation agenda of the president.

The minister added that funds will be released promptly for the 2012 implementation of the CGS.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22 , 2012

Fayemi consoles Ajimobi on mother’s death ...My mother was an epitome of motherhood- Ajimobi

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KITI State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Sikirat Ajimobi, who passed on last Wednesday at 85.

Fayemi, who was at the Government House Agodi, Ibadan on Thursday to condole with Ajimobi, said the deceased did not only reach a ripe age but also lived an exemplary life.

Fayemi added that the legacies left behind are those of service, integrity and honesty as displayed by her children; saying that it was doubtless that Alhaja Ajimobi was survived by “great children” in line with a popular Yoruba prayer.

He stressed that it was “not a time for condolences and commiseration but it is a celebration of life for someone who passed on at 85 years.”

Ajimobi, who spoke with journalists after the burial, described his mother as “an epitome of motherhood, humility, godliness and fairness.”

He added that though it has been established for mankind to die, the Ajimobi matriarch would be missed for the support she gave him and his siblings.

News

FG to tackle Forum flays Waku over disaster right comments against Oritsejafor through of way

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HE Middle Belt Youth Forum yesterday described as “unwarranted,” comments made by the National Vice Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Senator Joseph Waku, against Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, accusing the ACF chieftain of seeing nothing wrong in Boko Haram’s bombing and killing of Christians.

The forum, in a statement by the National Youth Leader of the Middle Belt Forum, Hon. Jonathan Asake, criticised Waku for speaking against Oritsejafor, who

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

called on the United States of America to declare Boko Haram a terrorist organisation.

Reacting to Waku’s comments that the statement of the CAN President was capable of causing disaffection in the country, the forum said it is the activities of the Boko Haram group, which Waku failed to condemn, that is threatening the unity of the country.

The statement, which was made available to The Nation in Kaduna reads in part: “The Middle Belt Youth Forum notes with grave concern and disappointment the unfortunate, but reckless and

irresponsible comments credited to one Sen. Joseph Waku, Vice Chairman of an organisation known as Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), against the leader of Nigerian Christians, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, over the latter’s address before the United States Congress’ Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights.

“We are baffled that Waku, a Christian (if he truly is) and indeed a Middle Belter could make such unwarranted comments on the leadership of Christians in Nigeria, knowing ‘fully’ well the activities of the dreaded Islamic terrorists known as Boko Haram, which has been bombing and killing

innocent Nigerians, especially Christians in the northern part of the country.”

“Our hearts bleed when people like Waku, who ought to be a shining example to the younger generation, turn their back against their people in their most trying moments. As far as we are concerned, Waku can never be more patriotic than Pastor Ayo,” the forum said, adding, “The CAN president was speaking for Nigerian Christians. Who is Waku speaking for? Is he speaking for Boko Haram or who? Let him tell us who he is speaking for. What Oritsejafor told the US Congress was the true position of things as it affects Nigerian Christians.”

Why SON impounds substandard, expired products -DG

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HE Federal Government is poised to tackle cases of environmental and other natural disasters through nationwide monitoring of Right of Way (ROW).

The Minister of Works, Mike Ozeigbe Onolememen, who disclosed this at the weekend, said it was part of his ministry’s schemes towards the realisation of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in road i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l development.

He made these known at a meeting in his office between the ministry officials, including the office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and Ofek Aerial Photo, an Israelbased digital company.

Onolememen said the ministry is working towards the monitoring of the Right of Way (ROW) with aerial photography satellite mapping designs as well as Geographical Information System (GIS) in order to ensure the accurate mapping of all lands in the country so as to reduce reported cases of environmental and other natural disasters.

M • Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) addressing religious leaders and government officials during the First Tarawih of Year 1433 A.H 2012 marking the commencement of Ramadan...at the weekend

Pray for Nigeria at Ramadan, say Oshiomhole, Fayemi

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DO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have congratulated Muslims on the commencement of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan and urged them to pray to Allah to heal the wounds of the nation and shower the people with His blessings.

Oshiomhole, in a Ramadan message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said the success of the July 14 governorship election in the state was enough proof that prayers are

From Osagie Otabor, Benin, Sulaimon Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

answered when the people pray as one.

According to him, “I urge all the Muslim faithful on the occasion of yet another Holy month of Ramadan to make supplications to Allah to forgive our sins individually and collectively and heal the wounds of our land.

“The remarkable success of the July 14 governorship election in the state is due to the prayers of the Ummah and it was enough proof that prayers are answered when the people pray

Boko-Haram terror will end soon, says cleric

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By Esther Mohammed

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE founder of Grace of God Church International, Bishop Paul Nwachukwu, has assured that the country shall soon witness an end to Boko-Haram terror.

The cleric, who spoke with reporters yesterday at his Umunya country home in Oyi Local Government of Anambra State, expressed optimism that the nefarious activities of the sect will soon end, as long as every Nigerian

monitoring

Lesser Hajj: Max Air to operate 50 flights to Saudi Arabia

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

HE Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Ikemefuna Odumodu, has stated that substandard and expired products worth millions of naira are being impounded in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in order not to endanger the lives of the people. The SON team stormed the Mile Two Market, where second-hand and expired tyres were seized from traders, in spite of the two weeks ultimatum earlier given them to remove the sub-standard and expired products. Also raided were electronics and electrical materials shops, where large quantities of fake cables and wires were confiscated.

Odumodu, after the operation, stated that the raid became necessary, in view of the prevalence of fake and expired products in Port Harcourt markets.

The SON’s director-general, who was represented by the organisation’s Assistant Director, Mr. Papenye Don-Pedro, noted that some of the second-hand tyres on display at the Mile 2 Market were between five and six years old, while a particular tyre that was discovered by SON’s officials at the market was manufactured eleven years ago.

7

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

remains committed to the ideals of social justice.

Nwachukwu, who marked his 65th birthday and 45 years as a priest, observed that there is a serious crime wave throughout the world, hence, men of God should go on their kneel to quell the atrocities that had enveloped the country through prayers.

“We should pray, we need to be the light of the

world. Jesus said that in the last days, iniquity will envelop the earth, and if we repent, crime will be low in this country but because we are hardened, that is why corruption is high.”

While blaming the government for allowing the bloodletting in the country, Nwachukwu stressed the need for government at all levels to respond actively, adding that they know those behind the problems.

as one.

“We must therefore renew our supplications to Almighty Allah to bless our collective efforts as we take bold steps to reposition our state and to grant her the peace and unity necessary for her prosperity and progress.

“I pray to Almighty Allah to grant our people the grace needed to excel in the Holy month,” he said.

In the same vein, Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said Ramadan offers another chance for Muslims to rededicate themselves to the worship of Allah.

Describing Ramadan as an important pillar of Islam, Fayemi said the fasting period humbles both the rich and the poor who are expected to go without food between sunrise and sunset for 30 days.

Fayemi urged the adherents of Islamic faith to use the period for spiritual cleansing and healing and also to pray for the peace of Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria in general.

He also used the opportunity to call on adherents of various religions to love one another and live together in

peace.

“As we seek the face of Allah in this holy month, let us hold dear those lessons of the holy Prophet and pray earnestly for peace in the country. As a people, we can achieve a lot more in a peaceful atmosphere and all that is required is love for one another and commitment to work for the peace and unity of the country,” he said.

AX Air is to operate 50 flights to airlift intending pilgrims booked by travelling agencies for the 2012 Umarah (lesser Hajj) to Saudi Arabia.

According to the spokesman of the Airline, Alhaji Ibrahim Dahiru, arrangements have been concluded to ensure a hitchfree flight of pilgrims to the Holy land.

Dahiru disclosed that the airline has so far airlifted over 500 passengers to the Holy land, adding that passengers enjoyed 10 per cent discount in the first airlift operations, an incentive that attracted the influx of passengers.

All intending pilgrims, he noted, were screened to ensure that only genuine passengers, with integrity were airlifted to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, so as to avoid a situation, where some pilgrims will at the end of the day abscond.

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News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Kano partners German firm for solar energy plant

Winner of Ogun Spelling Bee competition emerges

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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K

ANO State Government is collaborating with a German Energy Company for construction of a 30-megawatt solar power project.

The solar project, which will be partnered under the National Energy Council, is to boost power supply in the state.

It will be the first of its kind in the West African Sub-region to be completed within a specific period.

The secretary of the National Energy Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Jidda, who led a delegation of German Energy Company on a partnership visit to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso yesterday in Kano, said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will signal the commencement of the solar energy project.

He said: “I am confident that this particular project as soon as we sign the MoU, you will ensure that the project will come to a reality in the interest and for the basic needs of the people and citizens of Kano State.”

‘Ramadan incomplete without Gawat’

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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AGOS State Muslim Council (LSMC) has said this year’s Ramadan will be incomplete without the participation of popular broadcaster,Alhaji Rasak Gawat.

The Chairman, Joint Technical Committee of the council, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, made this remark yesterday during the Ramadan Public Lecture at NTA 10 premises, Tejuosho, Lagos.

Gawat, who is Chairman Organising Committee of the lecture, has been missing for 12 days.

If Gawat were to be around, Gbadamosi said the spirit of the people at the event would have been lifted.

“Our security agencies must double their efforts and restrategise to ensure he is found alive. ‘’We cannot continue to rue his absence. The council is ready to assist the police to unravel this mysterious disappearance,” he said.

The guest speaker, Prof Fatimah AbdulKareem, charged Muslims to continue praying for the broadcaster’s safety.

The College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Consultant Pathologist described the incident as a test from Allah.

Prof. AbdulKareem urged the gathering to stand firm with Allah for He only knows what is hidden.

Retired Justice of the High Court, Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe, urged all exercise patient and be prayerful.

•A Sunny Nissan car that fell into a canal at Onipanu bus stop on Ikorodu road in Lagos… over the weekend.

PHOTO: Muyiwa Hassan

Why local councils underperform, by Fayemi E

KITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has blamed local government’s inability to embark on many capital projects to over bloated workforce.

He explained that a review of the workforce in the local governments has shown that the bulk of the money for capital projects is spent on payment of salary to un-

By Sulaimon Salawudeen known workers.

Fayemi added that government would soon begin a proper staff audit in the councils so as to fish out the ghost workers and help the local governments live up to their responsibilities to the grassroots.

He also declared that his

A

has assisted them in carrying out most of their responsibilities.

Disclosing that local councils are owing the state about N1billion, Fayemi said the on-going construction of 5 kilometre of roads in all the 16 local government areas are jointly shouldered by the two tiers of government.

Bandits rob The Nation’s manager

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RMED bandits have made away with a 1999 model Nissan Infiniti Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) belonging to the Advert Manager of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, Mr. Robinson Osirike.

The vehicle with registration number GE 734 LND was taken away during a robbery operation penultimate Saturday at Obinomba in Ukwuani

By Sunday Oguntola

local government area of Delta State around 8.30pm.

Osirike was in his hometown for the burial ceremony of his elder sister’s husband, DSP Goddey Oliseh, when the incident occurred.

He was resting with his relatives when the robbers struck.

According to him: ‘’We were in the sitting room after

•Osirike recounting the ordeal

Court orders prison comptroller to produce suspect N Iguobazuwa Area Magistrate Court has ordered officials of the Oko prison in Benin City to produce one Chukwuma Owonrode to stand trial for unlawful possession of human skull.

President of the court,

administration does not fiddle with funds meant for the councils.

Fayemi spoke at the maiden edition of the quarterly briefing by the caretaker chairmen of the 16 local government councils of the state.

He declared that rather than tampering with funds meant for the local governments, the state government

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Bright Oniha, who gave the order, said the decision of the prison officials not to bring the suspect to court was a ploy to delay justice.

Oniha said the absence of the suspect was unac-

ceptable to the court and berated the prison officials for refusing to produce the suspect on six adjourned dates.

He said the suspect was entitled to a date of trial and adjourned the case to July 26th, 2012.

the ceremony chatting when I suddenly noticed that the door opened. ‘’I was sitting opposite the entrance and saw seven masked young men come in completely armed with guns.’’

The robbers, who scaled the fence to the apartment, held everyone hostage. ‘’They pointed guns at our heads, saying they were also graduates and had come for their own share of the national cake.

‘’I was just begging them not to harm anyone or kidnap any of us,’’ Osirike recalled.

The robbers, he stated, made away with valuables belonging to his family members.

A top official at the Divisional Police Command in charge of the case said investigation into the case was on. ‘’We have liaised with relevant sections of the force and making progress on the case,’’ he confirmed when contacted.

ASTER Dansu Emmanuel of Community Senior High School, Tube in Ipokia local council has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Spelling Bee competition for public secondary schools in Ogun State.

Over 60 students from across the 20 local councils of the state participated in the grand finale of the competition facilitated by the first lady, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun.

Master Remmy Emmanuel of Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele and Covenant Harrison of St. Peter’s Comprehensive College, Olomore, Abeokuta were first and second runners-up respectively.

Emmanuel bagged N250,000, a trophy, a laptop and a scholarship award for his university education.

The second and third runners-up got N150, 000 and N100, 000 respectively.

Mrs. Amosun urged the students to focus on their studies and promised to do everything within her reach to encourage them.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Olusegun Odubela, lauded Mrs. Amosun for the initiative, saying it will uplift the standard of education in the state.

Yobe gets 3,030 Hajj seats From Duku JOEL, Damaturu

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total of 3,030 intending pilgrims from Yobe State will perform this year’s Hajj.

Secretary of the Pilgrims Board, Buba Abba Kayari, told newsmen that all arrangements have been concluded for a hitch- free exercise.

He noted that Yobe State has learnt from previous mistakes where it lost thirty seats by the National Hajj Commission for taking three pregnant women in 2010 He added that ‘’all sick people and pregnant women will not be allowed to embark on the exercise this time’’.

NEWS REVIEW

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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RISIS of confidence. That just about captures the present predicament of the embattled Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, who may be literally fighting the battle of her life, as far as her public career is concerned.

Her reinstatement by the federal government, according to observers, has dire consequences for the nation’s Executive/Legislative relationship as well as how the country would be assessed globally by members of the international community.

Crux of the matter On June 12, the Board of SEC had suspended Oteh over, among other charges, alleged questionable handling of the funds realised from Project 50, an event the commission organised in 2011.

Her suspension came just as an Ad Hoc Committee on the Near-Collapse of the Capital Market headed by Ibrahim ElSudi had indicted her for similar offences.

After establishing a prima facie case against her, the Ad Hoc panel had recommended the termination of Oteh’s appointment, noting among other things that the DG’s appointment breached existing laws as she did not possess the requisite 15-year experience in capital market operations.

The committee’s report noted that “She (Oteh) has shown incompetence in the management of human and material resources at her disposal in SEC. “Lack of transparency in the management of Project 50, regulatory failure in some of the recent mergers, acquisitions and approvals of transactions by SEC and general inability to carry along her staff, board and management in decision making in SEC, and questionable staff recruitment policy.”

Government’s face-saving device for Oteh But just as the House was planning to consider the report last Thursday, in a move designed to pre-empt the lawmakers, the federal government had on the eve of the lawmakers’ sitting declared that Oteh was acquitted of all allegations levelled against her without recourse to what the lawmakers’ decision on her would be.

The federal government in defending her recall said Oteh was never indicted for fraud or any criminal breach. In her letter of recall, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, wrote, “Please refer to the decision of the Board of Securities and Exchange Commission to send you on compulsory leave in order to enable SEC’s external auditors – the Price Water Coopers Limited – to examine the records of the commission’s transactions covering SEC Project 50 which you supervised.

“I am to note that government has studied the report submitted by the external auditors and you are neither indicted for fraud nor criminal breach in any form. However, some administrative lapses were reported,

Arunma Oteh’s return The recall of Ms. Arunma Oteh, the suspended Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by the Federal Government last Wednesday has further created a crisis of confidence in the stock market, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

particularly, in cases where administrative procedures were not thoroughly observed.

“The purpose of this letter is to recall you from your leave and to caution that you must henceforth endeavour to diligently observe all extant rules and administrative procedures in the conduct of all transactions.

“Please accept the assurances of my best wishes.”

Chain of reactions over Oteh’s reinstatement Expectedly, the decision to bring her back has led to a chain of reactions which began with a march protest at the SEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday as staff of the commission said they did not want her back.

The staff shut the gates of the commission and carried placards denouncing Oteh’s recall. The protest, while it lasted, grounded business activities at the commission for hours, with some of the protesters chanting anti-Oteh slogans, while others carried placards with various inscriptions such as “We no go gree”, “We say no to Oteh” and “Oteh must go.”

Explaining their grievance, the workers, who spoke through their Secretary, Mr. John Briggs, said they would resist every attempt by the government to impose Oteh on them.

Briggs said, “We don’t want her (Oteh) back until due process is followed and that is what the workers are saying. The information we have is that she has been given a letter by the SGF, Pius Anyim, to resume and this is wrong because he is not the supervising minister of this commission.

“That letter ought to have been

given to her by the Minister of Finance. So, why is he acting on behalf of Okonjo-Iweala? That is why we are not happy because due process has not been followed. Investigations have not been concluded and the report has not been submitted, what they have is only the interim report and we are saying that due process is not being followed,” the workers’ spokesman argued.

He said the imposition of the embattled DG on the commission would affect investors’ confidence in the stock market.

Guilty in the court of public opinion If the court of public opinion was allowed to have its way, they would rather she should be summarily dismissed based on the weighty allegations levelled against her by SEC staff who blew the whistle on her, hence her exoneration by the federal government, that she was free to go and sin no more after a mere warning, was considered not just a slap on the wrist but hardly enough!

Unlike her predecessor, Musa Al-Faki, who honourably resigned his appointment when the fortunes of the capital market began a downward slide, Oteh, according to analysts, has refused to leave, this they argue would further bring public opprobrium to her and dip the fortunes of the capital market further.

Stakeholders’ grouse against Oteh Expectedly, stakeholders in the capital market reacted negatively to Oteh’s recall, arguing that the action was against the rule of law.

They said her reinstatement was not necessary in the face of unclear

information, advising the DG to resign honourably.

Among those who opposed her recall was the Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie, who fell short of accusing the federal government of criminal conspiracy.

He said, “It is rather unfortunate that this is happening in a country that is supposed to be transparent in all its dealings. We need the federal government to tell us on what basis they are recalling her. The report from the House Committee came in yesterday (Tuesday), and she was indicted, and so why are we hearing a different story today (Wednesday)?”

Raising further posers, the shareholders’ boss asked rhetorically: “Aren’t all the arms of the government supposed to be working together? Or is it that the federal government does not have the interest of the growth of the capital market on their mind?”

Echoing similar sentiments, the National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, noted that it was wrong for the federal government to reinstate Oteh just after the House Committee report which indicted her came through.

“This action means that the FG is not sincere in what they are doing. The truth is that in this nation, we cannot continue to rely on sentiment; it is not taking us anywhere.

“In any case, if I were Oteh, I would throw in the towel and resign honourably from SEC, because she has been thoroughly embarrassed in all these.”

Already many see her case as litmus test for President Goodluck

Jonathan’s anti-corruption war just as they think it has the potential to either make or mar our image in the international community.

One of those who hold this view and very strongly too is President of the Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin.

According to her, the decision to recall Oteh showed that President Jonathan’s administration condoned corruption.

She said it is a sign of the fallen walls and the collapse of moral columns under a president who does not give a damn. “The sign was clear when Jonathan allowed her (Oteh) to attend the meeting of the economic team despite being under suspension.

There is no surprise again under Jonathan. It is now a republic of anything can happen.”

Also on the same page with her is Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, Chief John Kolawole. While challenging the federal government to give the reasons behind the decision to recall Oteh, Kolawole said that it was necessary for the government to convince the citizenry on its action because of the need to have transparency in running the nation’s capital market.

Another school of thought is of the view that she has demonstrated her power and the fact that she can pull the strings from the highest quarters.

But how long can these strings go or stretch? The lawmakers whose report has found her culpable may wish to also tug at the strings. The question is: from whose end will it snap?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

News Review

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Syria’s civil war, mass killings and im Oshiomhole gets fresh mandate

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State upset all permutations penultimate Saturday to win a stunning second term as chief executive of the state. He received 477478 votes in the governorship election beating his closest rival-Charles Airhiavbere of the PDP- who got 144235 votes. Airhiavbere was not the only loser in the election with the likes of PDP stalwarts-Chief Antony Anenih, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and Chief Mike Ogiadome- thrashed in their hitherto strongholds.

Flood devastates Ibadan again

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EVERAL parts of Ibadan were submerged last weekend after a torrential rain fell from Saturday through Sunday. Hard hit were Odo Ana/Apata, Oluyole Estate Orita Challenge and Apete where a bridge was washed away. The flooding was reminiscent of the August 26, 2011 incident which led the state government to embark on the dredging of 43 streams and rivers late last year to avoid a recurrence. Fish and poultry farmers in Ido Local Government area lamented the losses caused them by the flooding, while traffic in Ibadan was chaotic on Monday on account of the situation.

EFCC seizes pension fraud suspects’ assets HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been mandated to impound 45 landed properties belonging to six suspects facing trial for allegedly defrauding the Police Pension Office of N32.8billion. The interim seizure order was given by the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Lawal Gumi. The properties, many of which are prime choices in Abuja, were seized from Esai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, John Yakubu Yusufu, Veronica Onyegbula and Sani Zira.

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Protests greet Oteh’s recall at SEC

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HE suspended Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh was recalled by the Federal Government on Wednesday with staff of the organisation protesting her return. Chanting anti-Oteh, songs, the staff said they had nothing personal against her but wanted government to follow due process. The Federal Government cleared her of any serious abuse of office-the reason for her suspension –but admonished her to follow due process henceforth.

CJN Mukhtar sworn in

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USTICE Mariam Aloma Mukhtar was sworn in on Monday as the 13th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) with a promise to partner with the executive in fighting corruption. While disagreeing with suggestions for special courts to try such cases, she said, “a judge, two or three in the states, can be designated to take care of that.” She also pledged to lead by example and hoped “the others will follow.”

IMPEACHMENT THREAT

NOT ONLY IN LAGOS Two people embrace in anticipation of a wave from the oncoming bus, on a flooded street, Minsk, Belarus. Photo: AP

Fed Govt slams Shell with $5b fine over Bonga oil spill HE Federal Government has imposed a $5billion fine on Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) for the oil spill that occurred in its Bonga oil field last December. The Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr. Peter Idabor, told the House of Representatives Committee on the Environment that the fine was a sanction for the large quantity of crude oil discharged into the environment of the affected communities. However, the Managing Director of SNEPCO, Mr.Chike Onyejekwe, said the company was not even thinking about compensating any community as the spill was contained before reaching the shoreline.

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US SHOOTINGS

House blasts Jonathan over budget

Gunman kills 12 at HE House of Representatives, on Thursday, threat Batman ened to commence impeachment moves against President Goodluck Jonathan over what it described movie as poor implementation of the 2012 budget. It equally cautioned Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Fi- premiere

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nance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over non-release of funds to ministries, departments and agencies of government to implement projects.

The House’s resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Albert SamTsokwa and 20 others entitled: “Poor implementation of the 2012 budget.”

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T least 12 people were killed and around 40 wounded when a gunman opened fire Friday at a movie theatre showing the latest Batman film, police said.

The police department in the town of Aurora, Colorado, where the shooting took place, said in a statement that there were “approximately 50 victims with at least 12 confirmed dead.”

US television networks identified the gunman as James Holmes, a 24-year-old Aurora resident, and quoted the FBI as saying he had no known connections to terrorism. Police said the suspect “offered no resistance when he was arrested.”

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elected a new president, Mr. Okechukwu Wali (SAN), at its delegates’ conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr. Wali polled 688 votes to defeat Chief Emeka

PROBE

Senate probes $1.09bn oil bloc scandal

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HE Senate on Thursday resolved to investigate the controversial payments involving Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and Shell/Agip arising from the sale of an oil block Oil Prospecting Licence 245.

Senators were, however, divided as to whether the investigation should be conducted by an ad hoc committee or by a standing committee. President of the Senate, David Mark, warned that calls for an ad hoc committee probe indicated lack of trust in the Senate’s standing committees, saying that it was not good for the Senate.

Deputy Leader of the Senate, Abdul Ningi, the motion’s lead sponsor, argued that the Senate was concerned by recent media attention on the circumstances surrounding a tripartite transaction involving the Federal Government, Shell/ Agip and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

News Review

d impeachment threats Emergency rule ends in Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Niger councils

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HE six-month emergency rule imposed on 15 local government areas in Borno, Yobe, Plateau and Niger States has been lifted.

The emergency rule was imposed

by President Goodluck Jonathan on December 31, 2011 as part of the strategy to curb terrorism in the affected areas. Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), said the review of the situation “is to enable government to put in place appropriate confidence-building measures to improve security in the affected places.”

‘Authentic’ PIB sent to NASS

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ETROLEUM Resources Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, announced on Wednesday the submission of the ‘authentic’ Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly. The presidency had, earlier in the week, disowned what it called versions of the bill in circulation.

She said the bill was forwarded to the National Assembly “after in-depth review.”

Wali is NBA president

FEC approves $1.488b for Lagos-Ibadan rail project

Ngige (SAN) who got 449 votes and Chief Blessing Ukiri who had two. Also elected were Mr.O.J.Erahbor,1st Vice President; Mr. Emeka Obegolu, General Secretary and Joyce Oduah, National Treasurer.

HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved $1.488billion for the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan double track rail line project. The 156.65 kilometre rail line is part of the six phase modernisation of the country’s 2,733 rail track planned by the Federal Government. It is expected to be completed in 36 months. A similar project-Abuja-Kaduna is already under construction.

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THE WEEK IN QUOTES “You are the best, you are the greatest, you are the most brilliant, you are the most dogged, you are the most committed, you are the most consistent and you are the most ready.”

—Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State eulogising the electorate for re-electing him for a second term in office.

“It was a tsunami. I sensed the Bini and Afemai areas were done deals. But when they started chanting ‘Oshio Baba’ in Ugboha, Ekpoma, Uromi, Urohi, Opoji and Ewu, I knew something different was happening. I think Nigerians should build on this Edo experience. Performance is the key to victory.”

—-Chief Orji Kalu,ex-Governor of Abia State on the re-election of Adams Oshiomhole as Edo governor.

“During our campaigns, we talked about food security, job creation and power. But the topmost issue now is security. If you aren’t safe, you cannot even talk about food; a dead man doesn’t eat. But there is hope that the issue of Boko Haram will also come down.”

—President Goodluck Jonathan explaining why his administration has been slack in living up to expectation.

“Where is the Jos of old? Plateau of old?

Haven of peace, melting pot of culture and religions, preferred home of all. Jos, what happened? Plateau, who replaced laughter with tears; who replaced handshakes with bullets and bombs? Who replaced tears of joy with blood? Who replaced love with hatred in a life time and why?”

—Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba lamenting the degeneration of Jos into a volatile city.

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•Jonathan

•Oshiomhole

OBITUARY

OVERTURNED

Ovie-Whiskey, former FEDECO boss, dies at 89

Bin Hammam wins appeal against FIFA ban

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ORMER FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam says he wants to retire from football despite having his lifetime ban for bribery annulled. FIFA had banned him from “any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for life.”

But the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said there was insufficient evidence to support the ban. Bin Hammam was accused of attempting to buy votes ahead of last year’s FIFA presidential election.

Despite anulling the ban, CAS stressed that its decision did not make any sort of “affirmative finding of innocence in relation to Mr Bin Hammam.”

HAIRMAN of the defunct Federal Electoral Commission, (FEDECO), Justice Ovie Whiskey (rtd), died during the week, aged 89.

Ovie-Whiskey, who retired as Chief Justice in the defunct Bendel State in 1983, died after a protracted illness.

He passed on at his IkweghuA g b a r h o residence. He was appointed as chairman of FEDECO in 1982 and conducted the second election during the Second Republic, which saw the emergence of Alhaji Shehu Shagari as President for a second term in office.

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•Orji

•Ndoma-Egba

SYRIA CIVIL WAR

Assad’s top security chiefs killed in blast

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FOURTH mem ber of Syrian P r e s i d e n t Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle died on Friday from wounds sustained in a bomb attack this week. Syria’s uprising entered uncharted territory after rebels fighting the regime of Bashar alAssad killed three of his top security chiefs on Wednesday in a devastating bomb attack in the heart of Damascus – the single worst loss for the government in 16 months of increasingly bloody struggle.

Mass defections of soldiers and a rampage by pro-regime militiamen were reported in the capital amid a swirl of rumours, including one that Assad’s wife, Asma, had fled to Russia and another that troops were being issued with gas masks, raising fears of the use of chemical weapons.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Boko Haram is local, yet global Lekan Otufodunrin

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UCH has been written about the atrocities of Boko Haram and the chain of events that led to the rising of the group in Northern Nigeria. Indeed, the testimony of the Christian Association of Nigeria’s President, Rev Oritsajafor at the US Congress early in July 2012 had on display the different theories that have been propounded about Boko Haram and its agents. Some ring true, others fall flat. But in order to understand Boko Haram and respond correctly to its rise, there is a need for policy makers and citizens to understand its origin, mission and purpose. Not what is obvious, but what is real.

On one hand is a deep set believe (prevalent in the South), that Boko Haram is a purely Islamist (political Islam) response to Christians that live among them (in the North). They point to countless killings since independence to date, as a proof of this trend. When taken further, the rise of this atrocious form of “Islamist” (in their words) is on the rise as a political response to the 2010 ascension of a Christian Southerner and his subsequent election in 2011 – midway through the term of a Muslim Northerner that died. It was this view that was propounded by the venerable leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria before the US Congress.

The obvious problem of course with this theory is that the rise of Boko Haram preceded the ascension of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to the Presidency. Boko Haram was founded in 2002, during the rise of political Sharia when northern governors exploited the phenomenon in the core north for their own electoral benefit and was allowed to get away with it by the incompetent Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

If anything, History shows that it was during the administration of the late President Musa Yar’Adua that security agencies killed the sect leader –Mohammed Yusuf: in July 2009 (almost a year before GEJ became president). Up to 100 Boko Haram members were killed during that operation between Bauchi, Yobe and Borno states in July, 2009. Indeed, the first recorded violence by the sect was in July 2009 when it attacked police stations in Maiduguri and then in January 2010, one full month before GEJ began to approach political ascendancy, when it killed four people in Borno State.

On the other hand, the oft mentioned causative link between poverty, high illiteracy rate and despondency of the core northern youth and the rise of Boko Haram is not sufficient explanation for the rise of the group, especially given the clear targeting of Christian religious places by the group and the inflammatory statements that emerge from their leadership after such attacks. This is the official US Government position, that Boko Haram is a product of political and economic abandonment of the north by Nigeria’s leaders over the years, and was propounded by Ambassador Bill Carson during his full swing before the congressional committee.

Both theories may be wrong and correct at the same time, and here is why.

Since the rise of Boko Haram, few arrests that have been made have linked the organization to foreign fighters who seem to have mastery of Arabic, sophisticated training and some good dose of rhetoric.

The style and method of Boko Haram is very close to what global terror networks have displayed in Iraq, Pakistan and Kenya in the past. Indeed, if this does not give you pause, the world’s terror network with Al Qaeda at the center have indicated their interest in Nigeria about the same time as Boko Haram rose out of the North.

This was also about the same time a young Nigerian was selected by the now dead enfant terrible of the Middle East to bomb American planes!

Otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net 08023000621 (SMS only)

There’s yet hope

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•A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria’s capital Abuja, December 25, 2011.

By Michael Oluwagbemi

If this trend is not worrisome enough, just this week , two men in Abuja “were charged with accepting thousands of dollars from the group to recruit potential terrorists inside Nigeria and then send them to Yemen”; they were working with alQaida in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP. AQAP is regarded as the most aggressive arm of the remnant of the terror group and leading up operations in next door Somalia where it is implementing the obvious next strategy for these crazies. In February 2012, recently arrested officials revealed that “while the organization initially relied on donations from members, its links with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, AQIM, opened it up to more funding from groups in Saudi Arabia and the UK.” But why will Al Qaeda be interested in Nigeria? What is the connection?

Obviously, the recent successes of the US Administration in the Middle East to deny the terror group a foothold in that volatile region may be pointing us to answers. Since being driven out of Afghanistan by George Bush and with his successor, President Barack H. Obama making it clear that Pakistan was no hiding place: Al Qaeda has been looking for the next geographical region where it can settle and project its power. Certainly, this strategy is panning out nicely in South Yemen where government troops have surrendered quite a large territory like Jaar and Azzan. In fact, a PBS Frontline Documentary recently documented “Al Qaeda militants’ black flag flying over Yemeni towns that appeared to be under complete control of Ansar al-Sharia”.

To lesser extent, Al Qaeda have been less successful in Africa, especially in Somalia where it is under intense pressure from all sides as that nation is bolstered

by Western Powers to buck the trend. Regardless of their struggle in Africa, Al Qaeda’s tattered army is not one to give up easily. The availability of small arms, corrupt governments and agitated population makes West Africa a perfect target for the bunch and with a very strong analytical minded strategic team guiding them- Nigeria seem like a dream come true for Al Qaeda.

Nigeria with her rich history of prevalent inter-ethnic suspicion, religious violence and extremism in the north and poor/illiterate population coupled with rising youth unemployment, dissatisfaction and clueless local and national leadership is a gift that may just continue giving to the terror network.

Think about it, which other place on

earth will a people exist in forceful co-existence and the leaders insist they have no right to debate the basis of such existence?

Where on earth, will the nominal leaders of one society continue to insist that obvious solutions need not be implemented but sacrifice on the altar of self aggrandizement, greed and selfishness while passing the buck to the next generation? Well, welcome to Nigeria.

To make its territorial ambition real though, Al Qaeda may already be one step ahead of our clueless leadership in determining that Northern Nigeria not the entire country will be the foothold that they require. Essentially, this strategy underpins their resolve to cut off the North from the rest of the country. While some may hail this outcome, the country should beware for what we wish for; ask Pakistan how many drones and children of theirs are lost due to the war knocking on their next door neighbour?

To achieve its goals of gaining a permanent foothold to the North of Abuja/ Zaria, Al Qaeda will focus on divisive tactics including targeting places of worship (now a Church and Mosque have been attacked), while discrediting core Northern leaders’ and denying them the ability to stuff the genie of insecurity back in the bottle. The hyena unleashed may not be curtailed any time soon, as Al Qaeda seem to have embarked on the next phase of this attack by targeting political leaders in whom the electorate have invested some legitimacy and may react virulently to their death. It was a Senator few weeks ago, watch as that target list moves up all the way.

Cruel as it may come across, Boko Haram as agent of the world global terror network is bent on seeing the core North cut off quickly from the rest of Nigeria to have a launch pad territory to itself, and a lot of southern politicians better be prepared to be collateral damage on the way up to this final destination.

We may very well be looking at the slow motion of the balkanization of Nigeria, as predicted in 2015 by the Central Intelligence Agency. The results will not be palatable to all involved, I just hope our leaders (especially those clueless ones in Abuja) are reading and thinking.

True federalism, devolution of powers and genuine unity founded on respect for minority and opposition rights in a true democratic fashion remains the only a panacea against a full blown balkanization come 2015 or beyond.

What other event is happening in 2015 again?

•Source: Nigeriansinamerica.com

WO weeks ago, a senior colleague, Taiwo Obe of TaijoWonukabe Limited announced on his facebook wall a vacancy for a “smart, intelligent, young/youngish male/female with less than six months journalism experience”. I and a few others reposted the announcement on our walls and in less than ten minutes, Obe’s phone started buzzing with calls and he had a hectic time giving writing assignments to the young job seekers.

Within 12 hours, Obe got exciting reports from the applicants and was able to hire one of them who was very outstanding among the lots. He said the outcome of the exercise gave him hope that journalism in Nigeria still has talents waiting to be tapped, but the enabling environment needs sanitation.

I agree with Obe’s optimism and wish to add that beyond journalism, the country has talented youths who need an enabling environment to maximize their potentials.

Last Thursday, I was one of the judges at a competition organized by the Mass Communication Students Association of University of Lagos for Communication students in the country to showcase their practical works including published articles, photographs, jingles, documentary, advertising and public relations campaigns.

The high quality of what the students showcased was very commendable and it was a further confirmation that all hope is not lost about what our youths are capable of doing if we give them enough room to express themselves and try to understand them instead of being sometimes unduly judgmental.

We live in a different world from what we grew up in. Though our values must remain sacrosanct; we must be willing to allow things to be done in different ways because of new realities of the times.

I have always wished for an educational kind of completion to make the youths spend a lot of time and energy to win like in many of the reality shows and dance competitions. What the Unilag Students organized was a good example.

It was modelled after the popular entertainment competitions. Presentations were made in various categories. The judges took turns to comment on them offering commendations and professional critiques for improvement and at the end an overall winner emerged. Of course there were music, comedy and other forms of entertainment. Some other formal approach would have been dull for the students.

While some of them may be irredeemable and are too obsessed with catching fun at the expense of more important things, we the adults owe it a duty to try hard to help them come to terms with the reality of the long journey of life ahead of them. The distractions unlike in our days are too many which explains why some of them easily go astray.

The youths of today need all the support they can get. They need our encouragement, mentoring, coaching and prayers. Let it not be that we didn’t try enough. They are leaders of tomorrow and it is in our interest to invest enough in their today to guarantee a better tomorrow not only for them, but for us too.

We cannot afford a wasted generation.

The title of Obe’s report after the facebook recruitment says it all. There’s yet hope- I believe.

14

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

BOMINABLE acts are grabbing the headlines in Nigeria but the country cannot by any stretch of the imagination be described as one of abominable people. Thankfully, vice does not define us. It soils our image but it does not make the country. I consider that perhaps our greatest strength. Even as crime and corruption grow, the country still brims with exemplary people. Thus, in the valley of hopelessness, there is hope. When decent Nigerians are subjected to the most horrible and dehumanising search at an international airport, right down to or beneath their undergarments, we must cheer up. Those compatriots are only paying for the sins of a few countrymen and women.

Two reports captured those atrocious acts. One appeared on February 3, the other on February 22. Both were on corruption, the sort that has chained the country to the ground since its birth. The first report was on pension scam, the second on oil theft. Sometime ago, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension was quoted as saying a pension racket was making over N3 billion monthly before his team was set up.

And that is at the expense of taxpayers and the federal government. Maina said the pension racketeers sent a bloated number of pensioners to the government.

This suggests that the cartel inflated the number of retirees forwarded to the au-

A

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Comment & Analysis

One great thing about Nigeria In spite of sweeping vice, we are not all rogues thorities which released a payment sum far in excess of what they were supposed to release. And this happened perhaps for years before Maina’s team came on stream.

N3 billion is a tidy sum by any standard. Collected over months and perhaps years, you can imagine what the pension scammers have been taking home, and what they have been denying the government and taxpayers. That amount of money can provide clean water for a thirsty community. It can rehabilitate 10 dilapidated primary schools. It can provide good health centres for five communities whose people are dying of the commonest and preventable diseases. But the money has not been doing anything of the sort. Rather, it has been going into the pockets of pension cartel members for months and years, according to Maina. Yet, the scam is not new. Nor is the ordeal of pensioners strange. Is the fate of retirees not public knowledge? Do senior citizens not

keel over and die on the verification queue or while waiting to collect their entitlements? Some too old to walk have ridden to the screening ground on the backs of their children or neighbours. Some have died without getting anything. It is a study in how a country should not treat its people, especially the seniors. It is a sad story that cuts across ministries and agencies, a bitter ordeal relieved by retired military and police personnel as well as railway and other retired civil servants. Now consider the fact that while these compatriots who served their fatherland with their best years and energies have been gnashing their teeth in their twilight, some smart fellows have been growing richer and fatter off pension funds.

It is a familiar corruption story that is by no means restricted to pensions. It is everywhere. Fictitious characters collect pension just as much as the dead vote.

We discovered in 2007, for instance, that American boxers voted and helped to elect

“Like pension scam, oil theft is familiar. So is the tale of contracts awarded and re-awarded at staggering sums.

