July 26,2015

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Lagos Fire Service saves man who used sex enhancement device from death

CAPTURED

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OFFICIALS of the Lagos State Fire Service at the weekend rescued a 40-year-old man from death after using a sex performance enhancer that enlarged his manhood beyond expectation.

The man was said to have worn a metal ring on his manhood for the purpose of enhancing erection and sexual satisfaction.

The Director of the Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, who made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the man wore a metal ring on his penis.

“His experience turned sour when the penis became so erect and swollen beyond his expectation and could not come down and the ring could not be removed,” Fadipe told the News Agency of Nigeria.

“When it became apparent that the condition was threatening his life, he rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja for help.

“The hospital invited the service to rescue the man, when they could not easily remove the ring.

“We successfully removed the metal ring in collaboration with the hospital staff at the emergency unit using our rescue tools.’’

“The incident happened at about 3.15 p.m. on Friday and it took us about 50 minutes for the operation.”

Helping hand Children are a quick study. This child on Williams Street, Shogunle, Lagos tries his hand at pushing a water cart in a way he had probably seen adults do.

PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other security agencies may need to urgently upgrade their healthcare facilities. Better still they could start to push for a supplementary budget that substantially supplements the allocation for medical treatment.

They also need to learn how to deal with a new (or not so new) trend amongst detainees - especially those called to answer to allegations that they helped themselves to chunks of the national cake while serving in one official capacity or the other. We refer to how these individuals develop suddenly ‘grave,’ and usually life threatening, ailments once they find themselves in custody.

With the new zeal that has come upon the anti-corruption agencies to go after, and bring to justice people alleged to have corruptly enriched themselves, there

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EADING chieftains of the defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) still regard the last general election in the country as a war lost. And even in defeat, they’re carrying on as a band of renegade soldiers still smarting from the side effects of defeat. If you disagree, how do you explain a recent statement by the party’s spokesman, Olisa Metuh, accusing the Federal Government of treating PDP members like prisoners of war?

He made the party position known while addressing party stakeholders in Lokoja.

He said: “We are being treated as if we are prisoners of war. We are being treated as if we are refugees. We are not afraid, we have faith in

sunday@thenationonlineng.net

Detainees and their sudden health challenges have been several cases of ‘sudden health crisis’, forcing relatives or lawyers of a number of detainees to cry out in fear for the safety of their loved ones or clients. An attempt to mention names here will produce a long list, for many were those who, perhaps out of the fear of spending time in custody, developed cold feet, and consequently became gravely ill in no time.

Even some didn’t wait to be taken in before announcing their sudden ailments, buying more time in the process. A good example is the former Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Kingsley Kuku. He was invited for questioning by the EFCC, but he quickly an-

• Lamorde

nounced that he couldn’t honour the invitation until September 30, of course, due to a health challenge.

In a letter addressed to the EFCC chairman, brought to the attention of Olufunke Adetayo Ogunbode, the commission’s head of economic

governance, Kuku’s counsel, Karina Tunyan, said his client was in the US for knee surgery and will not return to Nigeria until the end of September.

Few days earlier, Onochie Onwuegbuna, the lawyer of Gordon Obua, the Chief Security Officer to former President Goodluck Jonathan, had said his client was detained under inhuman conditions by his employer, the Department of State Services (DSS).

He said the ex-CSO was denied access to his drugs despite being hypertensive. He said Obua had also been denied access to his doctor. “Our Client is hypertensive and diabetic to the knowledge of his employers the SSS. He has been on daily medications to manage these very severe ail-

On PDP’s ‘prisoners of war’ our strength and unity; faith in the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.”

And his reason for this unusual submission is none other than the simple fact that some individuals, who happen to be members of his troubled party, have been asked to explain some of their activities while in one public office or the other. To Metuh, this is the aftermath of losing a war.

“We condemn the uncivilised method of arrest, intimidation and the denial of the fundamental human rights of members of our party who served in the last administration by the Buhari led admin-

istration,” he said. He accused the All Progressives Congress led administration of witchhunting.

Coming from Metuh, the submission shouldn’t be strange to keen observers of the nation’s politics, for it was the same man who justified former First Lady, Patience Jonathan’s charge to PDP women to see the then forthcoming election as “a war against the enemies of Nigeria.” Back then, Metuh saw nothing wrong in Mrs. Jonathan’s war song. Today, he is of the opinion that he and his colleagues, haven lost the ‘war’, are being fed the bitter morsels of usually reserved for

POWs. Shedding more light into the workings of his mind, Metuh, speaking for PDP as a party, said he feels the arrest are not unconnected with alleged corrupt practices by his party men while in office. And soberly, he only came short of begging the new administration to tamper justice with mercy.

“We (PDP) are not afraid of the intimidation, harassment and arrest of our members by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, if the arrest is done within the confines of the law.

If the ruling party believes that

ments and since his detention, he has completely been denied access to these medications.

“Our Client is presently languishing in the custody of the SSS without access to his medication, food, water and drugs or to any member of his family, doctors or his lawyers and in the circumstance we hereby call on the SSS to immediately release him. The general public is also invited to note that the SSS should be held responsible if anything untoward happens to our Client in their custody or subsequently as a consequence of his unlawful detention,” his counsel warned.

When it appeared Nigerians weren’t listening enough there is anyone who has served in the federal government and is guilty of corrupt practices, they are free within the law to investigate as long as they go through due process and observe the rule of law,” he added.

Well, while Metuh and his party men are entitled to their thoughts and admittances, his statements come across more like veiled fear of the known repercussion for some actions of the past. Is the PDP spokesperson saying his accused party men have soiled their hands and are prisoners of conscience? Is he indirectly soliciting the rights provided in the Geneva Convention for POWs? Well, it may serve them all better to simply come out and

to this particular case of an ailing detainee in dire need of his freedom though all means possible, news of how Obua allegedly fainted in detention, hit the airwaves few days later. A few hours later it was ‘confirmed’ that he had ‘died’ – sending social media into frenzy.

Unable to turn deaf ears to the happenings, the DSS was forced to hurriedly present the ‘resurrected’ Obua to the public at a press conference. Looking quite healthy and unruffled, the former presidential CSO said he is in good health.

We have no way of controverting the detainee’s claim to parlous health, but the crisis surely got the attention of those that mattered. From the days of military rule to now detainees and their lawyers have always played the ill-health card where that was really the case, or as a gimmick.

There’s no sign that security agencies have any antidote yet. So watch for more such health dramas.

• Olisa-Metuh

put their cards on the table.

Who knows, clemency may be offered. At least, President is yet to arbitrarily send anybody to long years of imprisonment on allegations of corruption the way he did in 1984. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

COLUMN

Re: The Army that lost its way Last week ‘Snooping Around with Tatalo Alamu’ set the cat among the pigeons with the piece ‘The Army that lost its way.’ Today, some readers weigh in on the arguments in that article and manage to trigger an intellectual back and forth of their own

S

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

From Goldoun

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OUR assertion that “the Obasanjo post-military rule reform which saw to the prompt retirement of politically exposed officers was a brilliant exercise in demilitarization” was putting truth on its head. I daresay there is no brilliance in Obasanjo’s lopsided “demilitarization”. It was just a cunning move to prevent any meaningful challenge to his motives. Remember OPC happened along in the first hundred days of the tragedy that was O. O.’s misrule. More heinous crimes followed. We witnessed unprecedented and wide spread massacres on the Plateau and in Taraba as a result of heightened distrust among hitherto peaceful neighbors in the Middle Belt.

One wonders at the much hyped “nationalist instincts” of O. O. especially in the face of the serial rape of all known and respected democratic tenets and of our common patrimony. As to the claim that O. O. “did not appoint a member of his own ethnic stock as army commander and neither did he unduly disrupt the chain of command”, I assume one needs look no farther than O. O.’s feeling of insecurity: he wouldn’t want a contender in his domain, would he? His tussle with the Jagaban was a fight for supremacy among the Yoruba.

O. O. did not need to “disrupt the chain of command” in the military because he has already wrecked the institution as he has the nation.

You succeeded in resurrecting the ghost of Mamman Vatsa.

May Allah rest him, the usual bogey, while you white washed O. O.

From Adejint

Sir, today we have to take a contrarian view to certain points, which you explicated upon in this magnum opus on the military.

First is the notion that “the military is the ultimate distillate of nation essence” If contemporary and comparative African history in general and Nigerian history in particular has taught us anything, it is that the military has the most fissiparous tendencies, inimical to what you call national essence, and to which we add coherent strategic ideological road map, to national redemption, salvation and prosperity. Being conservative by nature, they are always atavistic and obscurantist in their approach to national redemption and development. After all they as an institution acted

NEWS

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday declared that his administration will do all within its powers to ensure that no child is ever infected with polio again.

He spoke at a brief event in the Presidential Villa, Abuja to mark Nigeria’s successful completion of one year without any reported case of the wild polio virus.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and

coup rot that brought the Nigerian Army to this pass. Let’s call a spade by its name, if we can bring ourselves to. And, let’s say knowledge of the Niger-arean military is not one of your strengths. The same ex -Executive Outcomes private contractors you cavil against, were the architects of victory in Sierria Leone and Liberia. Let’s do away with this deluded military chauvinism and use what works. If it takes mercenaries, so be it.

From Adejint

•Vatsa

as the catalyst that spurred us on to the road to national perdition, starting from precipitation of the civil war, cannibalizing a military institution Nigerian taxpayers spent an enormous amount of resources to build, through unending, atrocious and diabolical Machiavellian infantile coupplotting decimating generations of the officer class.

Comparatively, countries without a standing army or semistanding army are usually prosperous, stable and free. The first example that comes to mind is Costa Rica in Central America.

Since 1949, the national army had been abolished, and in Panama the national army had been abolished since 1990. These two countries are the most prosperous in Central America. Coming to Africa, Mauritius has no standing army, yet it is one of the most prosperous in Africa. More than three hundred years ago, Morocco contracted its military obligations to France. When Germany and Japan used to have a formidable standing army, they constituted themselves into terrors against human civilization.

But today after they had been reduced to having a semi-standing army, they have become oases of peace, freedom and prosperity.

Arguing in this fashion does not signify in any way that we are advocating that the Nigerian military be disbanded; that is not an option in any ramification. Ni-

geria is a regional power so we must at all times have a formidable, professional, disciplined standing army. It is a geopolitical imperative that we always do so.

From Mohammed Eibo Nigerian Army used to be the bedrock of discipline but diffusion in it has incapacitated it long time ago. Certain officers are not promoted for no reason but political expediency. Time to change is now or never. Will the new COAS right the wrongs?

Truly the army has some discipline problems but little did we know that the politics is more dangerous than we can think of.

Fine officers like U. M. Ibrahim are not promoted thereby killing the morale of performing officers.

What should we expect the expectation from Gen. Tukur Buratai?

The usual stories? Nigerian Army should brace up and live up to the expectation.

From Wisdom ok When PMB retired 25 generals and appointed service chiefs on tribal lines he was deliberately dividing the military hierarchy on ethnicity. This is a departure from the professional army ethos.

PMB is dividing and setting the country on gun powder.

From Obinnna77 Saint OBJ did precious little to repair the deliberate post-Orkar

Fellow compatriot, Obinnna77, it behooves you not to bring a pedestrian pen knife to an intellectual gun fight. It will also behooves you to refrain from desecrating the hallowed memory of our valiant patriotic soldiers and journalists, who pay the supreme sacrifice for the glory of our fatherland and for securing a free, peaceful and prosperous future for their fellow African brothers and sisters and their children.

Though they may be unsung heroes in our fatherland, but nevertheless they are heroes in brother African countries they are instrumental in helping to liberate - contrary to your denigrating and ill-informed opinion that Executive Outcomes, greedy bands of mercenaries they are, are architects of victory in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

For your education, Executive Outcomes were never in the theater of war in Liberia, they were never there, and in Sierra Leone, they were there for only one year - from March 1995 to March 1996.

And for you to aver that a regional power with almost 180 million vibrant population, because it is currently going through a rough patch must contract its military obligations and duty to a bunch of bloody blood sucking racist mercenaries, is the height of acute geopolitical myopia.

As someone I assumed is very versed in defunct Republic of Biafra history you must be familiar with the names of the following repulsive individuals: Colonel Steiner; Major Taffy; Captain Paddy; Captain Armand; Captain Alec; Marc Goosens.

They are all notorious mercenary commanders that were hired to fight for the defunct Republic of Biafra. What good came out of their services?

If all the above is not adequate to convince you of the error of your ways then contemplate the

following words from Niccolo Machiavelli on mercenaries.

“Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous; and if one holds his state based on these arms, he will stand neither firm nor safe; for they are disunited, ambitious and without discipline, unfaithful, valiant before friends, cowardly before enemies; they have neither the fear of God nor fidelity to men, and destruction is deferred only so long as the attack is; for in peace one is robbed by them, and in war by the enemy” From IskaCountryman to ADEJINT And you think you won the Biafran War without mercenaries...

From ADEJINT IskaCountryman

Publicity, Femi Adesina, pledged that the federal government will mobilise and deploy all necessary resources to efficiently complete the task of eradicating polio from the country.

He said: “Today, 25th of July, 2015, Nigeria has successfully completed one year without any case reported of the wild polio virus.

“Achieving this feat has

placed us firmly on the path to eradicating this paralyzing disease from our land.

“I seize this opportunity to call on Governors, our traditional and religious leaders, the private sector and our mothers and fathers to redouble their efforts to ensure that every child and every new born baby is vaccinated with the polio vaccine and other life saving routine vaccines.”

The President personally

vaccinated one of his grandchildren against polio at the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to eradicating the virus from Nigeria as well as the safety and efficacy of the polio vaccine.

He thanked all Nigerians and foreign partners who have support the country’s polio eradication programme in several ways.

The President said that he looked forward to the formal declaration of Nigeria as a polio-free country in 2017.

to

If we did, please proffer the proof with photos and the names of the mercenaries, and please educate us as to circumstances that warranted this action, sans British cooperation in terms of arms supply which the Yankees refused to supply. We are ignorant of the facts, please educate us.

From IskaCountryman to ADEJINT Ask your new friend 77 about Egyptian pilots... I know he has a story to tell...

From ADEJINT IskaCountryman

to

Last time we checked, Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and Egyptian Wahabbi state and Wahabbi military don’t do mercenaries, they do suicide and carpet bombings. And the period in question was the 1967 Six-Day war during which Egyptian Air Force with its fighter jets were annihilated right in their hangers and on the tarmac. Following that was the debacle of 1973 Yom Kippur War and during all this epoch there was no credible Biafran Air force or fighter jets.

So we wonder which plane or fighter jets the Egyptian pilots executed their nefarious mercenary contracts - maybe on a U.F.O. Chief Iska we are yearning to be educated, oblige us.

From IskaCountryman to ADEJINT Son... let’s leave the argument...

From ADEJINT IskaCountryman

to

Baba, I concur with your proposition. End of debate.

Buhari vows to keep polio out of Nigeria From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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•Buhari

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

NEWS

HE Police appear to have established a case of forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 which paved the way for the June 9, 2015 emergence of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Chief Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President.

There were indications yesterday that the police might charge the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa to court for the alleged forgery of the Standing Orders.

Maikasuwa may be arraigned with some staff of the National Assembly suspected of having played one role or the other in the drafting of the rules.

But the fate of Ekweremadu who was one of those quizzed by the Police in the course of their investigation into the matter was unknown last night.

Police sources declined to discuss his fate.

Already, the case file has been sent to the Federal Ministry of Justice for advice and prosecution.

Besides the Standing Orders matter, the Clerk is also said to be facing a fresh crisis on how he was selected to be part of a Ramadan dinner (Iftar) with President Muhammadu Buhari while under investigation by the Police.

The Presidency is investigating alleged breach of protocol by the Clerk by attending the breaking of fast with the President.

Investigation in Abuja showed that the Police, acting on

Senate crisis: NASS Clerk faces trial as Police establish forgery *File sent to Ministry of Justice *Buhari angry over how Clerk gate crashed into Ramadan dinner *Ekweremadu's fate unknown amended) says: " Any Senator FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing

a petition by six Senators, believed that the Senate Standing Orders 2015 was forged.

According to findings, the Police team, led by Deputy Inspector-General Danazumi Job Doma, discovered many anomalies in the said Senate Standing Orders.

The Police findings include the followings: *The Senate Standing Orders 2007(as amended) was still in force when the 7th Senate wound up. *There was no time the 7th Senate amended the Standing Orders or any subsisting motion as shown in the Senate Standing Orders 2015 * The Senate Standing Orders 2015 was strange and a violation of Paragraph 110 of the Senate Standing Orders 2007(as amended) *All the principal officers of the 7th Senate interviewed admitted that the Senate Standing Orders 2007(as amended) was not reviewed before their tenure ended. * A clear case of forgery,

Editor, Northern Operation

manipulation, and tampering has been established. * Those connected with the forgery should be immediately prosecuted.

A top police source said: "We have concluded our investigation and recommended the Clerk to the National Assembly and a few others for trial.

"The Clerk presided over the election of some Principal Officers of the Senate on June 9 with a forged Standing Orders 2015 when he ought to know better.

"As I am talking to you, we have sent the investigation file to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Legal Advice and prosecution."

The police source said the

Senate Standing Orders 2015 was not in compliance with Paragraph 110 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders 2007 (as amended).

The source added: "The National Assembly management claimed that it has the prerogative to set the rules for the election of a new set of Principal Officers since the 8th Senate was yet to be inaugurated.

"They said since nature abhors vacuum, they did nothing wrong with the Senate Standing Orders 2015.

"But when we asked them why they refused to use Senate Standing Orders 2007as the case with the 8th Senate, they were not too convincing."

Paragraph 110(1) of the Senate Standing Orders 2007 (as

desiring to amend any part of the Rules or adding any new clause shall give notice of such amendments in writing to the President of the Senate giving details of the proposed amendments.

"The President of the Senate shall within seven working days of the receipt of the notice, cause the amendments to be printed and circulated to members. Thereafter, it shall be printed in the Order Paper of the Senate.

"The Mover or Movers of the amendments shall be allowed to explain in detail the proposed amendments.

Thereafter, the Senate shall decide by simple majority votes whether the amendments should be considered or rejected.

"If the decision is to

consider the amendments, then another date shall be set aside by the Rules and Business Committee whereby opportunity would be given to Senators to further propose amendments but must strictly be confined to the original amendments.

"Two-third majority shall decide the amendments and such amendments shall form part of the Rules of the Senate."

Meanwhile, the Clerk to the National Assembly might be in fresh trouble over how he was included in the list of those who broke Ramadan fast with President Buhari while still being investigated by the police.

A breach of protocol was being probed as at press time.

But the President made the Clerk to know that he was an unwanted guest at the Villa when he was introduced at the end of the dinner.

A source said: "When he was introduced to Buhari for a handshake after the dinner, the President said: 'You, how did you get here? If I knew I would not have allowed you to enter this place.' I think some protocol officers committed a slip.

"We did not know how he got onto the list of the guests of the President. This is why the President is very strict with his schedule and aides."

N50m goods submerged as floods hit Onitsha market

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O fewer than 120 lock-up shops were submerged by flood at the International Electronics Market, Onitsha, Anambra State following a downpour on Friday night, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Electronics and other goods estimated at N50 million were said to have been soaked and damaged in the flood.

Chairman of the market union, Mr. Izuchukwu Okoye, told NAN that, "the flood came into the market when its volume could not be contained by the drainage along the Onitsha-Enugu expressway."

He appealed for the assistance of the state government for the affected traders.

Also speaking, the secretary of the traders union in the market, Mr. Damian Ogudike, said the drainage in the area had always proved to be incapable of handing heavy rain. ``The expectation is that the government should expand the existing drains to be higher than they are now. The state government should take care of the situation and ensure that floods do not submerge the market since we pay our taxes and levies,'' Ogudike said.

Tinubu Media Office blasts Waku

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HE Tinubu Media Office (TMO) yesterday branded as a tale by the moonlight, the allegation by Benue politician, Chief Lawrence Waku that All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu instigated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's invitation to the wife of Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki.

Waku, in a statement in Abuja, had claimed that Tinubu was exploring his personal relationship with the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde to embarrass, and torment fellow party members including Mrs. Saraki, who has an appointment with the anti-graft agency on Tuesday.

But reacting to the insinuation yesterday, TMO said "no one should pay

former Senator Waku any attention. What he has said is fit for the trash. Waku is Godwin Daboh resurrected.

No one should dignify Waku's tales by moonlight with any attention or ever take him serious.

The statement by Tinubu's Media Adviser, Sunday Dare, added, "For any serious individual with a reputation to protect, Waku is a very poor hire.

Tinubu does not run or dictate to the EFCC. And like countless others Tinubu has also being investigated by the EFCC severely in the past.

"Tinubu has no hand in the travails of any one because he is right now very busy working with others of like mind on how the APC political agenda can set sail as quickly as possible. That is the urgency of now and not the tantrums of the likes of Waku."

•Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama (right) with former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, when the latter paid a courtesy visit to the President at the Flag Staff House in Accra, Ghana recently.

Commissioners, advisers vow to transform Benue

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EWLY appointed commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and local government caretakers in Benue State have resolved to work as a team to deliver democratic dividends.

This was part of a sevenpoint resolution at the end of a three-day state executive council retreat in Makurdi.

They also vowed to

entrench core values such as transparency, accountability, justice, fairness, sel?essness, humility, discipline, forgiveness, reconciliation, integrity, peace and unity in their service to the state.

The appointees, who praised Governor Samuel Ortom for organizing the retreat, also resolved to abide by the rule of law and due process in service delivery.

They agreed that international best practices as well as the latest media and ICT tools will be deployed in delivering democracy dividends.

They also promised to align with the blueprint of the administration anchored on the five-point agenda of good governance and revenue security; Agriculture-driven industrialisation; investment

in critical infrastructure and gender, women, youth, sports and people with disabilities.

Twenty five resources persons, including former governor George Akume and Senator Barnabas Gemade, among others spoke at the retreat.

Ortom delivered a keynote address while deputy governor Benson Abuonu made the closing remark.

Boko Haram not in control of any LG in Yobe

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HE Yobe State Government yesterday dismissed as untrue media reports that Boko Haram insurgents are in control of five local government areas of the state.

The Director of Press Affairs to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, Abdullahi Bego, said the insurgents are not in control of any local government area.

He said the media reports "are misleading and totally out

From Duku Joel of the purview of the brief that Governor Gaidam gave to the National Economic Council regarding the security situation in Yobe State."

"While security is still a concern and more work needs to be done, there is not a single local government council in Yobe under the sway or control of the insurgent Boko Haram," Bego declared,

adding that what Daidam told the National Economic Council was that two of the 17 local governments in the state were once "under the pale of Boko Haram," and that was several months ago.

"Governor Gaidam has noted, however, that as a result of the gallant and salutary intervention of our nation's armed forces and other security agencies, those two local government areas,

namely Gujba and Gulani, were freed and liberated from insurgent stranglehold.

"The governor did of course ask for additional troops and weaponry to be deployed to Yobe State. He made this request only within the context of the need to sustain the momentum against Boko Haram and ensure that terrorists and insurgents are denied a chance to further harm our people."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

NEWS

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Confusion reigns over House of T Reps leadership crisis HE crisis in the House of Representatives over the sharing of principal positions in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly remained cloudy last night after claims and counter claims about the resolution of the stalemate.

The camp of Speaker Yakubu Dogara sparked the latest standoff after announcing that the crisis had been resolved with the Femi Gbajabiamila group accepting the sharing formula proposed by the Speaker.

Details of the sharing unveiled by Abdulmumin Jibrin are: Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC Kano, North West) as House Leader; Buba Jibrin (APC Kogi, North Central) as Deputy Leader; Pally Iriase (APC Edo, South South) as Chief Whip; and Chika Okafor (APC Imo, South

• Dogara, Gbajabiamila groups in claims and counter claims From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

East) as Deputy Chief Whip.