Indeed, scams and scandals have not been in short supply and are well documented to our grief. What has been missing is a determined government to deal decisively with sleaze. What the country needs are those institutions promised last year by President Goodluck Jonathan to get the country up and running”

our president that year. And from their graves, the dead also exercised their rights and partook in enthroning the Commander-in-Chief of their choice among the living.

Another unfortunate development was reported, this time concerning some dreadful activities in the oil sector. Multinational oil firm, Royal Dutch Shell reportedly said Nigeria is daily robbed of 150,000 barrels of oil by thieves who breach the pipelines and siphon the product. Shell also appeared to question the running of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which regulates foreign oil firms on behalf of the government.

The multinational company said Nigeria pumps out 2.4 million barrels per day but can increase the output to four million if we can manage to overcome oil vandalism.

Like pension scam, oil theft is familiar.

So is the tale of contracts awarded and reawarded at staggering sums. Indeed, scams and scandals have not been in short supply and are well documented to our grief.

What has been missing is a determined government to deal decisively with sleaze.

What the country needs are those institutions promised last year by President Goodluck Jonathan to get the country up and running.

That firm government may tarry. It may be some time before those great institutions take root. Abominable acts that continue to bleed the country and tarnish its image may endure still, but the good of the land will eventually overcome the bad someday. We are not a country of rogues.

This piece was first published in February

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Comment & Analysis

15

Un-presidential excuses President Jonathan should face the job he was elected to do

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T the 60th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held in Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan catalogued excuses he claimed were militating against the deliverance of his campaign promises. He reeled out the distraction to be, among others, security challenges, posed by especially, the perilous Boko Haram. Unfortunately, the injurious acts of the sect have claimed hundreds of lives through bombings and suicide attacks on churches and public buildings in the North.

Recently too, a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was bombed by members of the sect.

The President, in the face of a debilitating economic downturn, also erroneously believes that insecurity has been impeding his administration’s realisation of the promise of job creation and stable power supply he made to Nigerians during the 2011 electioneering campaign. He bewailed: “Security is the most fundamental issue, particularly the threat by Boko Haram….Security agencies are working hard on the problem in Plateau and, God willing, the issue of Boko Haram will soon come down.”

President Jonathan was equally economical with the truth by his erroneous belief that his administration’s seeming tolerance of opposition’s constructive criticisms amounts to doing the nation a special favour when he observed: “The opposition parties want to drown the PDP. We believe that if we do not have a party as robust as the PDP, probably, the republic would have collapsed…But the PDP, even though, we control the Federal Government, we operate a system that even the opposition fly higher than us (sic). They abuse us more, but we allow it. It is the PDP’s handling of the affairs of the country that is stabilising democracy in the country.”

The President and his PDP must have forgotten that one of the most salient ingredients

T

HE National Assembly should not give any constitutional roles to traditional rulers. It is an aberration, a sheer waste of time and resources as the majority of these people are corrupt dictators that rule in their fiefdoms. They keep their subjects down and giving them any role will heat up the king-making polity, across the nation.

In the past, the traditional institution commanded respect due to the mode of emergence, which was based on sincerity and contribution to development. Now, it is easily-observable that the proposal is a guise of turning the entire traditional unit of the society into a complete political manipulation and manoeuvrings apparatus and annex so that the voiceless Nigerians will become more traumatized.

In recent times, it was widely-publicised in the national dailies that traditional rulers were at daggers-drawn with elected representatives at the States and National levels, claiming that they were shabbily treated for not receiving the dividends of democracy.

Now traditional rulers

of democracy is the expression and distillation of divergent views. The best of democracies thrive more under an atmosphere where the opposition and other groups stand up to put the ruling government on its toes. After all, democracy is universally acknowledged to require eternal vigilance and this can be guaranteed in a democratic setting with a virile opposition. To us, the opposition in the country has not even done enough to put the current administration on the right track that it is presently going astray from.

While the opposition could be said to have tried, there are yet more grounds to be covered.

We also think that it is right to point out that the current administration has become incorrigible or, better put, impervious to reasonable admonitions from the opposition. If any group or person should be praised, it is the opposition, at least for not toeing the path of revolt in the face of unwarranted provocation, especially in the unbelievable corruption that emanated from the last fuel subsidy removal and the probe by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee into its management.

The provocation continues with the insistence by the Presidency to remove full ‘subsidy’ on petroleum products. What an irritation too that the promised power sector reforms have thrown the nation into more epileptic power supply than Nigerians had witnessed in the

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

past. The bourgeoning unemployment crisis in the land seems to have confounded the President and his party.

We consider as pertinently sad, the fact that, the Jos, Plateau State wanton killings, inherited by this administration (that even predates its predecessor) has been accorded cosmetic attention leading to the catastrophic attacks on the Berom ancestral villages, last week. Dr. Gyang Dantong, a senator, and Hon. Gyang Fulani, a member of Plateau State House of Assembly, were two of the nearly 200 persons that were killed in sporadic attacks carried out by suspected Fulani gunmen. The billions of naira budgeted and spent on the challenging security situation in the country have yielded no visible result while the spending spree continues in the face of provocative poverty.

We consider as sad a situation where the President, rather than face governance squarely, bemoans the sordid situation that his incompetence has inflicted on the nation. Everything that makes governance easy, including the constitution, budget, cabinet, security paraphernalia and state’s instruments of coercion, among others, are at President Jonathan’s beck and call. What then is responsible for his laughable lamentation? He is now blaming Boko Haram for his government’s incompetence. What were his antecedents even before Boko Haram came, either as governor, vice president, acting president before he finally won the first election in his life that made him president?

The excuses being given by the President are not only untenable but also un-presidential. He has stayed in power long enough to understand the workings of the system. Leadership is not about howling but about inspiring vision and bringing forth concrete results even where none existed. This is what needs to be done by President Jonathan and his failed party. Otherwise, he should feel free to throw in the towel.

LETTERS

Please, leave traditional rulers out

are government contractors, without expertise. They receive five percent of every local government council monthly-allocation apart from other overtures of their respective state governors, investors, artisan groups, individuals and other unions.

Yet, they remain unaccountable.

It is in public consciousness that some traditional rulers employ proxies’ services to execute contracts.

They equally capitalise on their vantage positions to use security agents to intimidate,

harass, oppress and suppress many interest groups; this is tantamount to gross abuse of office. Some traditional rulers today fuel crises, promote abduction and kidnapping of the rich, assumed opponents, native and foreign contractors in their domain and even pay

herbalists and assassins to eliminate whosoever that raises his/her voice against their societal maladies.

Regrettably, each day brings about even more outlandish revelations of determined onslaught in the most sacred covenant between the

ruled and the rulers; subjects have been reduced to the status of the willing cast in a travelling theatre of torrid absurdities.

There should be no roles for traditional rulers in our constitution. Let them continue to sit in their palaces and leave politics to politicians.

Akingbola Temidayo, Civil Liberties Organisation, Ondo

The recent tanker explosion in Port-Harcourt

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T was another possibly avoidable national disaster, when penultimate week, millions of Nigerians saw in the media the unsavoury news that more than 200 citizens had been burnt to death in a tanker explosion that occurred in Okogbe, Rivers State. It was with wanton bewilderment and a wave of disbelief that the nation once again stood still, as various news media relayed the tragic news continuously, leaving many to wonder if it was in anyway a crime that these ones were Nigerians.

Characteristic of our leaders, the usual official pro-

nouncements have since been made, the President has expressed his “deep regrets over the unnecessary loss of lives”, while the governor of the state also displayed the necessary political gymnastics by calling off all supposed official engagements scheduled for that time to rush to the scene of the tragedy. However, the sad truth is that it is now business as usual.

No concrete effort to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the explosion would be made, and even if any is attempted, usually as a facesaving measure or another attempt to play to the gallery, whatever report that would

eventually be generated is sure to never be opportune to see the light of the day, but rather to be cast into the next available dustbin. Such is the story of our country, and all that we have to show for going out under the sun and the rain every four years to vote for people who are expected to govern us. Thus, while the statistics of tragedies keep going up, extinguishing whatever is left of the already diming hope of the people, the business of government here continues unhindered leaving the status quo ante stoically as it is.

It must be said that the recent Port-Harcourt tragedy is one too many. One still cannot

comprehend why in heavens name it would be difficult to manage the activities of tanker drivers. That these set of road users have become a thorn in the flesh of the nation is without doubt, yet despite the continued and recurring mishap they ceaselessly occasion, the necessary authorities act as if they are lacking in the required courage to bring them to book.

Funny enough, it is only in this part of the world that tanker drivers are known to recklessly and mindlessly ply the roads at daytime, and nobody seems bothered, and this is one question the PortHarcourt mishap once again

brings to the fore. It is without doubt that if that tanker that exploded had been moving at night, the resultant loss of lives would have been profoundly minimal, as no one would be there to scoop petrol that they do not need. Now is the time for those charged with the responsibility of making our laws, to summon the necessary political courage and enact the required law that will restrict the movement of petrol tankers and all other heavy vehicles to the night-time. This we believe will go a long way in arresting the menace they cause.

Olusola Adegbite, Ile-Ife, Oyo State.

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16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

L

AST week, we suggested that there is a need to include citizens in the amendment process, especially at a time that the constitution is not in any way owned by citizens. We recommended that the first condition 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, we argued, 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.

Similar to Belgore’s suggestion that the best way to strengthen the country’s governance is to give local government independence from the state that houses it, the call on the national assembly by leading trustees of the central government to insist on a central mono-level police system needs to be referred to a referendum.

As it was during military rule, civilian rulers today are also fond of using their invitation to public events to pontificate about any aspect of the polity that may appeal to their fancy.

Recently, the President and the Acting Inspector-General of Police

Constitutional amendment and the citizenry (2) Lack of alienation between community police and citizens guarantees fairness announced an untested theory, which claims that the country is not ready for state police. Such statements can be interpreted as a suggestion to the national assembly not to look in the direction of amending the constitution to allow for multi-level police system that includes provisions for state and local police agencies. Although the conclusions of the President and the IG are not based on hypothesis testing or empirical research, they are still opinions that can attract attention of legislators, largely because of the status of their authors.

The national assembly needs to pay little mind to suggestions from the executive branch. There was a time that President Jonathan himself said pontifically that there was nothing wrong with the 1999 Constitution, only to set up the Belgore Committee later to look at what he had earlier characterized as a perfect union charter to hold diverse nationalities together. It is strange to fathom the qualifications that drive the IG to pon-

tificate on effective policing. The security agency he is leading in an acting capacity is regarded as one of the most inefficient and ineffective police systems in the world. Be that as it may, the IG, like the President, has a right to express his opinion on the type of constitution he prefers.

However, there is a need to throw historical light on the evolution of the current central police system and how it became the monopoly that it has been since 1966. Before the advent of the first military government, there were two levels of policing in most of the country. There was the Nigerian Police Force and variants of local or native police in Western and Northern Regions.

As Colonel Gabriel Ajayi once affirmed, the military government needed to do away with multi-level police systems, not for any reason other than having control over the polity and society. To enhance its control over the populace, the military dictatorship in the 1960s dissolved the

regions and re-named them provinces. This first act of unitary architecture of governance also needed a central police force that could assist the military to rule the country. The current federal police system that is now being seen as the right way to enforce laws and sustain public order did not drop from heaven. It was created as a response by military rulers, in the fashion of colonial rulers before them that equally lacked any mandate from the people, to ensure compliance with their rules.

Citizens that affirm that the country is not ready for state police base their view on the belief that state police are likely to be abused by state governors, without realising that the reason local police was stopped in the first instance had nothing to do with a greater abuse at the local level than at the federal level. The experience of governance between 1996 and now by military and civilian rulers does not indicate that persons governing at the federal level are morally, psy-

chologically, and emotionally superior to those at the state or local level.

There are no special prerequisites for becoming federal officials that are different from what is required of state officials. On the whole, public officers at the state level have as much education and exposure to good international practices as their federal counterparts. It was even like that during the decades of military dictatorship.

No amount of pontifications from trustees of federal power can undo the argument that there are connections between culture and law enforcement.

In the case of multinational societies, the logical thing to do to enforce law and maintain public order is to ensure that those charged to maintain order have linguistic competence and cultural literacy about the communities they cover. This explains why there are over 45 police agencies in the United Kingdom and more than 1,000 in the United States. It will, therefore, be myopic for those charged with constitutional amendments to rely on facile generalizations about the inability of state and local governments to operate an abuse-free police system. The lack of alienation between community police and the citizens guarantees more fairness than is achievable under the current central police force.

Fayemi: 21 months of quiet revolution in Ekiti Femi Orebe femi.orebe @thenationonlineng.net 08056504626 (sms only)

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N Tuesday, 17 July, 2011, avuncular Pastor Diipo Bamidele of the Covenant Christian Ministries, Lagos, himself the son of a clergy and well known and respected by all for his objective views on issues ,wrote as follows on ekitipanupo concerning Ekiti.‘I have been in Ado-Ekiti since last Sunday. I arrived at night in heavy rain and got caught up in the massive and agonising traffic gridlock which started from Christ’s School and stretched through Teaching Hospital to Opopogboro and terminated near the Testing Ground.

‘The following morning, l left home very early for an engagement around the GRA, but, again, got caught up on my return journey to Petim area. ‘l decided, later in the day, to take a ride round town to see things for myself. I visited all exits and went downtown. I was amazed at the massive and inclusive construction work going on. I took pains to assess the huge cost needed for reconstruction as a result of shoddy work done in the past. For instance, even as a non engineer, the scrapping of the bitumen overlay on Ado-Ikere Road showed that there was no proper soil test or compaction, which led to rapid road failure.

‘Lack of proper drainage, shabby construction works led to the need to pull down structures, clear some places of shanties and rebuild. It is an enormous work.

‘In the process, the inhabitants would be inconvenienced, but then there is no gain without pain, and no glory without a story. We just need to be patient.

The fortunes of Ekiti are being turned around through giant strides by current governor ‘I can boldly confirm that throughout yesterday there was free flow of traffic in the town. The contractors are all working at good speed to meet deadlines. I feel reasonably sure that by December, AdoEkiti would have been transformed.

‘Further findings also showed that the government is on course with its agenda. It is costly to build, but costlier and slower to rebuild, renovate, reconstruct, and construct.

‘What we had before was largely very poor foundation.

‘Let us all be patient, and join hands together to see a new Ekiti emerge.’

Today, and for the next two weeks, my ever loyal readers will be treated to the efforts of a highly concentrated mind, that of governor Kayode Fayemi, and his enormously committed team, in turning around the fortunes of a beleaguered state which, for 9 cheerless years, was in the throes of some thoroughly vacuous PDP governments, one of which lasted all of one day.

This time, as told by the refreshing Hakeem Jamiu, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation.

Happy reading.

In the fullness of time, it will be the turn of Ekiti people whose lives have been positively touched by the Kayode Fayemi-led administration to judge accordingly. The 20,000 Ekiti elderly people who pray ceaselessly for Dr. Fayemi after collecting a N5,000 monthly stipend and the over 300, 000 (three hundred thousand) other Ekiti citizens who are beneficiaries of his free health mission programme which had, in fact, commenced before he retrieved his mandate; and the thousands of children under 5, pregnant women, citizens above 65 and the physically-challenged who enjoy free health programme are in a great position to assess the administra-

tion.

In the same sector, health workers of all categories have no reasons to complain as it can be said, without fear or favour, that Ekiti doctors, nurses and others are among the highest paid in the country with the result that the state has become the choice state for doctors, pharmacists, nurses etc. Ekiti State is on record as the first state in the South West to pay a minimum wage of N19, 300 to all categories of workers. Before the Fayemi administration, there were no functional ambulances in the state’s hospitals, inclusive of then so-called Teaching Hospital. All we saw was a shadowy Cuban Eye facility that had a paid agent, inter-mediating between Cuba and the state government which ended up paying over a quarter billion naira for the spurious project. This, obviously, is not Cuba’s way of helping the world through its highly rated medical tourism programme. Also in the same sector is the massive emergency assistance rendered to indigent citizens who require one form of surgical intervention or the other.

Hundreds of Ekiti families who have benefited from the Multiple Trust Fund which is an initiative of the wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, to support couples with multiple births will never forget this administration in a hurry. Many had, in this way, got free cleft lip and ulcer surgeries. For Ekiti citizens, it has been two for the price of one as Erelu Fayemi continues to do that for which she has become known world-wide, empowering and positively impacting women, the youth and the weak generally.

For this purpose she has been honoured by even the United Nations.

Governor Fayemi has also brought to bear on the health sector his unquenchable thrust to qualitatively impact education in its entire

ramification in the state. For instance, the state’s School of Nursing and Midwifery recorded over 90 percent success rate at the National Examination of Schools of Nursing and Midwifery. To strengthen capacity for effective delivery of health services, a total of 4,535 health workers were trained in various segments of health care delivery, making the state comparable in the area of training to only Lagos State, in the entire country.

The Fayemi administration is aggressively pursuing development in agriculture because of its numerous advantages. Apart from being capable of providing huge employment opportunities for the women fold and the youth, through the value chain process, it ensures liquidity amongst farmers who are therefore able to enjoy a higher standard of life, nearly effortlessly meeting their daily needs.

About the first thing the governor did on coming into office was to pay up the huge backlog of unpaid counterpart funding for various agricultural projects. Paying counterpart funding was a literal taboo to PDP governors. Farmers have been empowered via the provision by government, of agricultural soft loans, farm implements and herbicides, while millions of naira have been expended on equipments to assist rice farmers to increase their yield. The empowerment of farmers is also being replicated at the local government level where farmers have been greatly assisted.

In order to make agriculture attractive, commercial and sustainable, the government recently launched the Youth Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (YCAD). 7,500 pilot commercial farmers have been shortlisted, while 1,000 hectares of land have been cleared for the pur-

pose in phase 1 of the project. The project is designed to result in a minimum of 20,000 youth commercial farmers by 2014.

At the commencement of the Fayemi administration, water supply in the entire state was below 25 percent, but this has since increased to 45 percent because the obsolete equipments at our various dams which meant nothing to four successive PDP governors are now being aggressively replaced. New water pipes are being laid, some of which are ready for testing. A heavy duty generator worth 200 million naira was procured and installed at Ero dam as back up for electricity.

Also, water treatment plants and generators have been installed at all the mini water dams at Efon, Okemesi, Ido-Ile, Erijiyan and Igbara-Odo. According to the governor’s hardworking Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Prince Kayode Jegede, water supply should have increased to about 55 percent by December 2012 when the Ado-Ekiti head works-Mary HillAjibade-Idolofin-Housing and another 12km pipeline from OgotunIpole Iloro would have been commissioned. Many of these facilities were long standing state investments, even predating the Western Region era, which an illegal Ekiti State government would rather give away in sweet heart deals to its godfathers.

Another area of the Fayemi 8Point Agenda is transportation where a massive re-engineering is apace. In order to ease the chaotic transport and traffic situation which predominated in the state, especially in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, governor Kayode Fayemi has invested a lot of rigour, brain power and money in what is beginning to emerge as a modern state all through the state capital in particular, is now like a humming construction site with all manner of infrastructural developments and urban renewal going on ‘pari passu’.

A visitor would not be too wrong to think there had been no government there in decades.

TO BE CONTINUED

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Tunji

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

P

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) politicians who had been stealing electoral victory, especially in the south-west until the courts threw them out one after the other must have seen the difference between the elections that they claimed they won and the genuine victory of Adams Oshiomhole, last Saturday. They must have seen how Edo people poured to the streets spontaneously in jubilation after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pronounced Oshiomhole winner of the governorship election. This contrasted sharply with the ‘victories’ that the PDP claimed in states like Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and even Ogun, especially in the 2007 elections. Or even the one the PDP claimed in Edo which brought Prof Oserheimen Osunbor into office before the courts sent him too away.

People literally carried their sadness round their necks like necklaces of stone immediately INEC declared the PDP candidates winners in those states. I could recollect that one of the party’s governorship candidates who was declared winner was too popular to be sworn in in the open; so he had to take his oath of office in the safe confines of the government house, under unusually tight security! Talk of the guilty being afraid.

People voted overwhelmingly for Oshiomhole not because they like his face; it was his performance which spoke for and vindicated him. Coming after PDP’s Lucky Igbinedion had despoiled Edo, Oshiomhole’s tenure was a memorable experience. All the

Postscript, UnlimBy ited!

Oyinkan Medubi

08187172799 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

W

HEN much younger, I greatly admired the British TV series, ‘Dr. Who’, which ran from the 1960s to the nineties, though I hear it still runs.

It was based on the adventures of a human-like, super-intelligent character named, you guessed it, Dr. Who. Often, the great doctor’s adventures took him and his companions, in his magical box, into outer space and outer time – past, present and future – where he conquered villains, criminals and other enemies of state and saved the universe more by sleuth than by any physical force. Ah! He was master of the science of time and disappearances. It made many of us children dream vainly of being able to travel out of time and body, particularly when it was errand-running time for the parents, mostly after-school hours.

Now that I’ve grown and have learnt the art of sending people on errands, I have found that science has still gone ahead of me: it helps them to disappear, literally.

They simply use a miniature form of Dr. Who’s box (which can now talk) to inform me about how they have to stay back in school for some assignment or the other. So, I still find myself dreaming about Dr. Who’s real box, this time on how it can help me make my errant errand

17

Edo polls without Abuja ‘oxygen’ As the Presidency played safe, the vote riggers became fish out of water things that Mr Igbinedion said were impossible because ‘there was no money’, Oshiomhole made most of them possible. Even the blind would marvel at what the governor has done in less than four years; a sharp contrast to what Igbinedion could not do in eight years.

So, when it was payback time, the people rewarded hard work; they rewarded diligence. There were no pretensions; Edo people left no one in doubt where their hearts were. They shunned divisive ethnic politics and put their votes where their mouths were. They had seen the difference between darkness and light; they opted for light. Yet, the purveyors of darkness who ruled the state for about 10 years without results shamelessly wanted to return. They forgot that levels have changed, as all the tricks they deployed came to naught.

The pre-election violence was unspeakable; lives were lost as the desperation to ‘recapture’ the state rose to frightening proportions. They even convinced the Edo people, rather than confuse them about who Oshiomhole is, with a ‘blowjob’ that they orchestrated (as if the people told them they were looking for a Pope as governor).

Even if the people wanted a Pope for

governor, was it from Edo PDP that that Pope will come? These were the same people who can never cast the first stone when caught pants down themselves!

But it was clear that Edo people were ready for that election. The fury on their faces was palpable, so palpable that anyone who wanted to try anything funny would have thought twice.

Even those acclaimed to be election ‘fixers’ saw the fire on the faces of the voters and knew that these were not the same Edo people they were used to. All the certified vote riggers were trounced even in their respective areas; from the grandpa to the grandchildren. Although the deployment of security men helped (even though it was not a thing I really like), the people also played their part. They had more than enough tutorials on how to police their votes, and they did just that all the way and all the night, such that it was impossible for anyone to announce the next morning (as they used to do) that two plus two no longer equalled four.

When people believe in a government or a cause, they will be ready to do anything, including die for it.

Clearly, that is where this country is headed, especially with the 180-day

“Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) politicians who had been stealing electoral victory, especially in the south-west until the courts threw them out one after the other must have seen the difference between the elections that they claimed they won and the genuine victory of Adams Oshiomhole, last Saturday. They must have seen how Edo people poured to the streets spontaneously in jubilation after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pronounced Oshiomhole winner of the governorship election”

deadline to resolve election disputes which we have seen how it has been abused to give undeserved advantage to election riggers. I have said it before that for the PDP; things can never remain the same. The party should get ready to lose in more states in coming elections because more and more people are now getting wiser. To do otherwise is to expect more Boko Haram, unless there is a change in the way Nigerians are being governed.

But a situation where anything and everything goes as ‘politics’, cannot produce a different result.

The election in Edo has shown that there is nothing like ‘fix it’ once the oxygen and the crutches needed to do the dirty job are not forthcoming from Abuja. And, talking about Abuja, it was good the Presidency denied those expecting them these ‘life support facilities’. The country has enough security challenges to handle; it would be suicidal adding another avoidable bloodbath that would have trailed the election in Edo if it had been rigged because it was unlikely that the people were in the mood to tolerate an election the outcome of which had been determined long before they went to the polls. As Abraham Lincoln noted, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”.

There is a lesson for other incumbent governors, particularly the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors, in Oshiomhole’s re-election: voters are getting increasingly impatient with non-performers who would want to take them for a ride, or ride on the back of some political godfathers. They are in a region where the voters are

too sophisticated to be taken for granted. And nothing is settled until it is settled. The people are watching and when the time comes, they will simply sift the wheat from the chaff. We saw that in last year’s general elections.

If the Yoruba people rejected being ‘mainstreamers’, it is because they see it is a euphemism for non-performance and treasury looting in many parts of the country. And if they pitch their tent somewhere else, they expect democratic dividend, which is nonnegotiable. A word is enough for the wise.

I congratulate Governor Oshiomhole. It is not easy to sweep the polls by the wide margin that he did in a place like Edo with all its centrifugal tendencies, winning the 18 local government areas of the state, in spite of the drumbeats of war by the PDP. He scored a total of 477,478 votes to defeat his closest rival, Major- General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) of the PDP, who got 144,235 votes out of a total of 630,099 valid votes cast. That is the way it should be; and that was what many of us expected. Only those who thought the Edo people had forgotten what their state looked like in the 10 years that the PDP was in power before Oshiomhole came, or people who were betting on the usual satanic ‘life support’ for election riggers in the state had expected that the election would be too close to call.

However, with the election now convincingly won and lost, Oshiomhole should realise that the reward for hard work is more work. This is the only way he can justify the confidence reposed in him by the Edo people and permanently shut out the marauders from the state.

2015 and the rest of us

boys’ dinners disappear!

Many of us can make time disappear by spending it ‘like sand’.

To such, time obviously hangs like a very heavy burden which they just can’t get through well enough. So, moving from one indolent reclination to another, they wait anxiously for the day to end and another begin. Believe it or not, I heard the story of some local government chieftains in this country whose principal job appears to be just moving their families from one hotel room to another around the world on, you guessed it, local government funds. And the principal job of those families (of wives and children) is just to recline and sometimes shop because they are on a permanent holiday that just would not end. Very tough life they have, no? Grrr!

Then, of course, there are those of us who value time because there just appears never to be enough of it. When you have mounds of work and you cannot see the word ‘end’ at the bottom of the pile, it is all you can do not to cry unto your maker to make the sun stand still once more so that you can at least get half of it done. It happened before, after all. But, all you get are twenty-four short hours. For example, whenever it is time to write this column again, believe me, I am caught smack in the middle of something else which is just as engaging and also with a dangling headline and I really wish for that box that makes our character above disappear so rapidly. I know I have not disappeared because I can most times hear the editor hollering. So, I have to drop all and belt out these

happy notes for you, dear reader.

Obviously then, the amount of work on one’s hands appears to determine how one views time: as a burden to be gone through when you are lucky to be related to our LG chieftains or as an impatient measurement when you are holding the world on your shoulders, like Atlas.

I would imagine that anyone governing this country in any role falls in the latter category: too much work, really too much work to do.

So, the president should be feeling like our man Atlas now because he is presiding over a country where the only thing that works right now is the sharing of revenues. I hear everyone, past and present rulers included, is interested in those blessed revenues. This is partly why, after they are shared, no one knows what becomes of them. Oh yes, I forgot, some go into paying hotel bills for families of functionaries of the state. Listen. This land is practically begging us all to work it because there is so much to do and there is so little time. Nigeria has not even begun to be called a work in progress because there is none going on that can be seen to the human eyes.

I did hear the prediction that by the year 2015, there might not be a Nigeria again. While some of us would be relieved, I dare say some of us would cry. Some others would indifferently say, ‘I told you so’.

Certainly, there would be losses for some and gains for others were that to happen. To my unpractised eye, it would appear that our government does not really care whichever way the dice falls – for Nigeria to be

or not to be. If it cared, it would give a different reading to that newsy year than it is giving now.

For the government, year 2015 is election year, period. Any politician knows that you begin to plan for the next election the very day you win or lose the last one. That would be, of course, in normal situations. Nigeria is not a normal situation; it is crumbling all around us.

I would rather think therefore that dreaming about the election year 2015 right now is not very politic for the government. Reason? Too much work.

Take roads. Take infrastructures. They are just not there. Actually, the joke that every Nigerian has become a local government because he has to provide his own water, electricity and road is no longer funny. It is reminding one too much of the ‘Temporary surface, Permanent notice’ joke where the users of a road were asked not to expect any repairs on the road, ever.

Take security. Now, I believe every Nigerian now sleeps and moves and exists with both eyes open. The people can no longer afford to sleep with one eye open.

Things have come to such a sorry pass indeed that good neighbourliness is difficult to express, what with kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists, Niger Delta and now Boko Haram bombers strewn all around the place ready to pounce on any kind-hearted do-gooder.

Every Nigerian’s head is now constantly swivelling on its joints just trying to, you know, keep its head.

Then take food. Believe me, Nigerians are hungry. There are scores of people who go to bed

without supper, rise without prospects of breakfast and only a dim hope for lunch. The injustice of it is that these people hear about how large-sized diamonds are being twirled around arthritic finger joints in the capital city of Abuja.

Sometimes, I want to be able to enter the supermarket, pick a basket and stand transfixed at the yoghurt refrigerator, trying to choose between vanilla or strawberry or mango or lemon or some-othername flavoured, fresh-cultured yoghurt and then sigh and think in despair, how can one ever choose when there are so many options? The only option I get, as an average Nigerian, is whether there will be food to eat this afternoon or not.

How on earth any Nigerian government can be planning for reelection in 2015 without first ensuring a terra firma to step on in that future time beats me. Nay, it transports me into paroxysms of laughter, the kind that has me shedding tears of sorrow. I want to believe that Nigerians are not as lazy or as dubious as the world wants to believe. They are just a people wronged and let down by their leaders and are just getting by the best way possible. Majority of them are not planning for re-election come 2015; they are nevertheless interested in that futuristic year. They want to reach it without necessarily being catapulted in any box, neither Dr. Who’s nor any other, with all things working together for their good. Let the government work NOW to address the causes of their national sorrows.

2015 is still far away.

18

HEN the news broke that you had been appointed the new National Security Adviser (NSA), newspapers feasted on your antecedents and present retirement rank with an obvious intent to predict your next moves.

These, to my mind, were to underscore your predecessor’s performances and pitch you against military ethics.

That you are being credited with a time lapse and dialogue with the sect is a pointer that the grounds may be more slippery than you think. The political jostle for your attention had already started in earnest.

The allusion to your blue blood and the Sokoto Caliphate cannot be innocently overlooked but believe me it may be an albatross, which is the target of the sect’s insurgency campaigns to Islamise the nation.

The interested parties have already carved out a format for your attention, which if you dare to follow may make your tasks more difficult and bloody than expected. It’s all over the news that you had kicked off your consultation with vested interest groups of traditional rulers, political heavy weights, Islamic clerics and scholars to find a lasting solution to Boko Haram.

Good as it looks the publicity may be counter- productive and put the lives of those men-

W

T is no longer news that the country has been under the siege of insecurity in recent time. Certain parts of the northern region of the country, especially, have become a nightmare for natives as well as visitors. The once peaceful city of Jos has continued to be a volatile place and nobody really knows when the fire on the Plateau will be completely doused. The untold genocide taking place on the Plateau is, to say the least, frightening.

The primary concern of this piece, however, is the implication of the security situation in the country on food security. The United Nations defines food security as “all people at all times having both physical and economic access to the basic food they need.” For approximately 2 billion people throughout the world, this security is anything but guaranteed. The northern part of Nigeria is, undoubtedly, the food basket of the country.

Hence, it is not surprising that the tensed security atmosphere in the region is beginning to take its toll on food security, particularly in the southern part of the country. For quite some time now, prices of food items in Lagos in particular have skyrocketed beyond imagination. According to analysts, farmers in the north no longer enjoy the conducive working atmosphere that could enhance massive food production.

Similarly, transporting food items from the north to the south, analysts say is fast becoming a risky venture.

Unless the security crisis in the country is tackled headlong, a worsening food crisis might be imminent. However, like every human challenge, if well managed, this might be an opportunity for governments across the southern part of the country to creatively device ways to boost food security in the region.

It is sad today that Nigeria is no longer a major exporter of cocoa, groundnuts, rubber, and palm oil. Ironically, these were the produce that the nation’s founding fathers built the pros-

I

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Letter to Sambo Dasuki

By Enitan Lawson

tioned and their dependants in grave danger all because of this societal class factor.

The caustic and highly provocative response of the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF) to Senate President, David Mark’s, call on Northern leaders may be a pointer to the frustration of its members not having any leverage with the sect’s leadership, or fear of present and immediate danger from the sect itself.

It may also signify suspicion of culpability of some of its members – contributing to the seeming invisibility of the sect’s leadership. Finally it may be a desperate attempt to take the sail out of your consultation agenda and a veiled warning to members to be wary

of your intentions As usual, when government wants to shortchange Nigerians, it makes comparative analysis with situations in other countries of the world.

Examples include the government’s comparison during the oil subsidy debate and the classification of Boko Haram as a terror group with Al-Qaeda link. That linkage signifies that it has a specific target and societal group which is the powerful political elite of the north and not the common folks and Christians who are only collateral damage in similar Islamicbacked fundamental insurgency.

Boko Haram is operating within the template of Taliban of Afghanistan and the target is the political elite and sectional tribal chiefs. But the

atrocities against Western interests, schools, churches etc have polluted Islamic norms.

I recommend a detailed study of Taliban’s operational template if you are to stay a step ahead of Boko Haram. That they have not targeted senior government officials, ministers, senators and presidential aides does not mean they won’t.

President Goodluck Jonathan had publicly alluded to their presence in his government. You may not need another cue apart from this or you may as well publish your operational orders on the pages of newspapers.

America’s terror template has proved effective when compared to either the British MI5/ MI6 or the Israeli MOSSAD. Let’s face it: the faceless, powerful Nigerian political and religious elite whose identities

“Boko Haram is operating within the template of Taliban of Afghanistan and the target is the political elite and sectional tribal chiefs. I recommend a detailed study of Taliban’s operational template if you are to stay a step ahead of Boko Haram. “

Insecurity, food security and unemployment Tayo Ogunbiyi

perity of the country upon. It is amazing how a nation that was once the biggest poultry producer in Africa now has its total output reduced from 40 million birds annually to about 18 million. The truth of the matter is that agriculture has suffered from years of neglect, poorly conceived government’s policies as well as lack of basic infrastructure. Despite the fact that agricultural production rose by 28 percent during the 1990s, per capita output rose by only 8.5 percent during the same decade. Consequently, agriculture has not been able to keep pace with Nigeria’s rapid population growth as evident in the sad reality that Nigeria, which once exported food, now relies heavily on imports to sustain itself. Contented in its newly found oil wealth, succeeding governments in the country simply allowed investment in agriculture to decline to a ridiculous state. The prospect of the sector, nevertheless, still reflects in its being accountable for over 26.8% of GDP and two-thirds of employment in the country.

To reverse the trend, budgetary allocation for the agricultural sector must first and foremost be increased. As against the United Nations specified 10% of annual budgetary allocation, what we budget for agriculture in recent

time is just around 3 %. When one considers the fact that we have not been able to achieve full budget implementation, in the last twelve years, then the precarious state of agriculture will better be appreciated.

Second, the communication gap between farmers and policy implementers need to be bridged.

In most cases, the policy implementers don’t really carry the farmers along in the process of policy implementation. This, perhaps, is responsible for the inability of subsidized fertilizers and loans from the government and its agencies to get to the reach of the real farmers who are in dire need of it.

Third, governments in the southern part of the country should begin to embrace large scale mechanized farming. This, aside helping to enhance food security will assist in tackling the monstrous question of unemployment in the country.

Nigeria’s growing unemployment is a major concern as the figures increasingly suggest dwindling potentials. Official figures from the Bureau of Statistics puts this figure at about 20% (about 30million), but this figure still did not include about 40million other Nigerian youths captured in World Bank statistics in 2009. By implication, it means that if Nigeria’s population is 140 million, then 50% of

Nigerians are unemployed, or worse still, at least 71% of Nigerian youths are unemployed. This is particularly disturbing and counterproductive because at least 70% of the population of this country are youths.

The agriculture sector is one area where governments across the country could resourcefully provide huge employment opportunities for the people. Interestingly, the Lagos State government is already moving in this direction with its Marine Agriculture Development Programme for Accelerated Fish Production. Till date, the programme has created over 6000 direct jobs and over 35,000 jobs indirectly to cage manufacturers, fingerlings producers, feed millers and sales, fish marketers , processors and storage amongst others with the possibility of specialization. The Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate which has been fully subscribed is currently producing at 70% of its capacity. An average of 3,000 Tones of fresh fish was produced annually from the Estate with over 400 jobs created directly and over 100,000 jobs indirectly.

The Rice for Job initiative has equally successfully offered employment opportunities for over 5000 youths that are currently engaged in rice cultivation and sales across the state. In same vein, the AGRIC-YES initiative, designed to produce first class entrepreneurial elite farmers, is a three phased

“It is sad today that Nigeria is no longer a major exporter of cocoa, groundnuts, rubber, and palm oil. Ironically, these were the produce that the nation’s founding fathers built the prosperity of the country upon.”

would soon be unmasked are already culpable of crimes against humanity. Your brief, I suppose, is to eliminate the threat and keep this geographical entity united.

My new NSA I am quite sure, that you are conversant with the American template since you were in Ibrahim Babangida’s regime that tried it once. The American template is that Nigerian government would need to completely overhaul the security and intelligence structures and institutions to accommodate the emergence of these institutions.

It involves the creation of Department of Home Land Security (DHLS), National Guard element (NG), National Internal Security Organisation (NISO) or Internal Security Surveillance element and Counter Terrorist Department (CTU) with units in all states capitals.

Finally, the government that appointed you must go the whole hog and give you all the backing you need to succeed.

Those who floated the idea of local solution should visit the grave yard and count the orphans on the streets of the affected communities. We must say NO to the buccaneers and the carpet baggers who are set to profit from the atrocities of the barbarian warlords in the form of amnesty bonanza.

Commander Lawson (rtd) wrote from Lagos. intervention programme that has so far produced over 3,000 elite farmers in the state. Equally through the state’s greening programme, a total number of 12,000 people are directly employed while the cleaning exercise has generated over 6000 jobs.

Consequently, southern governments need to recreate a modernized professional and commercial farming sector, supported by improved infrastructure and research into high performance seeds and livestock. To encourage the teeming army of un-employed youths in the country to take to agriculture, government should make access to loans meant for agriculture much easier while large scale farming powered by mechanized infrastructures should be the central goal.

Equally, local food production needs to be encouraged by making inputs available, giving farmers access to more farm land, providing micro credit at subsidized cost, supporting adequate processing and storage, providing market facilities, and discouraging import of produce with local substitutes through tariffs. It is also important that a significant portion of the country’s annual budget be set aside for the development of the sector. This can be achieved if government reduces its expenses on ventures that are grossly un-productive.

With an array of vastly available agricultural friendly land, southern states, especially those from the south west, need not look further in their bid to address the question of unemployment.

Agriculture remains one major sector that could readily take care of youth restiveness as well as unemployment in the country, if only the various authorities concerned could follow the path of the Israelis, who despite being in a desert area, has a sustainable green agriculture all year round.

The time to start is now!

Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

POLITICS

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

KEBBI POWER STRUGGLE

Dakingari battles Ayuba, Magoro The political climate in Kebbi State may appear crisisfree on the surface, but recent developments in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) clearly point to the contrary, reports Remi Adelowo •Dakingari

•Magoro

•Aliero

F

OR years, relative peace reigned in the Kebbi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But not anymore, as recent events in the ruling party in the North West state points to a disturbing trend that, if not fixed on time, may scuttle the party’s chances in the next governorship polls in 2015.

Dubbed by observers as a battle for political relevance ahead of the 2015 general elections, the major ‘combatants’ for now are pretending that all is well, even as they fortify their arsenal for the battle outcome of which could determine their future political relevance.