"Interestingly, both the Speaker and a great majority of the APC caucus in the House including gladiators in the Gbajabiamila's group like Mongunu, Doguwa and Pally support and stand by the Equity Team," Jibrin said.

"We have commenced collection of signatures which has reached advanced stage to affirm the Dogara Formula. All other interests, including those excluded from the

principal officers specifically Gbajabiamila and Mongunu will be duly accommodated with c o m m e n s u r a t e responsibility to serve.

Since the Speaker has about 200 positions to share out, many members will have the opportunity to serve the country.

"In light of this development, it is heartwarming to announce to you that the disagreement in the house, which many have erroneously labelled as crisis, has finally come to an end?."

Three of Gbajabiamila's supporters - Mohammad Monguno (Northeast) ,

Alhassan Doguwa (Northwest) and Pally Iriase (Southsouth)announced their acceptance of Dogara's proposal.

But in a swift reaction, Gbajabiamila's loyalists denied that they had reached an agreement with Dogara.

Their spokesman, Nasiru Zangon-Daura, in a terse statement, denied "any purported endorsement of a so-called formula."

"Any member of our group who claims to be part of this arrangement acts on his own and not on behalf of the group," he

declared.

At stake are the positions of House leader, deputy House leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip.

The party had written to Dogara that Gbajabiamila be made House leader but Dogara rejected the directive.

The Speaker's camp is insisting that the Northeast and the Southwest having already got the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker cannot be accommodated in the sharing of the remaining four positions.

The APC National

Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun had, on Friday summoned Speaker Dogara ostensibly on resolving the deadlock.

There were suggestions that Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun from Osun State was being prevailed upon to step down.

On the same day Gbajabiamila was at the State House, Abuja to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He emerged from the meeting to dash to the party's National Secretariat to see Chief Odigie-Oyegun on the same matter.

The House has been enmeshed in crisis since the June 9 election of Dogara and Lasun as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

It is scheduled to resume sitting on Tuesday, a week later than it originally proposed.

FG to reorganize NTDC

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S the Buhari administration seeks alternatives to oil, there were indications yesterday that the Presidency may reorganize the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

It was learnt that the fate of the Director-General of the NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, was unknown at press time.

Investigation revealed that the government was disturbed that nations, like Kenya, Ethiopia, Gambia, Zimbabwe and others had been making progress in tourism while Nigeria is lagging behind.

It was also learnt that the slump in NTDC activities in the past few years has affected the image of the country.

The turning of NTDC into a shuttle agency for many unnecessary trips abroad has made Presidency to be under pressure to reorganize NTDC. A top source said: "The new government is really searching for alternatives to oil. Beside agriculture, the presidency has placed premium on tourism.

"Certainly, there will be a surgical reorganization of NTDC with expanded scope to fit into the new revenue goal.

"This will require a thorough cleansing of the corporation."

The crisis of confidence between the immediate past Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke and the DG of NTDC was said to have "wiped off" the few gains made by Nigeria in the sector in the past few years.

Duke had queried the DG ,saying in part: "It has been brought to my notice that your conduct in the last few months is unsatisfactory in the following respect: (1) As with your previous overseas travels, you attended the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) held in Madrid,

By Our Reporter

Spain from 22nd-26th January 2014 without obtaining the Minister's prior approval for your participation nor for the budget to cover the event as specified in the guidelines and procedures for attending such international events.

"That you embarrassed the Ministry and brought the nation into disrepute by pulling out of the Trade Fair midway without any cogent reason nor did you proffer any official explanation.

"Equally inimical to the image of the service and the nation, is that you pulled out of the ITB Berlin UNWTO Global Marketing event held in Berlin, Germany in March 2014, without the knowledge and approval of the Minister and to the consternation of Tourism Stakeholders who were in attendance "That in anticipation of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, you engaged the services of contractors to develop market and execute the Nigeria Fans Village in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In furtherance to this, it is alleged that you obtained funds from some banks and corporate organizations to fund this project.

"However a dispute arose between you and your agents in Brazil that led to a physical encounter arising from a breach of contract an attempt by you to rather have the Nigerian Fans Village in hotel room "That neither the Nigerian Embassy in Brazil nor the Nigerian Consulate in Sao Paulo had any knowledge of this project.

"It is also observed that since your assumption of office, there have been series of threats of industrial unrest in your corporation, internal wrangling with complaints about your leadership style, inefficiency and lack of cordial human relationship with your workforce."

•President Barack Obama and Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings ahead of the President's keynote at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Nairobi, Kenya, at the weekend

Sultan to Nigerians: don't allow disgruntled politicians cause breach of peace

N

IGERIANS have been told not to

allow themselves to be used by disgruntled politicians to cause breach of the peace.

Similarly, they are admonished to ensure mutual contribution and team work for the realisation of the change they had voted for.

The call was made yesterday in Sokoto by Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar at a Sallah lunch he organized for the residents in the state.

He noted that Nigeria more than before, needed peace and observed that political losers could seize opportunity to instigate

From: Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

others to cause problems in the country. " They are capable of causing the breach of the peace and therefore we should all be wary of such unpatriotic Nigerians so that its citizens can live peacefully with each other,'' he cautioned.

Abubakar also challenged leaders to be just, pious, fair and equitable to all, saying that, this is the basis of prevalence of peace and even socio-economic development.

The religious monarch further noted that the settlerindigene dichotomy was the major precipitating factor in

many states of the federation. '' How can somebody who has lived in a place for close to forty or over fifty years be regarded as a non indigene?", he rhetorically asked.

According to Sultan while citing an example, said '' In America, if a child is born today, he or she will be given a passport, this is how it is supposed to be globally", he pondered.

He said Sokoto remains a home to all, irrespective of any religious, political , social or ethnic differences, adding that nobody pay schools for their kids, at primary and secondary schools levels.''

However, Abubakar appealed to Nigerians to come together and live peacefully with each other, while also admonishing the leaders to carry all Nigerians along saying that '' we need to appreciate ourselves as one and work as such because this world is a very short place to be and discrimination in any form is anti progress."

Speaking, the PresidentGeneral of the Association of Resident Communities, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim commended the Sultan for the gesture, describing Sokoto as the most peaceful state in the country.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

NEWS Benue spends N10billion on salaries, grants, says Ortom 6

G

the

OVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State said yesterday that

N10 billion recently borrowed by his administration was used to pay workers’ salaries, contrary to allegations by the opposition that he had misappropriated the money.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi that he had given details of how the loan would be spent when he sought the nod of the State House of Assembly to take it.

According to him, “I said it was going to be used to pay two months salaries. On the average, we expend N3.7 billion on the payment of monthly salaries. ‘’The breakdown is as follows: wage bill is about N2.8 billion while the overhead per month across board runs to about N700million. So if you take that for two months you will be spending about N7.4 billion or close to N7.5 billion on salaries alone thereby leaving a balance of about N2.5 billion out of the N10billion we borrowed.

“Part of what I applied for the loan was to enable the Executive and the House of Assembly to take off. We needed to buy cars for 13 commissioners, 18 advisers, and assembly members including payment of allowances.’’

He said that more than N3 billion had already been spent on the take off of the government including the legislature.

The governor, who appealed for patience, added: “no kobo from that money

has been misappropriated.”

He said that the N2.7 billion which the state received from the LNG dividend was still intact, and part of it would be used to pay July salaries.

“Benue State got N5billion from the LNG account but what actually came to the state was N2.7 billion because N2.3 billion went to the local government councils.

“That money is still intact in our account. We are now waiting for July allocation and if nothing adds, we are expecting about N1.7 billion, which cannot pay our workers’ salaries, so we have to take from the LNG account to pay July salaries.”

He said his administration was committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, and appealed to the people to offer advises and constructive criticisms that would ginger development.

Ortom pledged to commit resources to upgrade facilities at the state school of Nursing and Midwifery to facilitate its accreditation for it to resume normal academic programmes.

He said the school was crucial to his administration and would invest money for its upgrade.

The governor, who lamented the poor state of facilities in government offices across the state, said his administration had a robust plan to upgrade all decaying infrastructure.

Ortom accused political detractors of sponsoring falsehood against the government over the loan.

Boko Haram kills 25 in Borno

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T least 25 people have been killed in new suspected Boko Haram attacks in Borno State, with many villagers also forced to flee their homes, residents said yesterday.

“The terrorists stormed Maikadiri around 9am Friday and opened fire on hapless citizens,” resident Simon Templer said.

“They laid siege in daylight because there are no soldiers or police nearby,” said another survivor, Markus Ali, adding: “We counted 21 corpses.”

The attackers “killed, destroyed and then fled,” Ali said.

Two other villages close to Maikadiri in southern Borno State were also attacked, said Maina Ularamu, chief of the Madagali district.

“The gunmen arrived on 10 motorbikes, two or three on each bike and attacked Kopa, Maikadiri and Yaffa” villages, he told AFP. He said four people were killed in Yaffa.

He claimed that the extremists used to live in the villages before joining Boko Haram.

“Now they have no limits and they are preying on their own community because of the pressure the army offensive has put on them,” Ularamu said.

The villages hit are on the fringes of the vast

Sambisa forest, a longstanding hideout of the terrorists.

The Nigerian army has led a series of raids against them in recent months, succeeding in freeing several dozen women and children from the hands of the jihadists.

Ularamu said the extremists may have been taking their revenge on their former neighbours.

“They attacked their community because they would not let them back when the army attacked their camps. Those who tried to come back were denounced and arrested by the authorities,” he said.

Fatima Saleh, who lives in the neighbouring village of Maigana, said she saw the attackers pass and recognized many of them as locals.

Several state officials in the region said last week that Boko Haram is still active in the forest despite the military offensive against them.

A police officer in Maiduguri confirmed the attacks while requesting anonymity.

Templer said many homes were also destroyed in the attacks.

“My aged mother is currently in the bush. Most of our people have fled and many houses and shops have been burnt,” he said.

????????

• From L-R: Brigadier-General Julius Oni, Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Tami Dibi, wife of retired Major-General Adekanye, Sherifat, her husband, Major-General Mashudy Adekanye (Retd), during the pulling-out parade in honour of retired Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps Generals at the headquarters of Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos at the weekend.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Explosion kills eight in Jos A

CHLORINE cylinder belonging to the Plateau State government exploded yesterday at the Lamingo water dam in Jos, leaving eight people dead.

The victims had inhaled the poisonous gas emitted by the explosion.

Chlorine is used in treating water for human consumption.

Over a hundred other people who inhaled the gas however escaped death but were rushed to OLA Hospital, Evangel Hospital (Jankwano), Plateau Specialist Hospital and Air Force Hospital for treatment.

101 others hospitalised

By Yusuf Aminu Idegu

The Director of press and public affairs to Governor Simeon Lalong, Samuel Nanle confirmed the incident.

He said some of those taken to the hospital had been discharged, adding that the contamination had been contained and “does not affect the water which has been supplied to public mains; water from the public mains is safe for consumption and is not affected in anyway by the Arial contamination of Chlorine from the exploded cylinder.”

Government commiserated with the families of the victims and “has taken immediate measures to address the issues of expired components of the Treatment Plant and to guard against future reoccurrence of this unfortunate incidence” Deputy Governor Prof.

Sunny Tyoden led a government delegation to see those receiving treatment on account of the explosion and promised them assistance in settling their hospital bills.

He also visited the water

treatment plant where the explosion occurred. He was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Azi, Chief of Staff Government House, John Dafan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Water Resources Hanatu Dantong and Commissioner of Police Nasiru Oki. The deputy governor condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the incidence and cautioned the general public against building residential houses close to industrial areas to avoid such casualties on human lives.

Tompolo’s meeting: Police block venue

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TEAM of armed policemen yesterday blocked the entrance to Izon Wari (Ijaw House), Yenagoa, venue of the cancelled meeting on the supposed resurrection of the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

The meeting was summoned for yesterday by former militant commander, Government Ekpemupolo otherwise called Tompolo, but was called off on Friday on the advice of Governor Seriake Dickson and largely on the strength of opposition by prominent former militants and a faction of MEND who alleged a sinister plot by the meeting’s convener.

Ex-militants like Victor Ben Ebikabowei, popularly known as Boyloaf, Africa, Pastor Reuben, Shoot-at-Sight, Ogunboss, Ateke Tom, Farrah and many other former ‘generals’, and ‘commanders’ as well as spokesman for MEND, Jomo Gbomo, had vowed to have nothing to do with Tompolo or his meeting.

The governor, however, proposed an alternative forum for the ex-militant leaders at a later date.

He promised to meet with them personally to discuss issues affecting them and other matters of overall strategic interest of the region and the country.

He called for their understanding and cooperation.

Tompolo denied any ulterior motive other than deepening the prevailing peace in the

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Niger Delta.

“The tension generated by the meeting is uncalled for, diversionary and mischievous as no evil is intended in whatever form,” he said in a statement to douse fears over the meeting.

However, policemen cordoned off the area yesterday just in case some militants might still want to defy the governor on the cancellation of the meeting.

A truck and five patrol vans filled by fully armed operatives were sent to the area.

It was also observed that strategic junctions leading to the Sani Abacha Expressway where the Ijaw House is located were manned by security men.

As at 11am, the security operatives were seen monitoring the activities of motorists and commuters plying the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the presence of security operatives in the area should not be considered strange since the police maintain a nipping point there.

He added that since Dickson had called off the meeting, the police expected the ex-militants to obey the governor’s directive.

He said: “The meeting was called off by the governor. We have a nipping point. It was not in any way to stop them from meeting. The meeting was already called off by the governor and we believe that they have adhered to the position

•Ijaw youths kick of the governor.”

However, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide condemned the deployment of the police in the area.

It called action illegal.

Spokesman for IYC, Mr. Eric Omare, said the action signposted a return to the dark days of military dictatorship, saying: “This is illegal, unconstitutional and a draw back to the dark days of military dictatorship where Nigerians were deprived of their fundamental rights.”

The IYC said Nigeria is in “a constitutional democracy where things are done according to law.”

It added:”the 1999 Constitution which is the foundation upon which our democracy is built recognizes the right to freedom of assembly and movement. The Niger-Delta people whether as ex-agitators or youth groups have the right to assemble in a meeting and free movement.

“Since yesterday, the 24th of July, 2015, all officers and administrative staff of the INC and IYC including Bayelsa State civil servants under the Bayelsa State Ministry of Ijaw National Affairs and Culture have been denied access to the premises.

“This is a threat to our nascent democracy. Democracy is not only about having rice and beans to eat but the enjoyment of basic and fundamental rights which are enshrined and guar-

anteed in the constitution.

“The military movement into the Niger Delta region, we have been reliably informed, would commence this week.

The IYC, the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta people wish to alert Nigerians and the international community of this impending humanitarian disaster.”

He accused the President of treating the people and the region as enemies and conquered zone.

“President Buhari has demonstrated so far in office that he is not interested in the welfare of the people of the Niger Delta but only in the oil resources found in the region.

“The IYC calls on President Buhari to order the military and police officers presently forcefully occupying Ijaw House, Yenagoa to immediately vacate the premises and stop forthwith the violation of the rights of people who have business to carry out at Ijaw House.

“Political, opinion and religious leaders and the international community should prevail on Buhari to have regard for constitutionalism in the Niger Delta region and stop the violation of the rights of Niger Deltans.

“The IYC would also take immediate legal and related actions to address these violations. Whether President Buhari likes it or not, the Niger Delta people would meet to determine their destiny in Nigeria.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

Kuku to EFCC: I’m ready for probe From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

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OLLOWING his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, has assured he was ready to assist the commission in its bid to probe the accounts of the agency under his leadership.

The former presidential aide was reacting to the EFCC’s invitation directing him to report to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja for questioning on July 28 over allegation of diversion of public funds. ýKuku, who is undergoing medical procedure in the United States, described the allegations levelled against him as unfounded.

According to him: “The allegations of conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and diversion of public funds being made against me did not arise as the records of my administration were clear and available for scrutiny.”

Kuku, who spoke on phone, said: “I am currently in the US for an urgent surgery on my knee at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Centre and I will certainly return to honour the EFCC invitation once I recuperate in September.

“The record of my stewardship under the Presidential Amnesty Programme is an open document and it is available for scrutiny since I have nothing to hide about what we did.”

APC-USA pledges support for anti-graft war

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has thanked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) United States Chapter for their support before, during and after the March 28 presidential election.

He spoke last Tuesday during a closed door meeting with the body at the Nigerian Embassy Building in Washington DC. While promising to deliver on his electoral promises, the President expressed commitment to fight corruption and terrorism, which he believed are the two major problems facing the nation.

He also pledged to execute the APC programmes and manifestoes, which he said were geared towards the improvement of the country’s economy.

Welcoming the president, chairman of APC-USA Tony Isama commended Buhari for offering himself for selfless national service.

He promised the body will support the president in his fight against corruption and terrorism.

Isiama said members of APC-USA were prepared and ready to assist the Buhari administration in any area possible, adding that they share the president’s uncommon honesty, courage, impeccable character and incorruptible work ethics.

NEWS

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Why Buhari saved debtor states, by Osinbajo V

ICE President Yemi Osinbajo has explained that President Muhammadu Buhari decided to offer bailouts to states unable to pay salaries because of his love and compassion for workers.

He spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Osinbajo said going by the financial circumstances of the affected states and the plight

From: Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

of workers, it was imperative for any listening and sensitive government to intervene in the way President Buhari did.

According to him: “As you know, the Federal Government under President Buhari directed that three things should be done regarding the situation of the states in Nigeria.

“We know that the states were unable to pay salaries of their workers for many months. The first stage was the sum of money that was shared from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas dividends and taxes amounting to $2.1b.

“The second package is a loan, which the states are allowed to access. The loans are concessionary in nature and any state that deserves it should have it.

The Vice President went on: “The third stage is the conversion of loans owed to commercial banks by the states to bonds. It is fairly complicated but simply put the state and FG will work out how the loan will be repaid over an extended period of time.

“We are looking at 15 to 20 year period. Some have described this as bailout but what Buhari has done is an extremely creative and compas-

President Muhammadu Buhari (l) vaccinating his three months old granddaughter, Zuleiha Bello Abubakar with oral polio vaccine to mark one year of free polio case in Nigeria at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday with him is the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammad..

Photo: NAN

Odusile is new NUJ president

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HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile of the Nation Newspapers as its new national president.

He succeeds Malam Garba Mohammed.

Odusile was declared winner of the keenly contested election by the returning officer and Director, African Affairs, International Federation of Journalists, Mr. Gabriel Baglow.

He polled 354 votes at the National Delegates Conference of NUJ in Abuja to defeat his closest opponent, Mr. Rotimi Obamuwagun who got 333 votes.

Other contestants for the position of the President included Mr. Dele Atunibi, who got 51 votes; USA Uzaka who received 46 votes and Alhaji Mustafa Lamidi who got 12 votes.

Mr. Mohammad Shu clinched the position of the financial secretary after he secured 454 votes to defeat his contender Mr. Ajayi Olugbenga.

The post of the National Treasurer went to Mrs. Monica

• Tinubu, Aregbesola, others congratulate The Nation’s Managing Editor Okechukwu, who got 310 votes to defeat Mr. Garba Iliya and Mr. Ambrose Nwachukwu.

The positions of Deputy National President, National Internal Auditor and the VicePresident, North Central were filled unopposed.

Mr. Chris Isiguzo was declared winner of the South East Vice-President after he defeated Mr. Goddy Okafor while Aisha Ibrahim clinched the position of Vice-President North East.

Other officials elected were Opaka Dokubo, Zonal Secretary South South; Mr. Kenneth Ofoma Zonal Secretary, South East while Suleiman Ibrahim emerged Secretary, North East.

Similarly, Mr. Hakeem Olatidoye emerged Secretary, North Central and Mr. Lawal Afolabi won the post of the Secretary, South West Zone.

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, congratulated Odusile on his election.

The former governor of Lagos state lauded Odusile and charged him to elevate the standard of journalism in the country.

“Congratulations to Mr. Odusile for emerging the new NUJ President. Your victory is a validation of your professional stewardship,” Tinubu wrote on his Twitter account.

He added: “It is also an opportunity for you to elevate the standard of journalism and promote ethical conduct. It is tough assignment.”

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola charged Odusile to set a standard that will give journalists a sense of dignity.

According to a congratulatory message to Odusile by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola admonished Odusile to ensure professional conduct among journalists.

He said with the new NUJ leadership, professionalism must be the hallmark of every member as Nigeria enters in to the era of change.

On his part, Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) said Odusile’s victory had many similarities with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari because it was premised on the need to change the media profession for good.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Odunaro, Yayi, as he is popularly called, said: “I am sure that Odusile’s promise to rid the profession of fake journalists and quackery during his electioneering campaign is the way to go for all lovers of the development of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Musbau Rasak, said: “Congratulation, my brother for your success at the polls and I am particularly pleased that your election came through a peaceful democratic process.

“I am really happy, not only for you, but also for the entire body of journalists in Nigeria.”

sionate way of giving relief to states as much as possible, given the financial circumstances they found themselves.”

He called on the affected states to utilise the fund for its purpose judiciously, saying the 40 per cent drop in federal allocation to states as a result of fall in crude oil prices was capable of paralysing state finances.”

‘Like mind’ senators working against Buhari’

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N Abuja-based group, Society for Exemplary Leadership and Transparency, has accused Like Mind senators of constituting themselves as clogs in the wheel of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

In a statement yesterday by Elder Emmanuel Johnson in Abuja, the group expressed disgust over the Like Mind senators’ condemnation of the invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki.

It said: “It is now clearer than before that this set of Senators are indeed hindrance to transparent governance promised Nigerians by the APC and they will scuttle legislations and policies design to enthrone accountability and transparency.”

It wondered why the senators did not question similar invitations from EFCC to the daughter of former president Umaru Yar’Adua and wife of former Kebbi State Governor, Hajia Zainab Dakingari.

The NGO added: “Why were you silent and did not mention ‘political motivation’ when recently other former state governors such as Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa) were invited to account for their years in office?”

On the argument that the invitation of Mrs. Saraki was coming five years after her husband left the Government House, it said: “corruption could be perpetrated in and out of government while the malfeasance is gender neutral and we know as matter of fact and law that investigation into any alleged corruption is not statute barred.

“We hope that the utterances and actions of the “LikeMinds” group of APC senators shall not give credence to the suggestion in some quarters that former Governors in the group backed Saraki to become the Senate President to use the Office to shield themselves and himself from prosecutions in respect of their alleged past misdeeds.”

Our grouses with Dickson, by PDP leaders

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GGRIEVED leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State yesterday resolved to begin a mass movement against the second term bid of Governor Seriake Dickson.

The leaders under the auspices of Assembly of Bayelsa Patriots (ABP), in a statement signed by their Chairman, Maj. Andrew Oputa, listed some alleged sins of the governor and concluded that he failed a

From: Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

reelection test.

It was gathered that the ABP consists of former acting governors, ex-speakers, National Assembly members, political office holders and others who benefitted from the PDP. The group, in a statement entitled “Some Fundamental Reasons Why Bayelsans must unite to stop second tenure bid of Seriake Dickson”, accused the PDP gov-

ernment in the state of falling short of the people’s expectations.

Oputa said the Dickson’s administration and the PDP broke down irretrievably because of abysmal failure to fulfill their promises on good governance, people-oriented programmes and sustainable development, among others.

He lamented moves being perfected by Dickson to take another N25bn loan facility under the guise of completing his several abandoned projects.

Oputa claimed that the loan was to be used to oil the governor’s second term agenda campaigns by bribing the same people he deliberately impoverished through wrong and misguided policies.

He added: “Bayelsans are no doubt aware that Bayelsa State at present owes over N300bn as principal and interests of loans and bonds collected by Dickson’s government.

“Bayelsans must stand up to say ‘no’ to the ongoing at-

tempts by Dickson to enslave our people by indiscriminately collecting facilities for his selfish purposes.”

He also challenged the governor to explain the whereabouts of huge money he claimed to have been saving every month which he once said amounted to N21bn.

Attempt to get response from Dickson’s media aide, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, proved abortive as his mobile phone did not connect.

8

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

NEWS

Remo, Ijebu yet to agree on modalities for new state -Akarigbo

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HE Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, has said that the zone and Ijebu have not forged a common agenda over the creation of the proposed Ijebu State.

He spoke at an occasion to mark the 25th anniversary of his coronation.

Present at the event include the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, amongst several others.

The monarch disclosed that the position of Remo that Ikenne should serve as the

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

capital of the proposed state has not changed.

Ikenne is the hometown of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Sonariwo said the other alternative is for the Remo people to have the right to choose the name of the proposed state expected to be carved out from the present Ogun State, while the capital would be sited at Ijebu - Ode. The paramount ruler of Remoland vowed that the zone will not shift ground on its position regarding the proposed new state.

He said: "This is an appropriate time and venue to discuss the creation of the so called Ijebu State expected to be carved out from the present Ogun State. I realise that the creation of states and local governments help the development of any area.

"As a result, when I was invited at the initial stage without previous consultation to discuss the issue, I consulted the people present at the spot.

It was agreed that I should support the issue with the aim of discussing the details and modalities as to the appropriate name to bear and the location of the new state capital, all in the interest of

even development of Remoland.

"I and with the other delegates discovered that we have no common agenda with our would-be partners on the issue. Ever since, we agreed wholeheartedly on the creation of the state if the capital will be sited in Ikenne Remo towards Odogbolu with the name Ijebu State.

"If this is not acceptable to our would-be partners and they want the capital to be in Ijebu-Ode, then the Remo people should be allowed to choose the name of the new state. This is where we stand and we would not shift ground."

In his address, Osinbajo described the Akarigbo as an "exceptional individual," and a traditional ruler that has "consistently cultivated noble character."

He said: "I recall that when Oba Sonariwo first mounted the throne, a dispute was brewing between some indigenes of this town and some settlers from the Northern part of the country. The Oba must be praised for the manner and wisdom displayed in the quick resolution of the dispute. Since then and till this very moment, there has been no further altercation between indigenes and

settlers.

"The elders here will recall also that at the time of Oba Sonariwo's ascension to the throne, there were several incidents of robbery all over the place. But the Oba has decisively dealt with that menace with the establishment of a vigilante corp to protect the entire land."

Obasanjo, who spoke in a similar vein, lauded Oba Sonariwo for the progress and development of his domain in the last 25 years.

He also commended the Akarigbo for bestowing late Awolowo, who hailed from Ikenne with a Posthumous Award.

NASS crisis: Go to court, Rep urges APC lawmakers

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lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mike Omogbehin, has urged opponents of the present leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives to approach the court rather than stalling proceedings at the National Assembly.

He described the continued opposition to the new leadership of the National Assembly especially at the Senate by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as "mere waste of time."

In a statement in Akure, the state capital, Omogbehin said both the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives

From Damisi Ojo, Akure were duly constituted by members of the two Chambers, adding that those aggrieved should go to Court rather than embarking on moves to change the process through the back door.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker said, "It is an open secret that a few APC members are strategising on how to cause uproar at the National Assembly especially at the Senate and their main target is the Deputy Senate President, Ike The lawmaker noted that the alleged invitation of Ekweremadu by the Police over alleged forgery of Senate rules, if not properly handled, may lead to instability in the polity.

Lawmaker rallies support for Tinubu as APC BoT chair • L-R Elder Yinka Lawuyi, National President, Ejigbo Baptist High School Old Students Association (EBHSOSA) presenting an Outstanding Old Student Merit Award to Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President-designate, Africa Development Bank during a reception in honour of Adesina in Ibadan recently.

Ambode reaffirms commitment to bi-lateral trade relations

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the weekend, received envoys from the United States of America, Britain and Australia who were on courtesy visits, during which he reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthen trade relations with their countries.

The governor, who received the trio separately in his office in Alausa, Ikeja, said that paramount on his administration's agenda, is the strengthening of the existing trade relations with countries

L

willing to do business in the state, as well as attracting new investors.

To this end, he informed his visitors that an Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment has been established, whose primary assignment will be to relate with foreign investors and attract new businesses into the state.

He said: "I want you to recognise the fact that we are building a safer Lagos; we want to do everything possible to make Lagos a more comfortable place for everyone to live in. That is the

only way we can attract investments into Lagos.

"I believe strongly that in strengthening that relationship, I decided that we would set up a new office here, the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investments that will directly deal with our investors and business interests that we have. I also believe that in doing that, we cannot do it alone, so we expect that we would be seeking some kind of expertise from those who are knowledgeable in some areas."

He listed energy, power

and energy, as well as oil and gas sectors as possible strong areas where such bi-lateral relations could be strengthened, while assuring that the state is safe, conducive and investorfriendly to accommodate more investors in the state.

Earlier, the US acting Consular General, Mrs. Rehab Ghebreab, expressed the willingness of her country to partner and provide assistance to the state, Government which she noted is the economic hub and capital of Nigeria and West Africa.

Tension in Oke Ogun over selection of new ruler

T

ENSION has gripped the Ago Are community in Atisbo local government area of Oyo State following controversy over the selection of a new traditional ruler for the town.

Youths and some interest groups in the agrarian community, which is in the Oke Ogun zone of the state, are poised for a showdown with the kingmakers following the selection of the new king, which they described as "unacceptable and a negation of the town's age-long tradition."

The last Aare of Ago Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke, passed on in May this year after about 39 years on the throne.

It was gathered that barely a month after the demise of the late monarch, a family meeting of the next ruling house, known as Edu, was convened where 15 candidates reportedly emerged to contest

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo for the vacant stool.

Names of interested candidates were later presented to the community kingmakers for thorough screening through Ifa oracle divination and in line with the age-long customs and tradition.

Sources disclosed that rather than adopt the age-long method in the process of picking a new monarch for the community, the kingmakers allegedly opted for orthodox religious method.

The community has eight kingmakers through declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957. Two of the kingmakers had died, thus remaining six.

The six kingmakers, four Christians and two Moslems, were alleged to have jettisoned the traditional selection method, secretly picked two among the contesting candidates and

voted along religious affiliations.

At the end of the secret election, a Christian candidate was said to have emerged victorious.

But fearing a backlash from the people, the kingmakers allegedly refused to make their decision public.

Predictably, the strange approach to the selection of a new monarch elicited anger and uproar from a cross section of indigenes, including the 14 candidates who contested for the throne.

Addressing reporters on behalf of other candidates, Prince Taoheed Oyekola Olakanla said: "It is unfortunate that the kingmakers allowed selfcenteredness and greed to prevail over Ago Are tradition and customs. Since July 7 this year that the kingmakers conducted their strange, kangaroo, alien and

unlawful election to select another Oba, why has it been difficult for them to make the pronouncement?

"All the contesting candidates who are also Princes vehemently rejected the selection process. We have also forwarded our grievances to the appropriate authorities, notably the state government and the Alaafin of Oyo, who is the consenting authority and Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs."

In a related development, another five Princes from the same ruling house are also alleging the "unlawful exclusion of their vested rights."

While denying any knowledge of the steps taken by both the ruling house and the kingmakers to select a new monarch, they noted that such steps were not made public as required by law.

A

member of the House of Representatives representing Ijesha South Federal Constituency of Osun State, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, has rallied support for the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of the party's Board of Trustees.

Speaking to reporters in Ilesa, Osun State, Tinubu, Famurewa said, is the most qualified for the position.

The lawmaker maintained that Tinubu's antecedents and political credentials put him ahead of other aspirants vying for the seat.

Famurewa added that that with the North filling the first three political positions in the country, equity demands that the Southern zone, most especially the South West, should take the slot of the BoT chairmanship.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Describing Tinubu as an outstanding and a seasoned politician who understands Nigerian politics, the lawmaker added, "The choice of Tinubu would bring more rapid transformation and pacesetting achievements to the party because he is a tested, trusted politician, nationalist and an elder statesman who knows his onions."

Speaking on the inability of the state government to settle workers' salaries in Osun State, Famurewa assured that the Rauf A r e g b e s o l a - l e d administration would soon find a solution to the crisis.

Describing Aregbesola as a compassionate leader, the lawmaker appealed to the workers to exercise more patience and rally round the governor in the overall interest of the state.

Clergy hails Buhari's efforts in combating insurgency

B

ishop of the Osun North East Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dr. Humphrey Olumakaiye, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in combating insurgency in the North.

He, however, advised Nigerians to intensify prayers to expose those behind the activities of the dreaded sect.

Addressing the 3rd session of the Second Synod at the St. Michael Church, Oke-Ede, IlaOrangun in Osun State, Olumakaiye said Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious differences rally behind the Federal Government in order to tackle the scourge of terrorism in the country.

The clergy also addressed issues of unemployment, power, corruption among others, while advising President Buhari to assemble

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo tested technocrats with proven integrity in his cabinet in order to bring about a new order that Nigerians are yearning for.

On the poor financial position of Osun State, Olumakaiye advised the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola, to suspend all ongoing capital projects to enable the state government settle workers' outstanding salaries.

Sponsorship of people to Mecca and Jerusalem on pilgrimage, the clergy said, must also be suspended until workers are paid all their dues.

Olumakaiye, who commended President Mohammadu Buhari, for bailing out states in financial crisis with release of over N713.7 billion to assist them, urged the governor to prioritise the welfare of workers.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

•Tompolo

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HE 'General Officer Commanding' (GOC) of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, is famous for his reticent nature. The man popularly called Tompolo hardly speaks, at least not in public, and when he does his words are usually measured and weighty.

His actions have stood him out among his peers in the Niger Delta agitation for a better deal from the Nigerian nation.

So, when he sent out an invitation on Thursday, July 23, rallying all "Commanders and leaders of the various wings of MEND …to a crucial and urgent meeting" in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, it reverberated across the region and beyond.

The tension generated by the invitation was heightened by recent developments by at the national and regional levels.

Although the distribution list of the invitation was not included, that it was intended for various wing leaders, meant that it was a serious affair. Dokubo Asari, founder of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force; Ebikabowe Victor Ben (aka Boyloaf), Ateke Tom, Ezekiel Akposibowei (aka Egbema I) and Shoot-at-Sight, Ogunboss among other colleagues from Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, were therefore expected.

Had the meeting held, it would be first time that such high calibre of former militants would be congregating since President Goodluck Jonathan lost the March 28 presidential election.

It would be recalled that Tompolo and those associates shook the nation the last time they met in Yenagoa in the heat of the rescheduled Presidential election. Three

•Dokubo

•Boyloaf

•Ateke

•MEND logo

NIGER DELTA

What future for

Tompolo, ex-militants?

Towards the end of last week, a terse statement by ex-militant leader Tompolo, calling for a meeting of former militants sent wavesacrossthecountryleadingtofearthattheyareregrouping, Shola O'Neil, S'South Regional Editor, in Port Harcourt, examines the behind the headline issues. former warlords met at Creek Haven, the official seat of power of the Bayelsa State Government, with Governor Seriake Dickson reportedly in attendance. The message from the meeting was ominous President Jonathan must be re-elected for the continued peace and security of the Niger

Delta region as well as for the continuous existence of the country.

The threat elicited condemnation from all sections of the country, as well as a famous riposte by Gen Theophilus Danjuma, who called for the arrest of Tompolo and other attendees at the meeting.

But rather than be sated, Tompolo reaffirmed his stance in Warri, Delta State.

"Gen. Danjuma and his cohorts", he said, "should know that I remain resolute on my position in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, that President Jonathan must win this election for Nigeria to continue to stay together."

At about the same time the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, was also quoted as alluding to the capacity of Niger Delta militants to cripple the nation's economy by attacking oil facilities in the region if their 'son' and 'brother' fails the reelection bid.

The defeat of Jonathan in the March 28 election and the inauguration of the incumbent president were watched with trepidation by people of the region.

Tompolo had been rarely seen or heard since then until on Thursday. Before the election though, it was gathered that he and other former MEND leaders were watched closely by security agencies.

It was against the above scenario that the planned revival of MEND in Yenogoa generated much interest and attention both within and outside the region. Tompolo is the most respected (and feared) agitator in the region. His influence and sphere spread from Cross River to Ondo.

He formed MEND in the wake of the 2005 Joint Task Force's aerial and water bombardments of Okerenkoko, and other parts of Gbaramatu Kingdom after the end of the fratricidal Warri crisis, which was a precursor of the Niger Delta crisis.

The crisis became a full blown war in

•Contd. on page 10

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NEWS REVIEW

•Contd. from page 9 May 2009 when nine officers of the Nigerian Army were killed around the Chanomi Creeks of Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State in May 2009.

Why so much ado about a meeting?

Beyond the initial war threat by former militants though, recent developments in the Niger Delta region and apparent change in the Federal Government's policy thrust on handling of former militants when compared to the patronages they enjoyed during the immediate past administration, were some of the reasons why the meeting generated tension.

Since President Muhammadu Buhari took over in May 29, the monthly stipend paid to beneficiaries of the amnesty programme has stopped. The stipend was part of the package approved by the late President Umar Yar'Adua as part of the deal to get Tompolo and others to drop their arms and exchange lives in the creeks for the city.

Since Buhari's inauguration, the emolument and other patronages have stopped, leading to building tension in the area. Only recently, women protested in Yenagoa over the non payment of fees for 13 students undergoing pilot training with the German national carrier, Lufthansa in Frankfurt, Germany. There have also been protests by their counterparts in Nigeria, who have severally blockaded the East-West highway to express their grievances.

Although the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, explained that the default was due to ongoing investigation of the running of the programme, there had been rumour that the new administration planned to stop the amnesty programme when its initial five-year period ends in December.

While the delay in the payment of monthly stipends mostly affected the wellbeing of foot-soldiers and other backdoor beneficiaries of the amnesty programme, President Buhari's cancellation of the controversial multibillion pipeline surveillance contracts, was seen as directly hitting on Tompolo and other former 'Generals' of MEND. It was widely reported that during the first phase of the contract awarded shortly after Jonathan's inauguration in 2011, Tompolo's share of the contract was a whopping N5.1bn, while his counterparts Asari Dokubo, Ebikabowe Victor Ben (aka Boyloaf) and Ateke Tom got N1.44bn, N608million and N608m respectively. Although the deal was meant to ensure security of the oil facilities, incidents of pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering escalated. The exception was in some parts of parts Delta State under the control of Tompolo.

Apart from the stoppage of amnesty stipend and pipeline surveillance contracts, the recent sacking of the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Patrick Akpobolokeimi, a protégé of Tompolo, was viewed as part of a general plot to remove the remaining vestige of his overbearing influence during the immediate past administration.

The former university lecturer's appointment as NIMASA's DG after the controversial sacking of Mr Temisan Omatseye in 2010, was due mostly to the influence of Tompolo, who also reportedly facilitated the renewal of his mandate by the former administration.

Tompolo's influence over NIMASA was buttressed by Global West Vessel Services, a company linked to Tompolo, getting the lucrative N15 billion ($103m) contract for the supply of vessels and security platforms, from Dr Akpobolokaemi-led NIMASA. A Maritime University was also located by Akpobolokaemi at Okerenkoko along with other platforms of the agencies.

Furthermore, local and international media have been awash with reports of alleged fraud in the oil and gas sector

Niger Delta: What future fo

•Militants

under the last administration. Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke, an Ijaw from Bayelsa State, was the Minister of Petroleum Resources during Jonathan's entire full tenure. She is at the centre of investigation into subsidy scam as well as several alleged illicit deals involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and allocation of oil mining licences.

The Presidency has also disclosed of an ongoing probe of the Amnesty Programme, headed by Mr. Kingsley Kuku, an Ijaw from Arogbo in Ondo State. Kuku is a very close associate of Tompolo, who is also instrumental to his appointment and longevity in the position. The former amnesty boss singled out Tompolo for praises during a thanksgiving service held at the end of his assignment in Arogbo.

Before Tompolo's convention of the MEND meeting, there was a general siege mentality among some Ijaw people, who expressed concern over probes targeting the former president and his Ijaw appointees, including Mrs Madueke.

The feeling, although not as strong, is similar to the one displayed when disgraced former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diepriye Alamieyeseigha, was arrested in London for alleged money laundering in 2005. After his impeachment and subsequent arrest in December of that year, MEND in its inchoate stage made his release one of their conditions to cease hostility.

Although Tompolo did not state the

agenda of the meeting in the terse invitation, a copy of which was forwarded to The Nation, the development listed above gave credence to concerns that the motive could be a return to insurgency in the Niger Delta.

He has since denied nursing any sinister motives in a subsequent statement.

Tompolo's long time media aide and confidant, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, who was contacted by our reporter on Thursday, apart from confirming the meeting, divulged very little else. Pressed by our reporter, he merely said it was to deliberate on the state of the nation and Niger Delta in the light of prevailing situations.

However, a MEND faction loyal to Henry Okah believed that the meeting was a ploy to stop the present administration's ongoing probe of the oil industry and Jonathan's stewardship. In fact, a statement

by MEND's spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, accused Tompolo of convening the meeting to "defend oil thieves and corruption officials of the Goodluck Jonathan's administration."

The faction affirmed its support for President Muhammadu Buhari and "his government's courage to probe the administration of ex-President Jonathan," insisting that the examination should also include the office of the former President, the ex-First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme.

Pressure on Tompolo to shelve meeting Nevertheless, there were sections of Ijaw and other tribal leaders in the state who felt

that the timing of the meeting was illconceived. It was gathered that shortly after the story on planned reconvention of MEND went viral online, Tompolo started receiving series of calls from his kinsmen and other leaders.

The host governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, in the heat of the debate, advised the exmilitants to shelve their meeting. The governor's call was contained in a statement by his media aide, Mr Daniel IworisoMarkson.

"He was inundated with telephone calls; people were calling from all over the world to confirm if he was truly the convener of the meeting," a Gbaramatu source, who asked not to be named told our reporter on telephone Saturday.

But beyond concerns that the proposed meeting could plunge the region into fresh crisis, pressure on the former militant leader also revealed deep-seated grievances of, not just some sections of the region, but some of Tompolo's colleagues in the struggle.

For instance, Okah's faction, the arm of MEND led by 'General' Bibi Oduku opposed the meeting even before indications emerged that it would be cancelled. Speaking with our reporter, the leader of the Niger Delta Amnesty Progressive Change for Buhari, faulted the timing and agenda of the meeting.

The group wondered why Tompolo thought it wise to convene a meeting of MEND in the first two months of Buhari's

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

re for Tompolo, ex-militants?

•Dickson

•Buhari

administration when he failed to take similar step in Jonathan's four-year tenure.

"What were the developments that came during Jonathan's government that Buhari has now stopped that we have to meet about? We view this as a gimmick by some persons to gain relevance in the present administration."

Feelers from the camps of Boyloaf, Ateke and others indicated that they were not favourably disposed to the Yenagoa meeting.

Our Yenagoa reporter said shortly after the planned meeting was made public, Boyloaf kicked against it. Quoting a source, he said, "Boyloaf will not attend the meeting.

He has also called on security agencies to be at alert to avert any breakdown of law and order. Apart from him, many other notable ex-militant leaders will not be there.

"It is expected that Africa, Pastor Reuben, Shoot-at-Sight, Ogunboss, Ateke Tom, Farrah and many other former 'generals', and 'commanders' will boycott the event."

It was gathered that some leaders of the group were not comfortable that Tompolo took the initiative without contacting and sounding them out, while others were still said to be aggrieved about how Tompolo 'cornered' Jonathan and contracts in the past half-decade.

Beyond the fraction within MEND, our check revealed that a cross section of tribal leaders in the region were uncomfortable with 'threat' of another crisis, particularly

•Kuku

as some parts of the region were yet to recover from the 2007 - 2010 oil war declared

by MEND. "While some few individuals, their family members and clans may have benefited, the larger part of the people have nothing to show for their suffering during the crisis because the benefit was cornered by a few individuals," an Isoko leader from Delta State said.

Speaking in the same vein, Chief Ayirimi Emami, an Itsekiri community leader, who has a turbulent history with Tompolo, described the botched meeting as uncalled for, noting that the Ijaw leader had no moral justification to convene any meeting on Niger Delta. He noted that after having unfettered access to the seat of power and enjoying "juicy contracts from the Federal Government through NIMASA, pipeline surveillance, maritime security and other forms of undue favours," he should be grateful for the amnesty programme and be quiet.

"Members of the fractured MEND have been granted amnesty long ago by the Federal Government and whatever the agenda of that meeting should be disregarded by the Buhari administration, which has shown absolute focus. We are determined to give the Buhari administration total support," Ayiri added.

Also, a cross section of leaders from the region felt that it was too early to assess the Buhari government, since he was yet to

appoint ministers and other key officials to drive his agenda.

"Under this kind of situation, what are we going to judge about him? So far, he has started well by trying to clean the Augean stable and although he has made some appointments, it is yet too early. If they need to meet at all, it should be in six months or thereabouts when things are fully in place."

Nevertheless, feelers from the states indicated that crime rates and other nefarious activities could spiral in the weeks ahead unless the amnesty funds are released to beneficiaries.

"There are thousands of youths who rely on the stipend to cater for their families; if they don't get payment in the days ahead, they may result to illicit means to make ends meet and this could pose greater challenges for security and peace in the Niger Delta," a very top member of the Joint Task Force told our reporter on condition of anonymity.

Blame the media Smarting from the avalanche of negative reaction on the failed meeting, Tompolo issued a clarification shortly after midday on Friday. While lamenting the misconception about his intention, he flayed a "mischievous section" of the media.

In the statement titled "Why I called Saturday meeting", he said he was "compelled to clarify issues as they relate to the meeting of the leadership of ex-agitators under the platform of MEND and other organisations" because of tension it had

11

generated.

Speaking further, he said, "I consider it unfortunate that a section of the Nigerian nation and the media have chosen to mischievously tread the path of misinforming the public and right thinking person by linking the meeting to whatever decision the current government at the centre may have taken in relation to the stoppage of the pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment have not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments.

"This is highly provocative and despicable," he added.

Tompolo explained that contrary to the negative reactions his proposed meeting generated, his intention was to help douse the tension building up over the continued delay in payment of amnesty stipends to beneficiaries.

While asserting his leadership of former agitators in the region, particularly due to his role in providing leadership when the idea was first muted, he conceded that there was misconception about the delay. He therefore maintained that it behoves of him to douse the tension and explain the delay to his colleagues before the situation got out of hand.

According to him, "The nation would recall that in the build up to the amnesty offer of the late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, there was hesitation on the part of most of Niger Delta agitators until God in His infinite mercy, granted me wisdom to provide leadership.

"While some of us understand to an extent, the apparent delay in the continued payment of the monthly stipend to the ex-agitators in view of the seeming scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office by the current administration, same cannot be said of the majority of beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

"To this extent, some of us, particularly myself and other leaders have been under intense pressure from ex-agitators, commanders, individuals, parents and guardians as well as communities who are beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme. While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears.

"Hence, I thought it wise that a meeting of the collegiate leadership of the platform under which we operated as agitators could be convened to appraise the situation and possibly, explore means to douse the tension that is growing among the disarmed youths whose stipends (training allowances and tuition fees) have been delayed for months.

"This becomes more compelling in view of the fact that as leaders of the platform that served as midwife to the Amnesty offer, we owe the nation a duty to play our roles in order to stem a relapse of the relative peace in the Niger Delta Region."

Tompolo flayed the tension generated by the meeting, describing it as "uncalled for, diversionary and mischievous", adding that there was no evil intended in whatever form.

"We appreciate the pressures being mounted by leaders from the region especially as some have expressed concern that the meeting could be misinterpreted to mean the resurgence of hostilities; we say it is not."

He assured that having embraced peace, "I remain supportive of various governments at all levels, including the President Mohammud Burhari's government, but wondered why a meeting of the ex-agitators could prop anxiety."

As at the time of this report yesterday, policemen had taken over the venue of the botched meeting in Yenagoa, while people of the state and beyond went about their normal business.