Pitched on one side of the divide is the state governor, Saidu Dakingari, in concert with his predecessor, Adamu Aliero, battling other stakeholders, including retired army general- turned senator, Mohammed Magoro, former Senator Tanko Ayuba and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi.

Curiously, the three retired generals appear not to be on the same page in the current crisis, and only fighting the governor for different reasons. Some sources said that Dakingari’s influence in the party must be curtailed before the next elections.

What is Tanko Ayuba’s grouse with Dakingari? The Nation gathered that the crisis of confidence between the hitherto close political allies started when the governor allegedly put the machinery of the state government and the party behind Magoro, a former Minister of Internal Affairs and one time chairman of the oil giant, Oando, at the PDP senatorial primaries, thus truncating Ayuba’s second term aspiration to return to the Senate

last year.

Like a good sportsman, Ayuba was said to have taken his loss in good faith. Left to the retired army general, he had hoped to retire into a quiet private life, while telling his supporters that he had no qualms losing to Magoro, who was far his senior in the military.

But his supporters would have none of this. Some of them had argued that after investing substantially in the party, the governor should nominate him for a juicy appointment at the federal level, a request the governor allegedly agreed to.

While Ayuba, who is also a one-time Minister of Communications, reportedly preferred either a ministerial or federal board appointment, none of these has come his way, as the governor has failed to put forward his name to the Presidency, a development that has polarised the Kebbi State chapter of PDP. And in spite of concerted pressures on him that he should leverage on his closeness to the VicePresident, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who served as a commissioner while he was the Military Governor of Kaduna State in the early 80’s, Ayuba has not changed his stance of ‘leaving his political future in God’s hands.’

As one of his supporters puts it, “That’s Ayuba for you; he would never lobby for favours from anybody. As a senator from 2007-2011, he refused to lobby the Senate President, David Mark, who was in the Army Signals Corps with him, in order to chair any major committee. The best he got was as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, where he served for only two years.”

“Dakingari and Aliero have come a long way. They have been friends from their days in the Customs where they rose to the position of Assistant Comptrollers-General.

It was not for nothing that Aliero backed Dakingari to succeed him in 2007.”

For Senator Magoro, sources said he is not comfortable with the governor’s new-found closeness with ex-Governor Adamu Aliero, who had decamped from the PDP to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) after his failure to secure the PDP senatorial ticket for Kebbi Central in 2011.

It would be recalled that shortly after the death of exPresident Umaru Yar’Adua, who was the governor’s fatherin-law in 2009, Aliero was dropped as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by President Goodluck Jonathan, and he was alleged to have accused Dakingari of ‘sacrificing him’ to enable him (Dakingari) secure a second term in office.

In his desperation to ward off the opposition from Aliero and CPC, the governor allegedly teamed up with the likes of Magoro and Ayuba, who readily provided their support and against earlier permutations by political observers, won a second term in office.

But it did not take long before the governor and Aliero made up. Providing an insight into what led to the truce, a source said, “both of them (Dakingari and Aliero) have come a long way. They have been friends from their days in the Customs where they rose to the position of Assistant Comptrollers-General. It was not for nothing that Aliero backed Dakingari to succeed him in 2007.”

The case of Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi may also not be unconnected to his side lined in the affairs of the state allegedly by the governor. Though he has remained largely apolitical, Bamaiyi has rendered support to many elected politicians in the state at the local and federal levels.

Now the big question is: When would these major political stakeholders in Kebbi State resolve their differences? Only time will tell.

20

F

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Politics

OR years, only suppressed complaints confirmed the battle between states and local government councils across the country. Today, that concealed power tussle between the second and third tiers of government has finally come to a head in Imo state, as Owelle Rochas Okorocha-led State government is pitched in a decisive battle against the 27 elected council chairmen, who he sacked when he assumed office as governor.

The aggrieved chairmen, all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had first headed to the high court to regain their positions. Not satisfied with the ruling of the court, they approached the Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State capital.

On Thursday, July 5, 2012, the Court of Appeal, headed by Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, in its ruling on the matter, dismissed the dissolution of the councils as illegal, null and void and of no effect and subsequently ordered the council bosses to go back to their offices.

But instead of restoring the embattled chairmen as directed, Okorocha decided to drag the matter up to the Supreme Court.

So, as the council chairmen make desperate attempts to re-occupy their offices as ordered by the appeal court, the stage was set for a possible confrontation between them and agents of the state government, who would not hear of it.

To avoid the brewing crisis, the state government was advised by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Bello Adoke, to first obey the ruling of the Court of Appeal, but state government officials curtly asked him to keep his counsel.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Soronadi Njoku, in a press statement early that day insisted that the council chairmen must stay away from office as the state government had filed an appeal to the Supreme Court against the said judgment.

The appeal, according to him, had been served on the counsel to the appellants, Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), on the same 5th day of 2012.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State Chapter, called the bluff of that argument, warning that it has begun the moves to ensure that the 27 reinstated council chairmen in the state regained their seats.

This was made known by the state chairman of the party, Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), while briefing reporters in Owerri. According to him, the leadership would formally move to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Chris Dega, to present him a copy of the court judgment so as to allow the reinstated council chairmen occupy their various positions in the council headquarters.

Njoku had argued that Okorocha, in accordance with the law and rules of court, had filed a motion of notice for stay of execution of the judgment, even as the council chairmen had equally been served.

But the Attorney-General had explained that the motion for stay of execution, although duly filed and served had not been heard and determined and so is a pending process before a court of competent jurisdiction.

It was on the basis of this that security officials are aiding the council chairmen to regain their positions. However, Njoku openly faulted what state govern-

Travails of LG councils As the final scene of the current battle between Governor Rochas Okorocha and 27 elected local council chairmen in Imo State unfolds at the Supreme Court, Sam Egburonu, Emma Mgbeahurike in Owerri and Nwanosike Onu in Awka report that the travails of local councils in the hands of governors across the country can no longer be ignored

• Okorocha

•

ment officials described as moves by the Commissioner of Police in the state to overrun the 27 local government councils for the purpose of installing the council chairmen acting pursuant to the “order of the Inspector General of Police.”

While contending that the state government is not in any breech of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Njoku said that advising the state government to obey the court order in the prevailing circumstance is more like

playing politics with the law of the land.

In the face of these disagreements, the chairmen were that day ushered into their respective offices amidst tight security provided by mobile policemen and sundry personal security aides.

There was no fatal fracas that day, mainly because of some temporary measures. For example, the Imo State government, aware that the time bomb could be detonated easily in the given scenario, tactically declared a three-

B

Anambra’s elusive co

Y December 5, 2012, it would be 14 years since local government election was last conducted in Anambra State. That grassroots election was conducted on December 5, 1998, under the supervision of a military government.

The tenure of the chairmen elected then expired in 2002 when Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was in office as governor. Since then, the 21 council areas in the state had transmitted from one caretaker committee to the other.

As a result, both citizens and political parties, desirous of dividends of democracy at the third tier of government, had become restless, accusing different state governments, past and present, of insensitivity.

Presently, all the political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), are accusing the incumbent administration, led by Mr. Peter Obi, of playing hide-and-seek over the conduct of local government area election in the state.

In fact, this has become a subject of litigation as some aggrieved political parties and individuals had taken on the state government.

Ironically, the state government has also claimed that the court cases instituted against it by individuals and parties had made it difficult for it to conduct council polls. Governor Obi pointedly argued that “if anybody wants local government election to be conducted in this state, those cases in

•Adoke

court should be vacated, this government cannot go against the law of the land.”

It was in November 2004, during the administration of now Senator Chris Ngige, that the last genuine effort to conduct local government election in the state was made. But it was frustrated.

Arrangement for the elections had been concluded with voters’ registers and other materials reportedly ready before the office of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) was suddenly set ablaze by political rascals.

After the exit of Ngige, through a Court of Appeal ruling in 2006, Obi mounted the saddle of leadership and since then it has been one unfulfilled promise after another, notwithstanding that in his maiden speech to the people of the state, he had assured them of conducting local government election within the last quarter of the year.

The assurance could not materialise as Obi was illegally impeached by the then lawmakers which brought his deputy then, Dame Virgy Etiaba, on the saddle.

Before Etiaba could take any decision on the issue, Obi had fought his way back to the governorship seat and maintained his assurance of conducting council polls in the state.

When he assumed office, the

•Belgore

day holiday for staff of local governments, an approach that kept many of them away that crucial day and thus helped to avert possible breakdown of law and order. As the holiday ends, it is yet to be seen how the time bomb would be permanently detonated with minimal damage.

Aside Imo State, many other states do not have democratically elected local councils, a situation that has enabled state governors to run the councils of the local government areas in their states

with appointed caretaker committees.

In fact, only about 10 states, out of the 36 states currently have elected councils in place. Among the governors that consistently conducted local government elections include Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Sullivan Chime of Enugu State.

Some governors have indeed perfected schemes to frustrate calls for democratically elected local councils.

•Obi

•Mbadinuju

then chairman of ANSIEC, Chief Cornel Umeh, was removed from office which raised a lot of dust in the state from political parties and individuals as they claimed his removal was unconstitutional.

The embattled chairman of the commission went to court to challenge the decision while remaining in office. It dragged on until his tenure expired and the seat became vacant.

Earlier, Umeh was accused of being Ngige’s relation, which ac-

cording to some stakeholders, made him a card-carrying member of one of the political parties.

Following the expiration of Umeh’s tenure, Obi took time before announcing the composition of a new ANSIEC board with Prof.

Titus Eze as the chairman.

When Obi was making his speech after the inauguration, he described Eze as the ideal candidate for the position.

However, it did not take time before the state government began

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012 In Anambra State, for example, this practice has been carried out for about 14 years, leading to general outcry and protests. Other states where local councils have been governed through appointed transition councils include, Oyo, Ogun, Kogi, Osun, Akwa Ibom, amongst others. In Oyo state, the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led executive has blamed the state House of Assembly for the delay in conducting council elections.

The executive said the House delayed in responding to the list of proposed membership of the proposed state electoral commission.

In Ogun state, where caretaker committee members held sway for some months, the Senator Ibukunle Amosun-led state government has finally prepared the electoral organ for the local government election this weekend.

In Kogi State however, where there is a State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), the government has given excuses why it could not conduct council polls.

First, it was gathered that SIEC was yet to come up with an election time table. So, directors of personnel of local governments in the state have been in charge of the local government councils as acting chairmen.

Government sources also claimed that Idris Wada’s administration was held back by the way the former governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, left office and by a recent judgment of a state High Court which ruled that constituting caretaker committees or sole administrators was illegal.

The alleged verdict, given in a suit filed by Alhaji Haddi Ametu of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), according to government officials, also prevented the Ayo Abraham-led SIEC from acting.

In Nasarawa State, criticism against Governor Umaru AlMakura’s failure to conduct local government elections peaked last month, when some activists, including a Jos–based legal practitioner, Gideon Kuttu, warned him to conduct council elections in the state before July 25 or face legal

Politics 21

action. A Lafia High Court, presided over by Justice Badamasi Maina, had earlier heard a suit between a former governorship candidate of Labour Party in 2007 elections, Samson Abimiku and two others against Nasarawa government. Such criticism came even as Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA) reportedly asked the governor to account for about N2.3billion Joint state and local government accounts.

Search for solution The flood of response that greeted Senate’s recent call for memorandum for amendment of 1999 constitution was revealing.

The Nation’s findings show that the rate at which respondents emphasised the need to review the current dilemma of the third tier confirmed reports that calls to free local government councils from the clutches of states can no longer be ignored Participants at the recent Senate retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the travails of local governments in the hands of state governors were matters of great concern.

Also worried by the trend, the House of Representatives recently passed a resolution, urging state governments that have failed to conduct local government elections to quickly do so and ensure that democratically elected officials take over from appointed caretaker committee members. As at that time, over 20 states out of the 36 states did not have democratically elected local councils and there appeared to be no sign that the state governments were ready to conduct such elections.

The House therefore said such states were breaching Section 7 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), warning that if not checked such illegality could turn the country into a lawless state.

The Presidency is not left out.

The presidential committee on the review of constitutional conferences on the amendment of the country’s constitution, while submitting its report to President

ve council polls

•Ngige

to find faults with the former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), and those faults culminated in his removal by the State House of Assembly.

Besides, other individuals and political parties, including members of Obi’s party, APGA, had dragged the state government to court, urging them to give reasons why democracy is suffering at the grassroots.

The Anambra State Association of Chairmanship and Coun-

cillorship Aspirants (ANACA) with other coalition groups in the state had also been kicking against non conduct of council polls.

Some of them had taken their protests to the Government House in Awka and the State House of Assembly complex.

The Nation gathered that the sour relationship existing between Obi and the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, is as a result of Umeh’s alleged insistence on the need to conduct local government election.

But sources said ANSIEC has set up a committee for the screening of candidates of political parties for the election though critics dismissed it as a mere smoke screen.

The screening committee is headed by a clergy, Monsignor Jerome Madueke. Other members of the committee, according to the commissioner in charge of the commission, Hon Sylvester Okonkwo, included, Joseph Uko, Dr Mbanefo Onyeka, Princess Adaeze Nnaemezie, while the secretary is Ben Uzorka.

Also, included in the committee are representatives of the State Police Command, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Board of Internal Revenue, whose duty •Continued on Page 22

Goodluck Jonathan, had called for “an independent, incorruptible and stabilising local government system, through democratically elected process.”

The Chairman of the committee, retired Justice Alfa Belgore, said a sound local government is needed to deepen the principles of democracy and sound management at the grassroots.

While receiving the report, President Goodluck Jonathan commended the committee “for paying attention to the local government administration.”

He described the commitment of the people at the grassroots as “the greatest asset of democracy.”

Whether the governors, who seem to be the greatest beneficiaries of this power game, view it in the same light remain to be seen.

Investigations indicate that some of the state governments intentionally delayed conduct of LG elections in their areas while only few could be said to be truly handicapped by litigations and other problems that may have combined to make it difficult to either set up or empower state electoral commissions for such elections.

Appeal court’s verdict

T

HE Court of Appeal ruled: “It is hereby declared that pursuant to section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and section 23 (1) of the Local Government Administration Law No: 15 of 2000 (amended), the 2 nd Respondent had no competence or power, either by himself or through any person acting on his behalf to dissolve democratically elected local government councils in Imo State in which, the claimants are chairmen, through the 2 nd Respondent’s maiden broadcast to the Imo people made on 6th June, 2011".

“It is hereby declared that pursuant to section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and section 23(1) of the Local Government Administration Law No: 15 of 2000 (amended), the 2nd Respondent had no competence or power to set up or constitute Transition Committees to replace the Appellants who were respectively the democratically elected chairmen of the 27 local government councils in Imo state.

“It is hereby declared that by virtue of the provisions of Section 23 (1)of the Local Government Administration Law N.15 of 2000 (as amended), the Appellants have a guaranteed tenure of the office as democratically elected chairmen commencing from the date of inauguration on 9th August, 2010”.

“It is also hereby declared that the Appellants area still the democratically elected chairmen of their respective local government councils until their tenure of office expires.

“The 2nd Respondent by himself, his servants, agents, privies or whomsoever are hereby restrained from interfering with the rights and privileges of the Appellants as democratically elected chairmen of the 27 Local Government Councils of Imo State and or appointing persons or constituting transition committees to take over the offices of the Appellant or to replace them until they serve out their tenure.

That is the judgment of the court”.

Political

ripples Between Aliyu and Yahaya

W

•Aliyu

ITHIN the political and gov ernment circles in Niger State today, the fear of Professor Mohammed Yahaya is said to be the beginning of wisdom for many politicians and civil servants. A former Secretary to the State Government before Governor Babangida Aliyu appointed him as his Chief of Staff, Yahaya is regarded by many as the most powerful man, who allegedly determines who gets what, when and how in the North Central state.

Yahaya’s closeness to the governor may have fuelled speculations in the state that he is being prepared for the governorship seat in 2015, a development which may pitch the governor against some powerful retired generals in the state who have a different game plan for the 2015 race.

Would power shift to Delta North in 2015?

W

OULD Delta North zone produce the next gover nor of Delta State in 2015 for the first time in the history of the state? This is the big question on the lips of major political stakeholders in the oil-rich state at the moment.

The first democratically elected governor of the state after its creation in 1991 was Chief Felix Ibru from Delta South who ruled for two years.

In 1999, the zone retained the seat for eight years through their representative, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

The current governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure commenced in 2007 and will lapse in 2015. He hails from Delta Cen•Uduaghan tral.

Presently, there are agitations that Delta North must be allowed to feel the plum seat in 2015 in the interest of equity and justice. Among some candidates from the zone that a lot of people are already looking at include the incumbent Senator representing the zone at the National Assembly, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

But would the powers-that-be in the state back the dream when the chips are down? 2015 will surely tell.

As Okorocha resurrects presidential ambition

T

HE recent interview granted a national daily (not The Nation) by the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, where he was quoted as saying that he has not jettisoned his age-long presidential ambition is presently creating ripples within his party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Short of saying that he was not satisfied with the state of affairs in APGA, the governor’s comments is •Okorocha being interpreted by analysts as a subtle confirmation of the role he may be angling to play in the future permutations of APGA. But with Okorocha coming on the scene, there have been insinuations that he may not to be on the same page with Governor Peter Obi, not only on this issue of presidential ambition but also on how to reposition APGA for the political battles ahead.

While he has completely ruled out a return to his former party, PDP, it is almost certain that Okorocha may be planning to contest for the president under APGA either in 2015 or 2019. So, where does this leave Obi, the long time major sponsor of APGA, who is also rumoured to be eyeing the plum seat at the centre in the near future?

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Politics

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

sundaynation@yahoo.com (08023165410 sms

Persons on the podium

•Asuquo

ANPP will take over Cross River in 2015 Etubom Nya Asuquo is a founding member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Cross River State.

In this interview with Nicholas Kalu in Calabar, he says he is sure the party will wrestle power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in 2015.

Y

OU left the ANPP, of which you are a founding member, for Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and now you are back. What informed your decision?

As you know, General Muhamadu Buhari was a bonafide member of the ANPP and because of my personal respect for him, I followed him to CPC to give him as much support as I can in his presidential aspirations. But when he made a public statement that he would no longer contest in

future as president, the reasons for moving with him from ANPP to CPC no longer existed. I therefore decided to go back to the party of which I am a foundation member. I have been a member of ANPP from inception and I think I can still contribute meaningfully in its development.

On the 22 nd of August 2011, I resigned from the CPC and went back to the ANPP. And the national chairman of the ANPP, Ogbonaya Onu, appointed me as a member of the ANPP

national caucus. So, I want my political supporters to know that from that 22 nd August, I have been a member of ANPP and I am working closely with the national chairman to reposition the party for future successes.

As at 1999, the ANPP was almost controlling all of Cross River. They were almost at par with the PDP. But at the moment, ANPP is almost moribund in the state. What are you going to do about this?

That is why I am coming back. I am coming back to make sure that the ANPP that you knew of yesterday is brought back, not only in the state but in the country.

My coming back will entail serious mobilisation and motivation and I am sure most of our members who for one reason or the other left, knowing that I have come back will also want to come back.

I am not even looking at it as an opposition party, I am looking at a situation that ANPP will win Cross River State in 2015.

How do you intend to rebuild the party to bring back its lost glory in Cross River

State?

Luckily, some of us have integrity. Luckily, people know us by our antecedents and they know that we are serious in whatever we do and whatever we say we shall do. And politics in Nigeria became a jungle where the different parties engaged in the purchase of opposition members, but that is no longer becoming fanciful.

And as soon as rigging of elections can be stopped in Nigeria, most of these socalled ruling parties will not be able to win, because they have been winning by rigging not by popular support.

A case in point is where it has recently happened in Edo State. The landslide was so much that anybody could see that the tide has changed and what has been able to make that tide possible is because rigging was reduced to the barest minimum. So, we believe that a trend is emerging in the country, where rigging will no longer be fanciful and as a result of that, the so-called opposition parties will be able to compete favourably with government parties. So, this is the time to start reinvigorating such parties.

We are going to reorganize the party. When we talk of reorganisation, we are talking about it in terms of a holistic manner, so we shall soon cross the bridge and you shall see a vibrant ANPP operating in the state, from the point of view of leadership and followership.

Anambra’s elusive council polls •Continued from Page 21 is to check the tax receipts of the candidates.

One of the commission’s commissioners, Hon Sylvester Okonkwo, told The Nation that all the forms and posters for the election had been designed.

He said those speculating that the state will not conduct any local govern-

ment election are making mistakes, adding that voters registers for 17 council areas are ready.

He said the commission has been able to save millions of naira from the funds already released by Obi. According to him, the state government has given the commission everything it requires for a successful conduct of local government election.

Furthermore, Okonkwo said if there were no plans for the polls as is being speculated in some quarters, Obi would not have released funds to the commission for procurement of materials.

“We are producing over 20,000 of voter education manuals for the electorate to know their dos and don’ts; we are equally producing over

14,000 manuals for Poll clerks, returning officers and their assistants among others, for them to study and know the nittygritty of elections,” he said.

However, it is left for the state government and ANSIEC to determine whether the much-awaited council polls would be conducted in the state before the expiration of Obi’s tenure.

Persons on the political podium this week will include President Goodluck Jonathan, Ms Arunma Oteh, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and Prof. Attahiru Jega.

Mr. President will most likely be a subject of discussion, following his recent claims that his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be credited for sustaining and helping to grow Nigeria’s democracy.

Already, informed stakeholders and opposition political parties had challenged such claims, saying the opposite should be the case. For example, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in a statement signed by its National Publicity •Jonathan Secretary, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, said “Were it left for the PDP, this democracy as we know it would have become history.” The matter will continue to generate passionate reactions during the week. *Ms. Oteh, whose suspension and recent recall as the Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have continued to generate controversy, will be another major topic of political discussion this week, especially as some House of Representatives members are insisting on her outright removal. For informed observers, the discussion may centre on the hidden reasons for Arunma’s current experience. Is this Amazon a victim of political or professional miscalculations or has Oteh corruption anything to do with this matter?

Developments this week will determine the answer and perhaps Oteh’s fate. *Since the Senate and House of Representatives have officially acknowledged receipt of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) from the Presidency and are poised to do their works after the vacation, the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, will be on the podium from this week until the bill is finally •Alison-Madueke passed into law. *Professor Jega’s INEC will be a subject of discussion; following the recent revelation at the Senate that it will take some time before Nigerians living abroad would be eligible to vote in general elections. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Andy Uba, after submitting the committee’s session report said: “Right now, there are no records of Nigerians in the embassies. Most of them arrive there illegally and this is a problem. We are trying to ensure that we get all the records of Nigerians living abroad. It is then we can begin to consider it.”

Taking cognizance of Nigeria’s record in the area of statistics, Nigerians at home and in Diaspora are bound to react to this revelation this week.

•Jega

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

23

Five minutes of ‘Hell’ —PAGE 24

SWAMPED Nigeria struggles with her numbers

Nigeria’s population is fast rising, leading many to ask whether there are enough resources to go round the teeming numbers.

Joe Agbro Jr. and Esther Mohammed look at the issues

“

Nigerian women are having too many of these children and at very high risks to themselves. Many women are getting pregnant and giving births to children at very young ages, very much below 18 years (children who should be in school)

T

“

HE Bible in Genesis 9:7 says, “Go ye into the world and multiply.”

This injunction by God mandated the children of Israel to procreate massively. This creed was shared not only

by Israelites and Christians but people all over the world. It was like a rush to populate the earth. According to Geolive.com, a website which tracks global population, from a population of about 31,796,939 in 1950, Nigeria is currently ranked seventh largest country with a population of about 167million people and a daily increase of 11,262 This boom compared with the deployment of resources surely raises cause for alarm. Poverty and unemployment are on the high and the

• Jonathan

number of Nigerians living on less than a dollar a day has reached an alarming point.

There is hunger in the land, overcrowding has now become the norm in suburbs of cities such as Lagos, Kano, Port-Harcourt, and it is not rare to find families squeezing in rooms, sharing kitchens, toilets, and bathrooms. Classrooms in many public

schools burst at the seams and infrastructure do not seem to go around.

Nigeria not over-populated?

However, the newly appointed chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Festus Odimegwu, is positive that despite the country’s population growth, Nigerians can still live a good life. According to him; “The

important thing is having the resources to make people live a good life. Good living is not determined by the population but by so many other things. If some countries have large populations and are living well, Nigerians can also have good lives.”

But, considering the realities on ground, if drastic steps are not taken, the “good life” might just remain Utopian for many. The reason – the number of Nigerians wanting the good life is stretching the country’s capacity to provide it.

However, on the occasion of the World Population Day this year, the global community is concerned over how citizens can live the good life. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon in expressing his concern said, “Multiple crises – food, fuel and financial – have caused significant suffering and served as a wake-up call about the need to pay far more attention to the building blocks of sustainable development. Reproductive health is an indispensable part of the sustainable development equation. Women and young people who are in good health, and who have the power and means to make their own decisions about how many children to have — and when to have them — are better able to contribute to the development of their societies.

“Yet only one in three rural women in developing countries receives adequate care during pregnancy.

Teenage •Continued on Page 57

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Life

TRAVELOGUE

T

HE journey from Lagos to Ore was smooth. So was the one from Ore, Okitipupa, Igbokoda to Ugboland.

The situation, however, changed as I arrived at the Ugboland seashore in Ilaje Local Government Area.

Immediately I saw a row of canoes, little children, and mothers with babies strapped on their backs as well as toddlers in the rickety canoes, I developed goose pimples!

I glanced at the Atlantic Ocean. It looked in awe. The water was murky and looks still.

Suddenly the bubbles blew at me with strong waves. I gave a heavy sigh.

I cast a look at the canoes berthing at the river banks. At this juncture, I remembered my family. I looked at the sky, and shook my head. I quickly remembered some of my good and two –faced friends who are like the Greek Janus. I remembered those who had offended me and I forgave them all. I remembered the Lord’s prayer that we should forgive all our debtors. I remembered the good jokes and the nice times we’ve had together. Different thoughts flooded my mind. I now appreciated that life is sweet.

Developing cold feet But now it is either head or tail. Yes, it is either success or failure. I told my professional colleague and childhood friend, Jide Tububo [aka Modulo]who accompanied me, that we should turn back, but he insisted and said, “Taiye, no going back!’’.

I then remembered Alexander the Great, the Macedonian King who during the Peloponnesian War went to break the bridge and told his soldiers that there was no going back, he asked them to summon courage and fight gallantly. His troops eventually won the war.

To boost my confidence I went to the woman selling local gin (ogogoro) by the seashore and took four to five shots to dwarf my cowardice. I called a number of my close family members, colleagues and friends to inform them about friends precarious journey I was embarking upon.

I then jump into the canoe.

As the sea man started the engine, I became a born- again Christian. In a jiffy, I started reciting Psalms 23, 16, and 91 as my wife had instructed me on phone. At this point, I knew the value of a wife and a woman in a man’s life. I begged God for forgiveness. I then remembered that it had been long I went to church. I now believed there is a place called hell! I soliloquised like a mad man and other passengers on board the rickety canoe began to stare at me. I was beyond caring.

In the middle of nowhere It was clear to all my copassengers that I was new in the area. I sat down glued to my seat with my mouth shut. The canoe left the shore slowly, I then remembered that I had no life jacket on! I demanded for one, and all the other passengers burst into laughter. I realised I was doing the first thing last!

Now in the middle of the deep blue sea I could see and feel the sea waves and the splashing water and its foam. When the boat kept on speeding, bouncing and tilting sideways, I turned into a ‘prayer warrior’ and started to speak in tongues. In my confusion I sang Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption song’. The lyrics

• L-R: Jide Tububo, Taiwo Abiodun, the reporter, praying with other passengers in the canoe

Five minutes in ‘Hell’ Taiwo Abiodun who recently visited Aiyetoro town in Ondo State writes about his frightening experience travelling on choppy .waters

• Seashore at Aiyetoro began to echo in my mind “Old pirates, Yes they robbed I, sold I to the merchant ships, minutes after they took I from the bottomless pit, but my hand was made strong by the hand of the Almighty ........the songs of freedom”.....As another boat sped by and rocked the one I was travelling in my heart skipped the more. I burst into another song: “Oh, please don’t you rock my boat, don’t rock my boat, ‘cause I don’t want my boat to

PHOTO: TAIWO ABIODUN be rocking ......”

I looked backward and saw the torrents of water moving slowly. I looked sideways and saw another vast volume of water. At the front it was endless water. I again remembered the late Afro beat King Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s song : Trouble sleep, yanga go wake am. I asked myself why I courted trouble by suggesting I’ll do the story of Aiyetoro in the first place!

Then the engine stopped abruptly on the sea, and I screamed “I am in trouble.’’ But nobody blinked an eye. At this juncture, I remembered the last words of Jesus Christ on the cross, “It is finished”. I looked at my wrist watch and asked to know when we would get to our destination, which I had been told would not last more than five minutes. Nobody answered me.

I was like a moron. The canoe

driver started the engine again and we sped off. We eventually berthed at 6.59pm and I shouted hallelujah!

As I made effort to jump out of the boat and land on the sea shore I almost fell back into the river but I quickly held unto a pole. I ran out and was free. On landing at the shore I went on a drinking binge to celebrate my safe arrival.

Later in the night while discussing with some youths, they warned us that we should have put on life jackets as many people had drowned While travelling on the sea. On hearing this I could not sleep throughout the night, I was busy contemplating the risks I’d put myself through.

I remembered the late D.O Fagunwa, the foremost Yoruba novelist, whom I have written a lot about, and the story of how he fell into Rivers Niger in Bida.

I thought of my family members again across the Atlantic Ocean.

I thought of my friends, colleagues and all our jokes.

Goodbye to all that The next day I had my bath as early as 5am and went out again to have some shots of local gin to suppress my fear. I fell into a pool of water and wondered whether it was a signal of things to come on the return journey. To boost my confidence, I tried to lighten my mood by casting my mind back to sweet memories of the office and the jokes we always cracked. I remembered Patience Saduwa, a colleague in the office whom I use to tease. She always tells me that if I wanted to marry her I should go and swim through River Ethiope in Delta State. I thought of the people living in riverine areas, and those in Lagos who pass through Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge on a daily basis or those who travel by canoe but cannot swim.

We sailed again at Ugboland and I became happy.

I started ruminating over many things: What if I had drowned? What will be written about me? Since my return from Aiyetoro town, I have been having sleepless nights, contemplating the great risk I took by crossing the sea without life jackets.

I marvel at the poverty and underdevelopment that are common on this island and wondered where the billions of oil money had gone to. Looking at the poverty and rot that pervade the land, I now know why Adaka Boro and Ken SaroWiwa fought for their people.

The federal government is drilling oil from these communities yet nothing get back to them in return.

As the canoe left the shore, I remembered that I forgot my cell phone charger in the hotel room but I was not in a mood to return there. I decided to forego the charger and buy another one. Even if I forgot my Blackberry and the latest ipad, I was not in a mood to go back to retrieve them.

When the sad news of the drowning of the three policemen and INEC officials was reported last week, I felt sorry for them. It could have been me. My heart goes to their families. But beyond this, governments at all levels must focus attention on the safety of water transportation system in the country.

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012 •Continued from Page 55

pregnancies are still commonplace in most parts of the world, often driven by poverty and a lack of education. More than 200 million women and adolescent girls have no access to contraceptives. And voluntary family planning programmes are starved for resources almost everywhere.”

In an email interview, Charity Ibeawuchi, Advocacy Advisor of Nigeria Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), a nongovernmental organisation aimed at increasing family planning services, said “some of the problems of the country are population related.”

She also said, “Women play a very important role in population in all its ramifications... The woman gets pregnant and gives birth to new life for the population and society to grow. Fertility is strongly linked to population growth. The total fertility rate (TFR) for Nigeria is 5.7 children (National Demographic and Health Survey, 2008 report). This means that on the average a Nigerian woman is having an average of six children in her life time. This high fertility rate directly contributes to the rapid growth of the population too.”

She, however, highlighted the problems involved as; “Nigerian women are having too many of these children and at very high risks to themselves. Many women are getting pregnant and giving births to children at very young ages, very much below 18 years (children who should be in school); many are getting pregnant too closely together (less than two years intervals) and too frequently to their detriment. This is why Nigeria is recording very high maternal mortality ratio of 545 deaths per 100,000 live births. It is as high as 1,000 deaths/100,000 live births in many rural parts of Nigeria! When a mother dies, the likely survival of her newborn is very low. In effect the population of Nigeria is growing rapidly at the expense of her women.

“Fully addressing the reproductive health and family planning needs of the Nigerian women will enhance the role of the woman in the family. Educating the girl-child is also another way to improve the health and survival of the woman. The educated woman will seek the information and will be empowered enough to be healthy, help her children and family to be healthy and be in a better position to manage her fertility more productively.”

Ibeawuchi calls on government to view population management as a critical component of national development, adding that the NPC should be strengthened to make it meet the needs of the modern time.

According to her, there is the need to invest resources in critical interventions that will help the citizens become aware of the benefits of educating and retaining their girl children in schools, quality reproductive health and family planning information and services (couples’ choice of family planning must be informed and voluntary). The faulted the decision to legislate or make pronouncements about the number of children a family must have.

A booming population In China and India, two countries with the highest population of about two billion and 1.5 billion people respectively, birth control has been a focal point for regulating population. China has a ‘one man one child’ policy.

In India, there has been a tilt towards having male children with some mothers aborting female

Taking advantage of high population

• How many babies are enough

•Odimegwu

•UNFPA Boss, Babatunde Osotimehin

foetuses when a scan reveals a girl.

Back home, government’s role at stemming population explosion has been minimal. In 1988, military president Ibrahim Babangida had advocated for an ideal family structure comprising a father, mother, and four children.

And in June, President Goodluck Jonathan dropped the hint that the government was thinking of regulating family size, up to the point of drafting a law. But, in many traditional African settings, asking a man the number of children he had was considered taboo. Hence, a lot of Nigerians considered it antithetical for government institutions to interfere in regulating the number of children a family can have.

President Jonathan, while directing the NPC to advocate on birth control, said; “For us to plan properly, we must manage our population, but it is extremely sensitive, we are extremely religious people, either you are a Christian or Muslim.

“Both Christians and Muslims and even traditionalists believe that children are God’s

gifts to man, so it is difficult for you to tell any Nigerian to limit the number of their children because they are gifts from God. It is a very sensitive thing but we must begin to think about it. We must begin to think about how we manage it.”

One way which developed countries have used to stabilise their population is through the use of contraceptives. But this strategy becomes a challenge in developing countries.

According to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA); “Unmet need for modern contraceptives among women who want to avoid pregnancy is much higher in some regions than others. In Western Africa, Middle Africa, Eastern Africa and Western Asia, the proportion of women in need of contraception who have unmet need for modern methods ranges from 50% to 81%, compared with 34% in South Asia and 22% in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Given that Nigeria has the highest population in Africa, it follows that more

25

women would be in this unfortunate bracket of lacking modern contraception. According to UNFPA, the cost of this contraceptive care in the developing world in 2012 is valued at $4.0 billion. In Nigeria, with the budget allocated to health put at N283billion, funding reproductive health becomes a challenge.

Also, the two major religions (Christianity and Islam) in the country frown against artificial birth control, preferring to advocate the use of natural methods such as withdrawal, planning safe sex based on a woman’s ovulation cycle, and abstinence.

An Islamic cleric who resides in Agege, Lagos, Abdulkareem Olabode, was of the opinion that Allah provides for every creature hence, the issue of birth control should not come up. “God cares for everybody,” he said. “The Koran does not allow artificial family planning as it is practised in modern times. No matter how many we are, Allah would still provide for every human being.”

The African culture too places pressure on couples to procreate. But, apart from spurious procreation, the country is also bedevilled by inadequate planning.

Inadequate planning In 1798, an English clergy, Rev Thomas Malthus, prophesied the end of the world via a growing population unmatched by provision of food. Improvement in agricultural methods however ensured more than enough food was produced, this stemmed the theory. But in many developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, the basics – food, shelter, and clothing, are beyond the reach of majority of people. Staple foodstuffs now have to be imported, hence, while things have not got as bad as Malthus prophesied, the country can be said to be on track to a population crisis.

While the issue of population can either be an advantage or disadvantage, according to Mr. Foluso Akinsola, a lecturer in the department of Economics, University of Lagos, Nigeria’s population is being used to a disadvantage.

“There is a way we can use the population of a country to reduce the level of poverty and increase the standard of living of a people,” he said.

“But the truth is that a lot of people are still under this idea of poverty economically, mentally, and socially in all ramifications.

You now discover a lot of us (Nigerians) who depend on family and government.”

He surmised that a huge proportion of the 70 percent of Nigerians between the ages of 16 and 65 are unemployed.

“And when you look at this figure, most of them are still dependent on maybe one uncle somewhere or their parents. You see somebody of 45 years old still living in his parent’s house.”

Using China as a model, Akinsola said, “the reason why China is the way it is is that they are using population to their advantage with a structure that removes more people from poverty. A lot of people are going to China to manufacture because they have a huge market. The only way Nigeria can use her population to her own advantage is to invest heavily in both skilled and unskilled labour.”

Akinsola added that many Nigerians would have been living well if only planning was considered. He said, “One of the things we lack in Nigeria is planning. We don’t have planning for food, shelter and the other basic things... We don’t have long term plans. There is no foresight such that even if there is an emergency, there are things to be done. The reason why developed countries are called developed is because they are developed in their planning... The reason many people are coming to Lagos is that they realise that where they are is not good.

They don’t have good infrastructure, they don’t have good housing. Now, people are flowing into Lagos and looking for houses.

Are we sure they (government) are also planning in Lagos State? So, to avoid overpopulation, we need to adequately plan.”

While for religious reasons, some Nigerians do not engage in contraception, another set do so out of ignorance. But as population grows without attendant growth in resources, the prophecy of Malthus might just come to pass. And as a sociologist once concluded, population is a double-edged sword- a blessing and a curse.

Which of this would it be for Nigeria?

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Your HEALTH THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

T

HE human skin is the largest organ in the body and it does a lot more than simply prevent you from spilling out all over the place. It serves as protection for the internal system and a source of beauty to the vain.

However, in an environment as hot and humid as Nigeria's, it can be a challenge to keep the skin smooth and little bumps off a person's face.

Although acne is a skin condition many people fight, very few actually know the root cause of it.

Shedding light on this health issue, Dr. Eunice Alegbe says, “Pimple is caused by bacterial infection in a hyper-active oil gland which is found at the base of the skin's pore. The infection causes the pore (holes in the skin) to fill up with pus and this in turn raises bumps on the skin. When these bumps keep recurring, we can then officially say that the person has acne.”

Because the cause of acne is really an internal cause, experts say the best way to solve it is also internally and all of the symptoms can be influenced by nutrition and lifestyle choices.

According to Dr. Alegbe, sometimes, all your body needs is the right nutritional balance and proper skin care. Here are some easy things you can start doing

Dealing with acne naturally Acne can be a tremendously embarrassing and burdensome problem for young people to handle.

Rita Ohai writes on ways to tackle this dilemma today to help you heal your acne: Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week - Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and

healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.

Have a bath twice a day with gentle soap - You should wash your face and

Misconceptions about pimples

S

OME people also suffer from acne on the chest and back. In any case the problem is universal and affects all ethnicities and ages.

Here are some common false beliefs people share with regards to acne: · Acne is caused by eating chocolate. · Acne is caused by eating oily, greasy food · You can catch acne from someone

body twice a day with a mild soap. Soaps designed for acne are usually helpful for some people. Once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.

Keep your hair off your face - If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts.

You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts Feast on good food and take a potent multi-vitamin - Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria.

Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A) - Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne?

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production.

This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins.

Avoid wearing makeup Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.

Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples - As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze, scratch, rub or touch your pimples and blackheads. Do any of these actions, it actually increases the sebum production.

Plus, when you squeeze, you are actually rupturing the membranes below your skin, causing infection and sebum to spread underneath your skin. The result is more pimples.

Wash your pillow case every other day - Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil.

Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.

Eat foods rich in zinc - Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. A diet low in zinc can actually cause acne breakouts.

else · The more you wash your face, the less likely you will have acne.

The truth be told that none of the above is a true statement. Acne is simply caused by the glands in the skin producing too much oil. Too much oil is produced because of horomonal changes or some kind of horomonal imbalance.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

My affair in BBA –Goldie –Page 43

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Glamour

Kehinde Falode Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

E-mail: kehinde.falode@thenationonlineng.net

Short skirt for great looking legs

S

HORT skirt never goes out of fashion, and it is the most versatile of all dresses one can have. It is a must for every wardrobe. It can be worn at any time with the right accessories.

Straight, high-waisted, bellshaped, A-line or pleated, short skirts are everywhere and this might be your season to experiment.

•This skirt works for her body frame because it makes her look sexy without being tight

Keep these in mind when buying and wearing your short skirt: •Trendy short skirt

•You have killer legs or at least good looking legs

•Notice the body shape-short skirt has a variety of models and pieces, and you have to adjust to the shape of the body. If you have a body shape like a pear with the big hips, balance it with a model wearing a short skirt A-line cut. But for those who have a straight body, short pencil skirt •Dainty Rose flared would be perfect for you. fashion stylish skirt

Colourblock Bandage short skirt •Sasha-P

•Stylish short skirt in fine rayon stretch blend; directly from Givenchy

•In addition to body shape, you can also describe the style you want to display the model short skirt option. For those who love the feminine style, wearing a short skirt with Peplum detail that is now a trend, feel so right. As for you who want to be the centre of attention, short skirts with a pattern or print a full and colourful will make you look more stylish.

•Also weather should be considered when wearing a short skirt.

•Bess studded stretch-leather mini skirt

•Matthew Willianmson short Twill bubble skirt

•Jason Wu Fan pleat silk skirt

•Always choose a style that fits you perfectly.

Black always looks good provided you wear the right cut and fit. * Lastly, choose the perfect length. Most women agree that a knee-length dress is most versatile for it serves as a multioccasion garment.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Glamour 29

Plus size

affair!

•Adaorah Ukoh

P

LUS size women can rock any style, but the key thing is to pick a fashion tune and work your wardrobe. The most important thing for a plus size woman to do is to construct an image for her. And, while everyone assumes that plus size means plump, big and strong, a lady can actually be a large petite or even a huge petite. Before shopping for clothes, a plus size woman should decide what she wants her image to be. You can wear the highlight gorgeous shoulder and elongated neck with U or V-neck tops and blouses. You also can wear scoop neck tops to lengthen the neck. For the fabric and the size, remember to keep the clothes close to the body. Don’t wear the large clothes, because it will make plus size women appear larger. Don’t wear the baggy clothing, oversized sweaters and athletic wear. You can choose dresses with darts and vertical pinstripes, flared skirt and wide-legged pants that hug your curves and fit snugly without clinging.

•Lepacious Bose

•Mercy Johnson

•Toolz

Fashion tips that help •Eniola Badmus

•Dark colour is better to minimize figure flaws, but it is still possible if you want to wear bright hues too. But do not make it an all-black affair.

•Understand how to create the illusion of dainty.

•Discover which prints and patterns will work for your big frame. E.g stripes •Know how to use colour and match it to your skin and hair tone.

•Learn how to balance your body shape by understandi ng your body symmetry.

•Find out the easy way to effortlessly accessorise.

•Know how to avoid clothes that make you look big.

•Get rid of kaftans and boubou and no baggy pants please.

•Don’t dismiss as a trend only for the column-shaped woma n.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Glamour

•Yvonne Vixen

•A model in Sequined Feather Strapless Sweetheart Sleeveless Short Celebrity Dress

•Goldie

•Tadashi Pewter

•Shingai Shoniwa

•Jewelled clutch in purple

Feathers are the

bomb!

•Coralia Leets Rose and Gold Earrings

A

LTHOUGH we have seen feathers adorning hair and earlobes for some time, there is much more to come. For instance, you might find a strappy sandal with fluffy pink feathers at the toe. In recent time, we saw feathers on dresses, undies and even jackets. If you are a fashionnista and you want to look feathercomplaint this season, rock the look.

Gone are the days when only hats were topped with feathers as women’s styles became more daring and colourful. Feathers are everywhere. So choose something elegant and colourful and stand out from the crowd.

•Christian Louboutin Altadama peep-toes nude-pink

•Embellished bodice & jewelled-waist feather dress

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Foremost event planner and creative director of Zapphaire Events, Funke BucknorObruthe, presented her book “The Essential Bridal Handbook at the Civil Centre Lagos.

Kehinde Falode presents hits and misses from the red carpet at the event

Glamour

•OYINYE

•SASHA

•JONAH

Photos: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

OYINYE radiates twenties glamour on the carpet. From the delicate neck accessory to the hue of her gown, she's nothing but hit.

Kudos!

This one is a stunner! The gown expertly plays up SASHA'S figure, which is given an extra boost from her glittery accessories. Kudos!

At first glance, it appears JONAH has donned an elaborate dress. But her cleavage-bearing dress looks awful. A radical shawl probably would have solved the problem. Oops!

•TOLA AYOADE

TOLA AYOADE dazzles in a sculpted gown, perfectly punctuated with the most elegant flashes of purple. Kudos!

YINKA ODUFUYE’S sequined, turtleneck kneelength gown are prettily bedecked with flora and other nature-inspired elements. She sure looks good. Kudos!

TOYOSI ARIYO makes a bold spotlight on the red carpet in white. Toyosi dresses up her snow white glamour with a feather-drop earrings and swanky double strap heels. Kudos!

•YINKA ODUFUYE

•TOYOSI ARIYO

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Glamour

1

Top Lagos clothier and Nollywood producer, Joy Chico Ejiro, reveals her favourites things to Kehinde Falode

Favourite shoes designer Jessica Simpson

2

Favourite watch designer Gucci & swatch

3

Favourite car Range rover

4

Favourite perfume Gucci

5

Favourite holiday spot New York

6

Favourite sunglasses Marc Jacobs

7

Favourite sport Football

8

Ejiro’s

top

10

Favourite Nigerian fashion designer Ahdookeh

9

Favourite food Beans with dodo

10

Favourite drink Coca cola light

THE NATION

Sport&Style SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

PAGE 33

e r a b g a Ok God, On d first love an night life

HOLY MOSES!

By Morakinyo Abodunrin

‘Tattoo is tasteful, S not tacky’

UPER Eagles new boy, Victor Moses has sensationally told The Nation Sport & Style that tattoo is tasteful but not tacky, even as he revealed his sunny side of life.

“It's is just me, I just love them (tattoo),” said Moses, the former England Under-21 star who has transferred his allegiance to his country of birth by playing for the Nigerian national team," I can't chose which of the tattoos that is really special.

"I really can't choose because I like a selection of different things.

Contd. On page 48

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NATION SPORT & STYLE SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

NATION SPORT & STYLE

NATION SPORT & STYLE

GOING FOR

GOLD!

Michael Phelps strips down as he gets set for the Olympics

H

E is hoping to win big at the 2012 Olympics in London. But Michael Phelps will certainly be winning hearts with his latest photo shoot.

The American swimmer went shirtless to pose for Details magazine's latest issue and even appears on the cover.

The 27-year-old shows off his impressive physique and sculpted abs wearing just a pair of low-rise jeans.

In one shot he is seen in his natural habitat, the water, still sporting the denim as he floats around. The sultry photo shoot is accompanied by a candid interview with the athlete. Michael opened up about being photographed using a bong to smoke marijuana back in 2009. He said: 'It was a learning

experience. I'm the kind of person who has to go through the learning experiences myself.

'Growing up, my mom taught us to make our own decisions, but also that you have to pay for the consequences of those decisions. I'm thankful for that.

'I'll be the first to say I've made thousands of mistakes, but I've never made the same mistake twice.'

And he also explained how he got his motivation back, stating: 'I realised that I probably hadn't reached my full potential. There was still more in the tank. As I come to closure on my career, am I going to look back in 20 years and say, "What if?"

ABILITY-IN-DISABILITY

Paralympian rower bears all for ESPN's Body Issue

D

ISABLED rower Oksana Masters has bared all for ESPN's 2012 Body Issue ahead of this year's Paralympic Games in London.

The 23-year-old athlete, whose legs were amputated as a child, shows off her toned physique, and tattoos, in the magazine's glossy pages, sitting nude on a jetty with her oars beside her.

The spectacular image accompanies photographs of world-class athletes including New York Knicks basketball

player Tyson Chandler and Slovakian tennis star Daniela Hantuchova.

In the annual issue, where famous sports stars strip off and talk about their beautiful bodies, the Ukraine-born athlete reveals she can go days without eating, having grown up in an orphanage where food was scarce.

'That's why for me, eating is one of the hardest things.' The rower, who was adopted at age seven and later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, told KLTV that her disability was caused by exposure to a nuclear power plant near her village.

'I was born with legs, but they were so deformed,' she said.

'In my village, they actually had frequent leaks, the radiation would just leak out.'

After suffering searing pain, both legs were amputated. She was encouraged to try adaptive rowing in the eight-grade by her mother and soon fell in love with the water.

Ms Masters said training for the Paralympic Games, which run from August 29 until September 9, was like a full-time job: 'We are on the water six out of seven days a week,' she said.

Her partner, Rob Jones, lost his legs after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan in 2010. Their rowing mixed doubles team beat Brazil to win the World Cup in Serbia qualifying for the Paralympics.

The sports star said she couldn't wait to take her boat from the mighty Ohio to Dorney Lake in England, where the rowing events for the 2012 summer games will be held.

'I don't think it really hit me and I don't think it has still hit me,' Ms Masters told KLTV. 'It's London that it's the games and it's the big goal I've been training for, for six years.

'I'm so excited and I get goose bumps thinking about it. Obviously, I smile like a big cheesy kid.'

NO BIKINI

CELEB FITNESS

'I love soccer, but golf gives me groove’

IN BAD WEATHER

Olympic beach women volleyballers may cover up due to cool summer

B

EACH volleyball fans hoping to see female competitors going for Olympic gold in bikinis will be disappointed when athletes turn up in shorts.

With dismal weather forecast during the Games, female athletes might choose shorts and sleeved tops if temperatures drop below 16 degrees Celsius it has been revealed.

British beach volleyball hopefuls Zara Dampney, 26, and Shauna Mullin, 27, said the cooler weather will dictate what they wear on the court. Miss Mullin said: 'Once the temperature drops below 16 degrees Celsius we are allowed to wear long leggings and long-sleeved tops.'

Miss Dampney added: 'I'm sure there are a few people who only watch for one reason.

'But I think people should come anyway and see what it's all about. Maybe bad weather will give us a home advantage against the Brazilians we're used to playing in the rain.'

Women beach volleyball players have been given the option of playing in shorts rather than skimpy bikinis during the London 2012 Olympics after the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) brought in new dress code rules to

cater for different countries' cultural or religious beliefs.

Richard Baker, the press department director for FIVB, said uniforms just needed to be consistent.

He said: 'For events staged in cold weather conditions, the clothes worn by both players must be consistent in type, style, manufacturer, colour, sponsors, etc.

'Players will however be allowed to wear long pants and/or tops on the court during play if the temperature is to drop below 15 degrees Celsius.'

The new rule permits shorts of a maximum length of 1.18 inches above the knee, and sleeved or sleeveless tops.

VIVA VICTORIA!

Victoria Pendleton opens up about life in the male-dominated world of cycling

W

ITH just days to go until the biggest sporting event this country has witnessed in the capital, it is no surprise that the athletes are feeling pumped.

One sports star who couldn't be more ready for London 2012 is cyclist Victoria Pendleton.

Opening up to Zest magazine, she said: 'I'm probably in the form of my life, and though I can't control what my competitors are doing, I feel like I'm really ready for the Games.'

The petite athlete already has an Olympic gold from Beijing, nine World Championship gold medals, a European Championship win, plus a Commonwealth title - and she is tipped for great success at London 2012 in the three events she will compete in.

Although, despite being excited about her last ever Olympics, she doesn't deny that she's looking forward to when they will end.

She said: 'While I'm incredibly excited about my last Olympics, in all honesty I'm also quite looking forward to 8 August, when it's all over!

‘I've been training for this all my life, so I can't wait to celebrate, win or lose, and say thank you to all the people who've helped me along the way.'

But, life hasn't always been easy. She felt completely isolated during her early cycling years in a maledominated world.

'People didn't take me seriously because I was small and girlie and didn't fit the cycling mould,' she told Zest.

At competitions, she says the Russian girls would try to intimidate her by patting her bum or winking at her, but it just made the star more determined not to change.

'Some people think that by talking about my insecurities, I'm giving my competitors an advantage. I don't agree.

‘I'm letting people see that you don't have to be a superhero to be successful. If being open gives someone else confidence, I'm happy.'

She reveals that nerves still get to her, she still gets butterflies, feels sick and shaky and feels a massive adrenaline rush. But without it, she says,

she couldn't do her best.

'I've been riding in circles since 1989 and it's all about to end. I'm terrified, excited but determined to go out on a high.'

And what about life after the Olympics?

'I've thought a bit about my life after the Olympics and I'd love to be a personal trainer,' she says.

‘I genuinely relish being in the gym, that feeling when you've done such a good abs circuit you can't even stand up straight, and I'd like to share that with people who don't have the same level of enthusiasm! I might be a bit of a slave driver but I reckon I could encourage some really great results.’

Omidiran

PHOTOS: Bola Omilabu

T

HE name of Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, a distimguished Honourable member of the House of Representatives, rings a bell in the football community. She is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, a member of the women's committee in the Federation of International Football and a one-time board member of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Despite football being her first love, she has admitted that the elite game of golf, which she is just learning the ropes, is contributing to her wing and tinge, as she takes the floor on the Celeb Fitness corner in this interview with EJIRO FEMI-BABAFEMI...

Why did you opt for golf?

By nature, I'm very active but I realised that l needed a sport that was beyond leisure. That was how golf came in. It was a game introduced to me by my colleagues in the House.

Furthermore, when you get to a certain age and as busy as l am, golf will serve a lot of good. Unfortunately for me, l would have loved to play football but I do not have the stamina.

When l was much younger, l did aerobics and walking, which l still do up till now. With golf, you can walk and stretch. Golf helps to improve your mental alertness, particularly when focused on the ball.

It was actually in February that l started playing golf, so I'm still at an amateur level. I bought my golf kits in Barcelona, Spain which is quite cheaper than in Nigeria. With the help of an expert, l got the playing kits that suited me.

From February till date, what changes have you noticed playing golf?

To be sincere, l have not been too regular but the few times l've played, l find it very rewarding and interesting.

But this holiday, l intend to play more even though the learning process remains tedious.

Going down memory lane, kindly tell us the other sports you played.

I did all sorts of sports while growing up. I played volleyball for my University and took part in the NUGA Games in 1982 and 1984. I did high jump, hurdles, played table tennis and would have extended it to tennis but my physique back then did not allow me. I was very slim and could barely swing the racket.

It appears that soccer is your first love...

I chose to administer football because l love the game. Assuming women could take part in football when l was younger, l would have represented my country. I could remember in primary school my teachers used to beat me off the field whenever there was a football match. They did so because l used to play with the boys. So l became a manager, choosing those that would play. In my days at Ahmadu Bello University, l was a cheerleader of both the volleyball and football teams. But l chose women's football to encourage women.

Therefore what would be your advice to those that administer sports

but do not keep fit?

You are not in sports if you do not keep fit. As a sports administrator, your keeping fit must be for your wellbeing and not on a cosmetic level.

Who is your favourite sportswoman?

It is definitely Mia Hamm, the American footballer. She brought something unique to women's football.

In Nigeria, it is Mercy Akide. She is one of our best exports to the outside world.

That image she has not tainted and that is why she is commanding respect today.

What are your expectations of the Nigeria U-20 Women National Team to the FIFA World Cup? It won't be easy in Japan even though l do not doubt the team's abilities. But from experience, our opponents will put double efforts solely because we got to the finals two years ago. So we need to have that edge over them. However, l am optimistic that will reach the last four.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Sport&Style HOLY MOSES! SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

PAGE 48

Victor admits tattoo is tasteful, not tacky

Moses From page 33

Tattoo is stylish and I like the way it fits my body."

Moses, who describes himself as an introvert, said he likes to look good since this could actually improve on his playing prowess.

“I love looking good because when I feel good, I can play good too,” added the player who has obsession for watching the DVDs of that elegant former French gazelle, Zinedine Zidane.

“I'm always sticking on Zidane DVDs he's a legend,” Moses once said on why he idolises the former European and World Football of the Year. “I must have his whole catalogue of videos and I am always studying them”.

“I try to master some of his skills and bring them into my game.

He wasn't as quick as me, but his technique, movement and control were a different class.

“I grew up watching him, and, even now, I study his videos, then go to the training ground, try a few things out, mix it up and take it into matches.”

Though he is yet to dazzle for the Super Eagles as did his adorable Zidane who led the Les Blues to win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 Championship, Moses enthused that he has made the right decision by playing for Nigeria and he is optimistic that the national team's chances of winning something very soon is bright.

“England has a number of quality players coming through while there aren't as many in Nigeria,” Moses said, “So I thought it would be good to help the country of my birth and now I'm so happy to have made that decision.

“Playing for Nigeria is different. I must learn to adapt to the style of African football. It's always been my ambition to win trophies and everyone dreams of lifting the World Cup. I hope I can help Nigeria become the first African nation to win that.”

Asked about his experience since making his debut against Rwanda as well as featuring for the Super Eagles during their 'Jumbo June' package when they played three international matches against Namibia,

Malawi and Rwanda vis-à-vis the experience of playing in Calabar.

"I love Nigeria, that's why I chose it over England, and I plan to win trophies with my country," he volunteered.

“Well the team is looking good and we are getting to know each other as a unit, I think we will win something soon,” added the lad who picked Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Daniel Amokachi as two of his Nigeria's all-time heroes. “Calabar is a nice city, and we are winning there so it's great for us.'

Now a subject of intense transfer speculations as European Champions League side, Chelsea is hell bent in prising him away from English modest side, Wigan Athletic, Moses said he is taking a wait-and-see attitude until the summer transfers' window is closed:" As for my club future, let's see what happens."

Such stance as refraining from speculating about his future is typical of Moses who equally told The Nation Style and Sport that 'I'm a quiet person but I love meeting new people and discussing with them.'

"Well, I'd like to keep that (my relationships) private but I have got a couple of cars and stuff," he further stated.” I have a Range Rover and other cars but I love the Range Rover because it's pretty fast," added Moses who revealed that he won't be caught wearing tight trousers pants ' because I just hate them.'

Okagbare on God, first love and night life Q&A U

By Taiwo Alimi

NKNOWN to many , Nigeria's brightest prospect at the London 2012 Olympics, sprinter Blessing Okagbare is a strong believer in God and has opened up on his encounter with God in his teenage years.

Blessing, whose personal best; 10.99, was achieved in London this month, became a woman of faith as a teenager while growing up in Nigeria and says her sojourn in the world of track and field is guided by God. The Olympic long jump bronze medallist, says she is a born again for a purpose hence she would glorify only God with her exploits on the track and field.

Today, the USA- based sprinter is Nigeria's fastest woman and after last week's gold medal feat at the Samsung Golden League event in London.

Speaking ahead of the Olympics in in an inspirational journal , Okagbare stated matter-of-factly that her career as an athlete would have ended before it began because of her troubled background which forced her to seek the face of the Supreme being.

According to her, she found succour in the Bible and focus in life as a teenager but never knew she would become a household name in athletics. She took to football for the fun of it, playing among boys at school until a teacher who doubles as coach in her school, spotted her talent and recommended her for the school athletic team.

It was fate again that led the Delta Stateborn athlete to her sojourn in the USA, where her skill was nurtured to rank among the best in the world.

“I am a woman of faith. I believe there is a God. I believe so much in the words of God and knowing Him, has changed my life," stated Okagbare, a passionate user of social network, Facebook."Knowing Jesus makes a lot of difference in my life. I feel that knowing Jesus makes me unique. " Sometimes it means not doing what others do. Like when you have to practice in the morning and people still go to the

How did you get involved with athletics?

At first I played football for my high school and later fell in love with athletics. A teacher from my elder sister's high school talked me into doing sport. At first I was just messing around with it, just doing it for fun. I was not serious about it but I was young then.

How did you end up in the U.S.A? It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. If I had stayed in Nigeria, the talent I have would not have developed: I would not be as good as I am now. When I left Nigeria, it brought out the best in me.

God took me out of Nigeria to USA and I was so excited about it.

What are your memories of the 2008 Olympics?

I went with high expectations because I was jumping well before the Olympics. My goal was to jump a personal best in Beijing. I was ready for it but when I got there I was so nervous. I lost the whole rhythm and, before I knew it, the game was over. And I didn't qualify for the final. I felt really bad because my coach was expecting so much from me, and even my country, but you can't change what has happened.

But something changed and I was told I was

nightclub until 5am. It doesn't make sense to me. You have two hours of sleep before practice and you can't gain anything. For me to do that is a sin before God. "So I try to stay away from the things that

are against the will of God. Because I have the fear of God in me, I try not to do something where I know, if I do it, God is not going to be happy,”she noted as she further revealed her secret of success.

in the final after all. [Blessing finished 13th but it was then announced that one of the 12 qualifiers, Lyudmyla Blonska, had tested positive for a banned substance. Blonska was disqualified with Blessing taking her place in the final).

When I got the call it was like, “this is unheard of”. You didn't make the final and yet you just got in the final somehow. And I thought: something is going to happen. God has something special for me out there. I was saying: “OK, I just got into the final!” I got to take my chance and whatever happens, I have got to do my best. So I gave it a shot and I got a bronze medal and it was phenomenal.

What are your thoughts on the 2012 Olympics?

I am planning to be there! In 2011, I was not expecting too much I was pleased to run as I did but it was really about preparation for 2012. I am maybe aiming to run the 100 and the 200 metres. Maybe I won't be jumping.

You already have an Olympic medal: isn't that enough?

No. I have a bronze and I am trying to see if I can step up to a gold. With two events I have two chances. Everybody goes to the Olympics to fight for medals.

That is what I am going to do. I am not going there to play and watch people. I am going to prepare myself really well. I pray that I stay free from injuries and I hope to do great. I am really looking forward to it.

She said: “I pray a lot because it is a moment when you communicate with God and you seek for solutions, guidance, comfort, seek things you want. Sometimes I don't super-pray; I just praise him and sing praises.

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With VICTOR AKANDE

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e-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

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BASS Akande Obesere, the Paramount King of Music, PK1st and National President of Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), has crowned top Fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma King of Tungba music.

The crowning which was witnessed by some top Fuji acts and other prominent musicians took place on Friday July 13, 2012 during a musical show organised by the Lagos Weekend Television inside its Agidingbi premises in Ikeja, Lagos when Ologbojo, as Obesere is fondly called, declared Pasuma king during a joint music performance.

Before the crowning, the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) chairman asked the crowd if the artiste was worth the title and he was greeted with a noisy scream in acceptance.

While giving reasons for his action, Obesere said Pasuma deserved the title as he has contributed immensely to Fuji music. In his words, he said: “When you call someone a king, there should be paraphernalia of office around

him, and Pasuma really has it. He is a king of his own.”

Pasuma before now appeared to be a prominent figure in the Arabambi family, a Fuji musical group founded by Fuji star, King Wasiu Ayinde, where Pasuma holds sway as deputy.

And with the crowning, especially coming from the stable of Obesere an arch-rival of the Fuji maestro, music fans could be well in for a fresh showdown as the two top Fuji icons may rekindle their age-long feud.

•Pasuma

Rick Ross, P Square lead Summer Jam Fest

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•D’banj

Papa Ajasco gets daring!

new set of Papa Ajasco dramas is expected to hit the airwaves soon.

Wale Adenuga Productions, producers of the popular

GISTS

Pasuma crowned King of Fuji

D’banj moves up with Oyato HEN on Saturday July 14, 2012, Mcomm, Nigeria's fastest growing music distribution network, announced the release of D'banj's new single, Oyato, the mood among music buffs was that of high expectation.

Oyato which marks D'banj's transition into an international music star is his first Nigerian release after breaking away from his former group, Mo'hits, and becoming an independent recording artiste. The release of the single follows the success of his Oliver Twist effort in the UK. The new work strengthens his supposedly abandoned dexterity on his favourite instrument, the harmonica, while also passing the message of never-say-die.

The multi-award-winning entertainer was full of praise for his fans."An artist without loyal supporters, is like a king without a crown, without them, there would be no D'banj, and of course there would be no Oyato," he said.

D'banj's previous single, Oliver, is still on lockdown on local and international radio stations. He recently performed the song and many of his previous hits to over 100, 000 fans at the BBC 1 Hackney Weekend Music Festival last month.

SOUND TRACK

comedy series, have just concluded production of several sizzling episodes among which are The Great Escape, The Breakthrough, Phone Palava, Fear of the Uniform, Fuel Matter, Hair Madness, Valentine's Day Wahala and Two Crimes, One Day. Popular within Nigeria and beyond, Papa Ajasco & company which according to Media Monitoring Reports (MMS) remains the choice TV comedy, has existed for over decade.

The group is also expected to perform live on stage at the Nnena & Friends Independence Day Show coming up on September 30, 2012 at Blue Roof Hall, LTV 8 Agidingbi, and The National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos, on October 1, 2012.

•Rick Ross and P-Square

KO Hotel and Suites will again come alive on Friday, August 17, 2012 as American born international rapper, William Leonard Roberts II, popularly known as Rick Ross, will storm the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos, for the upcoming Summer Jam Fest 2012 concert.

The Florida native who made headlines with his debut album in 2006 titled Port of Miami will headline the music concert alongside one of the biggest groups in Nigeria, P Square and others. The music concert is powered by St. Eve Concepts Limited, the owner of popular magazine, St. Eve. Summer Jam Fest 2012 is geared to set the tone for an annual concert to promote health and proper lifestyle, and this year, some of the hottest Nigerian artistes of the year will be performing alongside the aforementioned big acts. St Eve Concepts aims to promote healthy living through music and entertainment.

St. Eve Concepts is an internal Wellness and Enzymatic Weight Management Company which was founded in 2006 and remains the first and only Enzymatic Health care service provider in West Africa.

It would be recalled that Rick Ross released his fifth studio album, God Forgives, I Don't, earlier this year and also collaborated with hit Nigerian duet PSquare on the remix of the well-known song Beautiful Oyinye.

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Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Following a public statement by Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), revealing that Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) has suffered severe blow at the Supreme Court which struck out MCSN's appeal against the earlier judgement of the Court of Appeal in MCSN v. Compact Disc Technologies (CDT) owing to the fact that MCSN has not been licensed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), VICTOR AKANDE, in this interview, sought the view of Barrister Ope Banwo, a Director in MCSN on the possibility of a common ground in the age-long feud between his society and the NCC on one side and COSON on the other side

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HE MCSN/NCC tussle has been on for about 25 years, when is this likely to end?

You asked when the fight between NCC and MCSN is going to end. I tell you, it will only end when there is justice. You cannot refuse to license an organisation that controls over 80 percent of peopleproduced works in Nigeria and license a brand new organisation that is less than two years old as the exclusive copyright team. And that is what we have been challenging. And I think NCC knows the right thing to do but they haven't done it.

COSON might have been making a lot of noise in the papers and spending lot of money to create publicity, but the fact remains as of today, we have so many court judgments in our favour.

First, the court has declared the provision requiring registration of a copyright society before they can collect as unconstitutional.

NCC has not responded to that. They said they have filed an appeal. But it is a subsisting judgment as of today, which means by the ruling of the court of law in Nigeria today, the provision is unconstitutional. Which means it does not stop us from doing our work and any corporate society that has members to go ahead and protect their rights. Let the government license every organisation that has a sizeable number of people that they want to protect and let the market place decide.

Right now, we are holding over 80 percent. I'm talking about the likes of Sunny Ade who is on our label. I'm not talking about new guys. I am talking about people with keen interest over the years like Orlando Owoh and so on.

In what light is the feud putting COSON before MCSN, apart from the fact that naturally the two societies are supposed to be rival organisations?

I personally have no problem with COSON as an organisation. Everybody has got the right to join which society they want to join but let the market place decide.

Don't favour COSON and then put an organisation that has been in existence for over 20 years at a disadvantage. We have tried to do everything legal. We have been in court. We got judgment. They refuse to honour the judgment. We have court of Appeal judgement in our favour.

We have High Court judgement in our favour. And nothing is happening. As we speak today, they can compare the repertoire of artistes of both organisations.

The one of MCSN overwhelms the one of COSON and yet COSON is the one they are saying has the license. So that is the problem.

One would have expected that after the erstwhile Direcor General of NCC, Adebambo Adewopo, was removed, and a new man, Ezekude, took his position, there would be a breath of fresh air. What do you think is fundamentally wrong?

I tell you straight, it is a problem of corruption. The guys that are standing in the way of MCSN are people who have constituted themselves into a cabal. People are talking about cabal in oil industry; there is also cabal in entertainment industry.

If you want names, I will give you names. They are people in that organisation, we have documented proof, that have vested interest in COSON. So they are there protecting the interest of their own organisation instead of the interest of Nigerian artistes. They are the ones misleading everybody. They have led to the death or resignation of several Director Generals of NCC. And this latest one is about to go the same route. Because when he came, he came with open mind. When I met with this gentle man, he gave us his word that he was going to look into this and do the right thing. That was over a year ago. He has not only done the right thing, he has not given update. He has not been able to give us a coherent reason why they are licensing COSON exclusively as the only Copyright Collecting Society.

That's what he promised. And we say, look, we don't want to fight this man. And I want to thank God for our CEO, Mr. Mayo Ayilaran, who is always a very temperate person. He doesn't believe in going to war.

I am his exact opposite. He continues to

A consortium may end COSON/MCSN rivalry o w n a B e p O —

give the Attorney General, and the DG of NCC the benefit of doubt. He believes that the man would do the right thing. He trusts that the man will do the right thing. I don't, because if you are going to do the right thing, it doesn't take you a year.

After we met with the man, I at least expect him to have written us a full letter to say this is why I have decided to stick with the decision of the former DG if that is his position. And that will be in the public domain. And if it makes sense the whole of Nigeria will see. He hasn't done that. They themselves agreed that something funny was happening at NCC, that was why they fired the former DG. And the major thing that was causing problem then was over this issue of copyright licensing.

COSON has just signed an MoU with Multichoice, even when MSCN and Multichoice have a pending case, just the way that COSON has entered litigation with Wazobia FM, don't you feel you guys have a case of divide and rule in your hands?…

I've read that thing in the paper and I cannot tell you how upset I am. That is another fraud that is about to be perpetrated on Nigerians by Multichoice with the active connivance of COSON and I say it with all sense of responsibility here.

COSON cannot sign agreement to represent all the artistes in Nigeria when they have less than 20 percent of copyright holders on their repertoire. We have been engaging Multichoice for years. Multichoice first refused. You have to understand how they are trying to distract Nigerians from the truth.

Multichoice told us at some point when we started engaging them and taking them to court that because they are a satellite organisation that uploads from South Africa, they don't have any obligation to pay royalty to Nigerians. We went to court.

We won that case. Then they appealled.

Now all of a sudden they have turned around to sign agreement with a new organisation without engaging us. With what they have done, we are on course with hundreds of millions of potential damages against them, in fact, billions that we have sued them for. As a way to truncate our effort, they've gone ahead and called our competitors and say they have signed contract with them thereby making it seem as if they've sorted out the problem of paying royalties to Nigerian artistes. If they really want to sign a contract, what they need to do if they are being sincere is to call COSON, call NCC and have a comprehensive agreement with them.

Now Multichoice has said they have signed an agreement with COSON but if you tune to DSTV they still play music, do works that belong to MCSN. You cannot sign agreement to collect royalty on my behalf if I didn't give you permission. As we speak today, 80 percent of copyright owners in Nigeria, the ones that matter, the ones that earn foreign copyright, they belong to MSCN. And they went ahead; they had this full page thing “Multichoice to pay royalty to COSON”. How much have they paid COSON? We need to know that. I feel it is such an unpatriotic thing that they have done.

It is typical the way South Africa has always pulled the wool over Nigerians. It won't be the first time they've made this move. I need to raise some issues that I want the press to find answers to for Nigerians. Why did Multichoice take so long to do this agreement they are doing with COSON? After they have claimed for more than 10 years that since they upload from South Africa and after having paid royalty in South Africa to South African organisation, it is not under any obligation to pay royalties in Nigeria. What changed?

Two, why is it that Multichoice is taking this step now after MCSN has sued them since 2011 claiming over 5billion in royalties and damages in a pending suit?

The suit is still pending before Honourable Justice Idris at the Federal High Court. So if they really want to pay royalty, shouldn't they be talking about settlement out of court? Whatever they sign with COSON does not take away from our own right. Three, there is a suspicion here and I'm not making a direct accusation. I'm only saying is there a suspicion for Multichoice trying to get an easy defence in the above case before Justice Idris by now saying okay, they want to deal with an organisation in Nigeria which is not the organisation that sue them? The music they have played; the copyright for which we are suing them is not owned by COSON. It wasn't owned by COSON then, it is not owned by COSON now. Why are they signing an agreement with COSON without dealing with the issue of violation that is already there?

Four, my point is Multichoice represents the arrogant attitude of South Africans over Nigerians. They won't do this in any other country. They won't even do it in Ghana.

They will be shut down. But in Nigeria they feel they can get away with anything or why would an organisation like Multichoice which is more or less the dominant cable network in Nigeria be using the rights of Nigerians for many years without having paid a dime.

Could it be true that Wazobia FM also seeks a rapport with MCSN after COSON took them to court? Is there no possibility in the nearest future for both societies to come together and fight a common enemy?

I'm going to come to that, but this divide and rule is only working because we are allowing it to work. Understand me clearly, because when you reporters take interviews, you report what you want to report. I want to be clear here. I have no issue with COSON. COSON is a rival organisation with MCSN. In a free market economy anybody can setup any organisation. I can wake up tomorrow and decide to set up another musical copyright collecting society. I won't expect MSCN to fight me. Understand that. So they have a right to what they want. But what they don't have the right to do is to collect what belongs to MCSN and try to collect it or give impression as if I can represent people that belong to MCSN. To that extent an organisation can sign contract with multiple parties, it happens abroad. If you want to play music that belongs to various people, you get all the people that represent those people and sign agreement with them.

The agreement they have signed with COSON for instance, on the legal place of it, I don't even think it's illegal. I don't see anything wrong with it. People just need to understand the limitations of it. They are only allowed to play music that is owned

by COSON which is about 20 percent of Nigerians copyrighted work as we speak.

What they cannot do which is what they are doing is to sign an agreement with COSON as the basis to use everybody's copyright. But for Multichoice, the premier cable network in Nigeria, to negotiate with the minority owner of copyrighted interest and present it as if they are now settling all Nigerians is fraudulent. It is misleading.

And that is what we are talking about. And on COSON and MCSN, I've said it from day one and that is ultimately where we are headed. I've written blogs on it. In fact I still published a blog less than three weeks ago.

Maybe it is time, because right now in as much as I feel very bad about what is going on, about how MCSN is being treated, but I realised as this battle goes on COSON is not getting money, MCSN is not getting money. People are out there exploiting our right. A time will come; even if we won't merge we can form a consortium. Because Mayo won't give way to Okoroji, Okoroji won't give way to Mayo. I'm saying if merger can't work. Let us form a consortium. The consortium is just to make sure we present a common front in negotiating contracts.

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Say Cheese tours Nigeria

Omotola hypes Last Flight to Abuja

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OP Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has tipped the new Nollywood flick, Last Flight to Abuja, to go places.

Omotola, it was gathered, was pleased with the positive review the movie got in the UK, ''I am totally pleased to hear that it has been rated four star by Odeon Cinemas, UK; it's a testament to faith, perseverance and hard work.

Thank God, this is only the beginning."

Last Flight to Abuja (LFA) was produced by Obi Emelonye, the producer of Mirror Boy, a film that received several awards last year. Obi Emelonye's new movie features a delightful slew of other superstars like Jim Iyke, Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Ali Nuhu, Jide Kosoko, Celine Loader and a host of others.

•Omotola

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Artistes rally for

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Felabration!

5 years after the death of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, his children, and indeed the entire music industry are poised to keep his memory alive the annual musical concert tagged Felabration. This year, the stage appears set again for another explosive week-long potpourri of activities that remind all about the ideals of the man called Fela in all spheres of human life.

At the New Afrika Shrine, Tuesday, artistes and show promoters gathered at a press conference to announce plans for this year's event. Yeni Kuti assured all that Femi and Seun will be around this year to add pep energy to the show. It would be recalled that last year, the two biological children of the late sage were out of the country when the show held.

But the spirit of Fela which had been able to garner surrogate children kept the show alive, such that Femi and Seun were almost not missed.

Femi Esho, the oldest man in

Eva denies contract with Vodafone

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expected to follow the symposium for the next six days, with a promise of Alicia Keys, Fali Pupa and other foreign artistes to be on ground.

The Felabration Week partners include Center for Contemporary Art, Terra Culture and Ayo Bankole Center in Surulere. There will also be a Fela Book Festival where books that he made references to will be on display.

And apart from converting his Kalakuta Republic into a museum, a carnival with large floats is expected to run through Ikeja and environs.

This year is the second edition of the Senior Secondary Schools debate and will run under the theme; Social Media in Africa, Good or Evil? Judges for the debate which will involve private and public schools in Lagos include Funmi Iyanda, Joke Silva and Dr Faloye, among others. Defending champion is Vivian Fowler Memorial Secondary School, winner of the debate last year.

OISED for its annual thrill, Star lager brand is creating another platform for tourists and fun seekers at the 2012 Osun Osogbo Festival through hosting this year's edition of the Osun Osogbo Star Beer village.

The month-long event, which will be held alongside the Star-sponsored Osun Osogbo Festival, is expected to see consumers of the brand enjoying performances from various musical artistes as well as winning fantastic prizes.

Explaining the concept behind the Star Beer Village, Omotunde Adenusi, Brand Manager Star, Nigerian Breweries Plc., stated that the activation

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EEKS after being rumoured to be contracted to telecoms giant, Vodafone, which her management described as false, rap sensation, Eva, has come out herself to state categorically that she is not affiliated with any brand.

"I am not affiliated to any brands or company at the moment and the news making the rounds that I am on the bill of Vodafone is false," Eva said recently to a group of reporters.

In another development, her management team, “3UD”, also recently issued another statement debunking another rumour that the rap queen was recently appointed as brand ambassador for fashion label, "House of Nwocha", describing the rumour as unfounded.

“We strongly refute such claims and wish to state that it is unfounded. Eva Alordiah is not contracted or affiliated with any brand at the moment,” the statement read in part.

The young rapper and entertainer is currently working on new projects as well as promoting her video entitled "High".

the Felabration culture, is optimistic that the concert is the best thing to sustain the memory of Fela. A member of the planning committee, Olajide Bello, revealed that the theme for this year is Africa; Center of the World. He said the concert derives its theme every year from the popular songs that Fela did when he was alive.

He said Lagos State is among the various sponsors of this year's concert, and that the state has supported the initiative with cash.

This year's Felabration is expected to be a 7-day of unadulterated music every night. Screens will be provided to beam event to all. Other preactivities include schools debate and symposium. Bello said this was so because Fela was, apart from music, a great intellectual when alive. He was said to have lectured in well over 25 universities. Topic of the schools symposium, he said, is Corruption and The Next Generation. The music concert is

HE cast and crew of Wake Up and Brush-Say Cheese, the oral health care radio programme in the fore front of oral health care education on radio in Nigeria, were in the South East of Nigeria recently to sensitise the public on their hygiene routine.

Mr. Fred Iwenjora, presenter of the programme, said, “several people have one problem or the other with their mouth, they can't chew, drink hot or cold water, and sometimes they have extreme pain in the mouths. Say Cheese is a radio programme that will profer remedy and answer the basic questions that people may have.”

At Umuahia, the crew was received by Management of Vision Africa Radio, led by the station manager, Chijioke Nwogu, who commended the idea, describing it as very novel.