So far only time will tell if the matter has been laid to rest.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26 2015

NEWS REVIEW

HERE are reports that appointments go on in the ministries without recourse to the Federal Civil Service Commission Let me first explain the issue of regularisation. Since I got in as the chairman of the commission, we started advertising vacancies for appointments, appointment is the same as what you call recruitment but we call it appointment because that is how it is spelt out in the constitution.

Now, hitherto, if there was no advertisement, the positions would just be filled. But for transparency and meritocracy, I started advertising. But we can only advertise when vacancies are declared and brought here because the civil service commission does not create vacancies. The vacancies are declared and forwarded through the office of the Head of Service with a waver forwarded from the ministries, the parastatals are not under us. But for those ones we can speak for, we advertise.

Initially, it used to be in newspapers but now we are building our own web portal which we now use for recruitment. Recruitment is now online as far as this commission is concerned. This is a major step we have taken, so we process only and then we interview personally. Now after we have interviewed and some people are selected, they are issued temporary letters of appointment. With that letter, they either report to office of Head of Service or straight to their ministries. With that temporary appointment, they document them; that is when they go through their certificates again with them to check their qualifications. After six months, the names of the candidates are forwarded back to us for regularisation. Regularisation simply means they have been documented and accepted.

The level of corruption in the service today is alarming; does this not bother the commission?

Only this last week I have had to deal with serious cases involving level 15 and above.

We handed twenty-two to law enforcement agents, we've had to send three away from the service, just within these few weeks and some have gone in the process of answering query and all that. That is just at that level, and we have sent back this information to office of head of service for further investigation so we can follow the procedure.

Just as you have crimes all over the country, so we have offences here too and that's why I told you that the civil service is a reflection of its society. So, I hope you now understand what is meant by regularisation; it is all part of the process of checks and balances in the way we absorb people into the service.

The MDAs had to cope with the increasing responsibility of the service, and because of this increase in responsibility they have the opportunity to absorb more youths into the service and then of course we also have what we call waver for disadvantaged states. You know I've told you that even during recruitments some states have high scores, some have very low scores without compromising merit.

You have to accept that because if your own best is 70, then that's your best; if your best is 60 that's your best, in life we are all not of the same height.

Is there any benchmark?

There is always a benchmark based on each state, there is always a benchmark based on each recruitment exercise. Like JAMB, each exam differs in its own cut off point, so there can't be a static measurement or benchmark. So, when we have

'Efforts are on to rid Civil Service of bad eggs' Civil servants have been fingered in most, if not all, cases of stealing in Ministries, Department and Agencies of government. The Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Joan Ayo, in this interview with our correspondents, VINCENT IKUOMOLA and FRANCA OCHIGBO, describes the situation as an abnormality which the commission is set to correct.

•Ayo

this disadvantage, the one I have been involved with has to do with two states including the Federal Capital. We had taken the waiver before I got here, the waiver was conveyed by the president through the office of head of service to us and governors of the states concerned were involved in the exercise. The presidential waiver was to bring directors to fill the quota for some disadvantaged states. As at the time I came in as Chairman, there was discrimination in transfer within the service. I had to step in to ensure meritocracy and political neutrality. I insisted that all the candidates be interviewed and the best from different senatorial districts were picked in line with the federal character principles.

But the perception out there is that there is still serious imperfection in the system.

I can speak for myself. For me to have risen to the level of a director, the first set of directors in the service with decree 43 in 1988, for me to have become a permanent secretary and to have left without blemish by the grace of God. For me to have come back in 1999 to serve two presidents as a senior special assistant on economic matters without any blemish and for me to have risen to this level, excuse me it's too late in the day for me to spoil this name. The only thing I have to my credit is my good name; the only thing I have given to my children is my good name. I am not going to spoil my name because I want to recruit somebody. I accepted this job because I felt that I needed to plough back to the society what the society has put in me. I have gone on courses all over the world as a civil servant. I want to see people behave the way I used to behave as a civil servant.

I want to tell them what it means to be a civil servant and it is my effort in telling them that they are feeling inconvenient. Like I said, within the past four months, three officers at that level have left or are in the process of leaving the service because of the fraud they have

been involved in. They don't support the continuity of what we are doing.

Comparing what was obtainable then and what we have now in the service, where did we miss it?

Let me say this, we have lost the core values of the civil or public service and these core values are what we want to reenact or re-enforce. When you see a soldier, you know who a soldier is. He greets you good morning even if its 2pm, that is part of their unwritten tradition.

The civil service has its unwritten tradition also and it has its own formal tradition and we imbibed these core values on the job. Yes, you may have your own natural tendency to be polite, to have been brought up in some good families; but then the moment you come into the civil service the core values mould and sharpen you to the extent that you now comport yourself as a civil servant.

What are these core values?

Meritocracy; this is the first one. Our founding fathers, when they negotiated our independence during the constitutional conferences between 1952 and 1960, adopted for meritocracy and political neutrality as the first basic core value to shape what we call the public service then. The civil servant was only seen not heard.

Impartiality, regardless of your tribe, your race, your ethnic background, your religion; once you are on this job, you must be impartial, accountable and transparent.

Talking about IPPIS, there is the rumour that the system is compromised, which has led to names of some people who are not workers on the federal government payroll Since we started doing the capturing here, we have not had that. Before now, it was not done here, but since it was brought here and became part of the IPPIS committee, we have insisted that it must be put here because we have their files and that is the check and balances that we have brought into all this. Many things used to happen

in the past, but with what we have put in place, it is not possible. If we have ICT integrated public service, it will cut down drastically on fraud in any form.

There is this argument that the waiver favours some region above others, and is also being abused..

No, there are two sets of presidential wavers that I met on ground. The first one originated from the office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation. It was a memo sent to Mr. President, I think between 2010 and 2011 just to provide jobs for our teeming youths.

They expanded the work force in the service, they expanded each ministry to be able to accommodate more intake giving the new role each ministry was to play because over the years the roles of the departments have expanded.

So, based on that, the then president approved what they called 984 presidential waver for 2011, 2012, 2013. By the time we got here in 2012, they had done the first set, they were on the second set because it was supposed to last for three years at that stage. It was something that was on-going.

Integrity crisis is one of the issues currently confronting the service, and many people would rather refer to them as "evil servants" for lots of reasons.

I never liked to hear these, because civil service is my only constituency and I accepted this job because integrity has to do with character. In fact, I was given this job, I'm sorry if I am being personal, but for that reason we have come to the system based on the integrity, the character that we have imbibed. Let me say this, every nation deserves the civil service it has because the civil service is a product of that society, but when you come in here we start imbibing in you the core values that I first mentioned and that is what has taken so long for everybody to imbibe because somewhere along the line these core values were dropped.

You asked me a question

about how it happened. In the history of the civil service, I trace it back to the military era, when the public service commission was degraded by the then government of the day and since then the standard started falling because before now the public service commission was the epitome of service excellence. They were highly segregated and protected from the society, but then one government came and said the public service commission was too powerful and that very day, without any recourse to rules and regulations, it was dissolved and then it was the issue of things falling apart and the centre could no longer hold.

The then chief justice of the federation, who tried to advise the then government that it was not in line with the constitution for the public service commission to be sent packing even without any reason, was sacked and then the constitution was suspended. Not only that, there was a massive purge of the public service.

The procedure in the service is that before anybody is sent packing, he or she must be given a fair trial or hearing.

How do we do that in the service? You issue a query, but during the purge nobody was given this opportunity to explain; the whole thing was just done. But before this happened, the civil servant were so committed to the job because he had this sense of security on the job. But because it happened like an aberration, something that has never happened before, public servants now started saying that their job was no longer secure.

Has the commission disciplined any officer in recent time?

Several, I cannot list them.

You know, they come from all the ministries; we discipline every day. But let me tell you the procedure for discipline. For grade levels 03 - 7 it is the junior staff committee within the ministry that handles that, while

from 08-14 it is the senior staff committee that will handle that, and like I said the procedure is the same. The committees issue query and their recommendations are subsequently forwarded to the federal civil service commission and then we sit to decide whether they are fair or not because in everything we also maintain fairness and equity.

Sometimes, we even increase the level of punishment far above the recommended disciplinary measure and sometimes we say no, that is too much for this offence, while sometimes and in most cases we concur.

For staff investigated by the ICPC or EFCC, do you wait for the case to be concluded before disciplinary measures are carried out?

No, immediately such happens they are suspended; they are issued query and suspended and once they are established they are handed over to the police for prosecution and we don't interfere with that.

There are always huge crowd gathered in front of FCSC during recruitment exercise. Are there no better ways the exercise could be carried out?

That used to be, but now because of the efforts we have made, they now apply online.

These are the measures we have put in place based on integrity.

You cannot come here when there is an advertisement and say you want any form. When I got here, applicants in their numbers used to besiege the commission for forms and this encouraged fraud. In fact, the first one we did before we put the website in place, we found some people selling forms on the roadside and when they were nabbed by the police they confessed that it was printed at Oluwole in Mushin, Lagos. So it is all part of the product of our society. We have managed now to remove forms from advertisement, we tell you our website to fill online and we process online and you can see how quiet this place is, and if you see people coming in and out now, they may be people coming in for IPPIS. What about the use of transfers to bring in cronies to the service?

When we came on board, we discussed that transfer, proper placement and conversion were abused. As a result, circulars were issued placing transfer on hold until situation was normalised while proper placement and conversion were completely abolished. This was done to address the frustration being faced by civil servants, especially as it affects promotion.

What about the alleged absorption of political office holders into the federal civil service?

No former aide of the former president, vice president, ministers or any key political appointee has been absorbed into the Federal Civil Service as being alleged in some quarters.

Recall that in 2011, a presidential committee, under the chairmanship of Alhaji Adamu Fika, was set up, in which the Chairman of the Commission (FCSC) was a member. The committee recommended that anybody who has occupied a political position will not be absorbed into civil service.

However, where a career civil servant is seconded to work in the office of a political appointee, he/she is allowed to come back to office because he has gone to serve as a career civil servant.

There are extant circulars to this effect. Those making these allegations are challenged to name such persons and their ministries.

Ropo Sekoni

13

Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

Beyond minimum wage tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

Labour is at it again! Our problem is more fundamental than just salary increase

O

RGANISED labour missed the point on Thursday when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Ayuba Wabba, led other labour unionists to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to bare their minds on certain burning national issues, including the bogus pay our lawmakers earn, minimum wage review and sundry other matters. Although the labour leaders were right when they said that the lawmakers themselves constituted drain pipes, considering what they take home, but they failed to call the lawmakers’ pay the proper name it should be called, i.e. corruption, given the steady rise their allocation has been witnessing, from about N23.347billion in 2003 to its current N150billion; and in spite of the downturn in the country’s economy. And, despite the fact that minimum wage in the country has remained at the paltry N18,000 per month since 2010! Can anything be more callous and ungodly?

Anyway, I won’t waste too much time on that because a lot has been said on it and we should be awaiting the review of the National Assembly budget that Senator Saraki promised when the issue took the front burner of national discourse a few weeks ago. We will always return to that again in full force if mum continues to be the word from him, in the usual expectation that Nigerians would soon forget the issue.

My concern today is Labour’s notice to the senate president to the effect that it would soon come with a new National Minimum Wage proposal which the congress wants the senate to quickly approve in view of the country’s present economic realities. The NLC seemingly has a point to want to push for an upward review of the present minimum wage because if salary is expected to take people home, it has since failed in that regard. A time there was when Fela sang that 20 kobo bean cake was too small (akara nko, 20 kobo for one; na janjala e be); these days, I doubt if there is anything like that, not even in the rural areas. Moreover, at the current exchange rate of N242 to the dollar, the average Nigerian worker earns about $75 in a month, just a little more than $2 a day.

Pray, what can anyone do with this? Yet, we don’t want people to steal. Yet, we want people to put in their best. Are we not deceiving ourselves?

I sympathise with Labour on this matter, especially given its unassailable reasons to justify its position. As a matter of fact, too, I do not expect any member of the National Assembly with conscience to raise issues even if Labour eventually comes up with a N50,000 monthly minimum wage proposal for approval. In the first place, this is a figure that workers had been clamouring for all these years. Moreover, that would only amount to N600,000 per annum, which is about N100,000 more than our National Assembly law makers spend on clothes alone per year!

But, jokes apart, asking for a new minimum wage is not the answer to the question posed by the Nigerian economy. When the present N18,000 was secured in 2010, it was well celebrated. Then, it never occurred to anyone that our National Assembly law

•Wabba

makers would get more than double that amount as wardrobe allowance in a month.

Then, no one thought the naira would be so devalued that it would now be exchanging at N242 to a US dollar, up from the N140 it was in 2010 when the now moribund N18,000 minimum wage was implemented.

A quick travel down the memory lane on minimum wage reviews in the country will suffice to buttress my point. By the 2000 National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act), minimum wage was pegged at N7,500 for Federal Government workers (and N5,500 for state government workers). This was raised to N18,000 in 2010. So, within a period of just 10 years, our minimum wage had more than tripled. And this has been the pattern since 1981 when the minimum wage was N125 per month; it rose to N250 as a result of the Minimum Wage Amendment Decree 1990.

Ten years later, it had ballooned to N7,500.

The implication is that between 1981 and 2015, minimum wage in the country had jumped from N125 to N18,000! I am yet to see any good country with that paradigm.

For example, when National Minimum Wage was first introduced in Britain in 1999, it was pegged at 3.60 pounds per hour.

Between 1999 and now, a period of 16 years, it has increased only by 3.30 pounds per hour.

Indeed, when salaries are increased in many other places, it is not as ridiculous as ours and the workers are far better off. Not so in Nigeria. Without doubt, the situation here concerning the astronomical rise in minimum wage over the years tells us that the problem is not about asking for high wage.

It is much more fundamental.

This is what the NLC should be in the vanguard of unravelling (assuming it does not yet know why) and clamouring for its

“My fear is that, at the rate at which we are going, a time will come when we would have to carry money in Ghana-must-go bags to buy an average loaf of bread as is the case in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe which I guess must be brimming with trillionaires! Therefore, what Nigerians should be clamouring for is good governance. Without good governance, we are only going to be wasting our time moving in circles, irrespective of the frequency of periodic reviews of minimum wage, or the magnitude”

correction. What successive increases in wages has done is to enable the politicians (whether those in military uniform or their civilian counterparts) to keep deceiving Nigerians and giving them the impression that all is well because, as soon as the workers get the salary increase, they jubilate. But when they get to the market a few weeks or months later, they discover that the money has further lost its value. I still remember what I was able to do with my N96 monthly allowance as a youth corps member in 1985. Those on national service now cannot boast of same despite the fact that they earn by far more.

Even for the brief period I worked with my School Certificate result, I know the things I was able to do with my salary of about N110 per month. Today’s graduates who are lucky to have jobs are groaning because the wads of naira notes in their pockets can hardly buy anything of substance. My fear is that, at the rate at which we are going, a time will come when we would have to carry money in Ghanamust-go bags to buy an average loaf of bread as is the case in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe which I guess must be brimming with trillionaires!

Therefore, what Nigerians should be clamouring for is good governance. Without good governance, we are only going to be wasting our time moving in circles, irrespective of the frequency of periodic reviews of minimum wage, or the magnitude. If we had done the needful in this regard, especially in the immediate past, this country would not be where it is today. If we had been alive to our responsibilities as Nigerians, we would not have had the kind of corrupt government that brought our economy to its knees as the Goodluck Jonathan government did, without giving it any serious fight until the general elections.

Perhaps Labour’s thinking by insisting on new minimum wage all the time is that this would mop up some of the surplus money that public officials steal. If that is the reasoning, we must have seen it has not worked. As a matter of fact, the public officials might grandstand and make negotiations for minimum wage tedious and laborious; they would be more worried the moment they see that the critical segments of the society are clamouring for good governance because that alone is the antidote to the massive looting of our treasury that has become our lot over the decades.

My fear however is whether Labour itself is not complicit in the situation we find ourselves because if it had been doing what it should do to call the country’s leaders to order, things would not have been this bad. The other problem is the state of the labour union itself; recent revelations on its housing scheme, its transport scheme and NLC’s last election which almost reflected our national elections are enough cause for concern as to whether the congress can provide the desired leadership to take us out of the woods.

CHIBOK GIRLS: STILL ON MY MIND

otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net

08050498530(SMS only)

How not to get UNILAG’s admission

I

REALLY sympathise with parents and applicants who staged a peaceful protest last Wednesday at the University of Lagos over what they considered the outrageous higher cut off mark for the post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME) by the institution.

Following the earlier announcement by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board ( JAMB) that 180 was the general cut off mark for the postUTME, the protesters must have been aggrieved that the University authorities and the examination board allegedly denied them the opportunity of competing for admission in the institution.

I understand the shock that the hope of getting admitted into UNILAG, acclaimed to be the university of first choice by most admission seekers was suddenly dashed based on a decision which they claimed they were not aware of.

Notwithstanding their grievances, the protest was uncalled for given the history of admission in the university and other higher institutions in the country. Raising of the cut off marks above the general one at various stages of admission is not new.

Depending on the performance of candidates in university entrance examinations, JAMB had always fixed the general minimum cut off mark, while institutions set theirs based on what was scored by candidates who chose them as first choice.

Having known the numbers of students they can accommodate, some institutions like UNILAG which normally have high number of applicants, usually limit the number of those who write the post UTME by setting higher cut off marks.

If the general cut off mark was 180 and UNILAG decides to raise its own to 250 based on the performance of its applicants, so be it. As long as the cut off mark is applied to all the applicants who wrote the UTME examination, there should be not any need for any protest.

Even with the 250 cut off mark, not all those who will write the post UTME will get admitted.

The final admission list will still be based on the aggregate score of the UME and post UTME marks.

There is no justification for universities to base their post-UTME test on low scores when even before writing the test, many will not scale through considering what they scored in the UTME. UNILAG and others who set higher cut off marks based on performance in UTME should be commended for not exploiting the applicants who have no chance of getting admitted since there are fees to be paid.

According to UNILAG’s Registrar, Dr Taiwo Ipaye only 9,000 of the 32, 000 applicants were eligible for the post UTME screening. The institution will definitely make a lot of money if it decides to accommodate the protesting applicants whose chances of making the final list are very slim.

The real problem with admission into UNILAG is not the cut off mark. It is the fact that as it claims, it is the university of first choice by applicants for various reasons, including its location.

While UNILAG and some top federal universities have too many applicants to select from, there are others who don’t have enough.

Applicants who have been reassigned to other universities with lower number of candidates than their capacities based on a new decision by JAMB should be grateful instead of embarking on any futile protest.

But for the new decision, what usually happens is that those who don’t get admission into their university of first choice, don’t have the opportunity of being considered for admission into other universities.

Those reassigned to other universities have the option of rejecting the offers and can chose to wait for another year to try their luck in UNILAG and other institutions they prefer.

My advice to admission seekers has always been that they should as much as possible, score very high. For those who score high marks, they can always be guaranteed admission no matter what cut off mark institutions set.

14

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

COMMENT

Beyond ‘bailout’ for states (2) Given the level of critical thinking in a country with less than 75% literacy rate, leaving citizens at the mercy of the central government to guarantee prompt payment of salaries and pension benefits is capable of encouraging citizens to lose confidence in subnational governments and thus see the central government as the only level that is efficient and compassionate

B

Y the time the first part of this piece appeared in this column last week, the Nigeria Governors Forum had not given citizens their interpretation of the funds they got from the federal government about three weeks ago. At the end of a recent meeting of the country’s 36 governors, their chairman, GovernorAbdulazziYari of Zamfara State, had the following to say: “What had been shared last time was monies from NLNG and FAAC. And as we have been saying, we have not been looking for bailout, instead, we have been looking for all monies that are in the coffers of the federation, most especially we are talking about some monies that are hung around the coffers of government to be brought together for the purpose of sharing… We are not taking any bailout from the federal government and the federal government did not give us any bailout yet…But we are talking on how best the intervention will happen within these days so we will be able to settle the issue of salaries and other operations in government in the country….”

This column believes that the governors have not been reported accurately in a story titled “Nigerian governors backtrack, say they never asked Buhari for bailout.” All that Governor Yari had said on behalf of his colleagues is that they have not received any bailout yet and are already on the way to doing so by “talking on how best the intervention will happen within these days so we will be able to settle the issue of salaries and other operations in government in the country.”

But today’s column is not about the Governors Forum’s differentiation between bailout and intervention with respect to how to end the problem of insolvency of states. Our interest is about the dangers inherent in a federal system in which states have to be “looking for monies hanging around the coffers of the federation” to pay salaries of workers. It is salutary that the NGF has pledged “to work with Mr. President to ensure coherent policy actions that will create a clear policy direction for the country and stimulate domestic production.” Cultivating new policy directions is an appropriate step to take at this critical moment in the country’s economy.

Should the current precarious situation in state finances continue, states are likely to be compelled to ask for bailout or its more euphemistic synonym, intervention, from the federal government. Should states become vulnerable again to the point of having to beg the central government for special assistance, by doing so, it may unintentionally be creating more distortions in the country’s quasi-federal system. In other words, there is a great danger of encouraging President Buhari to push the country further away from proper sharing of power and sovereignty that federalism represents.

Without doubt, President Buhari is now a democrat and a ruler with clear mandate from citizens, but he was a major player decades back in the policies of military dictators who in the days of oil boom believed that the best way to keep Nigeria united was to create mini-states that were designed to depend largely on transfers from the Federation Account to states, most of which had no viability to sustain themselves without funds from the centre. There is a possibility that inability of states to pay workers or meet their statutory functions can tempt any president in a hurry to create a national economy that works to push for fewer functions for states in the name of making governance more rational and more cost-effective. In other words, governors themselves stand the risk of subverting the little autonomy they currently enjoy, should they run into another problem of paying their workers.

The real problem may not be about what many pundits consider as the reason for failure of states to pay workers’ salaries: mismanagement or inordinate ambition. It seems to be about creating an enabling environment for each level of government in a federal system to raise most of the revenues it needs.

It is equally risky for governors to do anything to give their constituents the impression that states are more likely to generate agony for them than being a source of citizen empowerment. Given the level of critical thinking in a country with less than 75% literacy rate, leaving citizens at the mercy of the central government to guarantee prompt payment of salaries and pension benefits is capable of encouraging citi-

zens to lose confidence in subnational governments and thus see the central government as the only level that is efficient and compassionate.

Once citizens are pushed to feel this way, the temptation for them to prefer a full-blown unitary model of government may increase.

Now that the Governors Forum has committed to working with President Buhari in creating policy directions that can respond to the country’s precarious financial situation, each state governor also needs to involve his constituents in the process of creating new policy directions.

This initiative should not be restricted to governors alone; citizens should be engaged to contribute via town-hall meetings to determine what should be the right relationship between central and subnational governments. It will even be proper for state governments to subject their own thinking on how to prevent states from being vassals of the central government to a referendum in each state. Involving citizens in providing ideas about federal-state relations in an ethos of sole dependence on exploitation of non-renewable natural resources may serve the interest of all better than leaving such matters solely in the hands of the political and economic elite.

Citizens who are generally at the receiving end of policies made by political leaders may be in a better position to take a long-term view of the country’s economic problems than governors and other holders of political appointments who are preoccupied with frantic efforts to prevent their states from going into bankruptcy. With proper political education of citizens, they are likely to avoid a quick-fix approach to the issue of resource and power sharing. One of such quickfix solutions to this issue is the 2014 Jonathan national dialogue which a group of Yoruba opinion leaders are pushing as the best option for states to obtain the kind of autonomy they need if they are to be able to provide sustainable development.

Governors, especially those in the Southwest, where the noise about the last national dialogue is loudest, need not buy into the design to turn the recommendations of the conference into an albatross around their necks and the necks of their constituents. That conference worked on a

wrong premise when the inflow of funds from non-renewable fossil was considered by delegates to be adequate to sustain 55 states. Nothing can be more eye-opening than the steady fall in the price of petroleum since the end of the 2014 conference.