Produced by ECV Productions, a multimedia production company, Wake Up and Brush, Say Cheese is audience-participatory and is set to air on popular radio stations in Nigeria. It enjoys the support of Ejigbo City Diary, connecting community people and High Society Magazine.

•Crew of Say Cheese

Star set for Osun Osogbo was conceived to give consumers of Star a unique experience. “The Star Village is actually a place where people are going to enjoy the unique experience of Star.

Star is a brand that engenders

excitement, fun and connectivity amongst friends.

It is an opportunity for old friends to meet and people to make new friends. That is what the Star Beer village is all about,” he explained.

•Saheed Osupa, Adenusi Omotunde, Brand Manager, Star

Grace Amah may marry father of her child

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•Eva

OLLYWOOD actress and mother of one, Grace Amah, is currently trying her hands on something different from acting. The actress in a phone chat recently stated; “I am doing something new. I mean it is personal and has nothing to do with acting.”

Grace who has a love child has been on the lips of gossips for some time now, but there is about to be an end to the constant attacks as the actress is planning to get married to the father of her child.

•Grace Amah

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Entertainment

BIG

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

CINEMA GUIDE LAGOS

PICTURE Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

Ice Age 4: Marvellous animation

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F you have seen Monsters, Toy Story or Shrek, and felt the humour so much that you laughed, Ice Age 4 has enough wit and laughs to stand on its own.

A team of "sub-zero heroes" band together to save a human infant in this digitally animated feature from Oscarwinning director, Chris Wedge.

Twenty thousand years ago, the Earth is overrun by

freezing temperatures in an Ice Age that is sending all manner of critters scattering in the path of encroaching glaciers. When a lost human infant is discovered, an unlikely quartet of misfits forms to return it to its mother: Manny, a depressed woolly mammoth (Ray Romano); Sid, a fast-talking sloth (John Leguizamo); an acorn-crazed squirrel named Scrat (Wedge); and the devilish

Ice Age 4 Featured Actors: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 min Ice Age 4 (3D) Featured Actors: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 min Madagascar 3D Featured Featured: Actors Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 min Snow White Featured Actors: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron Genre Action/Adventure Running Time 127 min Bol Bachchan (Indian) Featured Actors: Ajay Devgan,Abhishek Bachchan,Asin Thottumkal Genre: Comedy Running Time: 150mins The Amazing Spider-Man 3D Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 136 Mins The Amazing Spider-Man (Rating: 15) Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans

Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 136 Mins The Past Came Calling Featured Actors Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, John Dumelo, Marie Gomez, Oliver Jolliffer, Penelope Bouchot Humbart Genre Drama Running Time 110mins Think Like A Man Featured Actors: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart Genre :Romance Running Time: 122 min Madagascar 3D Featured Actors: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith and Chris Rock Genre Action/Adventure Running Time 93 min Men In Black Featured Actors Will Smith,

ABUJA

saber-toothed tiger named Diego (Denis Leary). Before they can complete their mission, the reluctant compatriots will brave pits of boiling lava, dangerous caverns of ice, and even a traitorous plot within their midst. Ice Age also features the voices of Jack Black, Jane Krakowski, and Goran Visnjic. The movie is yet another marvelously funny digital-animation feature.

The Amazing Spider-Man Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action/Adventure Married but Living Single Featured Actors: Funke Akindele, Joke Silva, Joseph

Benjamin, Tina Mba, Femi Brainard, Kiki Omeili, Yemi Remi Genre: Action/Adventure Men in Black III Featured Featured Actors: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin Genre: Action/Adventure Dark Shadows Featured Featured Actors: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 113 min The Avengers Featured Featured Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson Genre Action/Adventure Running Time 142 min The Hunger Games Featured Featured Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 142Mins

PORT HARCOURT

Snow White and The Huntsman: Influenced by Lord of the Rings

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N the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Charlize Theron) out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) dispatched to kill

her. Sam Claflin joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White's beauty and power.

In this movie, first-time feature director Rupert Sanders shows a sureness of touch when blending fantasy with earthy emotions, close-up battle sequences and giant trolls. The stylistic influence of Lord of the Rings permeates the film and effectively sells the fairy tale as a drama-driven showdown

between the Evil Queen's unquenchable vanity and Snow White's uncrushable sense of honour. You even take the seven dwarfs seriously. Melbourne actor Chris Hemsworth - aka Thor - is terrific as her lesser half. The film is already a huge international hit, having taken just on a quarter of a billion, and is bound to please anyone who likes their high-end spectacles with soul.

Ice Age: Continental Drift Featured Actors: Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 94 Mins Snow White and the Huntsman (Rating: 15) Featured Actors: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 127 Mins Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Featured Actors: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith and Chris Rock Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 93 Mins The past came calling (Rating: 18) Featured Actors: Chioma Chukwuka-Akpota, John Dumelo, Nigerian actors, Nigerian actresses, nigerian movie directors, Nigerian movie producers, Nigerian movies, Ruke Amata Genre: Drama Running Time: 110 Mins The Amazing Spider-Man (Rating: 15 )

Featured Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 136 Mins Think Like a Man (Rating: 18) Featured Actors: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart Genre Comedy Running Time122 Mins Ties That Binds (Rating: 18) Genre: Drama Running Time: 92 Mins

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

53

My husband is still my best friend —Feyikemi Olayinka got shortlisted and got the role. But now, I Remember Feyikemi in am a working-class mother. The changes I the movie Oleku? She's the have experienced are my orientation and about life. Then, you think you big, busty presenter of the perception have it all and you can do this or that. But popular early morning now, you can't have it all, you just have to programme Owuro lawa on work hard and pray.

Were you slimmer when your husband Lagos Television (LTV). met you?

After staring in No, I have always been fleshy and busty. That is my wedding picture the blockbuster Oleku, Feyikemi took a break off (pointing).

Having grown bigger, can you say the affection or attraction is still there? the movie scene only to appear on our TV screen as a Yes, very much there. He is still my best the love of my life and my mate. I presenter. The broadcaster, friend, won't call him my husband because he is mother and actress in this my best friend.

All your presentations are done in interview with DUPE Yoruba, isn't it tasking?

AYINLA-OLASUKANMI Initially, it was a challenge because I talks about her come-back went to a boarding house where was not allowed. All I learnt plan into the movie scene vernacular was from my grandmother because I always spend my holidays with her and and other issues.

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ELL us about your background?

I am Florence Oluwafeyikemi Abodurin. I used to be Abodurin, but now I am Olayinka. I am from Ibadan, in Oyo State. I grew up in Ibadan. I have a Bachelor of Science in Geography. And I am a broadcaster, actress and also a mother.

Can you explain your hiatus from the movie industry?

Yes, I had to take a break to concentrate on my children. Most of the time, because of my job as a TV presenter, I leave home very early. But I try as much as possible to be home before they are back from school, so that I will have time for them. Having it in mind that I have girls, and knowing our society; you just have to be there for your children. When we were growing up, you had good people around you, but now it is different, you just have to be there for them. But they are grown up now and I have decided to go back into acting.

Won't it be challenging, having been away for a long time?

No, what you need is the ability. It is just like saying that a soldier who has been out of the army for ten years cannot shoot again. It is something you have been trained to do and having done it for years, it won't be challenging at all. Once in a while, I still go to locations during weekends whenever their dad is at home.

Were you still acting when you met your husband?

Yes, I was still acting. And he married me like that.

What was the attraction?

(Smiles) He loved me and he asked me out. I observed him and I felt okay; I believe I could live with him and we have been doing that for the past ten years.

Presentation and acting are time consuming professions, how will you handle both?

I have been presenting Owuro lawa for about eight years. I am not the only presenter and there are competent people who can hold fort when I am not around.

How challenging has it been as a mother and the rigours of your job?

It is very challenging. You have to be there for them all the time, though their dad is always available too. But there is always a kind of bond between a mother and her children. And as I often say, you should be your children's best friend; if you are not there as a parent, they will go to their friends who are from different backgrounds. Since you don't know what they do in their houses, you won't want anybody to corrupt your children. Our society is corrupt, so you have to be close to them and be their best friend. Sometime

ago, I noticed my little girl scratching her body, I had to observe her and I realised that it was measles. I fed her and gave her some medication before going to the office.

I got to the office late; they understood my plight as I don't do so often.

You have been in the industry for a while, why have you not produced any movie which is the norm in the Yoruba sector?

I am working on a script at the moment and hopefully, before the end of the year, I believe something positive will come out of it.

Why are you just doing it now?

Well, I don't want to be one of the packs.

I want to be distinct. I want mine to be different. I am not doing it because I need the money; I am doing it because I believe we need a change in our orientation. I noticed that the industry usually follow trends. It is what is selling at the moment that everybody produces. When crime was reigning, everyone was doing crime. Now it is comedy, whether it makes sense or not, everyone is doing it. I want to do a movie whereby in ten years, when my children watch it, they will be proud to say, that is my mummy's work. Oleku was shot about fifteen years ago and people still refer to it. My children saw it and loved it. That is the kind of legacy I want to leave in the movie industry.

Who are those you intend to work with on this project?

I can't give you names, but they are professionals.

How profitable is the presentation job?

Yes, we are not rich but we are not paupers. We are comfortable.

Looking back at the period you featured in Oleku and now. What have been the changes?

Then I was a student in the University of Ibadan (U.I), but I had started my presentation job with Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). Tunde Kelani saw me on screen and said I will fit in for the role I played; so, he sent the late Doctor Ayinde Akinloye to get in touch with me. I went for the audition,

she does not speak English. So, I was forced to communicate with her in Yoruba. She taught me few words and proverbs in Yoruba when I stayed with her for my secondary school education. So, it was my grandma that trained me. Even at the university, it was all English. It was a bit challenging because I could not speak the traditional Yoruba but I always remember that I am from Ibadan and if you can't speak Yoruba, then you are referred to as a bastard.

Is your husband supporting your return to the movie industry?

Yes, he is the one telling me to go back, that people would accuse him of killing my dream; that they won't know it's a personal decision.

You don't feel it might affect your marriage?

No. You have to build the trust. Even as a broadcaster, if you are not firm, you can easily get distracted by people. Due to the nature of my job, I meet a lot of people everyday compared to the ones you see on set. When you are acting, you are within your own setting but you get to interview a lot of

different people even those in government when anchoring a programme and you can easily get carried away. So, it is even worse in broadcasting than acting. But no matter what you are doing, you have to build that trust. If I am going to be anywhere, I let my husband know. So, that when you are not there, your husband can speak for you. Then don't get carried away by hear say; it can break your home.

Why have you kept a low profile?

It has to do with my up-bringing. I have an unassuming nature. I am not a noise maker; I am a news maker, a positive news maker. I don't attract undue attention to myself, I like being myself. Let people who appreciate me do that for who I am. I don't like negative publicity.

Do you still have connection with people in the industry?

Yes, when I go for functions; we meet.

We greet each other and have meaningful conversation.

What is your present relation with Tunde Kelani?

Very cordial, two weeks ago when I was going to Navy Town in Satellite and didn't know my way, I packed my car in front of his wife's shop and took a cab. So we still have a very good relationship. Even as family.

When you are not working, what do you do?

I read. And if I am not doing that, I watch cartoons with the children like we are doing now.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading, meeting people and writing.

Do you get pressure from your in-laws because you have girls only?

No, and my husband loves the girls a lot.

Any plan to have more kids?

(Laughs), not now.

Would you be selective in taking roles?

Yes, I would be selective in my roles because I wouldn't want to do something that my kids won't be proud of in the future. I am not hungry for jobs, so I have to be careful. And like I said, my background has got a lot to do with whatever I am doing.

With all you have said, how is Geography related to Theatre Arts?

I just love the theatre. I was trained from the stage by Dr Bode Sowande in UI. Then, being the first child of my parents, I didn't get their support.

Especially with my mom, it was a running battle. So, I did sciences and pursued theatre art by the side. And after graduating I handed over the certificate to her and asked for permission to do what I loved which was acting.

What other movies did you feature in after Oleku?

I did Epe for Afeezco Films and Asan le Aye je for Afolayan and some others with the late Funmi Martins and other productions. I also didGenius with Uncle Tunji Bamishigbin. I have also featured in a couple of movies that I can't remember.

Will you be featuring in Yoruba movies alone?

It depends; I can easily fit into Yoruba and English. But the one I am working on is Yoruba and it is to promote our culture and language. The script is ready.

What is your plan on funds for the project?

(Smiles) A ma ri owo. We will get the funds.

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Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Gabriel Afolayan is one of the sons of the late popular actor, Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly called Ade Love. The actor who recently declared his love for music is at the moment enjoying the best of both worlds. Gabriel featured recently in a star-studded musical thriller titled Hoodrush which has the likes of Bimbo Akintola, OC Ukeje, Chelsea Eze among others and is getting ready to drop his follow-up song after his single, Love Bug. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the versatile artiste speaks on his acting career, family and plans

Why I’ve never starred in my brother, Kunle Afolayan’s movie —Gabriel Afolayan

Y

OU recently starred in a new musical thriller, Hoodrush.

Would you say it was challenging considering music is your second love?

Well, one thing you must remember is that there is a story which binds the two.

So, I think it's the story we should talk about, not the skills basically. My acting skill as well as my music talent is a comfort zone for me. I think the story is very, very challenging physically, emotionally and mentally. It was something we needed to give our all to, in order to make it believable, because that is what the game is all about.

Your acting skill is not in doubt, but how come you don't feature much in movies?

In everything you do, no matter how good you think your game or your work may be, I think there is a point where you need to decide how you want to go.

I'm looking forward to a wonderful career; a career that gives me a feeling of freedom. Right about now, I'm focusing on my music career as well and I'm taking it serious because music is no joke.

Is it right to say that you are more passionate about music than acting?

If you put it that way you may be wrong, because these are two things that I'm in love with.

What genre of music do you do?

I do Soul, RnB. I'm going to do some other stuff, but what I'm trying to do now is to build a style that will sell my brand. I want to be known for something

good. I want if you're listening to a reggae track from me, you will always hear Gabriel Afolayan doing reggae and not a reggae wanna be. So that tells so much on your vocal delivery and how you go about writing your songs.

Who are your musical influences?

It's just soul music that appeals to me the most. I listen to the likes of Tony Hamilton, Tyrese Gibson, Lauren Hill, Angie Stone and Sisco of Druhill, all kinds of songs. I appreciate music, that's why I'm going into it. It is not because acting is not fulfilling for me, no. It is because I love music, that's why I'm doing it.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

Most people don't know that I started music professionally as far back as 1997, as a backup singer. You know then, one-man band used to reign in those days. So I did backup singing for those people. So music for me has been way back.

The music industry is filled with charlatans…

You see, I've come to a point that all I just want to say is all man by himself.

There is really no point pointing out charlatans, though it is bad business to have charlatans all around. This is the time to do music if you could, rather than pointing finger at charlatans. Why not lead by example. We've had people who have been to the best music schools in the world, but professionally, they are no where. The likes of 2face are typical example. They did not go to any music school. All they had was music

appreciation and that's all.

At the moment, do you play any instrument?

I play guitar a little. I don't know how to solo yet, but I'm still working on it.

It's so hard to find me sing so flat on keys. At least I have ears for sound. So, even when you are playing, I can follow you, I can jump on you, so I think I'm good enough.

Wherever one finds Tade Ogidan one is likely to see you there. What is your relationship with Tade Ogidan?

I think the fact that I didn't disappoint him at my first movie. So I think the relationship actually grew out of trust. I was a nobody, but he gave that kind of role to me, even when he didn't know that I was the son of Adeyemi Afolayan. He never knew until after production. It was a big risk on his part and I didn't let him down. I think the relationship grew after then.

It is like a matter of principle that you will not appear in your brother, Kunle Afolayan's movie?

No, the question is how many jobs has he done? Irapada, Figurine and Phone Swap. But do you want to hear the gospel truth right now, in all of those productions, I'm always behind the set, learning, which for me is even better.

Because Kunle is my brother does not mean I have to appear in his movie if need not be. Meanwhile, being behind set with him so that I can learn how to pull an entire production together is better, rather than to think that acting is everything. But not to worry.

So, it's not that there is any sibling rivalry?

Conflict for where? He is a father figure. What are you talking about? We are working on something. I'm always behind set with him.

Tell us about your production I'm not going to talk about it yet. But we are working on stuff where we have me, him, Aremu and my sister on same set. We are working on it.

There was a time it was rumoured that you were meddling in drugs...

Drugs? This is the first time in my life I'm hearing it. See me o se drugs they sell for this country. Handling it on set is different. We have had sets where we act the drug things and I had personally asked if the director could excuse me from such characters. However, this is the first time I'm hearing it.

There was a time you were wearing this very busy beard…

If at the end of the day I'm going to have an academy training people there is one thing you don't do to yourself, you don't label yourself. You need to get yourself open. You need to come

and see when I was so used to stage performance then. Beards are not weird.

It's all part of the game, but most people don't know.

They think about looking very prime and proper all the time. Sometimes you need to just keep a straight look because you never can tell; something good is just around the corner. Some people will just be on dread for nothing and you can call yourself an actor. You will be definitely tagged for roles that have to do with dreadlock. Nobody will want to use you for a responsible role carrying dreadlocks.

These are basic things if you feel acting is your game. I could be on full beard for days. I could go very low. Those are the sacrifices you must understand. As an actor you don't own your life. The scripts and stories own you. That doesn't mean you should look haggard, don't get me wrong.

What are the things you have in the pipeline?

My video is dropping very soon for my single Love Bug (kokoro Ife). And I have some other movies coming to the cinemas. So I'm hoping for the premieres and I'm jumping on another location anytime soon. And music too, dropping the video and dropping another song as a follow-up single. So everything is in motion.

What's the story behind Love Bug? It's a love song that talks about love and it complications. The endless search for love just like everybody always looks around for it and at the end of the day, you still don't get to have it. All you keep having is hope. So the decision for you to now go further to make sure you have it or sit back is what Love Bug is about.

Have you ever experienced that love bug?

Sure. At one time in everybody's life there are three things you don't get to miss. First set of people loving you and you don't have any feeling for them.

Second set, you loving somebody and the person not loving you and third set, sighting each other, you know something will happen between you both. I've felt loved by people and have loved people.

Are you seeing anyone at the moment?

I'm very much myself. It's all about the job for now. Love life, I'm keeping everybody posted on that. I just want to face work for now. Let's face what we are doing and let's see how big we can get.

That's whatsup.

What is the title of your follow up single?

I will keep you posted. Actually it's titled Chapters.

These are two things that I'm in love with.

These are two things that I live for. So it is not a fact that I don't want my face to be out there, it is the fact that I've chosen not to roll like some other people would roll

Glamour 55

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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OU have made success out of your music career. What prompted you to enter Big Brother Africa?

I was approached by M-net to come and lead as a Nigerian celebrity in the BBA show. They spoke with my music label, Kennis Music, because you know I am already signed to a label and I can not do anything outside that. So Keke agreed that I should go.

How would you describe the experience?

It was very overwhelming. I have never sat down to watch BBA or understand the dynamics of the show. It is a totally new experience for me. It was a good platform to broaden one's horizon. People learn a lot about themselves and other countries.

What is next for you now that you have been evicted?

It can only get better. I will be having collabo with other great African artistes because it has offered me a bigger platform. I will also be touring African countries for the next six months.

Is your relationship with Prezzo a strategy or was it deliberate?

I did not go into the house with any strategy, especially when I didn't even know the people I would meet. It just happened. I was natural with myself. I will be putting the experience into my music.

Now that you are out of the show, are you going to continue with the relationship?

My major focus now is my music career. Although I will keep the communication line open with him.

Is there any difference between Goldie in the BBA and the one we knew earlier?

A lot of people don't know me. They just watched my video. My video projected a confident, bold and wild Goldie.

And when I am also in the video, I make a lot of noise. You will also note that Beyonce on stage is different from the real Beyonce when she is off stage. They are two personalities. I am liberal and down-to-earth. I love cooking too. But when I am on stage, I am an entertainer.

Which was your memorable moment in the House?

I laughed a lot. When I watched my highlights, I discovered that I laughed so much, which I don't really don't do often. The fact that I am the only Nigerian that won the Head of the House thrice. I also loved the tasks and the meal recipes because I love cooking.

And which was your low moment?

I don't like fight. So anytime I had cause to quarrel with anyone, it dampened my spirit, especially because it was a confined environment.

Why did you cry in your first week, claiming you missed your mom?

When you entered a confined environment, you miss those who are closer to your heart. My mom passed on some years ago, the first week was tough and I knew if she had been around, she would have said something sweet to me.

Were you expecting your eviction?

You can't be expecting anything in this kind of game. I got the least votes, which meant I was up for eviction. I can only say I was hopeGoldie Harvey is one of ful, but not expecting the eviction.

If you had won the $300, 000 Nigeria's hottest female prize money, what would you have artistes and one of Nigeria's done with it?

I would have invested in proprepresentatives in the onerty. It is good to have a place you going Big Brother Star can call your own. I have always game. Goldie who has been wanted to have a school for austic children. I believe so much in eduevicted from the television cation. reality show spoke with Nigeria won the prize money three consecutive times, the first ADETUTU AUDU in a two representatives decided to telephone interview from quit and now you have been evicted, how do you feel?

Johannesburg, South Africa It is said that lightning does not on her romance with fellow strike twice in one place, but for Nigeria, it did three times. Nigerihousemate and on other ans have always been winners. We issues tried our best in the House.

My affair in BBA –Goldie

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Glamour

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Social

ADETUTU AUDU (E-mail: crownkool@yahoo.com, Tel: 08023849036)

Why Fayose and his ex-Commissioner are sworn enemies

Ramadan takes shine off Abah Folawiyo's 70th birthday

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T is no longer news that former Ekiti State governor,Ayo Fayose, and his one-time Commissioner for Information, Kayode Otitoju, are no longer on talking terms. The gist is that their frosty relationship is not unconnected with the arrest of the former governor and subsequent provision of surety for him by Otitoju.

Trouble, we gathered, started when the ex-commissioner said he was no longer willing to use his properties to stand as surety for the Afao Ekitiborn politician.

T

HE matriarch of fashion, Hajia Abah Folawiyo joined the septuagenarian club today. The woman who had made her mark in the Nigeria fashion industry would have plot a high octane soiree to celebrate the milestone, but the Ramadan took shine off the event which the fashion community and socialites have been expecting.

But not to worry, Sisi Abah as she is fondly called would not allow the day to pass unnoticed. We gathered that family and friends will join her in a lowkey celebration. And Islamic scholars will be on hand to offer prayers to the birthday girl.

Folawiyo

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OP politician, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is in joyous mood.

Reason is that one of the Eastern Nigeria heavy-weight politician's son Obinna who got married early this year to Nneoma, the daughter of Abia State governor, Theodore Orji has been blessed with a baby.

Nneoma and Obinna got married on 5 January 2012 though the traditional wedding was held December 2011 at the massive Umuahia Stadium, Abia State.

Jegede

Araraume

Obi Asika notches higher

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Asika

Omasan Buwa's double blessings

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume gets grandchild

Tosin Jegede loses mum OSIN Jegede, remember her? She was the kid singer that made waves in the 80s.

She is now an education advocate and runs Tosin Jegede Foundation. Anyway, that's gist for another day. Tosin, we heard, lost her mum, Mrs Martha Onyemuchechi Jegede, last Wednesday. The sixty-year-old woman passed away at a London hospital. The late Mrs. Jegede was said to have been battling with a muscle disease before she finally gave up the ghost.

Fayose

HE CEO of storm 360 Obi Asika is not resting on his oars, the bulky father of one has added a radio station, Storm FM to his numerous business interest.

Already Asika has Storm Records that parades stars like Naeto C,DJ Neptune, Tosin Martins, Sasha among others.

The lawyer turned entertainer has been practicing hip-hop culture for many years which led him to establish the Storm 360 group with his cousin, Olisa Adibua

O

MASAN Buwa, former beauty queen and Executive Assistant to the Delta State governor on the physically challenged, is no doubt a proud mom now. Last Monday, her 16 year-old twins, Olasubomi and Olaposi Odumosu, graduated from the ST&T Regency School owned by Mrs. Maggie Ibru.

It was a double blessing for the single mother of three as Posi had the best result in Economics and won the most confident student award.

Bomi who was the school'sports prefect won the best allround athlete. It was definitely a sweet moment for the twins as family and friends mounted the stage to celebrate with them, swinging to the Azonto dance.

Bomi's and Posi's 78 year-old maternal grandmother was also at the occasion to celebrate with the twins that she usually visited at least twice in a term throughout their stay in the school.

For the feat that the twins achieved, Omasan said she can only give God the glory as a single mother.

Buwa

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Glamour 57 Zizi Cardow and Caucasian partner still like 5&6

GSK's Hannah Oyebanjo births Redwood Consulting

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ARKETING guru and former Marketing Director, GlaxoSmithkline, Hannah Oyebanjo, is definitely not resting on her oars. The former Chief Operating Officer at C&F Porter Novelli has moved higher in her career and is now the Principal Partner at Redwood Consulting. The woman with a Midas touch when it comes to turning around ailing brands is set out to passionately assist discerning and serious businesses.

Armed with MBA in Marketing from Delta State University and a BSc honours in Chemistry, Oyebanjo, who also attended management programme at Pan African University, is out to make a change in the business world.

Zizi Cardow and Oyinbo lover

OPULAR fashion designer, Zizi Cardow, is sure enjoying sizzling romance with her partner of many years. The mother of one and her caucasian partner are still like 5&6 as they are always seen rocking together. We ran into them at the showcasing of Mango Nigeria, Etam and Ennzo collections at Oriental Hotel few days ago. The duo glued together throughout the duration of the show.

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s double joy

I Oyebanjo

T is no longer news that Pastor Taiwo Odukoya has moved on after the demise of his wife, the late Pastor Bimbo. Well, the gist is that the fruits of their union are also waxing great. Apart from the fact that the children are successful in their chosen careers, they are also ripe for marriage. Tolu, the first daughter, had traditional engagement with her high school lover, Olumide Ijogun, last weekend and the white wedding is slated for the later part of the year.

We hear the second son, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, aka “Pastor J”, is also engaged. And most likely, the man of God is plotting a high octane bash for them.

Odukoya

Ogunlesi brothers bury hatchet

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Ogunlesi brothers

Wosilat Okoya now babysits

HESE are definitely the best of times for family and friends of the Ogunlesi brothers, Fola and Lanre. It had been reported over and over again that there was a bitter feud going on between the two brothers.

And many who are close to them could not claim to know what seemed to be the bone of contention between the two. Lanre Ogunlesi, owner of Sophisticat, and his elder brother, Fola Ogunlesi, the billionaire owner of Fantasyland, Ikoyi, Lagos, were said not to see eye-to-eye, let alone exchange pleasantries.

The cold war had been raging between the two blood brothers for over a decade now and there seems to be no end in sight to it. People believed to be of immense influence in their lives had practically reached out to them, but without success.

But all this may have been a thing of the past as the two brothers were spotted together at the wedding of one of their cousins, Oluwadara Ogunlesi, two weeks ago at the Catholic Church of the Presentation, GRA, Ikeja.

The Ogunlesi brothers not only sat together, they danced together and even hugged each other to the admiration of those present.

Folake Coker quits The Palms

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AGOS socialite and business woman, Wosilat Okoya, is baby sitting. Thanks to her eldest daughter, Bisola. She delivered a bouncing baby boy in far away United States of America.

And trust Wosilat who is the only sister of Lagos billionaire and industrialist,Chief Rasak Okoya, sources say she has relocated abroad to take care of her first grandchild. Bisola Dejonwo, no doubt, has a laudable pedigree. She takes after her mother with her dazzling looks and her swanky dress sense. The beautiful lady runs Baker's House, a bakery and pastry outfit.

F Okoya

OR those who might be angling to patronise the Tiffany Amber flagship store of celebrated fashion designer, Folake Coker, at the upscale The Palms, we can tell you for free that the store has closed shop.

Already the Mall owners have put up the space for rent to prospective tenants. Though reason(s) for the closure could not be ascertained, a source squealed that the amiable designer is relocating to another place.

To Folake, money may not really be an issue. The daughter of Ibadan-based billionaire, Chief Bode Akindele, has made success of the brand she launched about 14 years ago.

Coker

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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VOL 1 NO. 037

Advertising quality standard P

ERHAPS there is a need for us to re-iterate the mission of MC&A DIGEST, which is: to contribute towards upholding those practice values expected of advertising practice, based on the ethics of the profession, to the extent that there remain a population of practitioners (no matter how small in size) that will carry on from the past and out-going practitioners, based on the grand rules, for the good of all. We at MC&A DIGEST are committed to protecting the profession and practice of advertising from hunger, intellectual laziness, inordinate ambition, disregard for ethical standard, lack of commitment and such other compromises owing to inadequate training and experience preparatory to acceptable practice standard.

In pursuit of our mission, we have been consistent in stating and restating those fundamentals in the practice of advertising (brands management, marketing communication and advertising), in the last eighteen months of our publication. We have been challenged to continually remind practitioners of the duties, roles and responsibilities of advertising. Advertising is a service requiring of careful application of peculiar skills and abilities, towards people-information, enlightenment and guidance; it is a delicate application of identifiable variables for purposes of influencing the mind. It is about information management – gathering, processing, analysis and dissemination. Advertising is highly influential in the process of decision-making.

Advertising practice is highly demanding of intellectual and mental engagement. Practitioners toil to add value in so many ways; they are most often cut out to live for others.

What with the trouble of gathering and processing information in form of research and (strategic) planning, competitive analysis, creative planning and interpretation of research findings…the process of generating advertising products is tedious, elaborate, critical and expressive.

Functionally, therefore, adverts and/or campaigns are tied to clearly identifiable objectives, namely: 1. AWARENESS GENERATION/ GROWTH. As basic necessity, brands need to create and send out information for and about their selves to exist, starting from market entry/introduction to rebirth, repositioning and for tactical reasons such as sales activation, promotion and announcement. At this point, the campaign (and indeed the marketing) objective is to MAKE-KNOWN the brand person, value offer and essence.

2. IMPROVE (D) MARKET PERFORMANCE. Marketing is about taking advantage of opportunities to drive for competitive advantage - at the market place.

Therefore, research findings, at some point, suggests the need for brand information communication for purposes of either taking advantage of a particular opening or correcting a prevalent perception of a given brand among target market, considered a wrong representation of a rather true situation that should be to the brand's advantage if presented differently, to improve on the brand's performance in the market.

Sometimes, the resultant gain could be qualified in terms of value or volume.

When such needs are identified, the campaigns to address them are so-classified by the challenges they are to address.

3. BRAND, TRADE & CONSUMER REWARD PROMOTION. When campaign objective is to promote a given brand, it is often times related with new offer price, better or improved consumer service in terms of improved distribution network or channel expansion, introduction of new product pack and other such need to communicate relative change in the brand person to the target market for clear competitive advantage. Sometimes, such promos are designed to reward trade and/or consumer, for their loyalty and support over a period. Such promos are also used to recruit new users, check

TIONERS' COUNCIL of NIGERIA - APCON – was established.

For the purpose of this article, we like to also mention other related agencies and government departments here, to include: Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), National Agency For Food & Drugs Administration (NAFDAC), National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Consumer Protection Council.

Together, all of the above-listed are challenged by the common goal of protecting the public from wrong and misleading information about brands and products on offer at the market place, ensure acceptable quality standard in the production and dissemination of advert messages and uphold top-end ethical standard in advertising and marketing communication practice. Expressly stated, please see the mission of the AAAN: “AAAN SHALL seek to regulate the practice of advertising, among member-agencies towards improving standards, corporate responsibility, profitability and knowledge; encourage symbiotic relationships among practitioners and other related sectoral bodies, in order to enhance the business environment in which WE operate, thereby strengthening the contribution of advertising to the nation's development” Please note that the emphasis on WE above is mine.

Of all contained in the AAAN MS as above, our concern is on (a) regulation… and (b) strengthening the contribution of advertising to…. Readers should please deduce the importance of the duties of the other agencies and departments we listed above, from the mission statement of AAAN, in relation to the objective of ensuring acceptable standard advertising and the protection of consumers against brand/product offering and advert messages that are capable of misleading the public.

Given the narration so far, we at MC&A DIGEST like to, on behalf of the general (consumer) public, ask the following questions: 1. Are advert messages being generated and broadcast by advertising agencies and their clients truly vetted with the objective of protecting the consumer-public against misleading information in mind?

2. Can the offer and promo promises being made by some brands in the market today be taken as truly actionable and redeemed as promised 3. Is it true that consumers in Nigeria will become so individually powerful to be able to pick up 50kg weight with the left hand and still be so strong to leisurely do carpet hover, just by drinking (what measure of) milk a day?

4. How do we ascertain that the new variant of Panadol on offer is 5 times more powerful than the one previously offered?

Hmm! We shall stop the story at this point.

But we like to report, as practitioners in brands management, that the regulators have plenty of work to do, because so many of the product campaign and promo messages on parade are not sincere. Consequently, “consumer” apathy is growing, the quality of practice is dropping aggressively and the consumer is being compromised.

APCON, AAAN and the Rest of Us the activities of competing brands or frustrate new (brands) entrants.

4. (CONSUMER) EDUCATION. In some rare cases, the peculiarity of some brands necessitates some form of consumer education on how-to-use, and some other reasons. In the course of practice, one has had to develop such campaign for a brand of analgesic pain-killer and a medicated and antiseptic soap. Brands gain immensely from such efforts because if wrongly used, such brands deliver negatively on their value-essence and promise, resulting in negative

consumer experience and ultimate consumer rejection. So it is imperative for brands requiring of peculiar usage pattern to ensure adequate awareness of how-to-use among their target users, to optimize their competitive advantages. Some campaigns are designed for this purpose.

By extension, however, some educational campaigns are targeted for long term attitude change among the critical mass in a given market segment for purposes of creating the enabling environment for the introduction of a new and hitherto unfamiliar variant of a product category.

5. BRAND PROTECTION. There have been times when brands have had to protect themselves against legal issues, perception or a reckless competitor. Such information could be sent in form of public announcement, infomercial or commercial. So, at some point, Panadol had to so warn “if e nor bi Panadol,…!

From the profiling thus far, it is clear how important advert messages are, in respect to their functions and the role they play as communication tools. We also imagine it is by reason of this importance that the regulators took time to establish the necessary quality and ethical standard to guard against abuse or wrongful application. For this and other regulatory related purposes, the ADVERTISING PRACTI-

We rest our case!

Please Note This page is open for sponsorship and advert placement.

60

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

While former President Hosni Mubarak's wife, Suzanne, was a Westernised elitist, Naglaa Ali - who wears a veil and doesn't do interviews - is a change for Cairo. VIVIAN SALAMA writes on Mohamed Morsi's mysterious wife.

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AGLAA Ali wears little makeup and dons a khimar, an Islamic veil that completely covers the hair and falls loosely to the waist. Ali wasn't well known in Egypt. That is, until she joined her husband Mohamed Morsi for a tour of Cairo's presidential palace.

Less than a week before Egypt's first Islamist president officially assumed office, the nation's attention turned to his wife. Until then, Egypt's soon-to-be first lady was a mystery to those her husband would soon rule. She rarely accompanied Morsi on his nationwide campaign, and she had done virtually no interviews.

As informal exit polls hinted at Morsi's win over Ahmed Shafiq, a stalwart of the former regime, Egyptians got a first look at Ali after a few photos went viral on social media and Egyptian news websites. The image sparked heated discussions over whether her ultraconservative appearance is suitable to represent Egypt in a diplomatic arenaa stark contrast from her predecessors, including the nownotorious Suzanne Mubarak, a Westernised elitist who reportedly used her husband's power to amass a personal fortune of as much as $3.3 million.

Born in Cairo in 1962, Ali was 17 when she married Morsiher first cousin, a common practice in the Arab world. The couple relocated to the United States shortly after they wed, where Morsi completed his doctorate in engineering at the University of Southern California and later worked as a professor at California State University, Northridge. Ali, who trained as a translator, gave birth to two of their five children while living in the U.S. It was there that she was f i r s t

•Suzanne Mubarak

•Naglaa Ali

Tale of two First Ladies enthralled with the grassroots work of the Muslim Brotherhood and became an active member of the organization, engaging in charity work, primarily with a focus on education.

In one of the only interviews she has given to date, she reportedly said she prefers to be called “Oum Ahmed” (the Mother of Ahmed) by the Egyptian peoplea traditional designation referring to her eldest son. She also said that she is opposed to living in the presidential palace formerly inhabited by the Mubaraks, and would instead prefer to buy a house in Cairo, suitable for entertaining large groups.

Comments on Twitter have ranged from the likes of “Morsi's wife is no Carla Bruni” to “I am so proud of the way Mrs. Morsi looks.”

While some are concerned about the social changes that might be associated with the new Islamist leadership, the fact is that religious conservatism is increasingly the norm in

the Arab world's most populous nation, and many young women feel that Ali may be a true representation of Egyptian society. “I expect her to dress the way she sees fitshe has to represent Egypt, the culture, the people, by her actions rather than her clothes,” said Summer Gamal Eldin Nazif, 17, who is a Morsi supporter, though too young to cast a ballot. “For 30 years, we had an aristocratic first lady.

The elites think the first lady should represent them.”

Suzanne Mubarak, a graduate of the American University in Cairo, was described last year in a Newsweek profile as “arrogant, deluded, out of touch.”

After succeeding Anwar Sadat following his assassination, Hosni Mubarak reportedly sought to limit his wife's exposure to public life so as not to subject her to the same scrutiny from conservatives faced by her predecessor, Jihan Sadat. That would change though, and she increasingly came under fire for monopolizing the country's women'srights movement and other social activities, while her husband's administration clamped down on social freedoms. Suzanne was rumored to have spearheaded efforts to see her son Gamal become the next president of Egypt, as many feared. After her husband's resignation, state-run Al-Ahram newspaper described her as “ambitious to the point of being criminal, and cruel to the point of being disturbed.” She fell out of the public eye after reportedly

suffering a heart attack while serving a 15-day detention for corruption allegations last year. Today, she is rarely heard from, even as her husband clings to life while serving a life sentence in prison.

To this day, many cultural and educational institutions carry her name.

“Suzanne Mubarak was isolated from the real people of Egypt her entire life and doesn't understand the issues and the challenges we face in our society,” said Mariam El-Sherif, 21, a student at AlAzhar University, Egypt's highest Islamic institution, and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. “Mrs. Morsi is one of us.”

As Ali prepares to assume her role as first lady, many in Egypt point to a dire need for fearless and genuine advocacy of women's rights. While women make up half of all university students, they constitute less than 25 percent of the workforce. In politics, women are permitted but not often encouraged to run for office. A handful of women have served as ministers and parliamentarians, and the then President-Elect Morsi said that he would name a female and Christian vice president in an effort to appease both groups. Still, female political representation remains low, having held less than 2 percent of the seats in the recently dissolved Parliament (one of the lowest shares in the world, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union), and only seven of the 100 seats in the constituent assembly, tasked with drafting the new constitution.

“It is getting better, but for sure we need our women to become more active in political and social causes and make their voices heard,” said Azza El Garf, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood and one of few female lawmakers in the defunct Parliament.

Women were at the forefront of Egypt's revolution last year, fighting for jobs, equality, and dignity. They camped out in Tahrir Square for the 18-day protest that toppled Hosni Mubarak, engaged in brutal confrontations with state security, and mobilized medical and social-aid programs during the uprising. Concerns have arisen in recent months over their safety after assaults in Tahrir Square made headlines from this once-safe country. In March, seven of the women taken into police custody during a sit-in in Tahrir Square were subjected to virginity tests, sparking outrage from women's groups and human-rights organizations around the world.

Progress on several other social issues has remained stagnant, particularly on the delicate subject of female genital mutilation, which is still rife in parts of the country despite a 2008 ban.

Still, with Egypt's election continuing to be heavily contested by many political powers, some are not yet ready to salute the new first lady. “Her husband doesn't represent all of Egyptians, so why should I think about her?” said Nawal El Saadawi, a prominent author and feminist. “Women's unity is a much greater problem here. It is a social, economic, religious problem. Very few people, men or women, are willing to pay the price of freedom.”