Now that the belief that Nigeria with 37 bureaucracies can be sustained by revenue from non-renewable resource is being shattered, governors planning to provide policy directions for the Buhari government need to engage their citizens directly, rather than allowing themselves to be hobbled by the push by non-elected delegates to adopt recommendations of the Jonathan national dialogue. Presenting recommendations of the Jonathan conference as synonymous with demands of Nigerians’ from the Southwest on the imperative of re-federalising the Nigerian polity may be tantamount to giving the country an Abiku federalism that may not move the country substantially away from the current model of states as parasites on revenues that accrue largely from petroleum and other non-renewable resource.

Selected delegates to the 2014 national dialogue have the right to push the outcome of threemonths of deliberations by delegates for adoption and implementation by President Buhari.

But individual delegates and association of delegates do not have the right to present recommendations of the conference as the wishes of citizens in the six Yoruba states. Delegates did not consult with citizens before and during the conference. However, governors in the region with vocal advocates for implementation of recommendations from the dialogue should be open to consider some of the recommendations for inclusion in the questions to be presented to citizens in Southwestern states in a referendum. Limiting efforts at re-federalisation of the country to outcomes of the 2014 conference has the potential to prevent federating units from proper sharing of power and sovereignty with the central government in a sustainable manner. No federal system has thrived under a system in which subnational units are made to depend on allocations from the centre, regardless of the generosity of such allocations.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

COMMENT

15

In order The Buhari administration deserves commendation, not condemnation, for calling on former public officers to account for their stewardship

T

HE on-going probe of activities of some officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration has continued to attract the attention of Nigerians. The search of the residence of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has particularly generated some controversy. Some have come up with conspiracy theories on the reasons behind what they consider the former NSA’s ordeal. It has been suggested that President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the search acting on vendetta informed by a 30-year-old grudge against Col. Dasuki who was said to have effected the arrest of General Buhari when his military administration was sacked in August 1985. Others claim it is the beginning of a massive witch-hunt of those who served under the Jonathan administration.

Curiously, no evidence has been produced to support the theories.

The fact, as known today, is that officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) went to the home of the former NSA to effect a warrant for search obtained from a court of law. No one has said the DSS officials broke into the house as was the case under the military. They are said to have introduced themselves and shown the warrant. In response to the suggestion that the siege on the house lasted longer than necessary, thus constituting harassment, the DSS has explained that they were delayed because the search was resisted by military men on guard duty at the house.

We find the explanations of the DSS credible and laudable. President Buhari received the mandate of Nigerians to cleanse the

T

HE extensive coverage and outstanding reportage of the National Assembly leadership crisis in The Nation on Sunday (June 28, 2015) is commendable. Please permit me to attempt to provide an answer to the question posed about what should APC do?

What a knotty question, as it were, considering how Dr Bukola Saraki and Mr Yakubu Dogara emerged as Senate President and House of Representative (HoR) Speaker, respectively, and their anti-party postures and activities since they assumed office!

Let me situate the messy crisis in contextual perspective; after the last general elections which brought APC as the majority party countrywide, you did not need any prediction to suggest Sen. Saraki as the President of the Senate. He seemed to have everything - new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), geo-political zone, political savvy, human network, charisma and the wherewithal - in his favour. Public opinion was also not against him, as far as I knew.

The only factor I considered against him was if APC stuck to the global parliamentary convention of fielding the Senate Minority Leader as the Senate President. In management, this is called succession planning.

Surely Dogara’s candidacy for the Speaker came out of the blues! It was a strategic Plan B by some powerful tendency to wrest control of the government

Augean stables left by his predecessor. He has vowed to recover looted funds and bring those found culpable of subverting national security and economy to book. So far, we do not see how he has stepped out of line.

We call on Col. Dasuki and others who served under the former government who might be invited for interview by the security agencies to cooperate as no one is above the law. It is instructive that all who are being called to serve the state would at some point have to render account of their stewardship.

Those who have served conscientiously have nothing to fear as the public is watching keenly for any suggestion that such an exercise is about witch-hunt.

We support the conduct of the DSS in their efforts. The service promptly issued a release explaining why the search was necessary and how it was handled. No one has come forth with a contrary statement. The allegation of treasonable felony is too serious to be ignored by any responsible government. The result of the search, too, cannot be overlooked. They speak volumes about the rot that was the order of the day under the Jonathan adminis-

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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tration. How did a retired colonel acquire 12 cars, five of which were bullet-proof? Were they official or private? If official, were they disclosed in the NSA’s handover note? Then, what was he doing with so many assault rifles? If allowed by the rules of engagement, he should be cleared. But if not, he deserves to be duly tried and punished.

We wish to state, however, that the seizure of Col. Dasuki’s passport is unconstitutional as it was not based on a court order. Every accused is innocent until proven guilty and as such basic rights should not be violated.

The international passport is the right of every Nigerian that cannot be whimsically withdrawn.

The case of the former Chief Security Officer to Dr. Jonathan, Mr. Gordon Obua ,is not much different. He is an official of the DSS and as he has come out to explain, his employers have the right, and indeed, duty, to recall him for questioning as might be deemed fit at any point in time. We therefore call on all security agencies that might have cause to interrogate him and others to be civil in their approach and respect his fundamental rights.

People under such circumstances deserve access to their lawyers as and when they might deem it fit and should not be restrained from receiving visitors at any point in time unless the courts sanction such strict isolation.

All said, it is about time all Nigerians realised that officials are servants of the people and have no right to use their offices to do anything that cannot stand up to scrutiny. We call for a speedy investigation of all the allegations and openness in the process.

LETTERS

Re: Saraki, Dogara - What should APC do? from a particular political personage. And his eventual election as Speaker was dramatic.

But how justifiable is having the President, Senate President and the Speaker from the north? Is it not an outright violation of the provision of Section 14 (3) of the Constitution?

The APC leadership seemed to have been in a complete daze since winning the presidential election on March 28 and appeared so lost after the president’s inauguration on May 29 or else two months were enough to nip the avoidable crisis in the bud before it snowballed into back-bench rebellion against the party. The party leadership made grave, glaring er-

rors and President Muhammudu Buhari committed strategic error of judgment in the build-up to the NASS elections.

First, it was a monumental error to recommend and “elect” Dr Ahmed Lawan for Senate President and Sen. George Akume for the deputy since both of them are from the north.

Second, since APC did not present Sen. George Akume, the Minority Leader of the immediate past Senate, it was pertinently expedient to replace Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minority Leader of the immediate past HoR, as the party’s candidate Speaker, moreover, that he and the vice president, Prof Yemi

M

Revive the abandoned Yoruba integration plan

ILLIONS of Yoruba in Nigeria and in the Diaspora were happy with the new programme for Yoruba integration when it was proposed, debated and approved at a meeting of Yoruba governors forum held at AdoEkiti in 2011.Since then and up till now, this reasonable and visionary proposal continued to give hope millions of Yoruba, while a negligible proportion of the elite who are not interested in the programme worked secretly with external forces to frustrate the official launch and

take-off of the programme.

Besides, some Yoruba governors and eminent politicians used political and ideological differences to discourage and frustrate a good and promising programme which a majority or Yoruba all over the world recognise as a project which will advance to greater heights the aspirations and image of the Yoruba in this century. Historically, and from available records, the first integration of the Yoruba which happened be-

Osinbajo, are both Lagosians from South West.

Having the VP and Speaker from the same state or the same geo-political zone is against the spirit of the country’s federal character. Third, APC should not have dragged itself down to an abysmal point of conducting those “nursery” elections that produced Sen. Lawal and Gbajabiamila as APC’s candidates for Senate President and Speaker. At the point of going for that mock election, it was incumbent on PMB to intervene personally, maintain neutrality, calm nerves, say a few homes truths, allay suspicions, appeal for sacrifice and call into play the sheer power and authority

tween 1954 and 1959 was collectively embraced by all sons and daughters of the race who solidly supported their premier, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose exemplary leadership, good governance and populist programmes touched the lives of all Yoruba. As Nigeria now operates the presidential system of government, leading to creation of states and a breakup of the old Western Region, these constitutional changes and minor political differences should

of his personality and office.

Unfortunately, the president chose not to be proactive in this particular matter. Fourth, how on earth will APC be relying on party supremacy which, practically, does not exist in a presidential government that is modelled on the American system? This is self-deception which may lead to self-destruction if the top echelons of the party remain none the wiser any farther! I have no much misgiving about the elections of Sen. Saraki and Dogara. But I have serious qualms about their official conducts and actions since they were elected.

Their styles leave a lot to be desired. They ought to have

not be allowed to derail this reasonable and sensible programme.

Therefore, for the sake of future generations of all Yoruba it, is pertinent for all Yoruba Obas and political leaders to put aside their rivalries and ideological differences, and join hands to effectively revive the integration plan.

By W. Ade Falana Araromi, Oke Odo Market, Lagos State.

embraced the party’s olive branch magnanimously and move on to real legislative business of the eight NASS. Two wrongs don’t make a right. And multiple errors won’t make sense. Just as the Senate President stated, “It is not fair to put the blame on one side because it is a combination of errors and miscalculations.” To play blame game at this juncture is to multiply the errors! But what will it take the political actors in the impasse to realise the error in their ways?

I can think of nothing but Mr. President’s intervention. I am not the original proponent of this presidential solution. Really, it is about the wisest option for APC. As it is now, the onus is on PMB to arbitrate fair and square.

The truth is that the masses of Nigerians who voted for the APC across the board in the last elections actually voted for PMB. If you take the personality of PMB away from the APC, there is little to choose between the party and the PDP. So, what should APC do about Saraki and Dogara? My answer is that the party should submit to the wise counsel of PMB. This is premised on the fact that the duo of Sen. Saraki and Dogara as well as their loyalists in the APC within and outside the NASS are still wholeheartedly in the party.

May God grant PMB the creative intelligence and innovative wisdom to deliver the goods.

By Yomi Akinola, Ibadan.

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

16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

COMMENT

Still on a successful Buhari anti-corruption war If the National Assembly, expected to be the bulwark of the government, could be so easily compromised, God help us with a judiciary crawling with corrupt judges and where some very senior lawyers serve as conduit for bribes to sway court decisions

T

HE first part of this article indicated a few inescapable actions President Buhari must take if he wants to succeed in reining in corruption in the land. Corruption has become so hydra-headed, even systemic in Nigeria that were it not going to fight back any war aimed at it, any attempt to stamp it out would still be a helluva duel. Those eating our country raw are so entrenched, and loaded, that they have wasted no time in showing what they are capable of in the National Assembly the way they made minced meat of the time honoured practice of having members of the majority party in parliament holding the principal posts in both chambers, whether at home here in Nigeria, or in the U.S from where we borrowed the presidential system. If the National Assembly, expected to be the bulwark of the government, could be so easily compromised, God help us with a judiciary crawling with corrupt judges and where some very senior lawyers serve as conduit for bribes to sway court decisions. Except President Buhari demonstrates unmistakable seriousness, early enough, by ensuring that every member of his party not only respects party supremacy, but acts in support of his government’s policies, which one is sure will be people friendly, there is enough stolen money out there to make nonsense of his change mantra, the anti-corruption war, inclusive.

Fortunately, as I was busy making suggestions on the subject here last Sunday, Itse Sagay, a distinguished legal scholar and Professor of Law, in concluding his article: ‘Politics, Public Service, Morality and Integrity in Ni-

geria’, (The Nation of the same date), was leveraging on his huge knowledge of the underlying weaknesses in our extant legal system to prescribe the following ways of strengthening current laws if the president is to successfully fight corruption. Wrote Professor Sagay: “I wonder whether Nigeria has not gone too far down the depths of the abyss to be saved. Recently, Professor Ben Nwabueze suggested that only a bloody revolution could save Nigeria. I hope not. What we absolutely and urgently need is a leader who can impose discipline and eliminate corruption. There will be need to amend our laws to strengthen the state at the expense of individual liberty at least for a short while, if we are to get to redemption point. All legal provisions permitting preliminary objections to prosecutions for corruption must be repealed from our laws. The power of any court to issue an order of injunction against a trial for any crime, particularly corruption, should be repealed. Interlocutory applications in cases concerning corruption should be banned.”

I am not quite sure whether being a legal scholar, Professor Sagay could not bear to suggest, as I did in the first part of this article, that anybody facing corruption charges should be presumed guilty with the responsibility devolving on him to prove his innocence. Nigerians just have to appreciate the fact that corruption in our country has assumed the stature of a virulent cancer which demands nothing short of a drastic surgical intervention. Like President Buhari has been quoted as saying, if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill

Nigeria and “the house would have truly fallen”, to quote the German, Karl Maier. Over and above Professor Sagay’s prescriptions, it is my view that a Special Court should be established to try corruption cases so as to avoid the shenanigans we see daily in our courts; shenanigans which lawyers exploit to thwart justice, thereby ensuring that corruption remains alive and kicking, even emboldened.

The Nation editor, Gbenga Omotoso, took us through some of these in his recent article: “An AntiGraft War Advisory” –The Nation, Thursday, July 23, 2015 – from which we shall quote at some length.

He wrote: “Here we go: Merely taking you before the court – if you fail to get a perpetual injunction against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), its agents, privies, officers, operatives or whatsoever called – does not make you a prisoner. Be ready to shell out a fortune – obviously a small fraction of the cash they claim you have stolen – to get a damn good lawyer, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). There are many of them in town nowadays. Your adversary, the tempestuous EFCC, cannot afford them. When you are remanded, don’t panic and give your traducers a chance to say: “Oh; he’s finished.”

Remember, the offence, no matter how huge the cash involved, is bailable. In fact, the charges may be as long as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Never mind; as the case progresses, they may be withdrawn, amended or consolidated into one or two.

Bail will come in very liberal terms When the case proper begins, your lawyer will tell the judge he has no jurisdiction to entertain the

matter. The judge could be stubborn.

He may fix a date to determine his jurisdiction and, in actual fact, rule that he is fit to hear the matter. Don’t fret. Your lawyer will simply head for the ever-busy Court of Appeal.

This, no doubt, will take months to resolve. The appeal may be decided, most likely against you.

Another judge will naturally take over the case. A plea is taken – “Are you guilty or not?” Be firm in replying: “Not guilty at all, my Lord.”

Your SAN will then raise a preliminary objection, saying again that His Lordship has no jurisdiction to hear the matter. “The offence was not committed in Abuja,” he will tell the court, “and the money involved is, after all, not the federal government’s.” Besides, no prima facie case has been established against you, the lawyer will say confidently.”

At this point, after many years in court, the accused most probably becomes a governor and for the next eight years, our man is untouchable no thanks to immunity. And if he decided to become a senator, I ask Nigerians to guess what chances EFCC, which could not afford a SAN in the first place, would have against an individual legislator- for whose gluttony, immodesty and outright immorality, if not thievery - Nigeria spends an estimated N290 Million annually to maintain in a country with more than 70 percent of its populace living below poverty line, who could thereby easily afford to buy the entire system to escape justice.

It is therefore crystal clear that President Buhari has his job cut out in his promised war against corruption. He has to present to the National Assembly a steely executive bill , with none of those debilitating clauses as in the present EFCC Law, which

Here’s to all fathers

Many unsuccessful fathers are today ruling the world, and only one deduction can come from that: it’s no wonder the world is in this sorry state

M

Y salute to all fathers today is a little belated, considering that Fathers’ Day was celebrated the third week of last month, but as I always say, better late than never. Besides, you know the kind of present that I value most? It’s the kind that comes unexpectedly, is late, and is very expensive. Ah! great is the quality of the surprise that one brings. Now, onto our story.

To many children, fathers are the breadwinners of the family. He just seems to represent that part of the family tree where money seems to spring from. This is why it is difficult for children to believe that money does not grow on trees. It does; it grows on the father’s side of the family tree. Oh, I’ve said that, haven’t I? it is because when children need to buy a loaf of bread, ‘go ask daddy’; when they need to buy school uniforms, ‘go ask daddy’; when the family needs a car, ‘we’ll ask daddy’; when the family needs a jet, who else can we ask?

Happily, the story is changing these days. Now, it is possible to ask mummy for money for bread too but we’ll talk about this some other day.

Fathers also represent safety. Oh, there is no measuring the great amount of comfort a child gets when he/she knows daddy is near, particularly in a thunderstorm, or in the face of external threats, or in the face of internal threats

such as mummy. You would not believe just how much children rely on those muscles. A father said he had to take his son to the hospital for one ailment or the other. When the doctors took the son over and started pricking and jabbing him, the son felt very let down that the father did not rescue him from the wicked doctors with those strong muscles of his.

Sometimes, those muscles are used to instil discipline via the cane, and that is when things take unnatural turns and confusions set in.

A father recounted how his child looked at him with horror when he had to apply corporal punishment.

He said he might as well have brought out the knife.

If we were to ask young children what their fathers represent to them, many of them would surprise us. They would talk about the words associated with their fathers, mannerisms they best remember about them, the names they call them, but more importantly, the image they represent in the house. I read in one book that a child said they called their father ‘Moses’ in their house because every morning, he called the family together and gave them the ten commandments for the day. So, when they saw him coming, they would go ‘Here comes Moses with the tablet of stone’, and he would go, ‘If I ever see you playing with my comb again ...’

Another child said they called their father ‘General X, Supreme Commander’. He was fond of barking his commands at them: GET OUT OF THAT CHAIR! GET OUT OF MY ROOM! GO AND BUY ME AN ENVELOPE! All too often, the children quaked and shook uncontrollably at the sound of his voice. Another child said their father was God. He was too fond of saying, ‘Listen, I made you and I can unmake you. You came from inside my body and you can pretty well go back in there.’ Such sweet daddies, these, no?

Truth is, fathers stand for many frightening things to their children, all too often because those fathers inherited the genes of fright from their own fathers who got them from their fathers who got them from their own fathers, ad infinitum. At the sound of a father’s voice, the child goes into throes of terror and the father goes away thinking ‘Yeah, that’s how to stay in control of the ship: tolerate no dissension from the ranks’. Want to know the truth? Most children tend to see their fathers as being capable of eating them up if they do not do as they are told. That voice is just too scaaaaaary!

I best remember my father for many things: provisions, a bank account that just never seemed to flow too well in my direction, and THE LOOK. My father rarely applied the cane on us children but he generously applied THE LOOK. THE LOOK was

the eye of steel which spelt only one thing: disapproval. Most times, that was all it took for us to want to sink beneath ground level and just disappear from the face of the earth.

You took what did not belong to you, you got THE LOOK; you said what you were not supposed to say, you got THE LOOK; you did what you were not supposed to do such as failing your exams, you got that soul, spirit and body crushing LOOK that wordlessly said, ‘Consider yourself slapped and maimed for that thoughtless action’. That look, I must confess, has saved me from many a scrape and has kept me well towed and reigned in. True, I have got into other scrapes in spite of it, but who knows, there might have been more without it. Even now that he is dead and gone, THE LOOK lives on in my husband. Viva la LOOK! So, where would we be without our big, bad wolves, particularly since they rule the world?! Oh yes, your world, nations and states’ rulers are all fathers, I think. Let’s face it, some among them are not very successful fathers at home, since sometimes, children sort of develop immunity against the voices, muscles and looks, and just go their own merry ways.

Sometimes, though, it’s the fathers who fail to apply the voice, muscle and look and choose to go their own merry way, preferring to give their talents to the nation or the world or drink or partying while the mother

passed into law, will then form the regulatory underpinning of a serious anti corruption war. Presidency officials must ensure that the National Assembly is not allowed to embed in the new law, any of those their usual shifty clauses which lawyers turn round to mindlessly exploit for money.

Reactions I present below, for lack of space, a few of my readers’ reactions to the first part.

A brand new anti-graft agency will be great especially with a head like Gen. Ishola Williams (RTD) which is the only way we can be sure the fight will be certain and thorough - 080338392. (The general’s name appeared in more reactions).

May you continue to live long with the ink ever-flowing from the source of truth. An organisation like the current EFCC cannot be the institution President Buhari envisaged would salvage Nigeria from the present wreck -080536571..

Thanks for your article on anticorruption. One obstacle in the way of implementing your revolutionary idea is the role of lawyers. The legal profession is based on lying and immorality as lawyers are always concerned with making money even if it means defending Lucifer and ensuring he is declared a saint. So the role of lawyers and the legal profession must be examined and debated nationally with a view to finding how to neutralise their satanic role in the war against corruption -080338562..

Femi, I am sure you must have forgotten that the legislature that makes the law is having Saraki as the president despite the issue of Trade Bank and that of his family. I have written you earlier on this. Why do you think he wants to be Senate President at all costs? Why are former governors all heading to the senate? This legislature will block all anti corruption moves by the executive. That is why Saraki and Dogara are there. I pray that the president reads your piece of yesterday. It is more than marvellous -080556794.. rules the home. When one woman and her daughter heard that the head of their home had been appointed into a government post, they both laughed.

He had no clout to command at home.

Many unsuccessful fathers are today ruling the world, and only one deduction can come from that: no wonder the world is in this sorry state.

There are many homes which have no fathers for one reason or the other: death, divorce or desertion and it is clear in such instances that their places and shoes are empty. This is because nature has designed that they should be there. Where mothers are absent, their places and shoes would also be empty because nature has so designed that they also should be there. Natural creation of complementarities has stipulated roles for each divide. Fathers are the last bastion of discipline: ‘Junior, if you don’t drop that knife, your father will visit you this evening with the belt’ produces instant compliance. In the same way, mothers are the last bastion of love: ‘Junior, try and understand your daddy, he means well; now come and take a slice of bread’.

No doubt, fathers mean well for us, in spite of their ways. That is the way nature designed them to be: furious, angry, whirlwinds; we would like to take them just as they are if they remember that homes are supposed to be havens not hotspots; wives are to be loved, not flung across the room like balls and children are to be assisted to grow up to be what they want to be, not forced into prepared jackets that fit the father’s ambition. All the world cannot be my red shoes. So, here’s a toast to all fathers: may your days be long, your cups be full, your voices stay strong and your LOOKS remain compelling. VIVA THATA LOOKA!

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

COMMENT

17

(126) Five irrefutable reasons against the privatization of the NNPC: an open letter to the Presidents of NLC and PENGASSAN C OMRADES and compatriots, greetings!

Last week in this column, I addressed an open letter to the Governor of Kaduna State, H.E. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai in which I took him up on his recent, widely reported call on President Buhari to privatize the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). I am addressing this letter to you, not because Governor El-Rufai has not responded to my open letter, but because I believe that you, as representatives of workers in the oil industry in particular and Nigerian workers in all sectors of the economy in general, ought to wade in on this all important debate on the proposed privatization of the NNPC. This reason for this is, I think, fairly obvious; at any rate, it shall become even more obvious in the course of my elaboration of the essential points of this open letter to you. But for now, permit me to simply say that your silence on this matter will speak volumes. I am of course aware that the General Secretary of PENGASSAN (The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) has already commented on El-Rufai’s devastating critique of the scale of corruption in NNPC. However, that response from the PENGASSAN General Secretary should, in my opinion, be regarded as only a first response in that it was far too defensive and it did not address the issue of the privatization of the national oil corporation. With these initial comments out of the way, permit me to now go directly to the FIVE weighty reasons against the privatization of NNPC. One NNPC is not The Daily Times, Transcorp or NEPA; it is NNPC Privatization of state-owned or public enterprises is not new in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, to the extent that there was any consistent ideological core in reign of the PDP in its sixteen years in power, it is the wholesale privatization of stateowned enterprises and utilities. Other than this, the erstwhile ruling party in particular and all ruling class parties in our country have no defining ideological and policy identities. This is why disputes, which are often extremely bitter and fractious between and within our political parties, are hardly ever about ideology, principle, or policy; they are nearly always about power sharing and the struggle for high and lucrative political offices. But with regard to the relentless and wholesale privatization of public enterprises, this is the bible of the PDP in particular and all our ruling class parties in general.

However, while enterprises and utilities in all areas of the national economy have one by one fallen to the relentless axe of privatization, a line had hitherto been drawn around NNPC. That line is about to be erased, that is if El-Rufai and those who think like him in the APC have their way.

NNPC is like no other enterprise or utility in our country in that, in a manner of speaking, it is the mother

•NNPC Headquarters: it is not for sale and Nigeria is not for sale

and father of all enterprises, public and private. This observation on the uniqueness of NNPC can be put in a quite simple language: the overwhelming bulk of the finances on which all the federal, state and local administrations in the country depend are handled at source by NNPC. But there is also a technical jargon for this uniqueness of our national oil corporation and it is this: Nigeria is, overwhelmingly a rentier state and NNPC is the single agency on which the rents that make the existence and viability of this sort of state possible at all depend. In other words, if Nigeria was not a rentier state, and if oil revenues constituted only an insignificant fraction of its operating finances, then NNPC would be like The Daily Times, NEPA, Transcorp or the moribund Nigerian Airways.

But at least for the present period in the economic history of this country, NNPC is the lifeline on which the overwhelming bulk of the economic activities in both the private and public sectors depend.

Comrades, the implications of this uniqueness, this singularity of NNPC for any plan to privatize it are fairly obvious and for this reason it cannot and should not be done without a full, widespread and nationwide debate has taken place. Indeed, if it does appear that the new ruling party is hell bent on this plan – and that is far from being clear or obvious at this point in time – nothing short of a referendum will be required. Your voices and the voices of the members of your unions should be loudest and clearest in the call for such a referendum - if El Rufai carries the President and the new ruling party with him on this crucial matter.

Two Corruption and mediocre per-

formance are afflictions of both private and public enterprises in Nigeria This factor is pretty unassailable.

In many of the full blown capitalist countries of the world, the fundamental rationale for privatizing public enterprises has been the claim, the assertion that privately owned and run enterprises perform much better than state-owned or public enterprises. As the saying goes, the business of government is not business but governing. This claim is not, by the way, true or verifiable in all sectors of the national economies of the world. All the same, this claim has never been credibly or loudly made in our country, the simple reason for this being the fact that it would be quite laughable to make such a claim in Nigeria. When Daily Times was privatized, it became even worse than it had been before privatization. PHCN has performed more or less on the same level of satisfaction of consumers as the old ECN. Transcorp, the biggest multinational corporation ever started in our country, has been the laughing stock of multinational corporations all over the world; no sooner was it incorporated than it immediately began to flounder.

The reason why both large scale private and public enterprises in our country are equally prone to corruption and poor performance is to be found in the fact that the wealthiest Nigerians make their wealth, not through profit-generating businesses but through primitive accumulation built on the appropriation or theft of public funds to “buy” stateowned enterprises that are then badly managed precisely because they were “bought” for nothing. There is absolutely no reason in the world to think or to hope that a privatized NNPC will depart from this historic norm

of the Nigerian political economy under the rule of the PDP and before then the military autocrats.

Three “Inland revenue” is different from “offshore revenue”; privatization of tax collection should not be a prequel to privatization of collection of rents from foreign-owned oil conglomerates.

The privatization of tax collection and toll gate fees in Lagos State marked a decisive step in the privatization of state agencies and their money-generating functions in Nigeria. The connection between this and the call for the privatization of the NNPC has not yet been made, but we can be sure that it will in due course be made. The argument could or will be made that if the privatization of collection of taxes and toll gate fees was not only possible but seems apparently “successful”, why shouldn’t the same thing be successful if and when applied to the collection of revenues from the offshore activities of the big conglomerates in control of the extraction and exportation of crude oil from our country.

This is a completely superficial and also false argument as there is little or no analogy that can be made between the two. Extractive industries constitute some of the biggest transnational economic enterprises of the world and of the modern economies of the planet in general. For this reason, comparing the simple collection of taxes and toll gate fees that require little or no investments, skills and a grasp of the finer and more arcane points of economic relations between the nations and regions of the planet to the work of NNPC is like comparing the activities of a street hawker or vendor in Lagos to the operations of the Dangote financial empire. Comrades and compatriots,

please let us be ready for them if and when they make this analogy in justification of the drive to sell off the national oil corporation.

Four The privatization of NNPC will set off ethnic and regional rivalries that will be nothing short of a civil war in the inner processes of the economic lifeline of the country.

It is very naïve, or on the other hand, foolish and dangerous in the extreme to think that selling off NNPC will not raise bitter, divisive and nation-wrecking struggles over which zones, which “tribes” and which communities of “religionists” will get what percentage or share of the broken and parceled-out national oil corporation. The perennial controversies over the “principle of derivation” and “resource control” will resurface. In fact already, there are whispers and rumors that the privatization of NNPC is intended to once and for all “solve” the endless strife over “resource control”. The privatization of NNPC will not achieve this goal; as a matter of fact, it will exacerbate and raise to a new level the divisive struggles over the sharing of oil revenues between the different parts of the country.

Five Recover the loot; end the corruption in private and public businesses; reorganize NNPC Comrades, I cannot end this open letter to you without relating all that I have written herein to the untold suffering and hardship that the monumental corruption in NNPC has caused and continues to cause to the overwhelming majority of our peoples throughout the length and the breadth of the country. This is the bottom line: the colossal dispossession of the Nigerian nation and peoples through corruption and abysmally poor performance of both governmental and non-governmental enterprises in our country.

The new government and ruling party should be given a chance to get to grips with the gargantuan tasks that this entails. Already, Nigerians at home and abroad are getting jittery over the slow pace and poor starting actions of the new ruling party. Your voices and the voices of all patriotic organizations and individuals should rise now to ask the government to recover the hundreds of billions of dollars stolen from NNPC and other government coffers and give clear signs NOW that it will end the mindboggling corruption that is ruining the country and the lives of our peoples. If there will be a nationwide debate and/or referendum on the privatization of NNPC, this should be the precondition for those national soul-searching processes. At this stage of our economic (mal)development, the essential thing is not private versus public businesses; it is regulated versus unregulated and unregulatable corruption and mediocrity in both the public and private sectors.

Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

COMMENT

18

The phones no longer ring A

S SPOKESMAN to President Goodluck Jonathan, my phones rang endlessly and became more than personal navigators within the social space.

They defined my entire life; dusk to dawn, all year-round. The phones buzzed non-stop, my email was permanently active; my twitter account received tons of messages per second. The worst moments were those days when there was a Boko Haram attack virtually every Sunday.

Theintrusion into my private life was total as my wife complained about her sleep being disrupted by phones that never seemed to stop ringing. Besides, whenever I was not checking or responding to the phones, I was busy online trying to find out if the APC had said something contrarian or some other fellow was up to any mischief. A media manager in the 21st century is a slave of the Breaking News, a slave particularly of the 24-hour news cycle, and a potential nervous breakdown case.

DeboAdesina, my colleague at The Guardian once said I was running a “one week, one trouble schedule”.

There were actually moments when trouble knocked on the door every hour, and duty required my team and I to respond to as many issues that came up.

Top of the task list was the management of phone calls related to the principal.In my first week on the job, for example, one of my phones ran out of battery and I had taken the liberty to charge it. While it was still in the off mode, the “Control Room”: the all-powerful communications centre at the State House tried to reach me. They had only just that phone number, so I couldn’t be reached. When eventually they did, the fellow at the other end was livid.

“SA Media, where are you? We have been trying to reach you. Mr President wants to speak with you” “Sorry, I was charging my phone.

The phone was off.”

“Sir, you can’t switch off your

By Reuben Abati phone now. Mr President must be able to reach you at any time. You must always be available.” I was like: “really? Which kin job be dis?”

The Control Room eventually collected all my phone numbers. If I did not pick up a call on time, they called my wife. Sometimes the calls came directly from the Residence, as we referred to the President’s official quarters.

“Abati, Ogadey call you!”

If I still could not be reached, every phone that was ever connected to me would ring non-stop. Busy bodies who had just picked up the information that Abati was needed also often took it upon themselves to track me down. My wife soon got used to her being asked to produce me, or a car showing up to take me straight to the Residence. I eventually got used to it too, and learnt to remain on duty round-the-clock. In due course, President Jonathan himself would call directly. My wife used to joke that each time there was a call from him, even if I was sleeping, I would spring to my feet andwithout listening to what he had to say, I would start with a barrage of “Yes sirs”! Other calls that could not be joked with were calls from my own office. Something could come up that would require coverage, or there could be a breaking story, or it could be something as harmless as office gossip, except that in the corridors of power, nothing is ever harmless.Looking back now, I still can’t figure out how I survived that onslaught of the terror of the telephone.

Of equal significance were the calls from journalists who wanted clarifications on issues of the moment, or the President’s opinion. I don’t need to remind anyone who lived in Nigeria during the period, that we had a particularly interesting time.

The Jonathan government had to deal from the very first day with a desperate and hyper-negative opposition, which gained help from a crowd of naysayers who bought into

their narrative. I was required to respond to issues. Bad news sells newspapers and attracts listeners/ viewers. Everything had to be managed. You knew something had happened as the phones rang, and the text messages, emails, twitter comments poured in. The media could not be ignored. Interfacing with every kind of journalist was my main task. I learnt many lessons, a subject for another day. And the busy bodies didn’t make things easy.

If in 1980, the media manager had to deal with print and broadcast journalists, today, the big task is the dilemma of the over-democratization of media practice in the age of information. The question used to be asked in Nigerian media circles: who is a journalist? Attempts were subsequently made to produce a register of professionals but that is now clearly an illusion. The media of the 21st Century is the strongest evidence we have for the triumph of democracy. Everybody is a journalist now, once you can purchase a phone or a laptop, or an ipad and you can take pictures, set up a blog, or go on instagram, linked-in, viber etc.

All kinds of persons have earned great reputation as editors andopinion influencers on social media where you don’t have to make sense to attract followers. The new stars and celebrities are not necessarily the most educated or knowledgeable, but those who, with 140 words or less, or with a picture or a borrowed quote, can produce fastfood type public intellectualism, or can excite with a little display of the exotic -Kadarshian, Nicki Minaj style.

But I was obligated to attend to all calls. The ones who didn’t receive an answer complained about Abati not picking their calls.

My defence was that most editors in Nigeria have correspondents in the State House. Every correspondent had access to me. There was no way I could be accused of not picking calls, and in any case, there were other channels: instagram, twitter direct message,

email, and media assistantswho could interface with me. But this was the main challenge: while in public office, people treat you as if you are at their mercy, they threaten to sabotage you and get you sacked, every phone call was a request with a price attached,you get clobbered; you are treated like you had committed a crime to serve your nation. Relatives and privileged kinsmen struggled with you to do the job - media management is that one assignment in which everyone is an expert even if their only claim to relevance is that they once had an uncle who was a newspaper vendor!

The thinking that anyone who opts to serve is there to make money in that famous arena for primitive accumulation partly accounts for this.

And that takes me to those phone calls from persons who solicited for financial help as if there was a tree at the Villa that produced money. Such people would never believe that government officials don’t necessarily have access to money. They wanted to be assisted: to pay school fees, to settle medical bills, to build a house, purchase a car, complete an uncompleted building, or link them up with the President. Everybody wanted a part of the national cake and they thought a phone call was all they needed.

If you offered any explanation, they reminded you that you’d be better off on the lecture circuit. Businessmen also hovered around the system like bees around nectar.

But what to do? “Volenti non fit injuria,” the principle says. There were also calls from the unkind lot. “I have called you repeatedly, you did not pick my calls. I hope you know that you will leave government one day!”. Or those who told you point blank that they were calling because you were in the position as their representative and that you owed them a living. Or that other crowd who said, “it is our brother that has given you that opportunity, you must give us our share!”

The Presidential election went as it

did, and everything changed. Days after, State House became Ghost House. The Residence, which used to receive visitors as early as 6 am, (regular early morning devotion attendees) became quiet. The throng of visitors stopped. The number of phone calls began to drop. By May 29, my phones had stopped ringing as they used to. They more or less became museum pieces; their silence reminding me of the four years of my life that proved so momentous. On one occasion, after a whole day of silence, I had to check if the phones were damaged! As it were, a cynical public relates to you not as a person, but as the office you occupy; the moment you leave office, the people move on; erasing every memory, they throw you into yesterday’s dustbin. Opportunism is the driver of the public’s relationship with public officials.

Today, the phones remain loudly silent, with the exception of calls from those friends who are not gloating, who have been offering words of commendation and support. They include childhood friends, former colleagues,elderly associates, fans, and family members. And those who want interviews with President Jonathan, both local and international - they want his reaction on every development, so many of them from every part of the planet. But he is resting and he has asked me to say he is not ready yet to say anything. It is truly, a different moment, and indeed, “no condition is permanent.”

The ones who won’t give up with the stream of phone calls and text messages are those who keep pestering me with requests for financial assistance. I am made to understand that there is something called “special handshake” and that everyone who goes into government is supposed to exit with carton loads of cash. I am in no position to assist such people, because no explanation will make sense to them.

Here I am, at the crossroads; I am glad to be here.

•Abati was Special Adviser Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan

Keeping faith with Buhari’s pace

W

HILE addressing some Nigerians in Diaspora in the course of his recent visit to the United States of America, President Muhammadu Buhari revealed that he was aware that some Nigerians are already becoming impatient with the perceived ‘slow’ pace of his government. He even informed his audience that some Nigerians now refer to him as ‘Baba go slow’. He, however, pledged that irrespective of his countrymen’s initial misgivings about his style of governance, his government would not disappoint the people.

In reality, no one should begrudge Nigerians about their early distrust of the Buhari administration. Really, these are not the best of time for our beloved fatherland. The economy is currently in a comatose. The nation’s foreign reserve has been recklessly depleted. To worsen things, with the continued somersaulting of the naira, inflation and unemployment are at an all-time high. Indeed, one would not be missing the point if one should assert that the Nigerian economy is in shambles. The decline in the global price of oil has continued to deal a devastating blow on the Nigerian economy.

With major consumers of our crude oil such as the United States and Britain now looking elsewhere to source for their oil needs, we have had to cut down on our daily crude production. The reality of our awful economy situation is already biting hard on almost every facet of our national life. Lots of the States in

By Tayo Ogunbiyi the federation are almost grounded economically with some having difficulties paying workers’ wages. Presently, aside the various federal government agencies and parastatals that are being owed various degrees of salaries and emoluments, about twenty State governments owe workers salaries ranging between seven and two months salaries while some have resorted to paying their workers half salaries.

Aside the poor state of the economy and its devastating effects on Nigerians, the fuel situation remains largely unchanged as access to this all important product remains restricted to most Nigerians. In the few places where the product is available, it is being sold in very exorbitant prices. In Lagos, motorists, commuters and others have continued to groan under the heavy yoke of fuel scarcity. From all indications, this particular occurrence might take a bit longer before it subsides as the Buhari government is yet to come out with any clear cut policy direction on local fuel consumption. The current fuel situation has, undoubtedly, brought untold hardship to many Nigerians.

A major by product of crude oil, the availability of petroleum is crucial to the continuous survival of the country’s economy as factories, companies, industries and, indeed, homes hugely rely on accessibility to this product, on a daily basis. In essence, its non availability could

spell doom for the local economy considering the not too reliable state of public electricity.

The security situation is not getting any better either. Insurgency in the north –eastern part of the country is gaining a new momentum. Rather than diminished, the devilish activities of the Boko Haram group have gained astonishing impetus in recent time. Indeed, there is a renewed Boko Haram offensive in Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi and other northern states of the country as the group now strikes with disgusting audacity. According to reports, the “godless” and “mindless” group has killed close to 500 people within the few months of the Buhari administration. Nothing seems to deter them from perpetrating their dastardly act. For churches, mosques, schools and many other hapless Nigerians, the fear of Boko Haram is now the beginning of wisdom.

From all indications, our beloved country is certainly passing through tough times. Many Nigerians are becoming frustrated that things are not getting any better as they would want it to be. It is, therefore, quite logical that some Nigerians are not satisfied with what they have termed the ‘slow pace’ of the Buhari government.

Those who hold this view readily points to the inability of the Some of them based their reasoning on the inability of the President to form his cabinet after almost two months in office. Others

also fault him for not coming out to make categorical policy statements on the agonizing fuel situation and other such critical aspects of the nation’s life. Many also claimed that he is foot-dragging on the issue of prosecuting perceived corrupt political leaders.

While it is apt for Nigerians to express their reservations concerning the ‘slow pace’ of the Buhari administration, it is, however, important for all and sundry to keep faith with the government. Nigerians need to bear in mind that the rot in the Nigerian nation s too deep rooted to be taken care of within a few weeks of the Buhari administration. Almost every institution in the country has been dealt a fatal blow by years of poor governance and bad planning.

To properly correct the rot in the system and put the comatose economy in good shape would, therefore, require lots of meticulous and painstaking strategizing on behalf of the government. In his Eidel- Fitr, message to Nigerians, President Buhari clearly agreed that there are daunting challenges facing the country but at the same time emphasised that “we must do things well and carefully to ensure that the great opportunity which we now have is not lost to the “business as usual” group who selfishly or shortsightedly prefer a status quo that panders to their personal or group interests”.

One thing that would definitely assist Buhari in his mission to rebuild the country, which past

Nigerian leaders did not have in sufficient measure, is his integrity.

Integrity remains Buhari’s best selling point. Among Nigerian leaders, past and present, Buhari is renowned for his anti corruption stance and honesty of purpose. He is one Nigerian who has seen it all as far as occupying privileged public positions is concerned.

He had been military Head of State, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Governor of old Borno state and Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which was then the cash basket of the country. However, there has not been even an accusation of him using those positions to corruptly enrich himself. This is quite extraordinary in a country where people see public service as a means to an end.

Through his handling of State affairs so far, the President has come through as a meticulous leader. What we owe him is to keep faith with his style of governance.

Our present sorry state as a nation is partly a culmination of the previous cabinets, policies and programmes that were hurriedly put in place by successive administrations. Hence, we need to patiently trust Buhari’s cautious and painstaking style of government.

According to Greek philosopher and critic, Aristotle, “patience is bitter but its fruit is sweeter” God bless Nigeria!

•Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

LIFE

19

SUNDAY

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

It seems the bad old days are back on Lagos roads, as the city recently applauded for its relative safety from crimes, seems to be receding fast. Gboyega Alaka reports.

•Continued on Page 20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

20 SUNDAY LIFE

•Typical Lagos traffic gridlock

•Continued from Page 19

•PPRO, Nwosu

“It's unfortunate that in a country like this, with all the news every day from a common spot that there is robbery ever day, nothing has been done about it. Hopefully, one day, something would be done to protect our lives n property.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE 21

•A car vandalised by traffic robbers

“We need the constant reporting, because the idea is that when we get to know that robberies are happening in certain areas, we move in and map out strategies on how to tackle the area.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

22 SUNDAY LIFE Legendary Yoruba Ewi poet and writer, publisher, artiste producer and TV/radio presenter, Olatubosun Oladapo goes down memory lane with Taiwo Abiodun.

• Olatubosun

• Olatubosun’s shop

Photos: Taiwo Abiodun

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE

Medinat Kanabe who recently visited an adult school, writes on a developing urge by Nigerian unlettered adults to take another shot at schooling.

U

Founder of Genius Camp, an adult school with branches in Lagos and Ogun States, Oluwarotimi Johnson, speaks with Medinat Kanabe about his passion for educating adults amongst others.

•Johnson

23

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

24 SUNDAY LIFE

Adebayo Oladunmoye, a council worker currently battling a protracted cancer ailment needs N5 million to effect treatment.

By Sunday Oguntola

•Oladunmoye before

•Oladunmoye... now

Some select secondary school students recently gathered to drink from the fountain of experience of some successful Nigerians at a counselling programme organised by the Association of Professional Women Bankers in Lagos.

Daniel Adeleye reports

L-R, Chief Commercial Office, Accion Micro-finance Bank, Mrs Nwanna Joel-Ezeugo, Chairman GTS governing Board, Alh. Saliu, Mrs Modupe Onabanjo, Proprietress, GTS, Deaconess Adenike Yusuf, Chairperson APWB, Mrs Mercy Tinuola Ajayi, member, John Maxwell Team USA, Mr John Odubele and other guests speakers at the Career counselling workshop.

25 THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

s regret No

single parent –YENI KUTI BEING A

Pages 52 & 53

26

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

GLAMOUR

Ronke Ademiluyi is a lawyer, fashion collector and the initiator of the African fashion week, London. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about running the show for five years, achievements, challenges and more.

How Nigerian designers

Y

OU have put so much in the last five years, what is the event going to look like this year?

This year, the African Fashion Show, London, is our fifth anniversary. This year marks half a decade and we would be showcasing African designers as always.

What would be different this year is the country pavilion representing each year of the African Fashion Show. We would have different countries showcasing and exhibiting and also all their attributes within the country would be showcased.

On board already, we have South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and we are expecting two more, one from East Africa and one from North Africa as well.

What are the preparations on ground?

It is always hectic, hair pulling, shouting and screaming but we always get there at the end of the day.

What has changed?

Talking about when we started and where we are now, I would say that our production has improved. The models and designers have improved as well. There is also the team working with us. We have a stable and more reliable team now. A lot of things have improved. It's just like a baby born then and now its five years old.

What were the initial challenges?

The main challenge was getting people to work with; getting a dedicated team that shares your dreams, shares your vision and a team that is in it for the long term. Not just coming in because it is so glamorous and there is a lot of money involved. Then, I would say it was very challenging and difficult. Now, I would say it was normalised. I know how to manage people very well now as opposed to when I just started. I scream less now.

Did you at any point feel like quitting?

Even up till last week, yes, I did. It can be very stressful. Sometimes, we have two days, sometimes we have three days. What you see on those days is the end product.

A lot of planning, organising goes into it and it takes about six to eight months to get to where we get to.

What inspires you to do all these?

I like African fashion. I am always wearing African fabric.

There is also the main thing, which is portraying Africa in a positive light. A lot of what people see in the western world is the negative side of Africa. They see them as hungry people, they see the kids dying but we are not all about that.

For me, it is showing that Africa has a lot to offer, the vibrant colours, talented designers. You k n o w t h e e m e r g i n g talents that come out of A f r i c a , especially Nigeria. When it comes to fashion, I think Nigeria sets the pace.

A lot of people are of the view that the fashion and textile sector are collapsing. What is your view about this?

The textile sector, I would say yes because I

t h i n k decades ago, we had a lot of textile factories in Nigeria, which we do not have anymore. I won't say that the fashion sector is collapsing because we have a new generation of Nigerian designers that produce apparels that can compete favourably. We only have few textile companies in Nigeria like Da Viva and they have supported African fashion week from inception in 2011. I think it is better to use a platform that is upcoming for new designers. That is what our platform is about. That is why we decided to do the fashion show in Nigeria as well. A lot of the designers use our platform as a springboard.

They use it to launch themselves into the fashion industry. We have a lot of positive feedback where they come back to tell us that if it wasn't for the African Fashion Week platform, nobody was going to support them. I think it is a gradual process.

We also need the private sector and the government as well to invest in the designers. If they invest in them, it would help the economy grow. They can give them start up funds, have a hub or just empower them.

If you look at the UK, the London Fashion Week receives a grant of over four million pounds every year to support the British designers and that is why the fashion industry in the UK grows. I think we need to incorporate that at some point in Nigeria as well. I think that in the whole of Africa, South Africa is the only country that supports and encourages their young designers and even the established ones as well. Already, we have 20 designers flying in from South Africa to do the Africa Fashion Week in London and they are being sponsored by the Department of T r a d e a n d Industry in South Africa. I think that other A f r i c a n countries should try to adapt that as w e l l .

They

kno w the potential of the fashion industry. They know how it can help to build the economy, how it can help to reduce unemployment.

Apart from the fashion week in London, what are some of the other projects that you have?