Courtesy: Daily Beast

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

New WOMAN

61

Pillowtalk With YETUNDE

OLADEINDE molaralife@yahoo.com

A heart in the panel beater's workshop

A

I

How to act like a lady

T is said that every lady is a woman, but every woman is not lady. This is because there is a great difference between the two.

A woman becomes a lady only when she has all the characteristics of the latter. A lady has enough self-respect and respect for others as well. She is confident and assertive. Gentleness, elegance and sophistication reflect from her persona.

Acting like a lady requires some skills. The guidance given in this article will help you get direction on how to act like a lady; Dress Nicely A lady's attire should be clean, coordinated and wrinkle-free. She won't prefer skin-show; rather would ensure that her clothes are not ill-fitting - neither baggy nor skin-tight. As a lady, make sure you always dress up nicely and appropriately, according to the place and situation. The accessories you choose should complement your attire perfectly.

Look Good, Smell Good Cleanliness is the key to act like a good lady. It helps exude your vivacity.

Shower regularly and groom or stylize your hair before going out. Wear a sweet smelling perfume or deodorant.

Do not apply strong perfumes that may have a repulsive odour. Applying make-up is not mandatory. If at all you wear make-up, make sure that you apply a modest amount, just to highlight your facial features.

Choose Your Words Be very careful about what you speak. Make the right selection of words. Do not use abusive words, even if you feel that the other person is at fault or you are highly frustrated. If you

feel that he or she is not listening to what you say or acting the way you want, it is better to maintain a moderate tone or not to speak at all, rather than speaking forcefully or using harsh words.

Mind Your Body Language You should not only take care of the words you speak, but also the way you behave and present yourself at any situation. This is especially applicable when you socialize. For instance, you should follow the table manners and etiquette while dining at a party. Do not overindulge yourself in food or alcohol when you are at a party or business meeting. Gluttony for food or drunkenness at social gatherings shows lack of self-control.

Be Knowledgeable Always stay updated with what is happening in the world around you.

Inculcate the habit of reading newspapers daily. Expand your knowledge and interests. This will, in turn, open doors to stimulate conversations with new people and help increase your social contacts.

Always Keep Cool Try not to lose your temper often.

Keep your cool and stay composed.

Express your disappointment at someone's behaviour in a very gentle manner. Do not frown in front of others or else people may end up thinking that you are a very short tempered person.

Be well mannered Manners are a necessity to being ladylike. Don't tell or listen to "dirty" jokes; if someone in your presence starts to tell one, politely excuse yourself and leave the situation. Read up on books that teach etiquette and always be nice to everyone, but at the same time, don't be a doormat. You have no responsibility for your heritage, so you should not be judged by that. However, you will, and should, be judged by your friends.

Choose your friends wisely You do not want to be embarrassed by your friends, and you want friends who are on the same social and intellectual level as you are. Who you spend time with says a lot about who you are. If you are saddled with a friend who is not a person you like, talk to them with tact. Explain that, while they are a great person, you don't think that the two of you are similar enough to get on well. You could also say that you like the person but would like to be acquaintances, rather than friends.

Actions speak louder Always act appropriately. For example, pull your skirt under your legs when sitting down. Always sit with legs together or, if you must cross them, crossed only at the ankle and placed close to the seat, slightly to a side of you.

Do not overindulge in food and avoid alcohol at a party or business function.

Gluttony or drunkenness shows one's lack of self-control and can cause a loss of respect or potentially embarrassing moment in front of your peers. Burping or passing gas in the presence of others is bad etiquette as well.

Source: Google

SSUMPTIONS! Yes, a lot of times we make assumptions in our relationships. We usually assume that it's what we want. That it would be good for us until we discover that it is indeed the direct opposite of our dreams.

Jimmy has been in a particular relationship for four years and he is ready to settle down. Unfortunately for him the lady he has fallen hopelessly and helplessly in love with is still playing around. His friends had actually warned him to cast his net elsewhere.

“That girl is not good for you. She is arrogant, highhanded, standoffish and rude. Forget about her pretty face, you need more than that in a woman,” a pal once advised.

No way! He couldn't just give up then, but now he knows better. After some nasty encounters, this Romeo has been 'panel beaten' to submission. So what happened to our dear friend? 'This time last year was quite traumatic for me. I was careless and I let a very smart business partner into my world.'

He trusted and gave it all. The result was that the smart alec took over his queen. Sorry, did I just call her his queen?

Apologies, because he hates to refer to her as such now. He actually learnt some bitter lessons but survived it because another sweet angel walked into his life almost immediately.

Like Jimmy, Cynthia's heart has also been to the panel beater's workshop. Oh no! She has really had it up to her neck.

Good curves, great face and height to carry or throw her weight around.

Young and fresh, you couldn't help but admire her girlish looks and gesticulations when you run into her. She obviously had the world in her pocket.

Her phones rings and you discover a different personality. First she explodes: 'Don't ever call me again.'

She cuts off the voice on the other side of the line but the person (obviously a male) persisted until she burst into tears. Ha! How can this queen do this to herself? Once again, all eyes and ears move in her direction as she sobs like a baby.

Now, it's a call to duty and yours truly and another kindhearted Eve accompany her to the ladies’ to wash her face, apply some make-up and possibly get her bearing once more. It wasn't as easy as we thought it was going to be.

Here she cried and cried .More tears….then she sounded a note of caution, 'beware of friends. Wolves in sheep's clothing.’ What really was the problem? Her Romeo had been two- timing. So what?

These days it isn't new to catch a guy who’s 'two-, or is it three-timing'? Guys have become very creative when it comes to 'cheating' on their girlfriends. Some gals have pulled out of a cheating experience only to discover a better or a bigger cheat in the new love adventure. If only they knew it was going to be this bad, then they would have preferred to hang on in the other relationship.

Okay. Now that she's found out that this venture like every other venture has become very competitive, what is she going to do? Walk away or try again. Well, it's a fifty fifty chance. Sometimes, it's the guy who gives so much and gets so little in return. And there are also times when the person being taken for granted is a woman.

Whatever side of the coin that you are faced with, the most important thing is to weigh all the options. This naturally would make you take a decision whether to quit or just accept the imperfections of the human heart. For all you know, the other party may just be acting on impulse. If this is the case, then your relationship is not likely to face a serious threat.

However, if it's deeper than what you see or imagine, then there is cause for alarm. You need to figure out how to recover this asset before you become another casualty. That way, you would need an emotional surgeon equipped for your revival.

Sometimes, you can compare the heart of a person in a relationship with that of a gambler. Money buys love these days and how rich you are can determine the quality of loving you get. It is a gamble which many jokers discover as you play along. You try, try and try again. If you hit the jackpot, then it would certainly be harvest time. If not, then you would probably have to try your luck elsewhere.

Every gambler has a dream, the dream to be a winner and rake in so much money within a short period of time.

Someone must definitely be the winner and the winner certainly takes all. When it comes to emotions the stakes are higher when the person you are trying to win over has money, fame or goodwill.

It is indeed a keen contest and the outcome is evident within a short period. It is usually dangerous to be too slow at this point because anything can happen.

62

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Etcetera

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

POLITICKLE

Universal thermometer The heavy rains and attendant hazards associated with the prevailing season inspire a satirical adaptation of human reaction to extreme weather across the world.

Familiarisation with basic science, world geography and keen intellect should aid absorption of the subject matter. Still, for the layman’s benefit, boiling point of water, as determined by the Celsius Centigrade temperature measurement scale, is 100°C; freezing point, 0°C; and absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, –273.1°C.

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

So as it gets colder 15° Celsius Centigrade: Southern USA residents put on sweaters (if they can find one in their wardrobe).

10°C: Even more Southern USA residents turn on the heat.

5°C: You can see your breath; Southern Californians shiver uncontrollably.

2°C: Italian cars don’t start.

0°C: Water freezes.

-1°C: You plan a vacation to Australia; politicians begin to worry about the homeless, British cars don’t start.

-4°C: Chicago water freezes; Californians weep pitiably; Canadians go swimming.

-7°C: You can hear your breath; politicians begin to talk about the homeless; New York City water freezes; Florida residents plan vacation further south.

-9°C: French cars don’t start; you plan a vacation in Mexico; cat insists on sleeping in your bed with you.

-12°C: Too cold to ski; you need to recharge car batteries to get it going.

-15°C: You plan your vacation in Southern USA; American cars don’t start.

-18°C: Eskimos put on T-shirts; too cold to skate.

-23°C: German cars don’t start; eyes freeze shut when you blink.

-26°C: You can cut your breath and use it to build an igloo; Miami residents cease to exist.

-29°C: Cat insists on sleeping in your pajamas with you; politicians actually do something about the homeless; North Americans shovel snow off roof; Japanese cars don’t start.

-32°C: Too cold to think; you need to recharge driver to get him going.

-34°C: You plan a two week hot bath; the wildest river freezes. Swedish cars don’t start.

-40°C: Californians disappear; Canadians put on sweaters; your car helps you plan your trip down south.

-46°C: National Assembly hot air freezes; City-dwelling Eskimos close the bathroom window.

-51°C: Hell freezes over; polar bears move south!

And as things hot up 4°C: Siberians melt.

10°C: Scandinavians sweat.

21°C: Eskimos declare record heatwave. Californians rise from hibernation.

27°C: Canadians turn on the air conditioning full blast. Arizona Desert residents stop shivering.

32°C: Valley residents awaken. Scandinavians go underground.

38°C: British start sacrificing goats to make the sun go away. Californians finally turn off the heaters.

41°C: Texans drink coffee. Eskimos melt.

43°C: Arabians awaken and defrost. Canadians weep. New Yorkers burst open street fire hydrants and water reservoirs.

49°C: Australians notice the sun is out. All Europeans and Canadians spontaneously simmer.

54°C: Too hot to think. Texans and Californians undo top button. Antarctica is gone, polar bears extinct.

66°C: Miami residents put on sunglasses. Texans turn on the fan.

93°C: Arizona children amuse themselves by dropping eggs on sidewalk and giggle while they fry.

100°C: Water Boils.

164°C: Lead Boils.

174°C: Sahara Desert-dwelling people comment that the sand is a little stingy today.

204°C: Camels die.

1090°C: Nuclear blast imminent.

QUOTE It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

—Frederick Douglass

Jokes Humour Cold Harmattan IT WAS November and the villagers at a remote location asked their new Chief if the coming dry season would be cold or mild. Since he was a Chief raised in a modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the sky he couldn’t tell what the winter was going to be like.

Nevertheless, to be on the safe side he told his tribe that the Harmattan was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared. But being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to a call centre and called the national weather service and asked, “Is the coming Harmattan going to be cold?”

“It looks like this Harmattan is going to be quite cold,” the meteorologist at the weather service said.

So the Chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again. “Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold Harmattan?”

“Yes,”themanatNationalWeatherServiceagain said, “it’s going to be a very cold Harmattan.”

The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every piece of firewood

they could find. Two weeks later the Chief called the National Weather Service again. “Are you absolutely sure that the Harmattan is going to be very cold?”

“Absolutely,” the man said. “It’s looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest ever.”

“How can you be so sure?” the Chief asked.

The weatherman said, “The villagers are collecting firewood like crazy!”

Weather Tongue TWO weathermen each broke an arm and a leg in an accident and were hospitalised. The next day, they called from the hospital to talk about four casts.

Weatherbeaten A HUSBAND and his wife were sound asleep when suddenly the phone rang.

The husband picked up the phone and said, “Hello? How the heck do I know? What do I look like, a weatherman?” He then slammed the phone down and settled into bed.

“Who was that?” asked his wife.

“I don’t know. It was some guy who wanted to know if the coast was clear.”

•Culled from the Internet

W

RITING Writer ’s Fountain with style: If you scribble your thoughts any way, make you think about? Did you ever admire an your readers will surely feel that you care empty-headed writer for his or her mastery of nothing about them and may stop reading you. the language? Of course not. So your own The worst revelation you can make about winning style must begin with ideas in your yourself is, therefore, that you do not know what head.

Sound like yourself. The writing style which is interesting and what is not.

Don’t you yourself like or dislike writers is most natural for you is bound to echo the mainly for what they choose to show you or speech you heard when a child. All varieties of speech are beautiful, just as the varieties of Take note: butterflies are beautiful. No matter what your •Blood is such a good stain that Native first language is, treasure it all your life. If it Americans used it for paint. happens to not be standard English, and if it •Montreal is the second largest French shows itself when your write standard English, speaking city after Paris. the result is usually delightful as long as you •On average, a person will spend about five obey the rules of grammar. years eating during their lifetime.

Say what you mean. Write accurately, •Great Britain has the highest consumption always selecting the most effective words and of ice cream than any other European nation relating them to one another unambiguously, (extra note: some ice creams are 75% air). rigidly, like parts of a machine. That is the way •The most deadly fires that occur in the home to say something worth saying and be happen between 6pm and 10pm. understood.

•Three years after a person quits smoking, Pity the readers. They have to identify their chance of having a heart attack is the thousands of little marks on paper, and make same as someone who has never smoked sense of them immediately. They have to read – before. an art so difficult that most people don’t really •People who study laughter are called master it even after having studied it all through ‘gelotologists’. primary and secondary school.

THE ARTS

63

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Wearing my father’s shoes has not been easy Ben Enwonwu, though long dead still remains one of the greatest visual artists ever produced

by Nigeria. His works dot some important public places both at home and abroad. In this interview with Edozie Udeze, his son Oliver, also an artist, throws more light on his father’s exploits and why he is ‘too small’ to step into his big shoes.

Keeping the legacy LIVER Enwonwu is not only a versatile visual artist who has created a niche for himself, he is also the son of late Ben Enwonwu, one of the greatest visual artists this country has ever produced. Right now, his greatest worry is not how to perfect his art and keep his own brand and style in place, but how to fit into the big shoes his late father left behind.

Interestingly, Oliver did not start out to become an artist. He wanted to become a medical doctor, even though his father wished that he went into the seminary to become a priest. Halfway, Oliver had a rethink; he went on to study Bio-Chemistry. It was a decision that didn’t quite satisfy his innate talent and curiosity, not only as an artist but as the son of Ben Enwonwu.

Oliver said; “Yes, it was because of his contributions to the art that made some of us his children (he and his younger sister) to study art. I was so inspired by his contributions to the development of the art not only in Nigeria but world over. After my first degree in Bio-chemistry, I went back to the University of Lagos to study Fine Arts,” he explained.

So far, he admits it has been quite difficult to manage what the man left behind as his legacies. “Oh, it has been a bit difficult to keep his legacies together. Often, I ask myself how will I step into such a big man’s shoes? But I have realised that he is a man for all of us, not only us his children in the art, but all the people who love what he stood for as an artist.”

The young Enwonwu who is in his second tenure as the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) explained that the Ben Enwonwu Art Foundation has been formed to keep the flag flying. In his own words, “We have been trying to emulate a lot of his successes as he laid down in his foundation. In his own time were such great artists as Aina Onabolu,

O

•Enwonwu

Akin Olasokun and others. I am sure he and these other artists are happy we’ve been doing what we can to keep the flag flying. Even though in their own days, they dwelt more on festivals, traditional motifs, dances, masquerades and so on, we are now concentrating on contemporary issues; social issues that will help to make the society better.”

For now, the foundation organises annual lecture, seminars and workshops in Enwonwu’s name.

Oliver’s initial difficulty was how to carve his own niche; how to separate his style from his father’s.

“You see, while growing up, I didn’t want to be an artist, although initially I’d pen down a few things.

Then my father would come over to my room to help me with some of my home work. That was way back at Kings College, Lagos. It was very

Photo: Muyiwa Hassan

interesting then; I found my self drawing towards the art. At the initial stage, I wanted to be like him in style and technique. But after a while, I decided to be my own artist, with my own brand, identity and signature. So far, apart from the foundation, I have been involved in art administration and documentation and also running the art gallery.”

Auction Apart from his own art gallery called Omenka, Oliver confessed that his greatest headache is how to ensure that an artist gains from the auctioning of his works. Last year, his father’s work named Anyanwu was auctioned for N28million, being the highest in the history of art auction in Nigeria. He said thus: “Yes, first in an auctioning, the credit goes to the artist because it is the artist’s name. It is his

work that is being propagated. But unfortunately the money goes to the collector who initially bought the work. Presently, in Europe, people are trying to see how an artist can gain a bit from such an auction. It is painful because none of it goes to the artist, unlike the musician who gains each time his work is played.

Right now the National Gallery of Art (NGA) is also trying to wade into the matter.”

When Anyanwu was done at in-

dependence in 1960, Enwonwu made a couple of copies. He was even commissioned by the federal government via the National Commissions for Museums and Monuments to do it. Oliver explained that “Nigeria was about to gain independence and that work needed to be done immediately. Anyanwu itself is also called the New Awakening. That’s its second name and it has the sign of the rising sun depicting that a lot of African nations were on the verge of independence then.”

This was why it has a woman as its symbol, “Yes,” Oliver enthused, “Women then symbolised freedom, liberation and independence. You can see her coming from behind and her hands stretched from afar. It is a full flowering of womanhood. It is also to symbolise the great hopes Nigeria stood for at that time.”

In 1961, the federal government promptly forwarded a copy of the work to the United Nations headquarters as a gift. Copies of the work were also sent to Harare, Zimbabwe and National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria. “Anyway, part of the reason why we have established the foundation is to ensure that some of the ideals are kept in place. The Omenka Gallery is also to keep the dream alive,” he said.

Enwonwu’s other works In 1954, he was commissioned by the Queen of England to do Monalisa, and during the Queen’s visit to Nigeria in 1957, he was also on hand as the most recognised Nigerian artist. This was the year he was knighted as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) due to his dexterity as an artist.

One of his works is in front of the Lagos parliamentary building.

The Risen Christ located in front of Chapel of Resurrection at the University of Ibadan is his work.

Also the statue of Sango at the NEPA headquarters, Marina, Lagos was done by him. And lots of others.

“His background helped him to be who he was,” Oliver said. “His own father was a great artist in Onitsha in his days. So, my father started from that background. He worked as a Federal Civil Servant for 36 years and gained all the international recognitions therein,” he concluded.

Stolen treasures comes on board

T the moment, many film producers and script writers in Nigeria have begun to shift attention to documentary film production. Apart from the fact that most Nigerian video and film buffs have started losing interest in the format of Nigerian home video and the nature of their story lines, film directors and producers have realised that documentary films naturally capture people’s attention more.

Explaining the reason for this sudden change, Ezeruom Ugwu, a film director who is working on a title – Stolen Treasure, said, “People need to have something new.

It is always boring watching the same thing all the time, seeing the same faces all the time. This is why we have chosen to write this script I am directing now.”

The title of the documentary film which is being shot at the premises of the Artiste Village, Iganmu, Lagos, is Stolen Treasure:

A

•Al-Hassan

By Edozie Udeze

It is the story of a young man who went to the university to study Veterinary Medicine. He was forced by his family to do so. But mid way he discovered he could not cope. While classes were going on, he would be busy tapping on his desk,” Ugwu said.

•Ugwu

As soon as he could get the chance, he abandoned his studies to go into music full time.

Somehow, his best friend stole his first demo cassette. This, indeed, set off a lot of other unfortunate events in the life of the musician.

“What we have decided to do is to document the life history of this talented artiste,” Ugwu ex-

plained. “All we intended to do is to let the world follow the sequence of events here and then make their own judgement.”

In a chat, Engel Al-Hassan, a musician and an M-net Face of Africa participant, who is playing the lead role in the film, described the outing as a unique way to document people and what they stand for. “People should be allowed to be who they want to be. Be a musician if that’s what you want to be. Be a Vet Doctor if you so chose. For me, the role comes naturally. This is my terrain, my professional area.”

The documentary film which will be ready in two months time will be first released and shown at cinema centres. “We will also release on the net first to see peoples, reaction,” Ugwu said.

“Thereafter, we will launch and let the people see the beauty in docu films.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Arts/Reviews

Books

Making Islam work

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‘Terrorists’ on stage •National Troupe artistes on stage

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LAY-reading session has become one of the platforms created by the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) to discover new playwrights and encourage them to prosper. Over the years, however, this trend has helped to discover and bring to the fore many playwrights who have now become known and are doing well in their trade.

Recently, a play entitled Another Episode of Trauma, written by Temilolu Fosudo, was read at the National Theatre, Lagos. A four – character play, the subject-matter was on the socio-political situation in Nigeria at the moment. The playwright deliberately chose to dwell on the many burning national issues; issues that threaten to tear the nation – state to pieces.

The scene was carefully created in the northern part of Nigeria where palpable fear of extermination hangs in the air.

Joseph is married to Mariam and they have a daughter called Jessica. Joseph is a revolutionary or who assumes to be one.

He is hell-bent on doing his best to salvage his society. Above all, he is terribly angered and disturbed by the total break down of order and peace in Nigeria. He has been writing and reading and fighting to effect

By Edozie Udeze

the desired change. But Mariam is not happy with him; she is afraid he will be killed and she will become a widow. No matter how strongly she is opposed to his strong feelings towards a revolution, Joseph is adamant. “Someone has to do it,” he insists.

There is a line of thought here that makes the play appear ordinary, dry and absurd. The arguments are wellknown in social circles. There is however no theatrical life in what goes on in Joseph’s household. It is like a teacher doing his usual stuff in a classroom; using ideological and powerful words and arguments to sway his students.

In other words, Fosudo succeeds in letting the world know how vast he is in the world of innocuous and obnoxious elements and terrorists who have practically taken over the various societies across the globe.

Making reference to such great people like Martin Luther King Jnr. of the United States of America, Ernesto Che Guevara of Argentina and Fela Anikulapo-kuti of Nigeria is like taking a refresher course in political ideology.

Already, the play with the characters who appeared rather lifeless on

stage proves to be a difficult one to suit and ignite Nigeria’s local thespians. Here, for the average Nigerian theatre buff, theatre is life, theatre is indeed entertainment, not an ideological discourse embedded on issues that harbour undue political innuendoes and absurdities.

Well, like it is usually said in theatre parlance; may be this too is a director’s play. May be the additional characters of two terrorists will give it a new vigour.

But then, Fosudo has shown that younger playwrights are also in tune with the events around them. He has, through the play, proved that he is a wide, versatile and serious researcher.

These are tools a good playwright needs to prosper in this trade.

Nonetheless, Martin Adaji, the Artistic director of NTN used the opportunity of the play-reading to remind Nigerians that the Troupe is ready to welcome new plays. “Theatre is only alive when the practitioners are also alive. Play-reading is one of the ways we have chosen to keep the sector alive and vibrant,” he said.

Wase Kareem of Z-mirage who chaired the occasion praised Fosudo for his efforts. He also urged him to keep the flag flying since his first effort has shown that he can do more.

Artistes honour Soyinka, bid farewell to Olusola

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WO important culture icons took centre stage in Lagos last week. While artistes took time out to celebrate Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka who turned 78, others equally gathered to celebrate and bid goodbye to Chief Segun Olusola, one of the foremost culture activists in Nigeria. Olusola died at the age of 77 after a brief illness.

For both men, Nigerian artistes rolled out drums to pay respect to them for what they have done to elevate the status of art in the society.

At the reading session by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Lagos State Chapter, which took place at the National Theatre, Lagos, it was discovered that Olusola, apart from being a highly creative artiste, and producer, equally had time to write prose fiction and poems.

In one of the books entitled A Letter to my son, read by members of ANA, Olusola was painstaking and careful in his usage of words of advice. In the letter addressed to one of his sons who was about 20 years of age and was about gaining admission into a higher institution, he told him how to grow into a useful young man.

“Try to comport yourself; be a man and adjust to your new environment and make new friends,” he told his son.

Parts of the letter evoked tears and emotion from the audience who looked on in subdued silence as the letter was being read. It was as if Olusola was there himself to read the message. Writers were almost carried away by the impact of the message, not minding that it was just a fiction; a mere imagination to tease people with reality and reflection.

By Edozie Udeze

“Your life cannot be the same as it has been here at home,” Olusola sounded out into the ears of the people. “I know too well that you’ll grow to be a writer, a very good one at that.

So follow your mind, be very disciplined so that you’ll be able to make it before you’re 30 years!”

“In good and bad times, try to be yourself. In everything you do, try to be yourself. Be proud, be sound, be pleasant in your demeanour and you will attract good things to yourself.”

Incidentally, the manuscript which was written in the 1970s was finally published in 1995 by one of Olusola’s sons to mark his 60th birthday. There were also some poems written by him which were read at the occasion. The lines were mainly on how to be good at all times.

Although some artistes like Chinyere Ezeigwe, Folu Agoi, Femi Onileagbon and others read from their works, the highlight of the event was

•AJ House performing Abiku Photo: Edozie Udeze

when members of A. J. House of Poetry mounted the stage to perform Abiku.

The play, written by Soyinka, was stage to mark his 78th birthday.

In the midst of pouring libations and chanting incantations, the artistes, made up of secondary school students from Ajegunle proved that the issue of born-to-die kids is a reality. It is indeed part of reincarnation, a situation that cannot be easily wished away in African traditional beliefs and norms.

The ability of the young artistes to interpret Abiku, one of Soyinka’s best known works, showed that the art is very much alive in Nigeria. As they took the audience stage by stage into the world of an Abiku, – from birth to death, death to birth-the ceremonies were real and believable and touching.

Abiku is a misnomer but tradition knows how to handle it. Soyinka shows how in the scripting of that work and the kid actors and actresses were equal to the task.

HE book Islam and Society in Osun State: Essays in Honour of HRM Oba Raufu Olayiwola Olawale, Adedeji II, Akinrun of Ikirun is the first in the three books that detail the history of the evolution, growth, development, expansion and impact of Islam, Islamic institutions and Muslims on the development of the state of Osun particularly, and Yorubaland generally. A collection of essays written in honour of His Royal Majesty Oba Raufu Olayiwola Olawale Adedeji II, Akinrun of Ikirun and edited by Professor Siyan Oyeweso, a renowned professor of history, the book chronicles the legendary and continuing influence of Islam in the socio-political development of the selected Yoruba cities from the pre-colonial period till present.

It is recorded history that Islam is flexible, culture-friendly and easily adopted by the Yoruba for over two hundred years. In specific terms, the book examines this adaptability in the livelihood pattern of people in Ede, Iwo, Osogbo, Ila Orangun, Ijesaland, Ejigbo, Ile Ife, Ikire, Ode Omu, Gbongan, Ilobu and Erin-Osun in the state of Osun. It is a pro-active research work that goes beyond traditional professional historical documentation; and situates the lessons to be learnt from the tolerance strategies of the promoters and adherents of the religion within the larger context of the multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multicultural Nigerian society. It also inspires further studies on religious tolerance in other climes, as have been practised to near perfection in the cities identified in the volume.

The notes the remarkable bottomup trend of the islamisation of the communities examined, through its

Edited by Siyan Oyeweso Reviewer:Tunde Decker Year of Publication: 2012

adoption first by the masses and the peasa n t s through to the ruling classes. This is noted by the editor in his introduction, emphasising that this development ensured a sure foundation of acceptance and its consequent viability as a tool for socio-political development. Particularly, the book rejects the popular notion that Islam was introduced to parts of Yorubaland through jihad, underscoring the fact that the jihadian concept is all-embracing in its true essence and longer lasting in impact than that of the isolated understanding of jihad as war strategy.

The book consists of twenty two chapters, written by a total of nineteen scholars, and covering such issues as: the nature of the introduction and emergence of Islam, the factors which account for its expansion, the trends and challenges in the propagation of the values and principles of the religion, the manner of response of the people to its spread and the immediate and long term impact it has on society.

The book is written in lucid language and provides the professional as well as the general public an easy read. It is recommended for all and sundry.

Gates of scandals S TORY - telling is an art. You either know how to do it or you force yourself to do so. Either way, it is usually good for a story-teller to be able to manipulate the mind and force his readers to follow the sequence of events in the story. This is exactly what Obiora Udegbunam has been able to do in A Story With Legs. And when a story has legs, it has a lot of secrets to expose.

In it, he succeeds in manipulating his readers into following the story of Orji and Eunice. He tells the story with flourish that you are taken into the inner - recesses of the two characters. Both characters are situated within the Imo - Abia axis in Igboland. Orji and Eunice are well - known pals living in the same locality and having strong respect for each other.

Suddenly, rumour - mongers went to town to instigate Orji against Eunice.

They told the story of how Orji boasted to have had an illicit affair with Eunice.

The story is somewhat told without Orji's knowledge. As the rumour flew around, Orji, the man at the centre of the gossip did not even know; somehow, he was floating in the air.

Midway, Eunice got wind of it and began to avoid him. Orji came home on a brief stay from school only to be confronted by this story. Eunice having been so angered by this story, which she felt dented her image, began to regret why she could be so treated.

And being the daughter of a pastor, she was more irked by this scandal. In the process of all these, Orji lost his father as Eunice finally came to her senses and began reconciliatory moves. This was however a bit late in coming. So much water had passed under the bridge; Orji had suddenly lost his place in the university and life was no longer as rosy as it used to be.

He was indeed a sad man.

On page 83, the author succeeds in

By Edozie Udeze

bringing the story closer to reality.

Eunice follows Orji to his compound for the burial of his father, Ekwunife, who was murdered by armed robbers.

A moving scene is thus created. "As Orji walked towards a group of female guests who clustered at the rear side of the compound, Eunice stepped out from the group and walked briskly to Orji, saying, Orji, I am sorry."

Orji could not but reached out and gave her hand a squeeze and let it go again. "It's okay. Life has its own blows and often they come without warnings. How is your grandma?" he asked.

With these words, the quarrel seemed to have been partially resolved. The story is told in racy, easy flowing language. But most of all, it is an instructive story, warning people not to be misguided by mischief-makers plotting to spoil their friendship.

Udegbunam, an award winning author carefully weaves the story in a village setting to let people know what the rural people still feel about friendship and trust.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

•Bolade

•Alleged prostitutes arranged by the police team on parade

Prostitution is indeed one of the oldest trades. Over the years a number of red light districts have sprung up all over the country and no matter the efforts put in place by those in authority, It continues to thrive. Ayo Bolade, a lawyer and the Executive Director of Multiview Advocacy Network (MANET) has worked with sex workers for about two decades.

She tells Yetunde Oladeinde that creating other opportunities would help to reduce the trade.

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VEN though Bolade studied Law, her passion has been to empower the lot of less privileged ones in the society. In the process , Bolade came in contact with Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) who poured their hearts out telling her the reason they decided to make a living this way.

Determined to turn around their fortune, Bolade began to create alternatives for these women and other lessprivileged people .

“We have worked extensively in HIVand AIDS prevention amongst sex workers. It was very successful as over 200 sex workers were empowered to take care of their health through peer education . We also gave about 50 of them skill acquisition training in catering, hairdressing, tailoring and baking with seed grants and equipments. We also gave out over 50 million naira of NAPEP loans as a Micro Finance Institute to beneficiaries made up of youths and widows”.

You wonder why her organisation gave special attention to Commercial Sex Workers and she replies this way: “ Our research into the supply chain in the sex work in Ondo State was very revealing. At the end of that project, we found out that Ondo State was hosting over 90,000 sex workers .We were able

Giving sex workers new skills

to register 2 cooperative societies, Eri Adura and Aduramigba as well as a cooperative union that is all woman based.”

So what impact has she recorded ?

“It was indeed a turning point in their lives. Even though I could not get diligent staff to hand over to, these ladies took ownership of the societies as they knew what they stand to benefit, alongside their families. Also, working with sex workers does not showcase your success much because a number of them return to become madams , who recruit younger girls into the dehumanising trade.”

She adds that: “We have worked on a number of projects that has helped to transform lives. The latest project is the empowerment of 50 Women aged between 25 & 70 through farming. This way we would be keying into food security, MDG one, as well as become entrepreneurs. To this end, the Ondo State government gave us 100 hectares of farmland at the farm city in Isuada, Owo local government area. We shall be cultivating sweet potatoes and fruit orchard. The potatoes will be processed into gari, custard, flour and spaghetti. The medicinal value of potatoes is priceless especially for a country with a large population battling with diabetes and hyperten-

sion.”

Bolade actually started in Lagos but later moved on to Ondo State where she has been working in the past 12 years.

“The main challenge had been the people’s poor attitude to work ethics. It is a civil service state only opening up to industrialization in the past three years. There was always a dearth of committed staff.”

At a point, she almost made a turn but her passion and conviction encouraged her to go on. “ The truth was that most of them saw NGO as an extension of government , so they come only for their own share of the national cake. I was looking for people to mentor and hand over to. But till date , I have not found any. But with prayers , I believe this new project will produce committed people in the pursuit of new projects. I almost gave up because of the bureaucracy and its attendant bottlenecks were nerve –racking.I was also managing a spinal injury sustained in September, 2009.”

What are some of the memorable moments in her life ? “First, I would say that surviving the accident of 2009 and coming out to impact so many lives again. This makes me so humble and thankful to God.It was after the accident that we gave out the loans. Some

of them will benefit from the new farm project because of our collaboration with the wealth creation agency.Then there was also the day I met one –on-one with the governor and tabled our request. He promptly called up the chairman of the agency to do something , that was in September, 2011. Now, that request has become a reality.”

Ask about her role models and she says the greatest influence came from her father , late apostle Herbert Peter Abiodun Bolade. “He taught me honesty and told me as a growing child never to lie. He lived what he preached , taught me hard work . In adult life , I was mentored by Professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti and Professor Elfreda Adebo, both of blessed memory. Only last week, the chairman of WECA said he could not believe that a woman of my age would be carrying her laptop all over the place. I proudly told him that I was mentored by two great academics, the former became computer literate after he was 70, while the latter remains the only nursing professor Nigeria has produced to date.”

What legacy would Bolade like to leave behind? “Personally, I would want to leave a legacy of truthfulness and hard work. When I pass on,I want to be remember the way people remembered the three persons I mentioned earlier on.

Papa died 37 years ago, Prof Ransome Kuti died 9 years ago and Prof Adebo 8 years ago. I miss the three of them so much and I never stop thanking God that they made me who I am today.”

Leisure for the amazon is spent reading the Bible , building a vibrant relationship with God and her daughter, gold. “She turns 7 this year. I teach her all that has impacted my life positively.

My accident changed my world view totally.I was on a journey that would have been my biggest breakthrough .I never left Nigeria but I woke up to find myself at the Seventh day Adventist hospital battling for my life. When I survived , the medical team thought I would never walk again. For being alive, my life style has changed. I could never have taken a pin with me had I passed on in the accident. I use my money to support causes I believe in as part of my service to God.” If Bolade had to advise women and young girls, what would she tell them ?

Her words: “ To know that they are worth more than just baggage of chattels. They must have self pride, work hard and know that they can self actualise and be who or what they dream to be. They can make it with or without a man, and they should believe in the chastity of their bodies.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Miscellany

Social media risks The social media phenomenon has opened limitless window of opportunities for the users, it has also become a potent tool in the hands of fraudsters. Tunde Busari takes a look at the new trend.

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RS Iyabode Ola, a journalist, hardly believed the common tale about the escapades of hackers who hijack other people’s Yahoo! accounts to extort money from their friends and relations. This act, in Information Technology parlance, is called Internet Fraud.

Before Ola could come to term with the damage done by these online criminals she was bombarded with so many phone calls from her apparently disturbed friends and colleagues all seeking a confirmation of her purported ordeal in far away Spain where the hacker claimed she was stranded and in need of a lifeline following an armed robbery attack!

The bewildered journalist said, “I had to send messages through my alternative Yahoo! account and Facebook to disclaim the hackers and douse the tension the false alarm had generated. I have not stepped out of the country in the last six months let alone being robbed by armed robbers in Spain. In a nutshell, it is a negative development as I suspect the hacker to be one who is familiar with my routine,” she said.

The growth Mrs. Ola’s experience is one of many instances of the increasing abuse of the social media, which is regarded as the biggest marketing opportunity in the history of mankind.

However, the use of the social media has led to abuse by some. For instance, users of Facebook were recently shocked when they read about the purported death of two prominent Nigerians posted by some users.

The news, of course, spread more than a wild fire, only to be denied by the families of the duo who expressed their disgust at the motive behind the news.

The use of the social media to raise false alarm and circulate

information that are yet uncertain seems to be a new trend.

Similarly, the news of the demise of Yoruba traditional ruler last month hit the airwave soon after the monarch breathed his last in a London Hospital.

The shocking news dealt a devastating blow to Yoruba cultural protocol, which forbids breaking of such news to the public until certain rites are performed. Although the traditional council of the town frowned at the development, the damage was irreversible.

This trend of abuse of social media seems to have forced President Goodluck Jonathan to close his Facebook account he informally used as a medium of interaction with Nigerians at home and in Diaspora. Although no official reason was given for the action, lack of etiquette, such as raining insults on the President by his supposed fans on the medium, is observed to have discouraged him.

“The President got it wrong to choose such a medium in the first place. He definitely wanted to create an impression of a transparent leader but forgot the extent at which users can go to use the medium to embarrass him and the office he is occupying. That is what I think he experienced, forcing him to close the account,” a source opined.

Further findings revealed that despite the increase in the number of the users of the social media, some users, who were hitherto addicted to their sites, especially Facebook for reconnecting with old friends among other opportunities, are fast becoming inactive in the use of the site. Reason: Preponderance of abuse of the medium.

Baba Abdulahi, a banker, lamented the degeneration in the value of the social media as evident in quality of messages users exchange. According to him, sites have been turned to a the-

atre of war of sorts for many, especially die-hard fans of European clubs.

“These football crazy guys would go to the extent of abusing one another as if they personally own the clubs. At a stage I wondered about the kind of people Nigerians are for engaging in exercise that add no value to their lives but rather cost them what is called capital flight. With this and other reasons bothering on the same abuse we are talking about I decided to stay away from the two sites I have,” Abdulahi said.

It was also learnt that there is nothing technical about how the users of internet go about abusing others on social media, hence the reason for its prevalence as well as inability to put a stop at the act. Also on the list of the abusers are those known as predators whose modus operandi centres in creating an account, using a fake name and birth date. They also post a picture of someone else, usually a picture of someone around the same age of their target.

Yet another form of abuse is one called Cyber bullying. Perpetrators of this crime often add users to their online network of friends, with the intention of being a monster in the airspace.

The bully harass his target user in much the same way he or she would harass a victim in person through the use of teasing, derogatory remarks and put-

downs (often referred to as “flaming”).

Other ways cyber bullies harass their victims is by listing the people they do not like and writing derogatory remarks about them on their sites’ pages. Although this is not too common in Nigeria, it is on the rise due to the anonymity offered by the internet. Perpetrators are less likely to get in trouble because they do not have to use their real names or pictures online.

Mr Tunde Elusipe, an Osun State-based IT engineer, shed more light on the abuse of social media, stating that abuse happens when people lie and even divert mails of another users into their account with a view to accessing the mails, intercepting the information therein at the expense of the recipients.

“Unfortunately, the act is becoming more common as social networking sites begin to grow.

Even those you least expected engage in it to defraud the unsuspecting users.

President of ATCON, Lanre Ajayi, would, however, rather see social media as a window of opportunities more than as a criminal haven. He encourages Nigerians to optimise the opportunities offered by social network to improve their quality of life.

“Social media opens new opportunities to the entire world, the unprecedented opportunity that has boosted freedom of expression at a faster speed. Reaction to your expression is also coming simultaneously. So, I don’t want to see this from the negative angle. It is a progress which makes things easy.

“But I am not saying there is no abuse. It is a natural thing that whatever attracts such large number of users will also attract wrong people. But the opportunities social media offers far outweigh the abuse,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Answers Associates and CyberschuulNews, Titilayo Omo-Etu, while also acknowledging the trend though with regret, attributed it to government insensitive attitude to unemployment problem in Nigeria in particular.

Omo-Etu argued that if the government formulates youth empowerment policies that could positively engage the youth, the abuse of social media could not have been an option as, according to him, the youths are full of energy and determination to succeed under a right atmosphere.

“But in a situation where the government is pretending as if things are right; in a situation where government appoints wrong personnel at strategic positions, what do you expect?

“This is not a digression from the topic but an attempt to trace the root of the prevalence of the abusers of social media. Do you know that these same youth who are using the internet negatively can be productive and contribute to the economic growth?

“I tell you these people can use their brain to find solution to the many problems the government is facing. But will Nigerian government offer them job?

That is the question. Even at that abuse of internet cannot be stopped but checked with the solution I have suggested,” OmoEtu said

Tips on how to prevent abuse of social media (1)Never post when you are overly-tired, jet lagged, intoxicated, angry or upset.

(2) If someone does not want to be your friend, accept their decision gracefully.

(3) Don’t respond to unsolicited e-mail or friend requests.

(4) Check out the people who

want to follow you or be your friend.

(5) If cyber bullying is occurring through e-mail, block the user’s address.

(6) Don’t put anything on the internet that you don’t want your future boss, current client or potential clients to read.

(7) Use a different profile or account for personal connections.

(8) Parents must monitor computer usage of children.

(9) Parents must also have their young children e-mail forwarded into theirs, while keeping a copy locally in their own account.

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BUSINESS

‘Improved infrastructure will encourage investment’

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

-- Page 59 69

Briefs Industrialist tasks Nigerians on self-employment

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•Job seekers

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OOKMAKERS who predicted a gloomy outlook in the first half of the year may be right after all, no thanks to the legion of socio-economic woes bedeviling the nation across all facets of the economy.

This is already self-evident if the recent public pronouncements made by the Senate President, David Mark, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that the Federal Government and many states across the country are in dire straits.

Worst hit is the banking sector.

Hitherto the banking sector used to be credited for high job recruitment but all that is now a mirage.

Perhaps, what further drive home the point are the harrowing experiences of victims themselves. In a chanced encounter with our correspondents some victims of job loss poured out their hearts while recounting their agonies thus far.

Bamidele Greg, 40, (not real name), a resident of Shagari Estate, an uptown district in Alimosho axis of Lagos, was a proud banker who had everything going for him until last March.

He tells his story himself. “My life has literally gone on a spin since I lost my job with my bank. Everything happened so quick that I’m yet to get over the shock four months after. I was planning to get married at the time and practically exhausted every savings I had unknown to me that I was going to be out of job afterwards.

If I had any foreboding of trouble, I would have tarried awhile before deciding on marital life. This is a hard pill to swallow.”

If Bamidele’s tale sounds pathetic, the case of another banker, who simply gave his name as Bakare, is just as painful. Bakare, a former banker with a new generation bank, admitted that he has suffered a lot of privations since he lost his job.

“Life has been very tough and living had also been very challenging.

As a newly married with a threeyears- old girl and a house wife, paying house rent and taking care of my family as well as extended family has not only affected my matrimony but has equally dented my pride as a

No vacancy! No vacancy!! No vacancy!!!

Like the rest of the world, the nation’s labour market is increasingly becoming saturated with the rising incidence of job losses across all sectors fuelled in part by the unbearable economic crunch in recent times, report Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf and Gbenga Oyebanji man,” Bakare lamented.

The Nation learnt that the end of the current downsizing in the banking sector might not be in sight as the retained workers in the acquired entities might experience more stringent work environment.

Tales of woes are widespread across the country, as many have had to grapple with job loss at some point.

While sharing his perspective on the growing level of job insecurity in the land, an economic analyst, Ben Mbonu, observed that: “The fiscal and monetary policies inconsistency had resulted in the harsh economic environment banks operate in Nigeria, epileptic power supply, multiple taxation, dilapidated roads and unethical corporate governance.

The high public debt profile had brought a credit rationing effect on the banks. The economy became overheated causing the private sector to be ‘crowded out’, by the public sector, how do they get out of this quagmire? Two options are available : downsizing or aggressive wage caught; these banks are cut between the devil and deep blue sea, the cost of doing business drives them to be ephemeral in their operations, since business is the first interest they serve, staying in business becomes survival of the fittest.”

Echoing similar views, Babatunde Akanni, a public affairs commentator, observed that one

way to address the issue of job loss is to first consider the remote cause.

According to him, “Preventing this cankerworm is by understanding the cause of the problem, solving it that it does not repeat itself. Also the meltdown is contagious, the European banking crisis, the great recessional effect of the western economies, all these sum together is a great factor that can’t be ignored, we need a dynamic reform that focuses on the short run, we have the potentials to have a strong financial sector, if we can finally stabilize the economy to smooth out the recessional effects.

Families are affected, relations, and the government are losing, based on the high unemployment rate. Our banking sector can be great, what we need is policy stabilization that reflects on fiscal and monetary policies.”

Besides outright job loss, most companies have also explored the possibility of wage cut, a development, they argued, is more humane than the gale of sack that has pervaded the economy across the sectors.

A case in point is Dana Air, which, according to investigation, decided on wage reduction, as part of efforts to cut costs while sorting out compensation claims for families of the 153 passengers that died in the June 3 MD 83 air crash at Iju/ Ishaga, Lagos.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that the airline has hinted of

plans to effect 60 per cent cut in the salaries of its workers.

The pay cut, it was gathered, is being considered as an option to laying off workers pending the conclusion of investigations into the crash by the relevant authorities.

Sources close to the airline, who would not be named, said the management of the carrier would soon make the announcement public.

The spokesman for DANA Air, Tony Usidamen, said the management has not taken any such decision. The source said the option of salary cut for the flying crew, including pilots, aircraft engineers and cabin crew was among the proposals before the airline management as one of the ways of cutting down costs.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that job cuts have affected approximately 30,000 workers in the last few years, with a three-year high of more than 60, 000 jobs lost by 2013.

The country’s abysmal business environment smoother the entrepreneurial spirit such that most youths are lured into a life of crime, with millions of university graduates engaged in cyber fraud, both within and outside the country.

In the view of analysts, the whole idea of building an enviable economy by 2020 can never be achieved with the abysmal rate of unemployment in the country.

Pray, is someone listening?

HE Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Esuwoye 11, has disclosed that the secret to economic turnaround is industrialisation and information technology, which Nigeria must embrace in order to improve the economy.

The royal father, who made the disclosure at the 2012 Crystal Nite of Excellence, organised by the Commerce & Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), in Lagos, stated that every developed economy, no matter what that economy had become, suffered worse than what the Nigerian economy was going through today.

Oba Mufutau, who was the royal father of the day at the event, urged Nigerians to shun laziness and stop hiding under the cloak of shortage of employment in the nation, but rather to begin to think of what they could do to help themselves and the nation and also imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship so as to better their lot.

The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Joseph Odumodu, bagged the Most Impactful Presence in Public Service of the Year Award, while Dangote Pasta, got the Best Pasta Manufacturer of the year award.

Other award recipients were the Bank of Industry (BoI) which was honoured with the Development Bank of the Year; Lafarge Cement Company of the Year, Dagrada International Trading Company, which went home with the Uncommon Philanthropy of the Year trophy and Phoenix Steel Mills Ltd, which got the award for Steel Bar Company of the Year.

The high-point of the event was when the CICAN secretariat model was unveiled by the chairman of the event, Goodie Ibru and Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Yemi Kolapo.

Lagos upgrades infrastructure in Epe

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AGOS State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on communities where government projects are located to embrace such projects in the overall interest of the State. The Commissioner who stated this while on a tour of projects executed by his ministry explained the state government hopes to harness the economic and tourism potential of Epe axis of the state through meaningful developmental projects such as the revival of tourism sites and wholesome support to hospitality business. He revealed that there had been challenges that stalled the takeoff of the Marina shoreline reclamation awarded about two years ago such as the unsupportive attitude of host communities.

To get round it, he said, the Fashola administration has decided to engage directly with communities through the traditional institutions to forestall delays in the execution of projects designed to bring infrastructural development to their domain and impact on the people.

He revealed that plans are in top gear to ensure that Epe becomes a viable industrial axis through the provision of not only road infrastructure but also 700 million gallon capacity mini-water project.

Commenting further on the shoreline, he disclosed that it is a contract that has already been awarded, adding that it’s about 1.1 km in length and 100 metres in depth.

The essence of the infrastructure upgrade in Epe, Hamzat declared is to attract businesses in the axis and decongest central Lagos.

68

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Business News

New appointments, investment Expert lists opportunities portfolios in Flour Mills in real estate

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LOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc has announced a new organisational structure and a series of investments aimed at bolstering its strong market position in the Food and Agro-Allied sectors.

These changes according to the Group Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ukpabi, is part of the company’s ongoing strategic review, which will see the behemoth establishing more profitable ventures that are crucial for the Nigerian economy and society.

He also announced that the new Managing Director of Food Division, Mr. Ed Jackson will oversee the food manufacturing division and be responsible for flour and rice milling, sugar refining, pasta products and other processed foods; all wholesale and retail sales, distribution and logistics operations including BAGCO operations.

The Chairman of Flour Mills Group, Mr. George Coumantaros, in his comments on this organisational realignment said “Ed brings to this job 30 years experience in

Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf developing and implementing strategies in the food industry. We are completely committed to delivering on our promise to provide our customers and consumers across all of Nigeria and throughout West Africa with the highest quality food products at affordable prices. It is the Golden Penny promise. To this end we have invested 70 billion naira over the past 10 years in food manufacturing assets and have plans to invest another 100 billion naira in the next five years”.

Realizing that building its upstream value chains that link Nigerian farmers with industrial process is becoming more important to Nigeria’s future prosperity, Flour Mills has also announced the deployment of some of its most talented executives to drive these investments.

In this vein, Mr. Paul Gbededo has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Flour Mills’ AgroAllied business. He will handle all fertilizer, animal

feeds, oil crushing, poultry and farming activities, including backward integration schemes at Kaboji, Sunti and other locations, as well as the processing of cassava into flour, sweeteners and starches.

While commenting on the Group’s increased attention to all agro-allied activities, Ukpabi said that, “Paul’s extensive agro-allied experience and track record in creating value in this important sector makes him the ideal person to drive our efforts in support of the Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.”

Expatiating, he said, “We have spent 10 billion naira over the past 10 years in agro-allied investments and have plans to invest another 30 billion naira over the next five years. With 40% of the Nigerian GDP in agriculture and 70% of all Nigerian employment in this sector, it is our top priority to drive.”Concluding,he said that, “the future of Nigeria depends on those companies willing and able to invest in this sector and Flour Mills will lead the way.”

PHOTO SHOP

•From left: Chairman, Slok Group, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; President, Afrexim Bank, Mr. Jean-Louis Ekra; Vice President, China Exim Bank Mr. Zhu Xianqiang; President, South-East South-South Professionals of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju; Director, Research & International Cooperation, Afrexim Bank Dr. Francis Mbroh, during the 19th General Meeting of Shareholders of African Export-Import Bank Africa in Beijing, China.

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ROSPECTIVE investors desirous of investing in real estate have a lot to gain, in terms of value for money and quick returns on investment, the Managing Director of Humford Realties Limited, Mr. Daniel Iseghohimeh-Cole, has said.

According to him, all what is required is a synergy of cooperation between the public and private sectors to be able to harness the limitless opportunities that abound in the sector, in terms of job creation potential as well as entrepreneurial development initiatives.

Iseghohimeh-Cole, who set up shop over a year ago, noted that prospective investors interested in the sector should be mindful of the fact that the sector is as old as mankind, hence to him: “The issue of housing and habitation has remained the primary concern that generations have had to deal with. However, in our own peculiar circumstance as a nation, we have to start seriously considering how to empower people; have them gainfully engaged and utilise the land factor as a tool for dealing with our social economic situation. It is based on that realisation that Humford Realties was founded.”

Convinced of the opportunities available in the sector, he declared that the overall objective of his company is not just to be the preferred real estate development firm in the country, but also to satisfy stakeholders through the application of the best practice, professionalism and value innovation.

As to how the sector

Consumers get PHCN metres in 18 months E

•From left: Chairman Regency Alliance Insurance Plc., Hon. Justice A. G. Karibi-White, Managing Director , Mr. Biyi Otegbeye and a Director, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, during the Annual General Meeting of the Company in Lagos PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

can contribute to economic growth and development, especially in the area of capacity building and job creation, the realtor said: “For instance, cement production can get millions of people employed. As production of cement currently stands in the country, demand can barely meet up with supply.

The cement industry on its own based primarily on the fact that the volume of construction work going on in the country is enough to create supply sustainable employment for millions of the country’s unemployed youth.” Expatiating, he said: “There are architects, engineers, builders and the others involved in construction work that will have to be employed or engaged. The number of people involved in raising a structure is more and that ultimately create massive employment.”

Besides, he argued that there are also empowerment and employment opportunities in the sector for those involved in the supply of sand, stones irons and all the materials that must be utilised in construction.

He was however quick to stress that though the opportunities that the sector provides for empowerment and employment are limitless, the government was not doing enough to encourage investment considering the obnoxious laws and policies being enforced by government at all levels.

“When fully tapped into, the real estate sector; if allowed to rotate on the pivot of integrity can beat every other in making millions of Nigerians gainfully and sustainably employed”, he stressed.

Speaking further, he said given the housing deficit in the country, there

are several opportunities for any would-be investor in the sector.

“I believe that man’s basic need is food and after food comes the issue of where he will lay his head shelter, and until this is satisfied, every other thing including his contribution to the growth of the economy is a story.

A man that can not satisfy his shelter need, how can he be motivated to contribute meaningfully to the economy? Now we say we have about 15 million housing deficit in Nigeria according to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

This means the economy is short by the supposed income accruable from the construction of these numbers of houses. There is no economic activity anywhere that is not in one way or the other tied to the real estate sector.

Many workers and individuals want to have their own houses or apartments, but the odds against it, considering the way the country’s economy operate is simply too much.

“All over Lagos and beyond, many estates and buildings remained unoccupied and the expensive ones are hardly sold, because those that ordinarily should occupy those properties have not been empowered enough to do so.”

The other thorny issue, according to Cole, which needs to be addressed in the interest of the real estate subsector, is the issue of documentation.

“Even those workers that are able to buy lands are coming to the realisation that getting those land documented is like the proverbial camel passing through the eyes of the needle.

Documentation of land is a big challenge that the government must really look into”, he noted.

LECTRICITY consumers nationwide are expected to get metres in the next 18 months, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), has said.

Disclosing this recently was the Business Manager, PHCN, Ahoada Business Unit, Anya Chukwu at the third Business Unit’s Meeting of Customers Consultative Council (CCC) held recently, Ahoada West, Rivers State.

According to Chukwu, with customers having their metres, it will put an end to estimation bill otherwise known as crazy bills.

Justifying the need for the consultative meeting,

which was set up in order to ensure better service delivery to customers, the PHCN boss declared that additional Fault Reporting Centre established at EleleAlimini, would aid consumer relation.

Other high point of discourse was the issue of indebtedness of customers, Eng. Anya Chukwu revealed that the total outstanding debt of customers in the unit as at last month is N1,391,147,555.95.

He therefore appealed to customers to pay up their outstanding bills to avoid disconnection.

On the new electricity tariff structure, Chukwu said the tariff covers residential, commercial, industrial, special/street

lighting customers.

“With the new tariff, no user of electricity should pay less than N1,000 per month”, he said.

The CDC Chairman representing Ula-Upata Chief Udoh George lamented the high electricity tariff of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The new tariff, George said did not pay much attention to commoners.

Responding, Chukwu enjoined those not satisfied with the new tariff to lodge complaint at NERC website, adding that “Any material vandalized will not be replaced by the company and such community will bear the replacement.”

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

69

INTERVIEW

‘Improved infrastructure will encourage investment’ John Ugbe, Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria speaks with Bukola Afolabi, on the impact of his company’s products and services in the almost two decades of its existence in the country

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HIS is the first time a Nigerian is leading the operations of MultiChoice in its 17

year existence in the country. Are we going to see more Nigerianisation of MultiChoice Nigeria?

That tends to take away our African feel.

We see ourselves as being able to integrate cultures from around Africa, so at every point in time it’s to our credit that we are able to get some of the best skills from around the continent. The focus for us is how we can promote Nigerian content. So yes, we would Nigerianize more, we hope to have a lot more Nigerian content on DStv and I think we are the envy of other countries right now that’s why we have to be careful we don’t make too much noise about it because you can imagine how you would feel if you were from another African country and the last three winners of Big Brother Africa were Nigerians, we might as well rename it Big Brother Nigeria! Think of it, if you were from Ghana would you even vote or want to watch it? I think the company is very Nigerian and from a group perspective there’s a lot of focus on Nigeria.

What should Nigerians look out for during your tenure as Managing Director a few years from now?

We are here to entertain people and a lot of what we do supports that. For us, it’s key that we impact the community positively, that is, our stakeholders, so our emphasis is to bring the best entertainment in the next few years to Nigeria while developing the very best out of here with an emphasis on making sure that the best out of here is shown around the world.

A lot of multinational corporations complain about the challenges of operating in this environment. What are the unique challenges that MultiChoice faces in operating here and how are you surmounting these challenges?

For one, we face some of the challenges other businesses face. Challenges such as infrastructure, we’ve got offices we need to power, and we are also in a business that needs to be on 24/7. People cannot accept any downtime from us. We are also prone to the infrastructure challenges that affect every Nigerian and we spent quite a bit to build our own infrastructure to be able to provide world-class service.

Also, piracy is a major challenge in this market. The protection of intellectual property is a challenge that we face. Piracy is a big challenge but we don’t see that challenge as ours alone.

We see it as a challenge for the entire entertainment industry. We believe that the Nigerian entertainment industry is at its infancy.

That is something that needs to be fixed to protect artists, particularly the young ones. You know it’s an industry that is growing, that takes the focus away from the traditional sectors such as banking industry and the others. Piracy is a major concern, something that we will like the regulatory body and the Government to focus on. Intellectual property is not as respected here as it should be.

When we talk of piracy, MultiChoice is not into the business of selling CDs of movies and music. How does it affect your organisation?

Our sister organisations are into content business. With content, it’s intellectual property. For you to put a value on content, it needs to be protected. It needs not to be readily available on the streets. A situation where you have movies that were released yesterday freely available on our streets is a challenge. Also, as a country it’s a problem for us because it doesn’t help us internationally, and we fall short of a lot of opportunities internationally because of perceived non-protection of intellectual property. There is also pirate activity in the satellite TV industry. There is a need for government or the regulatory body to support initiatives that stop that. Don’t forget that we, as a body, are regulated by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, we pay licence fees, we trade legally in Nigeria so we are subject to fees and that’s an

•Ugbe obligation we have never failed; but the pirates do not aid the economy, they more or less destroy the economy and that’s a key challenge we face.

What is your assessment of the impact which MultiChoice has had on the Nigerian economy since inception?

If you want to look at our impact on the economy, I think you will want to look at it from different points of view. One of the most visible would be in the entertainment industry.

Look at the film industry; Nollywood, if you trace the root of that industry, I think it brings you back to M-Net and by extension, MultiChoice. Back in the day when we bought local content, even before AfricaMagic, when we created local content for MMDS transmission, and then you move on to AfricaMagic movie channel, which has transformed Nollywood.

If you look at just Nollywood as an industry, as a Nigerian your proudest moment is when you land in Kenya or any other African country, and the first guy you see says, “Oga”.

You know, our diction, everything is quite popular across Africa. A lot of it is from our AfricaMagic. Commercially, that is because MNet has been one of the foremost organisations that paid for content out of this industry; they are not only paying for content, they also encourage the development of content through massive investment.

If you look at it from the point of financials, I think we have paid quite a bit of taxes and aided the development of the economy in over 15 years of operations.

In terms of people, we have close to 500 staff within the organisation and a lot more who have gone through the organisation who probably today hold important positions in other companies and institutions in the country. We have

developed the human resource in Nigerians.

Then our supply chain has helped us to create entrepreneurial opportunities in the country, employing over 2,000 people, who provide sustenance for over 2,000 families. These are businesses that have been developed in conjunction with the company and the banks. These are fully Nigerian companies, which are owned by young Nigerian entrepreneurs. The companies are a product of our enterprise development scheme with which we have empowered Small and Medium scale businesses in the country As much as we can begin to put numbers around that impact, I think from an M-Net point of view, over N15 billion has been spent on content in the last 10 years. SuperSport is at the forefront of developing Nigerian football.

From the live coverage of the Nigerian Premier League and the DStv Basketball League which we sponsor, to the promotion and coverage of other local sporting initiatives. We could go on mentioning so many initiatives that have had far reaching impact in Nigeria.

Yes, we’ve been a very strong partner in developing Nigerian content, Nigerian sport, Nigerian people, and the Nigerian economy.

There is a plethora of sports programmes particularly football on DStv, but there seems not to be enough channels to screen these matches. Are you considering launching more SuperSport channels in order to screen more football matches?

I think we have continuously increased the number of sports channels on the bouquet right down to being the first to launch a wholly Nigerian sports channel on our platform. But right now we are beginning to ask questions like, what should Nigerians’ favourite team be?

Should it be the team you can go also to see here in Nigeria and support passionately or

should it just be only the team out there? Our key focus is to take Nigerian football back to where it was; we are doing a lot about that, we have Nigerian games live and as much as possible, we have the platform for the live coverage of as many matches as possible. I mean, during the World Cup we had every game out there live, we have the Olympics coming up and we would create additional channels to broadcast a lot more content. Within reason, we would provide as much live content as possible but we will also lay emphasis on our own local content, we want that passion for the Nigerian league to return.

The issue of pay-per-view has been discussed several times with many subscribers saying that the option may be preferable because they do not get to watch their TV as a result of inadequate power supply. What fresh perspectives can you bring to this issue? Is there a system that will allow subscribers pay for only the content they consume as it is with mobile phone subscribers who pay for only the airtime they use?

These are two different business models and it’s a challenge when people tend to confuse the mobile phone industry with Pay-TV; we are a broadcast industry and it’s a bit different. The concept of pay-per-view is a bit different from the pay TV business though they merge at some points. Let me explain.

First, your decoder does not talk back to the satellite; it’s a one-way communication so we have no way of knowing when your decoder is off. Second, content providers don’t sell their content and say since you have 1,000 subscribers, when five of them are not watching we will reduce your cost or boost your cost when you have a full house, that doesn’t happen. Third, satellite costs are fixed and we buy a spectrum to transmit and that cost isn’t going to reduce or increase. It’s a different model, maybe we don’t value some of the things we get. For instance, when Manny Pacquiao was to fight in the US, it was on pay per view. What it means is that though you already have pay-TV or cable TV which you are already paying for on monthly basis - you pay extra just to watch that fight, but from us, you got to watch that fight as part of your package. You were not asked to pay extra fee to watch the boxing fight.

A fair comparison of this business with the mobile industry is comparing when someone leaves their phone on for a full month and runs the bill, that’s when you can compare. But I say that they are two different business models. We also wouldn’t want to switch off for some time and tell our subscribers that we didn’t have power and then try to refund. We have PVR decoders with which you can record different channels when you are out of the house and watch the recorded programme when you get back home; how does the mobile phone model accommodate that? Hopefully the issue of power is not a permanent problem for us in this country and so we can’t begin to adapt our lives to having no power, rather we should fix the power and enjoy our lives. Different businesses have different models, just like asking for jollof rice without the onions so you don’t have to pay for onions.

You have to put it in there to cook the rice, there’s no way to extract the onions or the pepper so you can have yours without the onions or pepper. It’s part and parcel of the business. Maybe if we can get more people to understand what our business is about, it’s a business of numbers and patience, which is staying in the business for a long time before you begin to see returns.

We know how difficult it is operating in Nigeria but of course we also know as well that the return on investments (RoIs) could also be high for corporate organisations which get their act right. Which major policy or development do you think has the most impact on your organisation if properly implemented?

Look, the government is encouraging foreign direct investment into the country and we have kept faith with the country even when it wasn’t a democracy and things were a bit more difficult. What we want to see is not just one policy but policies that encourage investment to continue because in our business we continually invest.

We buy content continuously and it’s also a business where the cost input goes up and not down and we have to continuously invest, create content, hence just a good investment environment and regulatory policies that encourage us to stay in business and delight Nigerians and not restrictive ones that tend to squeeze us.

I can’t really think of one thing right now that would make us begin to soar but I think it’s a combination of actions like one, there’s a friendly environment and once infrastructure gets better, I think it would suit every business.

70

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Business News

PROFILE

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf with agency report

Yahoo! CEO plans to reinvigorate company

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HE appointment of Ms. Marissa Mayer as Chief Executive by the world’s acclaimed social media is considered a coup for Yahoo, which has struggled in recent years to attract top talents in its battle with competitors.

Despite her background, Ms. Mayer — who will be Yahoo’s fifth chief executive in less than a year, two of them interim — will face a daunting challenge.

The new boss comes highly recommended. As former Google VP credited for much of that site’s look and feel, Mayer helped to build a brand universally known to consumers—skills that analysts expect her to utilize to improve users’ experience as the new head of Yahoo Inc. Overall, the 37-year-old faces several challenges in her new job as Yahoo’s chief executive, which she began last Tuesday.

Yahoo’s once-dominant market share in display advertising has eroded, the company’s revenue has declined for the past three years, and investors have endured several leadership changes, with Ms. Mayer becoming the sixth CEO in five years.

Ms. Mayer’s understanding of consumer tastes could help Yahoo better prioritize which products to develop, Evercore analyst Ken Sena said.

She also has experience managing several products at once, he added. “Her background, if anything, might make her especially suited to make rational decisions as to what should be kept and what should be disposed of,” he said.

The new chief executive also is considered a strong presenter—she often represented Google’s public face in media interviews—but someone who also can communicate with engineers and developers because of her background, which includes a master’s degree in computer science from Stanford University.

Analysts say her technical background could help restore morale among engineers at the company, which in April said it was cutting 2,000 jobs, or 14 percent of its work force.

Global Equities Research analyst, Trip Chowdhry, said that while Mayer is considered a good engineer, as indicated by her work in simplifying user interfaces, she lacks experience in making big strategic business decisions.

Other observers worry Yahoo’s continued focus on hiring executives with productbuilding experience neglects the content side of the business, which is key to revamping freecash-flow growth that has stagnated over the past few years.

Yahoo’s board has now picked three chief executives who have more experience with technology than with content and advertising relationships, research firm Needham & Co. noted. Former CEO Scott Thompson previously led

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

Professional development options: How to grow into success

Y

• Mayer

eBay Inc.’s (EBAY) PayPal unit.

Carol Bartz, Yahoo’s chief from 2009 to 2011, was the head of designsoftware maker “What we are a bit worried about is that by selecting Ms. Mayer, Yahoo is explicitly pursuing an aggressive and bold growth strategy, whereas we believe a value strategy might be more appropriate,” Citi Research analyst, Mark Mahaney wrote in a note to clients.

Some investors apparently shared that sentiment, as Yahoo stock slid five cents to $15.59 last Tuesday.

“If you’re a value investor looking for a potential winddown of the assets, hiring Marissa is a potential setback,” Evercore’s Mr. Sena said.

Ms. Mayer, 37, will become the firm’s third CEO in the space of a year.

In a statement released by Yahoo, Ms. Mayer said she was “honoured and delighted” to lead the company.

She later revealed that she is expecting her first child.

Yahoo has struggled in the face of increased competition from search rivals including Google and the emergence of social giants such as Facebook.

Reports say the selection of Ms. Mayer to head the company suggests a renewed focus on technology and products, over online content.

“I look forward to working with the company’s dedicated employees to bring

innovative products, content, and personalised experiences to users and advertisers all around the world,” Ms. Mayer said.

Yahoo is a problem too big even for Marissa Mayer However, despite being google’s 20th employee and its first female engineer, in the last couple of years – she has been slowly edged out of the power circle surrounding Larry Page – Google’s cofounder and chief executive since last April.

First, she was taken off heading up search, Google’s flagship product, and put in charge of location-based services, and then she failed to maintain her top spot in Page’s reorganisation of his most senior product heads.

Rather tellingly, Google is understood to not be directly replacing her.

This is why it is understandable that she says the decision to jump ship was “relatively easy” – despite 13 happy years at Google.

However, what is less easy to fathom is her description of Yahoo being ‘one of the best brands on the internet’.

However, most technology analysts and pundits alike struggle to define what Yahoo is today. Is it an email service, a portal, a news feed, or a search engine?

Your guess is probably as good as Yahoo’s disgruntled board.

Carol Bartz, Yahoo’s former bullish chief executive

– who was dramatically ousted last year – tried in vain to redefine its identity as a service which provides users with all of their favourite web services in one place – through a personalised home page.

A splashy and expensive global marketing campaign ensured telling the people of the world that Yahoo should be ‘their window onto the web’. It was, by all accounts, a total flop – not to mention utterly confusing to all journalists trying to make sense of such a convoluted marketing message. The big question is whether Ms. Mayer — or anyone — can help Yahoo regain its former stature.

“It’s a very interesting departure and a very interesting choice,” said Martin Sorrell, chief executive of WPP, the giant advertising agency. “She comes with a formidable reputation, but we’ll see how she analyzes it all.”

With her appointment as the president and chief executive of Yahoo on Monday, Ms. Mayer joins a shortlist of women in the technology industry to hold the top spot. The elite club includes Meg Whitman, the chief executive of HewlettPackard, and Virginia M. Rometty, the head of I.B.M. Another senior woman in Silicon Valley, Sheryl Sandberg, is Facebook’s chief operating officer.

OU have heard me say over and over again that sustainable career success is achieved through careful design and purposedriven choice. Oftentimes, the way that news is reported gives us the false impression that many of the successful people in our organization, industry and society tripped and fell into instant success. There is no overnight success. What I have learned from listening to success stories across the globe is that most times we, the audience, are brought into the story when the plot is at an advanced stage. We do not have the privilege of following the story from the beginning and watching successful people “GROW” into their success.

Career success, to a lot of professionals, has come to mean how quickly one gets promoted and moves up the corporate ladder. This has become the most preferred and prevalent measure of career growth, and understandably so, since it comes with higher status in the organization, greater perquisites and more pay. Today, the challenge with promotion is that vertical or upward career movements are no longer readily available and easily accessible to employees.

With the global recession, many organizations are struggling to grow and maintain profitability and some have had to retrench large numbers of staff or declare insolvency. Organizations now reserve their limited promotion budgets for employees who are, in their view, high performers, have long term potential and are capable of delivering results in critical business areas.

Besides promotion, there are other ways to develop yourself within your organization to enhance your employability and marketability, and sometimes these alternatives can be more impactful and fulfilling.

Job Enrichment Job enrichment is a great development opportunity for you if you who want to achieve mastery in your current role, by acquiring a higher level of knowledge, know-how and capabilities. Or, if you simply like your current position and location and you do not desire higher levels of responsibilities at the present time. The goal of job enrichment is to make your job more interesting, challenging and intellectually stimulating. Although your pay, status and level remain the same, this development option can provide you with a tremendous opportunity to achieve personal growth, fulfillment and expert status. One of the job enrichments strategies that helped me in my career was the expansion of my role to include people management responsibilities.

Lateral Move There are two types of lateral moves that you can explore. Both options involve a change in job description and the development of new marketable skills, but do not necessarily involve a change in pay, status or level of responsibility. The first option can be likened to a job rotation within the same function or department. This option is a good fit for you, if you are interested in broadening your functional expertise by developing a robust understanding of the end to end processes or activities within a department. The second is a cross functional move that involves a change in departments. This option is great, if you are interested in broadening your business expertise by developing a robust understanding of the various functions within your enterprise or if you simply want to change careers.

A lateral move can be an especially useful development option if you are interested in expanding your experiences, acquiring new skills, working internationally, changing teams or if your organization is growing slowly or down-sizing.

Exploratory Research This is an ideal development option for you if you are seeking a change in your role, but you are either not sure of what is appropriate for you or you are unwilling to make a permanent move before “test-driving”. This development option gives you the opportunity to research and work on short term projects that expose you to new areas. It is a great way to discover new interests, experiences, abilities and networks by investigating other functions, business units and career paths. It could involve a temporary change in your job description but not your pay, status or level of responsibility.

Examples of exploratory research strategies include job shadowing, task force assignments, short term “secondments” and “loaned staff” programs.

At this half way point of the year, I urge you to consider which of the three development options outlined above is right for you. Please note that there are more development options available to you, however, I have chosen to focus on vertical, lateral, job enrichment and exploratory research in this article. Discuss your options with key stakeholders such as your spouse, mentor, executive sponsor, coach and manager. Solicit their advice/perspective and enroll them in your development efforts. Remember to focus more on acquiring the right career experiences, knowledge and capabilities that will drive future success in your career.

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

73

Gbenga Asafa @ 57: His metamorphosis

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH G 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Fashola on BRT Lane

D

AILY Sun of July 18 welcomes us this week: “Fashola nabs 2 military officers driving on BRT” Let us get it right. ‘BRT’ stands for Bus Rapid Transit. So, the ebullient governor arrested them on BRT Lane—not on BRT! It is well with BRF and Eko! From Apapa we move to Rutam House of THE GUARDIAN where two lines in its July 17 edition embarrassed the elite readership: “…the SUV conveying their victims at the rear bend corner along the road.” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: either ‘bend’ or ‘corner’. The two words cannot cofunction in this age. This was acceptable in pre-colonial days! It reminds one of expressions like ‘a.m. in the morning’/‘log of wood’/‘extreme end’/ ’reason why’/’still yet’/ ’so therefore’, et al.

“Mimiko mourns student’s death” The governor certainly mourned the student—not his death. Let me not comment further before some irredeemably incorrigible and faceless readers of this column send to me vexatious messages on my ‘stylistic brashness, rude analyses and intellectual haughtiness’! All for this writer? Who will intercede for me?

THE GUARDIAN of July 10 leads today’s infamy class: “Don alerts on looming infectious epidemic due to floods” No news: Don alerts to (not on)…

“NCC, MTN unites against pre-registered SIMs” Let us avoid Business English in formal writing: unite “NNPC to re-open (reopen) moribund Aba depot” “D’Tigers claws its way into Olympics history” Lexical sportsmanship: Olympic history “…if she puts her acts (act) together.” (National Mirror Views, July 12) “Ekiti land tussle suit adjourned for out of court settlement” (Source: as above) Community Mirror: out-of-court settlement.

Please note: a feather in one’s (my/your/his/ her) cap—not a feather to one’s…cap. “…what is stressed here is that a Nigerian version of the publishing revolution took place in the face of several odds and the fall-outs are still very much with us.”

(DAILY INDEPENDENT, June 28) ‘Fallout’ is non-count and has no hyphen.

“The police appears unable to fish them out because of the barrier of national boundaries.” Tense security: the police appear unable….

“It was in the hey-days (heyday) of the Babangida administration.”

“And hidden in the quiet suburbs of Yaba is an agency which has laid a virtual siege on (to) the pages of the national press….”

“Shipping companies brace-up for war over tarriff pegging.” Phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation. And this: tariff.

“Trouble however started when security personnels at the stadium....”

‘Personnel’ is uncountable.

“I was a witness to a very moving event recently at the Idimu Police Station at the outskirts of Lagos.” From A to B: on the outskirts.

“A strong grassroot force has to be in the drivers (sic) seat for the targeted poverty programme.” Richness of language: grassroots and driver’s seat.

“The poor has to see themselves properly involved in the programme.” How does it sound? The poor think more about money than the rich!

“Its importance is based on the fact that had Christ resurrected from the dead....” ‘From the dead’ is otiose because it is implied.

“Government should take the bull by the horn and dismiss the latest PHCN tariff hike....” No blackout: take the bull by the horns.

“Nigeria needs a judiciary that would neither be intimidated or humiliated like the James Ibori case.” Neither...nor and either…or. No carelessness!

“The culprit was repatriated back last week.”

(NTA Network News, June 21) Why the overkill? Please, yank off ‘back’ in the interest of Freedom of Information (FoI).

“This is because the governor was not really in the good book of the electorate” A fall foreseen: in the good/bad books of the electorate.

“Hunger is threatening to crush majority of our citizens.” The shape

of things to come: a (take note) majority of our citizens. It is no longer a threat! “…money and other inducements to get the electorates vote for them.” Simply, the electorate.

“The type of exotic jewelleries (jewellery) you can find at museum shops….” ‘Jewellery’ is uncountable. For those who subscribe to Americanism, ‘jewelry’ is acceptable—and unacceptable to those of us stuck to the British Standard English. “…the president of the country can be harassed with a degree that bothers (borders) on flippancy….”

“The noise have (has) been deafening about imposition of candidates by PDP.…”

“Sometimes (Sometime) around (about) 9.35 a.m. a convoy of six cars comprising of a….” Do away with the second ‘of’ in the extract.

“There were sporadic explosions while the cars were burning apparently due to remnants of ammunitions.” ‘Ammunition’ does not take any inflexion.

“Beyond the cloud, pomp and pageantry….”

Either pomp and ceremony or pomp and circumstance. In classical cases, just ‘pomp’ will suffice.

“As the saying goes, money is the root of all evils”. From my file, the love of money (not money itself) is the root of all evils.

“Also, at the onset (outset) of the computer revolution….” There is a clear distinction between ‘onset’ (which has an inherence of violence) and ‘outset’ (beginning, commencement).

“The naira permitted it’s (its) designers to inflict….”

“The development aroused his curiousity and we soon displayed all the denominations of the naira.…” Spell-check: curiosity.

“Beyond mere symbols of ethnic jingoism which may prove difficult for the ordinary man in the street to identify....”

‘The man in the street’ does not require any embellishment such as ’ordinary’ because the man is simply ordinary. “….eyes where poor man (a poor man) can own mansions in (on) Victoria Island.”

BENGA ASAFA’S emergence as an emerging politician of fame began in 1999 when Bola Tinubu, the phenomenon of radical politics, appointed him as Director in the Governor’s office (latter re-labelled Office of the Chief of Staff in line with contemporary fashion).

Though he was given a schedule of duty as Director (Planning), it was clear he did not find this challenging nor exciting.

So, he could not fit into the system again. His stature and status had become bigger than what the civil service system could accommodate. Before his new appointment as a Director, Asafa had resigned from the civil service long before then.

But on his return, time and space had changed the environment.

His new image could no longer adapt to the primitive and conservative tradition of subservience in the service. He craved for transformation. He longed for political integration and accommodation. He broke loose from tradition. He wanted a new culture of service. He had desire for a bigger project. And he got it.

A ritual background check on Gbenga Bareeuh Asafa shows that he was born on July 22, 1955 into the Elemoro family of Lagos. A typical Lagos boy, Gbenga attended Christ Church Cathedral School and CMS Grammar School between 1961 and 1973 for both his primary and post-primary education. He later proceeded to Morgan State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), and the University of Tennessee, also in United States, where he obtained an M.Sc degree in Public Administration.

Bola Tinubu changed the phase of his rise by taking him to the next level which he later found pacifying, comforting and fulfilling: he appointed him the Executive Secretary, Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC). Thus, Asafa started transforming: first, from unknown quality to known quantity, man to enigma, person to personality, follower to leader.

He leaped from the ordinariness of his office in the Governor’s office to the greatness of his new empire in Lands.

Then came the crowds: the feast crowds, the double crowd; men and women, the living but not the dead (apologies Elias Canetti).

The crowds, the feast crowds, had sufficient manna to eat, there was abundance in limited space, and everyone could partake of it. There was more of everything than everyone together could consume, and in order to consume it, more and more, people came streaming in. There was security of life and pleasure. The new office became a natural mobilization centre for the next level even though at that early period his political agenda had not unfolded.

Asafa’s pacifist approach to land issue in the state resulted in uncommon cooperation and reconciliation between the affected communities and the government, and between the notorious “Omo Oniles” and the government allotees. All parties were adequately settled and for the first time, smiles and laughter became the symbols of the new understanding between government and the communities. Most of the pernicious rifts and controversies over land were amicably resolved. The government became the major beneficiary of this breakthrough. The communities received and collected satisfying compensations. And Gbenga Asafa reaped the political gains and fall-outs.

Asafa’s ultimate movement

• Asafa’s

By Dapo Thomas from the position of Executive Secretary Lands, to that of Permanent Secretary of the Lands Ministry as a whole, was an official testament of his rare management of and expertise on land matters. He turned land into goldmine for government by increasing the revenue base from N3.3 billion in 2001 to N21 billion as at December 2010. Besides, he animated government’s interest in using land as a leverage for political bargaining and negotiation with aggrieved communities which had been deprived of their precious resource.