We are the go-to in African Fashion Week in London, we are the voice now and we get invited to other fashion events. We did Africa on the Square last year at Trafalgar Square. We were asked to put a show together there. We also did the African Centre, the festival that they do every August and we were told to come and put the fashion show together as well. So, we are like the recognised platform when it comes to African fashion in the UK. We actually want to do more. We just finished a seminar in collaboration with Access Bank and Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce to educate young people who want to go into the fashion industry. That if they want to go into the industry, you do not necessarily have to be a designer; you can be a fashion promoter, you can be a fashion marketer, fashion photographer, fashion journalist or a fashion blogger. There are different arms of fashion, not just looking at the designer. It may not be your calling; you may not be creative enough to be a designer. You may just be a good fashion writer.

Are there people that you mentor along the line?

What we do is that we have people and we try to connect them with mentors. We have a lot of established designers like Adebayo Jones and we put the young designers in touch with the established designers who can mentor and help them.

Let's look at one or two memorable moments since you started The first one would be when I saw the crowd in 2011, the queue was almost reaching Liverpool Street. When we initially started, we didn't expect it to be as big as this, we were expecting a crowd of less than 500 and we had over 4500 turn up.

So, that was amazing. The other one would be in May this year when we had the African Fashion Week, Nigeria. We had it during the fuel scarcity and we had people turn up.

Over the two days, we had over 3000 people. That was the first one in Nigeria and that was another good memorable moment.

If you had to talk about the next five or ten years, what are you looking forward to?

We would look forward to empowering designers so that they can make sustainable living, so that they can see it as a business and not just a thing of passion. That would be the number one thing that we would want to do. We would want it to be a preferred platform that designers use to launch themselves into the fashion industry. We are not an exclusive platform, we are an inclusive platform and we include everyone into what we do, form partnerships with other organisations that can help them add value to what they do.

Talking about partnerships, what is it like getting sponsorship for your events?

It is a bit challenging because a lot of corporate organisations do not see fashion as a viable thing. They still have a mindset of something just for tailors or something you do, if you do not have anything to do. We are trying to change that mindset. We have had sponsors like Globacom, they have seen the need

to support the fashion industry in Nigeria and abroad as well.

Has this also opened new opportunities and markets for the models that work with you?

Our platform works with emerging talents like models, the youths. They use of platform to launch themselves into the modellsing industry as well. We use a lot of fresh faces in the modelling industry as well as opposed to the big names.

Sometimes, they say that the pay is not right..

We try our best, we are still young, we are growing as well. We do not have enormous support but we make sure that we pay models within our capacity. A lot of them get other opportunities because designers use them for their collections, sponsor and advertising.

Would you say that you have achieved the aim of setting up the organisation?

I wouldn't say that I have achieved everything, we have achieved some.

Initially when we started, it was a platform for emerging talents, emerging creativity and getting them into the fashion industry.

That is what I and my team have been able to achieve. It is still a platform for emerging designers who want to launch themselves into the fashion industry. A lot of them use it as a springboard to launch themselves into the international fashion scene and we have some big names who have passed through us. People like Frank Osodi, House of Umocha, Ella and Gabby, Zizi Cardow, Adebayo Jones and Ade Bakare. So they see our platform as adding value to what they do.

What are the challenges?

Funding; getting corporate organisations to see the need to support the emerging designers. That has been the major thing. It's difficult for you to ask a young designer who has just gone into fashion scene to pay for a platform, pay for accommodation and pay for ticket. It might be too much for them, but if you get sponsors, they would be able to take care of that. So that is the major challenge.

What criteria do you use to do the selection?

We have a panel, we have judges who go through their portfolios. We get the designers to actually send in images of their work.

When you are not doing all this, what occupies your time?

I enjoy sleeping (laughs). We had a reality show for designers as well, it is called Nigeria's Top Designers and the winner got a prize from Jumia. She also won music made strong, rising icon as well. We discovered her and her brand name is Lines

by Chaab, her real name is Akabogu Ogochukwu. She started with the African Fashion Week and this is going to be a regular thing provided we get the necessary support.

Which is your favourite holiday spot?

I went to Spain last year with my daughter. Monaco! I haven't been to Monaco, I heard that life is really good there.

What's your typical day like?

In the morning, I do my praise and worship for about half an hour. Then I get my jotter out and jot out the things that need to be done, call my PA and we go through it together. The passion had always been there. I started Rukkies and we had about five branches across Lagos but we have kind of diversified. African Fashion Week is an offshoot of Rukkies. Now we are promoting our own, if we don't do it, nobody is going to do it.

If you have to advise our designers, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to stay focused, not to be in a hurry to make money. There is this thing called instant gratification, it doesn't work. No free meal, you have to work, it is a lot of hard work. You can't just wake up one day and think you would start to make money. It doesn't work that way. It is a lot of dedication. You also need to go online, do research and see what your competitors are doing.

30

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

ETCETERA

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

If •

Or ‘Rhetorical rhyme’

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

IF infants take infant food, Would adults experience adulterated products?

If the piano player is a pianist, Would the rap artiste be a rapist?

And the racing car driver racist?

If twenty plus one is ‘twenty-one’, Eleven would be ‘one-ty one’, And twenty plus ten ‘twenty-ten’.

If you lose weight jogging forwards, Diet or not, You should gain weight jogging backwards.

If love is blind, The beholder would see no beauty, And look not before leaping.

If people enjoy what they do for a living, Working conditions would not matter, And no one would negotiate for better pay.

If a fine is a tax for doing wrong, A tax would be a fine for doing well, And a fine task that would be for the state.

If drawing boards are meant for drawing, And not strategising and re-strategising, There would be nothing to go back to when men err.

If leader turned follower and the led for once governed, Leaders would not do-or-die to rule, And ‘follow-follow’ as a rule would not be bad.

If votes truly counted, The electorate would count, And change would be permanent.

If free-and-fair elections would be the watershed, To mark exercises beyond 2015, Offenders would surely meet their waterloo.

If it brings sadness and ruin, War within a country would not be ‘civil’, And war without would never be ‘just’.

If beggars would ride wishes as horses, The rich would stop the talk, And walk the talk.

If white were black and black were white, The powerful would succumb to ‘whitemail’, And the corrupt to a ‘whitelist’.

If north were south and south were north, You would travel up north, And arrive down south.

If east were west and west were east, You would go west and be due east, And the sun would not set in the west.

If front were back and back were front, Start and stop would merge, And the first would be the last.

If left were right and right were wrong, I would no longer hold an opinion, Let alone right a wrong.

If right were left and left were right, The writer would read, And let the reader write.

If it works out, You would see the reader as writer, And the writer as reader..

QUOTE Politics is war without bloodshed, while war is politics with bloodshed.

—Mao Zedong

Jokes Humour Rural Delivery IN a rural town, Josiah’s wife went into labour in the middle of the night. Someone fetched the doctor to assist in the delivery.

To keep the nervous father-to-be busy, the doctor handed him a lantern and said, “Here, you hold this high so I can see what I’m doing.”

Soon, a baby boy popped into the world.

“Don’t be in a rush to put the lantern down.

I think there’s yet another little one to come.”

Sure enough, within minutes he held another baby.

“Now don’t be in a great hurry to be putting down that lantern, young man. It seems there’s yet another!” said the doctor.

The new father scratched his head in bewilderment and asked the doctor. “Do you think it’s the light that’s attracting them?”

Arm and the Man BADA went to see his doctor. “Doc, my arm hurts real bad. Can you check it out please?”

The doctor rolls up the man’s sleeve and suddenly hears the arm talk. “Hello, Doctor,” says the arm. “Could you lend me twenty bucks please? I’m desperate!”

“Aha!’’ says the doctor to Bada. ‘’I see the problem.

Your arm is broke!”

Man Moth A GUY walks into a dentist’s office and says, “I think I’m a moth.”

The dentist says, “You shouldn’t be here. You should be seeing a psychiatrist.”

The guys says, “I was on my way to see a psychiatrist.”

The dentist says, “Well, then what are you doing here?”

And the guy says, “Your light was on.”

The Ghost MALA lay sick on the hospital, placed on a concoction of drugs which give him bowel problems. After many false alarms, he accidentally soils himself.

Much embarrassed, he rolls up the sheets and throws them out the window. At the same time, a drunk is staggering home. The sheets land on him and he starts flailing at them, throwing his arms around wildly.

At the sound of the commotion, a security officer runs over. “What’s going on here?”

“I don’t know, officer. But I think I just beat the s*** out of a ghost.”

•Adapted from the Internet

Writer ’s Fountain IPS for the beginner: Do not write long sentences—A sentence sentences and paragraphs from beginning to should not have more than 10 or 12 words. the end.

Avoid big words. The use of small words The shorter, the better for comprehension.

Each sentence should make a clear makes you think about what you are writing. statement. It should add to the statement that Even difficult ideas can be broken down into went before. A good paragraph is a series of small words.

Never use words whose meaning you clear, linked statements. As you write, are not sure of. Since the writer aims to imagine a fine thread running through the communicate with and inform the reader, he or she must have a good grasp of the story Historical figures: idea as well as the words to be used.

•Albert Einstein, of Jewish origin, was Avoid using adjectives, except those of offered the presidency of Israel in 1952. colour, size and number. And use as few •Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the adverbs as possible. Descriptions have a way telephone, never phoned his wife or his of slowing down action. mother, they were both deaf.

Avoid the abstract. Always go for the •Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. He also had concrete ideas so that your story appears and his own private fifteen-car train named sounds simpler to the reader.

Amerika.

Every day writing practice at first: Write •The musical group ABBA got their name small words in short, clear, concrete sentences. by taking the first letter from each of their first names (Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, Anni- It may be awkward, but it trains you in the use of language. It may even help get rid of the frid.).

•At the age of 12, Martin Luther King bad language habits you picked up in school.

Only after mastering the rules above can became so depressed he tried committing suicide twice, by jumping out of his you step up your writing by exploring styles and experimenting. Good luck! bedroom window.

T

PAGE 31

JULY 26, 2015

• Jonathan

• Muazu

• Secondus

• Ekweremadu

PDP’s rocky road to reconciliation

Pages 36 & 37

Imoke, NdomaEgba and future of Cross River PDP Pages 32

• Fayose

Sule Lamido's many travails Pages 33

Why 'Progressive Left' fights for Aregbesola Pages 35

32

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

•Ayade

•Imoke

•Ndoma-Egba

Imoke, Ndoma-Egba and future of Cross River PDP Former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba, is still weighing his options on his next political move following his ouster from the Senate by forces led by ex-Governor Liyel Imoke. Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo, reports

P

RIOR to the party primaries that heralded the 2015 general elections, Senator Liyel Imoke, immediate past governor of Cross River State and Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, were the best of political associates.

As governor, Imoke was the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, but in his capacity as the Senate Leader, Ndoma Egba was also, unarguably, a factor to reckon with within the state and at the national level. And for about seven years, the former governor and lawmaker related well both on personal and political levels.

In the months heralding the last elections, signs of cracks in the relationship between the two men began to manifest following reports that Ndoma-Egba was allegedly not on the same page with Imoke over the latter's succession plans.

The former Senate Leader, the reports claimed, had allegedly introduced a PDP member, then serving in the House of Representatives, to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and some national leaders of the party asking for their endorsement for the lawmaker's governorship ambition.

Ndoma-Egba's denial of the report notwithstanding, sources disclosed that Imoke and his supporters took this with a pinch of salt and there and then, the battle line was drawn.

Battle for National Assembly primaries For most ranking PDP senators, the battle to get return tickets to the National Assembly was as tough as it was bruising.

In several caucus sessions held with the then Senate President presiding, the senators had allegedly called on the Presidency and party leadership to ensure that at least 70 percent of the senators are offered automatic return tickets.

Subsequent meetings were later held between the representatives of the Senators led by Mark, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and Ndoma-Egba with ex-President Jonathan and the then National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu.

To further consummate the agreement, follow-up meetings were called by Jonathan and Muazu with some PDP governors whose support was key to the actualisation of the plan. One of such governors was Imoke, who sources say, initially supported the plan, but later backed out of the deal.

The former governor allegedly told some national leaders of the party that stakeholders of the party in Cross River State were not in support of Ndoma-Egba, who was aspiring for a fourth term in the Senate. The preferred candidate, he said, was Fred Eno, a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Committee on Appropriation.

The controversial primaries After all attempts to reconcile Imoke with Ndoma-Egba failed, the former Senate Leader resolved to take his political destiny in his own hands.

The primaries to pick candidates for the National Assembly election later took place in the state. To the shock of Imoke and his group, Ndoma-Egba reportedly emerged victorious defeating his main rival, Eno, with a comfortable margin.

But Imoke would have none of this, reportedly vowing that he would do all within his powers to scuttle NdomaEgba's ambition. Sources alleged that huge state resources running into billions of naira were committed by the Imoke-led state government in the "Operation Stop Ndoma-Egba."

What followed was a battle of wits between the two powerful gladiators determined to have their way. On one hand, the former governor literally relocated to Abuja to put pressure on the party leadership to cancel the primaries, which produced Ndoma-Egba.

Ndoma-Egba, on the other hand, leveraged on his closeness to the Presidency to beat Imoke to the game. He also received solid support from Mark, who also put in words for him at the appropriate quarters.

The former governor eventually had the last laugh.

Not only did the national headquarters of the PDP annul

Imoke was the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, but in his capacity as the Senate Leader, Ndoma Egba was also, unarguably, a factor to reckon with within the state and at the national level

the results of the primaries, which produced NdomaEgba, it further called for a fresh process to choose the party's candidate for Cross River Central Senatorial Zone. Predictably, the former Senate Leader was stunned. His several attempts to make the party rescind the decision failed.

Allegations that some national leaders of PDP were compromised to cancel the first primaries soon gained prominence in the state, a charge associates of Imoke dismissed as sheer blackmail.

Expectedly, the second primaries, which was reportedly boycotted by Ndoma-Egba, was a walk over for Eno, the former governor's favoured candidate.

Ndoma-Egba takes a back seat Having lost in the power game in his state, not a few expected the former Senate Leader to pay back Imoke in his own coin by dumping the PDP for another party.

Indeed, some days before the last elections, the national leadership of the then major opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly approached Ndoma-Egba to convince him to defect to the party.

In some newspaper interviews he granted shortly before and after the elections, the former Senate Leader, while admitting that there were pressures on him to defect to the APC, however added that he was still consulting with his associates before deciding his next move.

A source close to the former lawmaker who spoke on the condition of anonymity last week, said NdomaEgba is not in a hurry to take any decision, adding that the former Senate Leader is still keenly watching political developments in the state and at the federal level before taking a final stand.

But as he continues to keep his plans close to his chest, many top PDP members in Cross River State are worried that Ndoma-Egba's defection to another party would seriously deplete its rank, with many of his supporters likely to follow him to his new political base.

In the last two months, some PDP chieftains who allegedly supported Imoke in his battle for supremacy with Ndoma-Egba, have secretly gone behind to ask for his forgiveness, and pleading that he remains in the party.

Another credible source, however, disclosed that Ndoma-Egba's decision on his political future may largely depend on how the incumbent governor in the state, Prof. Ben Ayade, who was his colleague in the 7th Senate, manages the situation.

The big poser is: would the Cross River PDP ever be the same again? Only time would tell.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

Former governor Sule Lamido and his two sons, who have being under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime (EFCC) were last week arrested and dragged to the court on charges of financial mismanagement. Since then, the supporters and critics of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs have been debating on the reason for his travails. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, in this report, took a brief look at his political rise and current challenges

POLITICS

Sule Lamido's many travails

F

OR the former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who has long been associated with populist and progressive political ideology, these are indeed trying times.

Faced with alleged money laundering related offences, currently prosecuted in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lamido, who has built a solid image as a political leader and a man of the people, is, according to concerned observers, faced with a battle he must win to remain on top or lose to suffer a total summersault.

Since he made his first major appearance in the Nigerian political theatre during the Second Republic, Lamido, born on 30 August 1948 in Bamaina, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has largely been identified with the progressives and praised by his numerous supporters as a man of the people. This image was perhaps formed by the choice of his associations in his early days as a politician. His first political party was People's Redemption Party (PRP), known for its populist stance.

On the platform of this party, Lamido became a member of the House of Representatives in 1979. In that House, he was a member of many committees. Reports described him as one of the critical elements in that House, voicing the position of PRP and other opposition political parties.

During the Third Republic, he continued as a progressive when he not only became a founding member of Social Democratic Party (SDP), described as the party to-the-left-ofthe-centre, but became its National Secretary.

Although his early critics at that point of his political life blamed him over his alleged roles during the tumultuous June 12 political development in the country, Lamido managed to survive the criticisms and retained his progressive image, especially after the late maximum military ruler, General Sani Abacha, imprisoned him in 1998 for criticising the military Head of State's plan to perpetuate himself in office.

But since the country returned to democracy in 1999, there has been controversy over Lamido's true ideological bent following his decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), considered right of the centre. This controversy deepened following the face-off within the political family that he grew up in, following allegations that his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, was

• Lamido

designed to ridicule and reduce Lamido's political patron, Abubakar Rimi. It would be recalled that before his appointment as Foreign Minister, Lamido had lost his governorship bid to the All People's Party (APP) candidate, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki. It was then rumoured that Rimi, was interested in the Foreign Minister's portfolio, but when Lamido grabbed it, following alleged disagreement between Obasanjo and Rimi, some members of the Rimi political group then expressed dissatisfaction with Lamido's acceptance of the offer.

The criticisms aside, Lamido's admirers said he performed rather courageously as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1999 and 2003, at a time Nigeria's image needed so much pragmatism after many years of military government.

Also his tenure as the governor of Jigawa State after his ministerial position, where it is said that he performed very well, further strengthened his position as a political leader with interest of the common people at heart.

So, though his critics dismissed him as having joined the conservatives, only few could deny Lamido's outspokenness and bold criticisms when it becomes necessary. As one of the aggrieved PDP governors who challenged the leadership of the party, leading to the formation of the n-PDP, Lamido's criticism of his party was firm. In an interview he granted a national daily after five of his colleagues decamped to All Progressives Congress (APC), Lamido said clearly that he did not consider Tukur's resignation as the solution to PDP's problem. As he put it, "Is Tukur's resignation the solution to the party's crisis? I don't think so. They say a stitch in time saves nine but the party did not act in time; therefore nine is not being saved. The party we formed with a very clear vision was gradually being destroyed by Tukur. It was to make the Nigerian people see the difference between dictatorship and democracy and

showcase Nigeria before the international community as a leader in democratic dispensation.

"So, as the ruling party in Nigeria, its character and conduct must capture the Nigerian hope so that whatever we've been able to achieve in the last 14 years is not destroyed. But unfortunately, Tukur embarked on destroying the various organs of the party. For instance, for a whole year he never held a NEC meeting.

People are aware of this and he took several profound decisions all by himself.

So the party was being run as Tukur's personal estate, as he systematically estranged other stakeholders. So there was impunity on the part of Tukur. He was creating divisions and a serious sense of disunity among the party members. So what we did was to embark on a campaign to our leaders to call Tukur to order and to draw their attention to the fact that the party which got the support of Nigerians to win election in 2011 also needed to behave well and connect with the majority of members so as to win their support in subsequent elections. We also drew attention of the leaders that if we don't change the way things are going on the party, we might not be able to get there in 2015. We even warned that even if we get to 2015 as a divided house, the precipitations might endanger the future government."

In July 2007, Lamido announced plans to spend N2 billion in the next six months on education, using the money to rebuild schools and provide basic teaching materials. Under him, according to official records, the state reportedly "invested N450 million for training teachers teaching core courses in junior secondary schools. He initiated major construction programs, led by the Dutse Capital Development Authority and the Jigawa State Housing Authority." Also, in September 2009, Lamido offered to provide free plots of land and basic infrastructure to investors in the tourism and hospitality business in Jigawa State." Such populist policies were crowned in December 2009,

33

when Lamido announced a plan by which "beggars would be given a basic monthly payment to stay off the streets."

It is also on record that in June 2007, Lamido accused new generation banks of helping state governors to loot their treasuries, and called for tighter regulations.

With this kind of record, not many believed their ears when they first heard the news, November 2014, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) actually arrested Lamido's two sons, Mustapha and Aminu, over alleged "misappropriation of billions of Naira belonging to Jigawa State Government."

Operatives of the commission, who sources said had been investigating Lamido and his sons for months, alleged that "billions of state government funds were traced into accounts of companies owned and operated by the governor and his two sons."

The travails of the former governor of Jigawa State peaked first week of July this year when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission not only re-arrested Mustapha and Aminu, but also picked up the former governor in Abuja for the alleged money laundering related offences. They were immediately flown to Kano by 2.30pm before their arraignment.

Without wasting any time, the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of the former governor and his two sons, saying, "I can confirm to you that the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and his two sons are with the commission."

Politics or crime?

Since it became public knowledge that Lamido and his children were being investigated over alleged financial fraud, tongues have been wagging. While his supporters allege political victimisation, his critics said millions of naira, belonging to the poor masses in Jigawa is involved.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, a political analyst from Jigawa State, who resides in Kano, told The Nation that nobody should allow himself to be blackmailed by politicians. "I don't understand what people mean when they say that arrest and prosecution of Lamido and his children are politically motivated. Are they saying the alleged funds were not misappropriated? If that is the case, the former governor has lawyers who should defend him. I believe anybody that has defrauded the people must be arrested, tried and jailed if found guilty. Lamido is not and should not be an exception."

Like his supporters, Lamido, who got bail after a well reported drama, is still insisting that his travail is politically motivated.

During the week, he said he bears no grudge against anyone over his incarceration by the authorities, but told journalists in his house in Kano later that his arrest and detention were politically motivated.

He said: "I am not new in detention cell, but it is part of struggle for life. The purpose is to humiliate me and my family; that is the hazard of life.

"My prison experience is not something to explain. It's like when you are hungry; it could be difficult to explain how serious you feel it.

"My greatest happiness is the way the bail was granted on my personality.

It's something to be happy about. As Sule Lamido, how can I run away from my families, friends and political associates; It's impossible."

Lamido pointed out that "people should not be discouraged. If you want to serve your people or country, you should expect this hazard because it's part of life.�

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

Gbenga Ashafa at 60: A classified citation P

OLITICS is an attraction to all and sundry. The ingrates. The opportunists. The betrayers. The fifth columnists. The good, the bad and the ugly. The intrigues involved in this game have dissuaded a lot of people from plunging into the murky water of politics. The dirty ones play it dirty to frighten the righteous and the meek. But it was not long to discover that it was a strategic ploy by the crooks of power to be predominant in the political scene in order to reduce the number of people that will contend with them in the sharing of the spoils of power. In the Second Republic, the entire political space stank of filth and decay, forcing people to conclude that the whole of Nigeria was a colony of brigands and plunderers. The entire space was crowded with rogues and robbers in power; stealing, pilfering, fliching, purloining, robbing and thieving everything in sight like the marauders of the sub-sahara. The Second Republic was simply a Republic of rogues, by rogues and for rogues. Little wonder, the Buhari-Idiagbon military regime came with the anger of Christ, lashing and whipping the crooks from the temple of rot. The history of the Second Republic was a tragic narrative of a nation under siege by bandits of lust.

While all this was going on, the good ones in our midst no longer felt comfortable with their spectator-status.

As citizens of this country, they felt it was their responsibility to prevent total systemic breakdown because the rate at which the brigands were going, they may end up breaking the country into crumbs.

The Second Republic scenario was re-enacted by the PDP (a party that conjured a tragic image and imagery of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN) the official cell of the plundering terrorists.

Ironically, the opposition that was contending power with the PDP came with a messianic spirit, parading itself as a forgiving saviour willing to assist the plunderers to sweep their vomit and clean the temple without any flogging, lashing and whipping.

In this cleansing crusade, the good men, (or should we call them the service men?) of the new movement are led by Muhammadu Buhari, Yemi Osinbajo, Bola Tinubu, Audu Ogbeh, Bisi Akande, Ogbonnaya Onu, John-Odigie Oyegun, Sola Adeyeye, Gbenga Ashafa and a host of others. However, today, I want to celebrate Gbenga Ashafa who turns 60 this July.