The series of interactive sessions that he had with the various communities in his capacities as the Executive Secretary of Lands, and permanent secretary of the land ministry, and his exposure to the challenges facing the rural communities triggered Asafa’s zeal for political power to activate the desired change. The godfather of Lagos politics was also monitoring all Asafa’s activities and actions with circumspective precision.

As usual, Bola Tinubu beamed his surveillance bulb on him; carried out furtive leadership tests on him, engaged him in deliberate provocative altercations to see how far his patience and quietness could take him in the face of hostile encounters with his superiors; conducted independent inquisitions from all and sundry within the party, all in a bid to establish Asafa’s communal popularity and fraternity.

Those who know Asafa very well know he can pass any test. He is a very calculative person who is not in a hurry to fulfil his destiny not to talk of realizing his ambition. Asafa’s reticence conceals not only his intention but also his ambition.

He measures his strides to power dwelling in the metaphor of the supernatural. His gentle mien discloses nothing about his countenance except the nuance of his personage.

Some people claim power intoxicates and corrupts. But, my twenty years of interaction with him shows that Asafa resides in the paradox of power. What intoxicates him is not power but his undying passion to elevate society’s decadent humanity.

What corrupts (saddens) his spirit is not power but the tyranny of indifference of our leaders to solve the mystery of the people’s misery.

Dramatically, power changed hands, to parody the patrons of mountain of fire.

Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, my very good friend and brother, was persuaded out of his senatorial seat to pave the way for Gbenga Asafa. I will not want to dwell on the politics or

the dynamics of these new configurations because both of them are my friends and loyal members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The rest then, is history.

But what is instructive was that Asafa did not see his emergence as a senatorial candidate nor as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a triumph or victory over Mamora but as an opportunity to position himself in the power corridor to open the door for those in search of succour.

The elation of his electoral victory was not strong enough to vitiate his trademark humility.

Before and after his election as a Senator, Asafa’s preachment centred on reconciliation of all aggrieved and bruised members of the party, reminding them that the focus of the mission should still remain the people. It was his contention that the intrigues of power and the politics of succession or replacement and displacement are all elements of human existence and survival strategy.

In the past one year that his senatorial assignment started counting, Asafa has sustained most, if not all, his philanthropic activities and programmes for members of his constituency and even those within the larger Nigerian society. His constituency office functions and bubbles with actions and gyrations. It is alive and serves as the centre of interaction between the man and his people. On regular basis, Asafa meets with his constituents to feed them back on government response to some of their challenges. In the process, fresh challenges erupt and the Senator is briefed: floods, eviction matters, school fees agony, health care bills, housing palaver, roads dilapidation, water scarcity and shortage, insecurity, police brutality, kidnapping, matrimonial tangos, hunger, misery, poverty, family squabbles, land controversies, LASTMA’s tyranny, KAI’s indiscriminate demolition of stalls and shops, Doctors’ strike, sand-diggers revolt, Okada menace, PDP inducements, defections, assassination threats and the list is endless.

It is curious but not surprising that Asafa’s social nexus and Epicurean indulgence have not blurred his vision for the poor.

That he lives in affluence and splendour has not made him forget those living in squalor.

In three years time when he will be sixty, the 2015 elections will be taking place, where will he go from here? I am not good at speculative enterprise. I leave it to God the Almighty, the godfather and the people of Lagos State to determine the next phase of his metamorphosis.

Dapo Thomas was Special Adviser to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

74 CHANGE OF NAME OGBUANYA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbuanya Hope Ukamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaokolo Hope Ukamak. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

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IGBAWUA

AJIBAUKA

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EYINADE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Eyinade Ibukun Adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Owalekan Ibukun Adeola. All former documents remain valid. Aliance Autos and general public should please take note.

ADEBAYO I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo, Oluwafemi Ekundayo Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bamigboye Ekundayo Oluwatoyin.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FASUYI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Fasuyi Bolanle Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeleke Boalanle Grace. All former documents remain valid.

Ekiti State SUBEB and general public should please take note.

EGBUTU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EGBUTU EBELE PATRICIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKPATA EBELE PATRICIA. All former documents remain valid. INEC and the general public take note.

UZOCHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UZOCHUKWU UCHENNA CHINELO CHIAGOZIEM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAJEKWU UCHENNA CHINELO CHIAGOZIEM. All former documents remain valid. UNN, NYSC, and the general public take note.

JOHNNIE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Inisaziba Johnnie now wish to be known as Mrs. Inisaziba Nyamotam Believe Nelson Wolisi. all former documents remain valid.

N.P.A. management and the general public please take note.

UDENSI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Happiness Amadi Udensi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Happiness Adaora Obus Ajuebon.

All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME TIAMIYU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Tiamiyu Kafilat Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibraheem Kafilat Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

JODA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Joda Elizabeth Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Saka Elizabeth Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. FMC, Idi-Araba, Abeokuta and general public should please take note.

IBRAHEEM

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibraheem Aminat Adebukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osi Aminat Adebukola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BAMIRO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olufunmilayo Adedoyin Bamiro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olufunmilayo Adedoyin Oladosu. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ORJI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Orji Eucheria Ifeyinwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ihejirika Eucheria Ifeyinwa. All former documents remain valid. FMC Owerri, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should please take note.

FADIPE

UTOJIOGU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Utojiogu Uju Juliet, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Mbonu Uju Juliet. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabisi Oluwatoyin Fadipe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olabisi Oluwatoyin Oduola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BABALOLA

NWACHUKWU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Callista Ndidiamaka Nwachukwu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Callista Ndidiamaka Ajaero. All former documents remain valid. F.G.C (SNAPS) and general public please take note.

AMADI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Babalola Morenike Oluseyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AdelusiBabalola Morenike Oluseyi. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Prison Service, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and general public should please take note.

ARIBASOYE

ANELE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Aribasoye Catherine Tolulope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunjobi Catherine Tolulope. All former documents remain valid. National Orientation Agency, Abuja and general public should please take note.

UKEGHESON

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Koitilo Mary Abosede Oluranti Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adegbile Maryam Abosede. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Mamhobu Amadi, now wish to be known as Mrs.Chioma Henry Nwonwu. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Uloaku Victoria Anele, now wish to be known as Mrs. Uloaku Victoria Okechukwu. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Maureen Ehiane Ukegheson, now wish to be known as Mrs. Maureen Anne Ehiane Elijah. all former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

OLUA I,formerly known and addressed as MISS. OLUA HENRITTA , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HENRITTA ALLEN JACK. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKON

KOITILO

JIMBA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimba Morayo O., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Falodun Murayo O. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DESALU I,formerly known and addressed as Desalu, Adeyemi Adeteju, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeniyi, Adeyemi Adeteju. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ODIHILI

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS JENNIFER EMEM OKON now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JENNIFER EMMANUEL OMATSOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take.

I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Kafayat Mohammed Odihili, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Bolaji Olaniyan.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

IFESINACHI

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, Emailgbengaodejide @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.

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS. IFESINACHI PRECIOUS JOSEPHINE CHUKWUKEKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IFESINACHI PRECIOUS JOSEPHINE OBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, CLIFFORD OKECHUKWU and NWOSU CLIFFORD NWOSU are one and same person, Now wish to be known and addressed as CLIFFORD OKECHUKWU . All former documents remain valid.

UNIPORT, PORT HARCOURT REFINING COMPANY LTD and general public take note.

AKERELE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Maria Omoyeni Akerele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Maria Omoyeni Adoga. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

75

WORLD NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Putin signs law regulating Russian NGOs

R

USSIAN President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a new measure that requires from nongovernmental groups receiving funding from abroad and engages in political activity to register as a foreign agent.

Many NGOs say the law is aimed at discrediting their image and that the vague definition of political activity could be applied against a wide range of initiatives.

Some of the country’s most prominent human-rights groups are vowing to ignore or circumvent it.

Lev Ponomarev, head of For Human Rights, one of Russia’s oldest NGOs, told the Interfax news agency after yesterday’s Kremlin announcement of the signing that his group will ignore the regulation and challenge the law in court.

Spain’s king ousted as WWF honorary president

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HE World Wildlife Fund’s branch in Spain says it has ousted King Juan Carlos as its honorary president — a title he’d held since 1968 — because the monarch’s recent elephant hunting safari was incompatible with the group’s goal of conserving endangered species.

The fund said in a statement that “although such hunting is legal and regulated” it had “received many expressions of distress from its members and society in general.” It says members voted in a meeting in Madrid yesterday to “to get rid of the honorary President.”

News of the king’s April elephant hunting trip in Botswana upset many Spaniards who considered it an opulent extravagance at a time of economic distress in the country.

Colorado shootings scuttle campaign plans in US A

Youth to appear in court over Olympic ‘torch grab’

T

HE deadly shootings at a movie theater in Colorado have briefly silenced the presidential campaign, prompting both President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney to cut short their schedules and pull advertising in the state out of respect for the victims and their families.

Obama said yesterday in his weekly radio and Internet address that he hopes everyone takes time this weekend “for prayer and reflection — for the victims of this terrible tragedy, for the people who knew them and loved them, for those who are still struggling to recover.”

The president said Americans should also think about “all the victims of the less publicized acts of violence that plague our communities on a daily basis. Let us keep all these Americans in our prayers.”

Obama and Romney used campaign appearances on Friday to focus attention on the need for national unity in the aftermath of the shootings in Aurora, which killed 12 people and wounded dozens of others. Their campaign teams rescheduled Sunday show appearances by top aides and surrogates, essentially providing a break in what has been an increasingly testy campaign.

The rampage injected a new tone into the campaign after Obama and Romney had clashed repeatedly over the economy, Medicare and tax returns.

Obama was set to start his second day of events in Florida when the shootings occurred, prompting his team to address the violence at a previously scheduled rally in Fort Myers, Fla., and scrapping an event in suburban Orlando. Obama told supporters in Fort Myers

that the shootings served as a “reminder that life is very fragile.”

“Our time here is limited and it is precious. And what matters at the end of the day is not the small things, it’s not the trivial things,” he said.

“Ultimately, it’s how we choose to treat one another and how we love one another.”

Romney echoed Obama’s call for unity, saying at a previously scheduled event in Bow, N.H., that he joined with the president and first lady in offering condolences for those “whose lives were shattered in a few moments, a few moments of evil in Colorado.””The answer is that we can come together.

We will show our fellow citizens the good heart of the America we know and love,” Romney said.

Other prominent lawmakers called the shootings a

time for unity. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in the Republican address Saturday that lawmakers joined Obama in offering condolences and prayers to the loved ones of those who were killed and wounded.

“I know that when confronted with evil we cannot comprehend, Americans pull together and embrace our national family more tightly,” Boehner said.

Yet, beyond the calls for a higher purpose, the shootings could raise the profile of gun rights in the presidential campaign, an issue which has played a minor role so far.

As a senator Obama voted to leave gun makers and dealers open to civil lawsuits, and as an Illinois state lawmaker he supported a ban on all forms of semiautomatic weapons and tighter state restrictions generally on firearms.

At least 12 die as storms lash China

South Africa bus crash kills 18, injures 27

A

South African official says a bus crash in the country’s southeast has killed 18 people. Three of them were elementary school children headed to a sports event.

Transportation department official Ncedo Kumbaca said two buses apparently collided head-on early yesterday near the Eastern Cape town of Cradock. He says at least 27 people were injured, some of them severely.

Kumbaca had no further information on the victims’ identity. Also, it was not immediately clear how many passengers the two buses carried in total.

Traffic accidents with high death tolls are common in South Africa, and are often blamed on negligent drivers and badly maintained roads.

Last week, at least 25 people were killed when a truck was hit by a cargo train at a level crossing.

Egypt Islamist ex-MP gets jail for indecent act

A

T least 12 people died during torrential rainstorms which battered much of northern and southwestern China from Friday night to Saturday, state media reported.

In Beijing, strong winds blew off rooftops killing two people and injuring six others, the Beijing Emergency Medical Center told Xinhua news agency.

Heavy rain flooded roads and caused 223 flights to be cancelled in the capital, as the Beijing Meteorological Bureau issued its second-highest rainstorm alert for the first time since 2005.

The report said Beijing received 95 mm of precipitation on average as of 7:00 pm (1100 GMT), and heavy rainfall is expected to last until this morning.

In the northern Shanxi province, four people were killed and one remained missing after the pick-up truck they were on board was swept into a river while they attempted to cross a bridge, rescuers told the news agency.

Landslides in the southwestern Sichuan province resulted in six deaths, provincial flood control and drought relief officials told the agency.

17-year-old boy was to appear in court on yesterday following an alleged attempt to snatch an Olympic torch.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with common assault, assaulting a police officer and a public order offence following an incident on Friday as the torch relay made its way through the Kent town of Gravesend.

He was to appear at Medway Youth Court in Chatham, Kent.

The torch relay is now snaking its way through London ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony, following its lengthy journey around the rest of Britain.

•Indian Muslims offer breakfast on the first day of the month of Ramadan at Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, yesterday. Like millions of Muslims around the world, Indian Muslims will observe the month of Ramadan by abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking as well as sexual activities from dawn to dusk.

A F P PHOTO

Gunmen kill seven Pakistani soldiers

G

UNMEN shot dead seven soldiers at a checkpoint in Pakistan’s insurgency-hit southwestern province of Baluchistan yesterday, officials said, as violence marred the start of Ramadan.

“Armed men surrounded Pashookan post of Pakistan coast guards near the town of Gwadar and gunned down seven soldiers,” local administration chief Sohailur Rehman said, adding that three other soldiers were wounded.

The assailants, believed to be about a dozen, fled on motorbikes after the shooting, another official Rehmat Dashti told AFP. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Gwadar — a port town that has seen a construction boom over the

past decade as part of Pakistan’s plans to develop it, with Chinese help, into a trading hub.

Baluchistan suffers from Islamist militancy, sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims and a separatist insurgency which also targets government officials and security agencies.

The impoverished province is one of the most deprived areas of Pakistan where Baluch rebels rose up in 2004, demanding political autonomy and a greater share of profits from the oil, gas and mineral resources in the region.

Last week Pakistan’s top judge accused paramilitary forces of involvement in a third of all disappearances in Baluchistan, where the military has been accused of

rights violations in its bid to put down the insurgency.

Elsewhere, at least twelve people were killed and a further 24 wounded in two bomb attacks in northwest Pakistan, in separate incidents which also occurred yesterday, according to officials.

At least nine people were killed when a suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden car in the Kurram tribal district, while three people were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Upper Dir district.

The suicide bomber detonated his vehicle just outside the compound of antiTaliban militant commander Maulana Nabi, in the town of Spin Tal near the Afghan border, senior administration official Zakir Hussain said.

“It was a suicide attack, the target was militant commander Nabi’s centre,” Hussain told AFP, adding 16 others were wounded.

Nabi’s guards stopped the vehicle and the attacker blew his car up after he failed to enter the compound, he said, but residents added that he survived the attack.

Earlier, an improvised explosive device ripped through a pick-up truck in another northwestern Pakistani town, killing three people inside the vehicle, officials said.

The bomb “was detonated using a remote controlled device” near the town of Dhog Darra in Upper Dir district, regional police chief Ehsanullah Khan said.

He added that eight were wounded in the attack.

A

N Egyptian court yesterday sentenced Ali Wanis, a Muslim cleric and ex-lawmaker, to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of committing an “indecent act” in a car with a female university student.

Wanis, however, can avoid jail by paying 1,500 Egyptian pounds ($250) in bail as the case goes to an appeal court.

Wanis had won his seat in parliament through an ultraconservative Salafi coalition and was caught performing a sexual act with the woman in a car, the official MENA news agency reported.

He was sentenced for a year on charges of committing an indecent act and six months for assaulting policemen. The woman too was sentenced to six months, and can also avoid prison by posting bail.

Wanis, who had denied the accusations, was referred to trial after the constitutional court dissolved the Islamistdominated parliament in June.

76

WORSHIP THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

NEWS

INTERVIEW

Joy as Sure Word Assembly W marks anniversary

T

HE ultra-modern auditorium of Sure Word Assembly, Okota, Lagos, reverberated with exceeding joy last Sunday during the church’s convention/ anniversary celebration.

Members and wellwishers, resplendent in their attires, danced in celebration of massive expansion and God’s faithfulness towards the church that began with six members in 1998.

The General Overseer of the church, Dr Dennis Inyang, attributed the giant strides in the ministry to the kindness of God. Though the church is not where it wants to be, Inyang

By Sunday Oguntola

noted that it is not where it used to be.

He went down memory lane, cataloguing landmarks and developmental strides in the church.

The guest minister, Bishop Paul Aigboje, said the church had much more territories to conquer.

Ministering on the theme, A thousand times better, Aigboje said those desirous of becoming better must embrace prayer, praise, faith, giving and wisdom.

He said becoming a thousand times better also has a prophetic, power, anointing

and grace dimension.

The Presiding Bishop of Christ Victorious Ministries International Abuja stated that the church will witness unprecedented growth and multiplication in the next season.

Hinting on the next phase, Inyang stated that the church will plant branches in Lekki, Abuja and the United States in the next one year in furtherance of gospel works.

Five persons also received scholarships to further their education courtesy of the church.

Inyang said: ‘’Our mission is to empower people to become the best God created them to be.’’

•L-R: Aigboje with Inyang and wife cutting the anniversary cake

‘How to deal with Boko Haram’

T

HE Plateau State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised the federal government to deal decisively with sponsors and members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, for killing innocent Nigerians in different parts of the country.

It also said the body will not be involved in any dialogue forum whatsoever since such efforts have yielded no fruit so far.

The chairman of the body, Rev. Mwelbish Dafes, in a statement last week, lamented the spate of violence unleashed on Christians in Plateau State, saying the government must arrest the trend to prevent reprisal.

According to him: “the series of attacks on Christians and innocent citizens of Nigeria clearly reveal the fact that Christians in Northern Nigeria are the targets by the dare-devil terrorist group that is bent at Islamising Nigeria at all costs.

“We are tired of the calls for dialogue and other conventional platforms which have continued ceaselessly without much tangible results and the situation keeps worsening by the day. ‘’ It is evident that the government is overwhelmed with the situation, but our God is not

By Sunday Oguntola

overwhelmed but tolerating the situation for a moment.’’

While declaring that the body has not lost faith in Nigeria, Dafes, however, tasked government to make sure Boko Haram members face ‘’the full wrath of the law.’’

He added: ‘’Let the security operatives go offensive on these elements that have continued to

inflict pains and cause unbearable sorrows on the innocent people.”

The body also commiserated with the Plateau State Governor, Air Commodore Jonah Jang (Retd),over the recent attacks that led to the deaths of Senator Dantong and Hon Fulani, as well as many other innocent citizens.

It prayed that their death will not be in vain.

Nigeria will rise again, says cleric

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HE Zonal Pastor of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, (TREM), Zone 14, Pastor Kanimo Inyang, has called on Nigerians to keep their hope and dream alive in the face of increasing socioeconomic challenges facing the country.

Inyang said this in an interview with The Nation during his 50th birthday celebration organised at the zonal headquarters, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos.

He said there was need for Nigerians to remain resilient, focused and absolutely committed to the cause of nation-building more than ever before as the country faces trying times.

According to Inyang: “Nigeria will get better with time. The real saviours of Nigeria are about to emerge.

While I agree we are in the

By Adeola Ogunlade

darkest moments of our journey as a nation, there is hope for Nigeria.”

He added: “I see Nigeria entering a new era, a season where things will change for the better. I see a country where people will love to come and visit from all over the world. ‘’ The cleric renewed his commitment to the service of the Lord.

Inyang, an accomplished architect-turned-preacher, shared his over 14 years experience in pastoral work.

He said: “My gain is the fact that I have been able to impact on some lives over the years. I have had testimonies of the lives of people changing because of the calling of God upon my life and that has been my greatest joy in ministry.”

HAT has the church been up to lately?

The Lord has been faithful since we started 17 years ago. We have a Bible college that has graduated many pastors. Many of them have started their own churches and ministries. We have been on TV for five years. We used to have five branches but reduced them to three. We came all the way from the North to start here. I hadn’t pastored anywhere else before I came here. God has been good and faithful to us.

What will people find here that might be difficult to find elsewhere?

We try to actually practicalise love here. We take care of the less-privileged, the widows and elderly. We have a department called I care Africa where we have given scholarships and taken care of the lessprivileged. We also give detailed attention to the word of God. Three, we have a high standard of worship experience here being a music minister myself. We give ample time to prayer because we could sense things about to happen. There could be more but these are the ones that readily come to mind.

Don’t you think your music ministry is taking the backside because of your pastoral duties?

I actually started on the platform of music. I’d have preferred to be a full-fledged music minister because music is part of me. It comes naturally but God told me he primarily called me to preach. Music is just to open me up to my kind of people. When I sing, people open up and then I can preach the word. But personally, I feel I should do more with music. I have released two albums in the past years that have not been made available to people.

So, I am struggling with finding a balance. You see music is capital intensive and I also write. I have published over 30 books and I could have ended up a journalist because I enjoy writing a lot. I am back in the studio for another album. It is a praise and worship CD that will be available very cheap.

Being an apostle who travels far, doesn’t that affect your pastoral calling?

I have an apostolic grace but I don’t answer apostle. I believe God to do more because he told me not to be involved in business… …So, this is full time?

It is completely, my brother.

You don’t operate any business ventures like your col-

‘Why Nigeria will not disintegrate’ The Presiding Pastor of Love Aflame Ministries, Okokomaiko, Lagos, Rev. Silva Daniels, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the joy and challenges of ministry, among sundry issues. Excerpts:

•Daniels

leagues?

No, I don’t. God told me not to. I have personal issues with God on that. You know I didn’t want to do this ministry. I wanted to be a business man. But I was sick for two weeks and blood was gushing out of my mouth and nose simultaneously for two weeks.

My wife saw a vision that I died and God told her He would take me home since I was not willing to do His works. Eventually, I gave in and was healed instantly without medication.

I wouldn’t know why He does not want me to do business because what is coming in for the church is low. We have three full-time pastors and many commitments. If I do business, I can give more but God has been saying no. I am really praying and having a discussion with God on it.

Pastors hardly admit to having financial pressures.

Why are you different?

I think they are just talking by faith. The truth is there is no pastor that is not under financial pressure. I am a realist, though I live by faith. Those of us who have been preaching for the past 24 years know that pastors have airs around themselves. There is no minister

that does not have personal needs and we must be honest enough to admit it.

What is your forthcoming convention all about?

I realised there is an apathy in the body of Christ towards the things of God. People are just into rituals. So, we need revival in the body of Christ. We believe it will spark the craving and hunger for God. We need committed and dedicated disciples for Christ.

And we believe God will send down his fire on us so that men can pant after Him again. There will be healing, of course, and miracles, but all of these will point us ultimately to God. What is God saying about Nigeria now?

I believe Nigeria will never disintegrate regardless of what happens. There are forces and powers working against our destiny but Nigeria will survive. The devil is fighting us because of what God wants to do with Nigeria. As far back as 1982, there was a prophecy in Zaria that Nigeria will spearhead the end-time revival. The devil will fight that, which is what we are seeing. But God is involved too and will step in at the appropriate time.

WHAT AND WHERE?

TREM hosts sports stakeholders

T

HE Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) will today hold a special service under its Breeding Leaders for Empowerment & National Transformation (BLENT) scheme for the sports industry.

The service commences by 8a.m. at the Gbagada Expressway International headquarters of the church.

Special guests expected at the event with the theme Repositioning Nigerian Sports

include ex-internationals and other stakeholders.

There will be donation of gifts to the National Institute for Sports {NIS} and the

Paralympics committee.

The Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr Mike Okonkwo, will minister during the service.

Church holds annual retreat

T

HE annual retreat of the Emmanuel Salem Church Organisation Lagos holds Saturday, August 4.

The theme of the event, which begins from 7pm till dawn, is “Time for manifestation of Grace”.

One of the organisers, Elder Wale Odunayo, said the programme holds at Igbomogun-Oreta in Ikorodu, Lagos.

It features seminar, talks, counselling, revival, marathon prayer and song ministration.

Worship

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

Passing on the generational blessing (3)

The prayer-answering God (1)

Pastor Lazarus Muoka

HEAVEN AT LAST

P

S. 65:1-2 says, “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come”.

Isaiah 65:24 says, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear”.

The God of Chosen is the prayer answering God. This is one of His titles of honour.

He is the God that hears prayers and it is as truly ascribed to Him as mercy or justice. He hears all prayers and that is why all flesh must come to Him. He never rejects anybody that deserves answer to prayer, no matter how weak or unworthy the petitioner is. The Scripture says He is a re-warder of them that diligently seek him. As sure as God is the true God, so sure is it that none who sought him diligently departed from him without a reward. Our God rewards all seekers, and if all, why not you? Every right and sincere prayer of a chosen is as surely heard as it is offered.

You may have been in a particular place in time past and no answer has been given to your request, I want you to try the God of Chosen.

He is a prayer answering God as long as you are a child of God that is living right and if peradventure you are not, as you decide to pray in repentance with a broken heart, my Lord will answer you today in Jesus name. God promised to answer us as soon as the prayer is formed in our hearts before they could get out of our lips. We, the chosen people have lots of evidences in our midst to prove that God answers prayers.

Thus we take time to celebrate testimonies because everyone of us has

one testimony or another to give on daily bases. This does not mean that the chosen people are exempted from trouble; but they have God’s promise that in all their trials He will be with them and deliver them and make them partakers of His everlasting salvation. As He gives answers to the Chosen people so also He does to all that keep to the precept and practice of the Scripture.

The advantage accruing to us by such privilege is that If we know that He heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. Great are His deliverances, mercies, and blessings, which the holy petitioner needs. To know that our petitions are heard or accepted is as good as to know that they are answered.

In our services we do not pray for ourselves alone, We pray for others as well as for ourselves; for our brethren of mankind, that they may be enlightened, converted, and saved; for our brethren in the Christian profession, that they may be sincere, that their sins may be pardoned, and that they may be delivered from evils and the chastisements of God, and preserved in Christ Jesus.

THE FACT THAT GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS, EXAMPLES AND REASON Every prayer that has been made with a repentant and broken heart both in the Bible and in the present day receives attention from the Lord and if you will key into such prayers the Lord will answer you today.

2nd Chr. 7:13-15 says, “13 If I shut up Heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their”.

No evil comes upon individuals or nations without the permission and control of God; and He is able and ready, when they are duly humbled, to remove it and manifest towards them new tokens of His favour.

God is longsuffering, and of tender mercy and ever ready to receive a backsliding soul when he returns to Him. This promise is left on record for the encouragement and salvation of people. Humble yourself in prayers and supplications unto God and if there be any impossibility in your life the God will remove them in the name of Jesus.

Isaiah 45:19 says, “I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right”.

The Lord delivered the Israelites into the hands of their enemies as a result of their sins but the instant they realized their error or folly and cried unto the Lord, He answered and sent them a deliverer. In their condition they were not proud, arrogant and instead remembered that they have God whom they have offended and when the Lord saw the brokenness and humility of their hearts, their penitence He sent them a deliverer to free them from their bondage. No matter the ugliness of your situation, I want you to believe that if only you will humble and cry unto the Lord God, He will answer your prayers in Jesus name.

God is a prayer answering God, whenever a real child or the people of God pray the Lord will answer and if it tarries He will surely answer.

During Moses encounter with Pharaoh as we may have read in the scripture, the Lord spoke or did according to the words of Moses to show that He answers prayers.

Many prayed in the Bible days both in the old and new testaments and the Lord answered them as we can see from the following scriptures – Moses prayed and the Lord answered.

Our consolation is that our God is a prayer answering God and we totally rely on Him to give answer to our prayers. He answered the chosen ones in the Bible, people like Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon and Peter, Paul and Silas

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Archbishop Sam Amaga

Family Heritage

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ACOB predicted that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Gen. 49:10), an indication that he would give rise to a royal line.

He did. Both King David and Jesus descended from Judah, as shown below, along with other famous offspring of Israel: 1. The descendant of the tribe of Levi are Aaron, Moses, Eli, Ezra, John the Baptist 2. The descendants of the tribe of Judah are Caleb, David, Solomon, Isaiah, and Jesus Christ.

3. The descendant of the tribe Dan is Samson 4. The descendants of the tribe of Naphtali are Barak, Elijah 5. The descendant of the tribe of Asher is Anna 6. The descendants of the tribe of Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh) are Joshua, Gideon, Samuel 7. The descendants of the tribe of Benjamin are Saul, Esther, Saul of Tarsus.

C H I L D R E N S H O U L D UNDERSTAND THE MYSTERY OF PULLING OUT C O V E N A N T BLESSINGS OUT OF THEIR PARENTS. Isaac said to Esau do what pleases my spirit and my souls will bless thee.

And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless

thee before I die.

Genesis 27:4 When children learn to walk their ways into the hearts of their Godly parents, their future will be secured.

only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Matthew 21:19-21

B L E S S I N G S REVERSE THE CURSE. IT IS TIME TO REVERSE THE CURSES BY PLANTING BLESSINGS IN A PRAYER OF FAITH. Balaam came to curse Israel, God refused to listen to any curse against His own people because they carry the blessing. God turned the curse into blessing.

Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

Nehemiah 13:2 I speak today on behalf of those who do not have parents to speak the blessing into their future. I pronounce the blessing upon you and revoke the curse. I declare that God shall not listen to anyone who curses you.

Now open your mouth in agreement with me and destroy every curse of man, of sickness and disease, of barrenness, of delay and stagnation in Jesus name.

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not

Whatever is out to mock you is a curse, you must curse them bitterly.

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

Judges 5:23 Jesus dissolved the curses so the curses cannot prevail against you anymore.

Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the Cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham’s blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too.

We are all able to receive God’s life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it. Galatians 3:13 -14 (Message) On the cross Jesus erected a bridge. You can now walk over that bridge and walk into blessings. You are going to establish that blessings upon you, your children and family now.

Now pray those blessings into your life one by one and every other blessing you desire.

You can reach Archbishop Amaga on 08023018836

NEWS

Motailatu Church celebrates founders’ anniversary in style

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EMBERS and wellwishers of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide International Sub- Headquarters, Dalemo, Lagos, last Sunday rolled out the drums to mark the founders’ day anniversary of the church.

The event, which attracted eminent personalities, was the climax of weeklong activities to mark the occasion.

The supervising head of the church, Special Apostle (Dr) Israel Akinadewo,

By Sunday Oguntola

urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to God. He said the nation will change when men return to God. ‘’Nigeria is not beyond redemption. If we are ready for God, He will change our story,’’ he stated.

The Senior Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Religion, Rev. (Dr) Sam Ogedengbe, commended Akinadewo for publication of‘’Sanctuary Message Volume 2’’, a compilation of his

weekly column in a national newspaper.

He said: ‘’The book was written under great inspiration and anointing. I heartily recommend it to every Christian.’’

Ogedengbe praised the author’s deep theological knowledge evident throughout the book, urging him to keep it up.

The anniversary featured intense praises and dancing.

Members took to the dancing floor to thank God for another added year.

•L-R: The head, Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Most Elder Prophet Solomon Alao; Primate, founder and Supreme head, Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Archbishop (Dr) I. Akinadewo and Supervising Head of the Church, Special Apostle (Dr) Israel Akinadewo, during the event

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

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http://www.thenationonlineng.net

QUOTABLE “Constitution amendment is not an end to running democratic system successfully. The leaders and the led must show democratic impulses. It’s the cultural basis of the democratic projects.”

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 2191

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ACK in 2002 former President Olusegun Obasanjo described impeachment moves against him by the House of Representatives as a joke. Eleven years after, a similar threat by elements of the same chamber against President Goodluck Jonathan still comes across as risible.

At the root of the dust-up is frustration by the legislators at the listless implementation of yearly budgets – a recurring headache from the days of Obasanjo.

To underscore their seriousness the House has given the president a September deadline to attain 100% implementation. The price for falling short is commencement of the drafting of articles of impeachment.

Sounds serious – but in reality it is just grandstanding and saber-rattling that will come to nothing. The impeachment process is akin to dragging a suspect before a court of law and having charges read out to him. He may be convicted or acquitted.

But it is not just a legal manouvre which outcome is simply determined by a clinical examination of a list of sins. It is an intensely political action whose result cannot be safely predicted. The process will ultimately be resolved not just by the facts, but crucially by the votes of partisan political players driven by more mundane factors and calculations.

More importantly because it is political, there has to be an enabling atmosphere and the lynch mob must have the will. For all of Jonathan’s bad press nothing like that exists in today’s Nigeria.

Frankly, I cannot envisage any scenario under which a Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) House would successfully sack a president from the same organisation – especially when one of the most vocal lawmakers behind the motion is the Majority Leader of the main opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Also, the process of impeaching the president is complex and could drag on interminably. Do the members have the stomach for a grueling political free-for-all where the rules are written as you go along? I doubt it.

Again, the credibility of their threat is undermined by the basis on which it has been made – poor budget implementation. Once a budget bill passes through the National Assembly it becomes an Act of parliament. So this phantom fight is over lack of zealous implementation of some ‘law’. There are scores of laws on our books that no one bothers about. No one has been sacked for a less-than-fulsome implementation of those.

I suppose you could say the budget is not just any ordinary law because it is the plank on which all plans of government rest. All the same, does a less than 50% implementation of the budget constitute grounds for ousting a president?

The question is relevant because budget dreams can be torpedoed if revenue projections are not met. In that event everything enshrined in the hallowed act of parliament simply become a collection of pipe dreams.

Perhaps the question we should be asking is why has poor budget implementation persisted for all of 13 years? If it happened under Obasanjo because of his ornery nature and general pig-

—Senate President, David Mark on the ongoing amendment of the 1999 constitution

Festus Eriye efestus2003@yahoo.com 08052135878 (SMS only)

A joke called impeachment

•Jonathan

•Tambuwa

headedness, the same cannot be said of Jonathan who has almost broken his back bending to mollify the National Assembly. There must be something at work – other than the egos of the occupants of Aso Villa – that has not allowed delivery to meet the expectations of legislators.

Section 143 (1) of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution says the President or Vice-President may be removed from office “whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than onethird of the members of the National Assembly” is presented to the Senate President stating that the holder of the office is guilty of “gross misconduct” in the performance of his official duties.

‘Gross misconduct’ is so nebulous and difficult to define it would be very difficult to convict anyone on those grounds. I suspect the writers of our constitution deliberately chose the phrasing to frustrate excitable legislators who may see impeachable offences in every difference of opinion between the branches of government.

Except a miracle occurs, and nothing of the sort is about to happen because the wheels of government grind ever so slowly, I don’t see how the Jonathan administration can attain 100% implementation by September – the line in the sand that will supposedly trigger impeachment moves.

So what then is this about? Given all the obvious road blocks why would the members – many

of whom are experienced politicians – lend their voices to an exercise in futility? Why would they start something they may not be able to finish?

Why would they want to damage their credibility further by coming across as just a bunch of feckless noise makers?

I suspect that this is a way of saying to the president: ‘GEJ you are no OBJ. What we refused to take from him, we won’t take from you.’

Obasanjo rode roughshod over the legislators so many times that they finally revolted.

His military training reflected in his relationship with the National Assembly so much so that he dictated who their leaders should be. Even when they picked leaders of their choice he never gave them respite – continuously conspiring with ambitious elements to make the assembly unstable.

Despite claiming not to want to go down the same route, Jonathan actions suggest that he may have torn several pages out of Obasanjo’s campaign manual. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, were not his choices. He resisted the will of the majority of House members until his favoured candidate – Mulikat Akande – was defeated on the floor of the chamber.

Ever since, members have been looking over their shoulders convinced that Jonathan and the PDP hierarchy had neither forgiven

Between Oteh and Ayo Salami

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S Vice President at the African Development Bank (ADB), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) boss, Arunma Oteh, along with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who was then at the World Bank were often celebrated as evidence Nigeria could produce world class achievers.

What could have made these two women at the pinnacle of their careers with such multilateral organisations suddenly quit and succumb to the dubious lure of returning home to serve the Nigerian government?

On the face of it may seem like plain old patriotism got to them. The more cynical amongst us will put it down to ambition and quest for political power. There may even be that X-factor which none of us can lay our fingers on.

Whatever it is, I suspect that Oteh after what she passed through in the last

couple of months must be wondering what she had gotten herself into.

After she was suspended to allow the SEC Board probe her activities, I was certain she would not return even if her integrity was upheld. My worry was that she had been badly damaged by run-in with House committee chairman, Herman Hembe and all the disclosures about transactions that were not exactly by the book.

Even worse it was clear that under her watch SEC had become a house divided against itself. Commissioners who sat by her side at the public hearings openly contradicted her and delivered open condemnation of her management style.

The depth of the opposition to her was clear from the demonstrations that followed the announcement of her return. She may eventually win back the loyalty and respect of those who can’t stand her now, the same cannot be said about the image of

the capital market which has been badly tarnished by the slew of unsavoury revelations.

Impartial observers would have wanted to see a fresh face devoid of any baggage introduced into the mix, but the government in all its wisdom has chosen to do otherwise.

It just reminds you of that other case of reinstatement which the Jonathan administration has stoutly resisted for the most curious of reasons. A government inquiry cleared Oteh and with alacrity she was restored.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) cleared Chief Judge of the Appeal Court, Justice Ayo Salami, of any wrongdoing.

Months after he’s still in the wilderness ignored by the all-powerful president who has the power to restore one and frustrate another. Surely, this regime works in mysterious ways!

nor forgotten the slap in the face dealt them by rebellious lawmakers. Indeed, a good portion of members believe that the botched sting operation that ensnared ad-hoc committee chairman, Farouk Lawan, was ultimately aimed at pulling down Tambuwal and his team.

Even the saga involving Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director-General, Arunma Oteh and committee chairman, Herman Hembe, has been interpreted as another case of the executive branch humiliating lawmakers and getting away with it.

Hembe is currently facing trial, while Oteh has been cleared by government to return to her position. A day after her reinstatement, the House brandished its committee report on the capital market demanding that she be sacked. That is not going to happen says Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The increasing incidents of clashing of heads was evident a couple of months back when the Speaker and President openly disagreed over the Doctrine of Separation of Powers at a Democracy Day function at Aso Villa.

Tambuwal rebuked the president for shirking his constitutional responsibility to sign bills passed by the House. Jonathan replied by accusing the lawmakers of overreaching themselves and trampling on the doctrine of separation of powers. Unfortunately, I didn’t see what the dispute was about. The president has the power to veto, the House the prerogative to override such a veto.

If this were about oversight there are many ways by which lawmakers can bring the executive branch to heel without pulling out the nuclear weapon called impeachment. This option promises all parties Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Surely, House members don’t want an abrupt end to the gravy train.

In the end this storm in a tiny teacup will blow over. The PDP will pull off another of its “family affair” solutions. The House’s image would be the worse for wear as once again they will come across as all theatre and no spine to follow throw.

WEEK NOTES Waku versus Oritsejafor

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ATIONAL Vice Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Senator Joseph Waku, is in the news again.

This time he has a grouse against National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, over comments the cleric made before the US Congress Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights recently.

Waku is incensed that Oritsejafor rather than line up behind the Federal Government’s position on Boko Haram, chose to advocate a hard line.

Waku said: “It is because Oritsejafor had been allowed to make these reckless statements at home unchecked, that he is now so emboldened to take his personal agenda and campaign of calumny to the international arena.

He said if CAN’s President would not check his utterances, “some of us in the Christian fold will help him by replying him before he succeeds in creating a different impression about Christianity to other religions.”

I have been trying, with difficulty, to remember something that Waku did while at the Senate, unfortunately all I can recall is that he was, and remains, something of a loose cannon. That is why I am surprised at his umbrage that someone else has a strong opinion.

In any event, he may wish to test his popularity within Christendom and find out who between him and the CAN president are speaking the minds of Christians about Boko Haram’s unprovoked atrocities.

PALLADIUM IS ON VACATION HE RETURNS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

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