Ashafa, a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is not your usual conventional Nigerian politician. Undoubtedly, the Nigerian politician is rakish, crooked, greedy and raffish. The typical Nigerian politician is all evils rolled into one. Ashafa's kind of politics is the type that has motivation and inspiration. The motivation to govern, the inspiration to work. The motivation to serve and the inspiration to help. The motivation to lift the poor in spirit and the inspiration to tell the rich the truth. A man with such creed can hardly derail from the philosophy of his intervention. Ashafa is focused. He is determined. He is passionate. He is humane. He is gentle, cool-headed, tranquil, humble and prognostic. These days when politics seems to be declining in value, a man like Ashafa is blurbed in piety.

Politics is about the people, the society and its development. At 60, Senator Gbenga Ashafa can satisfactorily say to himself that he is fulfilled in every aspect relating to the elevation of decadent humanity. If it is about the people, Ashafa who is the second child of a commodity merchant named Lawal Kakanfo Ashafa and Tesmot Ojuolape Elemoro has indeed touched lives across the Nigerian space.

Those who are close to him, those who

• Ashafa

By Dapo Thomas

are far from him, those who know him, those who have an idea of him, those who work for him, those who work with him are potentate beneficiaries of Ashafa's garden of plenitude. Patently, his dramatic transition from public service to politics was aided by the returns on his investment in human development in particular and qualitative humanity in general. His acceptability and sudden rise to fame in politics was not a product of any opportunistic adventurism but a reward for productive antecedents.

Contrary to general supposition, Ashafa's liberality was not inspired by any profile of genetic poverty. He was born into the royal house of Elemoro, the progenitors of the Elemoro family in Ibejuland in Lagos State. Ashafa's nobleness and his percipient instincts are endowments conferred on men who have the grace to be humble in giving. Agreed that handouts are in the "giving of fish" category, the rich and the politicians in this underdeveloped society can hardly avoid constant encounters with the army of boys in the areas who throng their mansions for relieving nickel and dime. Even at that, Ashafa has not excluded his society from his scheme of gifts.

As a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Lagos East for the second time since 2011, Ashafa can boast of about 101 constituency projects such as sinking of boreholes in 36 locations, provision of transformers in about 41 locations, building of three classroom blocks in 11 locations and erecting street lights in 31 locations. Some of his projects also include the provision of ambulance points, construction of drainages and science laboratories, renovation of economic centre, dredging

and establishment of skill acquisition centre with numerous sewing machines and other useful equipment.

A man who has an agenda for national intervention does not need to grope for long before he finds his bearing in politics. In his first term in the Senate, Gbenga Ashafa, who succeeded Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora after an in-house strategic repositioning by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leadership, became the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

His appointment into this position was not by happenstance. Before he went into politics, Ashafa was appointed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Land Use and Allocation Committee in January 2001. It was while he was in this office that he learnt about the politics, dynamics, intrigues and the dramatics of Land issues and management. Not quite long after this appointment, precisely February 2005, he was made the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau. By the time he was leaving, he had led his team to execute the computerization of documents in the state Land Registry, the creation of the Land Regularization Directorate and the implementation of the 30-day Governor's Consent Policy on land transactions. This revolutionary innovation in land management led to the creation of a digital database of all land title documents in the state, making it infinitely more efficient to conduct land transactions in Lagos State.

In addition, Ashafa laid the foundation for issuing electronic Certificates of Occupancy to land owners. It was Ashafa who restarted several stalled housing development schemes such as Lekki Phase 1, Ijanikin Rose Garden, Ipaja New Town, Imota Residential/Industrial, Agbowa Residential/Industrial, Obanikoro/Oke

Ira, Oworonshoki Residential, Gbagada 1 and Ibeju Berekodo Mixed Development schemes. He also led his team to develop new housing schemes such as Ikorodu GRA scheme III, OdoNla, Ijede GRA and Millenium Model scheme Igbogbo-Ikorodu.

Therefore, appointing him as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development was not a favour or a kind of political gratification. It was simply a case of the senate leadership identifying a man of potential and cognate understanding of the responsibilities attached to the oversight functions of the committee.

The National Assembly, notwithstanding the "distinguished" appellation attached to every Senator, still has some funny characters. The Senate for instance, consists of 108 members, but just a fraction of these numbers can be said to be active. We have absentee Senators, sleeping Senators, anonymous Senators, observing senators, redundant senators and "Bill-less" Senators. The "Bill-less" senators seem to be more than all other ones put together. The Bill-less senators are senators with little or no national value resulting from their inability to sponsor a single bill throughout their tenure or tenures in the senate. I cannot understand why a man who claims to be representing his people, his state or his nation will be in the senate for four or eight years without sponsoring a single bill. With the heap of national problems overwhelming the nation, how come that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will pass through the Senate without raising any national issue for discourse or resolution. The senate should not be an Assembly for inadequate politicians who indulge in convenient anonymity and still draw huge salaries and allowances for routine inefficiency.

This is where Senator Ashafa is different. It is on record that between 2011 and now, a period of less than five years; Ashafa has sponsored 12 bills in the Senate. Some of these bills include but not limited to the following: Income tax holiday bill (2011), National Agency for the preservation and promotion of Local Language in Nigeria Bill (2011), Treaties (making, procedures, etc) Act (Amendment) Bill (2012), Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill (2012), National Directorate of Employment Act (amendment) Bill (2013) and Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, etc) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2013. Others are, Value Added Tax (amendment) Bill (2013), Mineral and Mining Act (Amendment) bill, 2013, Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2014, Banks and other Financial Institutions Act (Amendment) Bill (2014), Advertising Practitioners (Registration, etc) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and of course, the Bank Employees etc. Declaration of Assets Act (Amendment) Bill (2014).

Ashafa, a grandfather par excellence, married to Folashade Omobola since 1979, is an easy-going, amiable, caring, and loving family man. His love for his family is beyond human comprehension. He has awesome capacity for creating cohesion, tranquility, harmony, fraternal bonding among diverse humanity.

In explaining the Ashafa phenomenon, it is only natural to conceptualize this man of honour as an enigmatic individual with prodigious and transcendental energies to dissipate into family management, community development and nation-building.

Anything short of this will be insufficient to capture the essentials of a man that is being processed for history. –Dr. Thomas teaches history and international studies at the Lagos State University (LASU)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

35

• Aregbesola

• Adebisi

Why 'Progressive Left' fights for Aregbesola

I

N reaction to the alleged crisis in Osun State and the recent call for the impeachment of Governor Rauf Aregbesola by some of his critics, some human rights groups under the auspices of the Osun Progressive Left have organised a rally to drum support for the government which they claim is propeople.

Comrade Wale Adebisi, the convener of the group, notes that the rally is to show support for a government constituted by a popular mandate through victory upheld in the election that has been said to be free and fair in all the tribunals up to the Supreme Court. The rally is to show that the man is transparent, still credible and has the interest of the labour at heart.

At no point has he ever been anti-labour in his policies. He has been always ensuring that the interest of labour is uppermost in his government. For instance, since he came into power in 2010, for the first time in the history of the state, he gave the workers 10 percent bonus on the basic salary. In the second year, he gave 25 percent and third year he gave 50 percent. Then last year December, immediately after the election, he gave 100 percent. This has never happened in the history of the state.

But is it not the same labour that is protesting against the government?

Adebisi explains, 'the governor is a product of popular struggle, labour struggle and he has worked with trade unions; there is no way he would be antilabour. Governor Aregbesola is not being fought by the labour, the anti-Aregbesola rally was sponsored by the opposition, led by some hoodlums who claimed to be pensioners'. The governor, according to him, has increased the pensioners' money since 2010, so the people can't say he is anti-labour. 'The genuine pensioners have never agitated; they want to hide under the issue of non-payment of salary to cause anarchy in the state. We know those who are behind them. The state of Osun is not the only state that owes salaries; 24 other states owe. Non-payment of salaries is a national calamity as a result of the past administration's mismanagement of the nation's resources' he said.

So why is Osun State singled out? "It is because of the vibrancy of the governor

Comrades of Osun Progressive Left organised a solidarity rally to show support for the government of the state. Adetutu Audu, who had an encounter with the convener of the rally, Comrade Wale Adebisi, reports and the fact that the state is the political heartbeat of the South-West. With the kind of politics Governor Aregbesola is playing, the PDP is going into extinction in the state and that is why the opposition is hiding under non-payment of salaries to foment trouble. The Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice under the platform in which they organised the rally is not in existence in Osun State. We have the list of the registered coalition groups in the state. They don't even have a secretariat," Adebisi said, adding, "the workers in the state have a very good working relationship with the government except for the drop in the allocation, which has adversely affected the state. Let me give you the rundown of the allocation as at today. In January 2015, N 1.25b was released. The original allocation for the state was N4.6b, now it has dropped since 2013 but because of the ingenuity of the governor, he warehoused the excess crude oil accrued to him; that was why the issue was not exposed last year. But in one of his public discourse, he had mentioned and raised an alarm that the federal government might not be able to sustain the state because there is crisis in the oil market in the world. In February, it was N1.12b, in March it was N624m,in April N466m,in May N2.2m. If we want to look at the payment of salaries, the payment of salaries is supposed to be based on the allocation; you cannot pay outside the allocation. What the state owes the workers is six months by allocation. One has been paid last week, remaining five. By allocation, it is months by calendar are 7months. Same thing pensioners by allocation it is seven to five months, by calendar it is eight months. Local government by allocation is four months by calendar it is five months and you cannot pay beyond your allocation. The shortage is the world oil market; for instance, Nigeria

by OPEC's quota is supposed to be

producing 2.6m barrel per day. But on record, it is 2.1 and former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, told us about the theft of 400,000 oil barrel per day. The whole issue is now unfolding; in NNPC, several monies did not enter into NNPC accounts. All the 36 states are affected except Lagos because of her IGR base.

Many have argued that Aregbesola should have alternative like IGR instead of depending on the allocation from the federal government. The convener of Osun Progressive Left however differs on this.

According to him, there is no true federalism in Nigeria so, what we should be talking about is the management and the lopsidedness in the sharing.

'We are talking about statutory allocation to the states. People should not look at it as if the states are begging. What is federal government doing, how many local government is the federal government taking care of? All the states of the federation own the money. The only thing we should talk about is the management and the lopsidedness in the sharing. There is no true federalism in Nigeria and that is why 56.68 percent goes to the federal government and 22.62 to the state and the rest to 774 local government. What goes to the federal government is too much. People should not say the state should depend on IGR. The federal government does not have the right to hold money and give out as it pleases. The sharing is not regular. The states are even forced to embark on capital projects because of the negligence on the part of the federal government in the states.'

He revealed that Osun State is being owed N34b by the federal government, which is enough to pay the workers if the money is released. He also adds that when Aregbesola came to power in 2010, the Internally Generated Revenue he met was N3.6b per year. But it is now N10b apart

from the money in Omoluabi Savings and Loans which it cannot touch because it is for the generations yet unborn in the state.

The governor, he disclosed, embarked on people-friendly projects, among which are the Agba Osun.' To take care of the elderly people in the state with N10,000 per month; O-meal for 252,000 students and food vendors are hired and they were given soft loans for empowerment; O-Yes is also another empowerment scheme. That is why we have peace in the state because the youths are engaged. The state is purely an agrarian society, agriculture is critical to the survival of o-meal because the agricultural products are also serving the o-meal programme,' he pointed out.

But there is argument in some quarters that the governor should put his helicopter for sale to augment salary payment, Comrade Adebisi in defence said the chopper is used to monitor crime in the state, which has since reduced drastically since the governor assumed office.

'How much is the helicopter we are talking about? He queried. People are just frivolous. And this is just pure politics.

Individuals own private jets in Nigeria.

The reason for the chopper is because of the security situation in the state. When he came into power, no banks opened in the state between 2008 and 2009. The armed robbery operation in the state was guerrilla like. Armed robbers operated in broad daylight with explosives and grenades. The chopper can monitor from the area view. Osun is the only state in Nigeria that has 25 armoured tanks. Since he came into power, the state has known peace.

He found a note of warning to the opposition that Governor Aregbesola is a product of popular struggle, and that nobody should usurp power through the back door as the opposition is doing. 'They will be charged for treason because they want to take power by force. We therefore advised that the police should be on the lookout for those promoting anarchy in the state. They are vilifying the governor because of his political sagacity and ingenuity in governance. Governor Aregbesola remains a credible and transparent man who is also a lover of his people.

POLITICS

36

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

PDP’s rocky road to reconciliation

• Ekweremadu

• Makarfi

Since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the last presidential election to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party has, through a committee led by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, made desperate efforts to reconcile its warring members and factions and to rebuild the party, but Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports that the committee's efforts seem to have yielded little results so far ARRING an unforeseen tide of good fortune, events within the troubled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear set to make nonsense of the ongoing reconciliation process within the party. And pundits say should that happen, boast by some prominent party chieftains that PDP will bounce back to its winning ways may remain nothing more than mere rhetoric.

Although the party wasted no time in announcing to the world last May that it was prepared to immediately put its monumental loss at the 2015 general election behind it and begin a process of rebuilding its structures ahead of the next elections in the country, there are indications that its efforts are not yielding the required results.

The PDP had, back then, announced the formation of a committee headed by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to review the 2015 elections and embark on efforts aimed at reconciling all warring factions within the party across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The decision was as a result of the severe crises that trailed the loss of the presidency by the party. Aside from the loss of prominent chieftains of the party to the new ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the intraparty squabbles also claimed the position of Adamu Muazu, as he was allegedly forced into resigning as the national chairman of the party.

At the peak of the crisis, former Senate President, David Mark, did not waste any time in warning that the PDP, which once called itself the largest political party in Africa, might be on its way to extinction should the crisis be allowed to continue.

Mark, apparently worried by the continued acrimony in the party, said, "the PDP is already hemorrhaging," adding that, "unless we halt the bleeding and find the necessary therapy, we may be heading for the final burial of the party."

Mark said, "The party is already in a comatose status and we should do all we can to resuscitate it, rather than this unnecessary rancor and bulk passing."

B

The then Senate President while urging his party men to stop the wrangling in the interest of the PDP, called on them to prepare themselves for the task of playing credible opposition to ensure good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

Reconciliation moves It was pieces of advice like that of Mark that gave birth to the Ekweremadu committee with a nine-point terms of reference to: identify the remote and immediate causes of the relatively poor performance of the PDP in the 2015 general elections; trace the origin and process of the seeming decline of the party in its electoral performance; take a critical look at the preparations and build-up of the PDP to the general elections and determine its adequacies and lapses; Its tasks include to review and determine the adequacy of the structures for the 2015 general elections and how those structures functioned; to ascertain the degree of antiparty activities, compromises and outright sabotage that may have contributed to the misfortunes of our party at the elections; to look at the funding of the elections to determine whether or not the funds meant for the campaigns were adequate and whether disbursements were properly done; Also it is expected to identify different groups in the party who were to play critical roles before and during the elections and determine the effectiveness or otherwise; determine any other matter that may be considered necessary and in the interest of the party, and propose a road map for the party to recover its past glory and definitely win the general elections in 2019.

With such a mandate, Ekweremadu was faced with the serious challenge of reconciling the ?warring camps in the party. And as if to tell him how important the assignment is, he got a commitment from the PDP national leadership of the party that there wouldn't be interference from anybody or group.

Fanning out, the committee, in a release by Ekweremadu, announced that it has set up three teams to

• Oyedokun

• Ihedioha

immediately tour the country and address issues affecting the progress of the PDP in the various states and zones. It said at the conclusion of these assignments, the committee would have a clearer picture of the state of the party.

According to him, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State, will lead the team that will cover the states in the South-South and South-East geo-political zones.

This team, which conducted its sitting in Port Harcourt and Enugu, met and discussed with party members and chieftains from states in the two zones between July 6 to8 and July 8 to10 respectively.

Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, former Deputy National Chairman of the party from Osun State, led the North-East and North-West team that conducted public sittings in Gombe between July 6 to 8 and in Kaduna from July 8 to10.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was in charge of another team that covered the North-Central and South-West. The team met in Abuja and Ibadan to conduct its business.

But while the two weeks given to the committee to bring in its report has since elapsed, party sources say PDP's quest to mend the cracks within its walls, using the Ekweremadu Committee, may have hit the rocks.

"The Deputy Senate President and his team, having realised the enormity of the confusion within the PDP across the country, may have simply packed up the job given to them. In fairness to them, they moved round the country as expected of them.

But there is no need saying that what they saw was beyond their expectation. And if you also consider the fact that while they were on the assignment, the leadership of the party was busy with a new set of infightings, then you will appreciate the difficulties they face," a chieftain of the party said.

claiming leadership of the PDP in the state. It will be difficult for true Bayelsans to be reconciled with such people," a chieftain of the party from Bayelsa State, said.

Of course, recent events in Bayelsa confirms that a crack too difficult to mend occurred within the state chapter of the PDP as the party lost scores of prominent chieftains and thousands of members to the APC in quick succession after the leadership of the party announced the suspension and expulsion of some loyalists of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Not even Jonathan's intervention, through a reconciliation committee, could save the day as many of his political associates insisted on joining the opposition to stop the re-election bid of Governor Seriake Dickson.

Among those who abandoned the PDP were former political office holders, appointees who served in different capacities in various PDP administrations and past party executive members. Also, former aides, whose appointments were terminated in controversial circumstances by the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson, were among persons who joined the APC. They were led to the APC by a two-time member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Warman Ogoriba, who was denied the PDP ticket in the last general elections. Others in the train of former political office holders who dumped the PDP are Gesiye Frank-Oputu, Abel Osuo, Nelson Belief, Samuel Boy, William Ofoni, Benjamin Yebouowei, Ayibakoro Nelson and Livingstone Egba, among others.

Pioneer Majority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Ayiba Glover; former Secretary of the PDP and close associate of President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof.

Tarila; former PDP Secretary, Sokari Jackson; former Commissioner for Environment in Dickson's administration, Mr. Sylvanus Abila and former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Charles Opuala, were among the defectors.

They were received by a former governor of the state and the leader of the APC in the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, in the presence of former Ambassador Felix Oboro, former acting governor, Chief Nestor Binabo, APC state chairman, Tiwe Orunimighe, and former deputy and acting governor, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu.

Advancing reasons for their defection, Ogoriba said the APC is the light while the PDP represents darkness.

He said the government of the PDP in the state was based on falsehoods and too many talks without action.

According to him, the Dickson-led government has ridiculed the people of the stage by building a "monkey bridge and walkway" in the name of a flyover.

He said while the PDP was claiming to be unruffled by the defections of its members, it was busy calling defectors at night for reconciliation. "The APC is a sweet party and we are happy we have been accepted into it. We will subject

Gory tales afterwards Events that followed the exercises of the committee also confirmed insinuations that it may have achieved very little or nothing at all. According to sources, everywhere the committee went; it met disinterested members and chieftains who were either too neck-deep in intra-party crisis or plotting to defect to the APC. "One cannot blame the committee if they didn't achieve much. The rot within the PDP is age-long and the result of the last election was simply the last straw that broke the proverbial Camel's back. We lost because some people played Judas and it is difficult to reconcile us to such traitors.

"Here in Bayelsa, we know those who worked and prayed against Jonathan's victory. They were scared that they will be checkmated once he is re-elected. Now, they are the ones

• Muazu

ourselves to all the authority of the party. We have not come with any ambition. We have come to strengthen the party. With our presence here, the PDP has murdered sleep."

In Kogi, the party is also in turmoil over the December gubernatorial election in the state. In spite of the effort of Ekweremadu's committee and the national leadership of the PDP, factions within the PDP in the state are currently at dagger-drawn over who would get the party's governorship ticket.

While Governor Idris Wada is seeking re-election, prominent elders of the party in the state are up against him. Consequently, there are fears that the party may be in serious trouble as the date of the next gubernatorial election draws nearer.

"Unless something happens urgently, we may lose Kogi State to the APC. While the crisis between the governor and the elders continue to weaken our bases across the state, the APC is daily waxing stronger with the defection of PDP chieftains into its fold," a former council boss said.

In recent times, Kogi PDP has suffered from a mass exodus of many of its prominent members to rival parties, with All Progressives Congress (APC) as the biggest beneficiary.

The list of defectors includes a former governorship aspirant, Air Vice-Marshal Saliu Atawodi, former Accountant-General of the state, Ubolo Okpanachi, and former state chairman of PDP, Barrister Dangana Ocheja.

Other chieftains of the PDP that have joined APC included Senator Nicholas Ugbane, Samson Ihiabe and former Executive Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Sani Ogu, two former Speakers of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Bello and Asiwaju Clarence Olafemi, to mention but a few.

The situation is similar in many other states. A group within the PDP in Oyo last week, at a meeting held at the residence of one of the party stalwarts, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoenia, in Ibadan, launched what it called a 'Reformed PDP'. According to the convener, Olopoenia, the motive behind the move, is to reform the party and also make it a force to reckon with in the world of politics.

"We are gathered here today to reform the PDP in Oyo State. The last session was marred with ordinate ambitions.

By the time we hold our congress in March 2016, we will have those that can take the party to greater heights in place. The former leaders are not honest with most of us who are real party people and the PDP we are going to have now, is going to be a collection of new breed PDP members", he said.

One of those present at the meeting, Prof. Soji Adejumo, while speaking with journalists, said "I am fully part of the whole process. This rebranded PDP will do away with

37

• Secondus

politics of selfish, moribund unintelligent interest by some party leaders who struggled to take control of the party".

This was just as the PDP leadership in the state described the promoters of 'Reformed PDP' as dissidents who are working against the party. Consequently, Olopenia and his co-travelers were declared suspended from the party till they purge themselves of alleged antiparty activities.

From Sokoto, where former Deputy Governor, Muktarhi Shagari, is still bitter over the way he was denied the last governorship ticket of the party, to Ebonyi where Governor Dave Umahi is determined to probe the administration of his predecessor and party man, Martin Elechi, the PDP is still in turmoil.

Ondo, Kano, Taraba, Nasarawa and Imo states are not spared the ugly drama of intra-party wrangling in PDP. On the side, the party is also battling discontent on the part of some close associates and aides of former President Goodluck Jonathan who are currently alleging marginalisation by the leadership of the party.

This has given rise to the speculation that unable to get hold of the PDP, Jonathan's men would soon announce their next line of action, which could be in form of mass defection from the party. As for Jonathan, party sources say he remains an issue within the PDP until he finally decides to open his mouth.

Party sources even claimed the quest for who will replace Muazu Adamu as national chairman may soon throw up another round of crisis at the national level.

Summing up all these, some analysts predicted the death of the former ruling party in not too distant time.

But Ekweremadu insists it is illogical to surmise that a political party that has 13 governors and 49 senators is dying.

"PDP is strong as ever. We have 49 members in the Senate and nobody can say that such a party with 49 members in the Senate is dying. Certainly, that is not true. That is not how to die. And we have 13 governors in place. And we believe God that we are going to get more when the remaining governorship elections are held.

"We want to appeal to our members to remain faithful in PDP. And we will do everything to regain their confidence both at the state and national level.

And by the grace of God by 2019, we will be able to get back to power to give Nigerians a new lease of life for a complete new government."

It is not only the Deputy Senate President that sees 2019 as the prophetic year of PDP's rebound, even as analysts say the signs are not right for such brave prediction. A few of his fellow party men like Olisa Metuh and Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State are also optimistic. But until then, if the current trends continue, it may be goodbye to reconciliation in the PDP.

38

Chief Austine Ndigwe was one of the founding fathers of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and former member of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT). He was also the right hand man of former National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo state and former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state.

Today, things have fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold in the once united party. Ndigwe spoke with few reporters in Anambra on the way Umeh piloted the affairs of APGA, the problem between Umeh, Obi and Obiano, Ojukwu and his plans to report some dealings to the EFCC, among others. Nwanosike Onu was there. ou have been in APGA and played major roles, can you tell us about the affairs of the party as it used to be and presently?

Well, I can say that APGA was founded for the interest of Ndigbo, it was like a movement. When the party was initially formed, even our late national leader was not a member but we decided to co-opt him in, to give face of Ndigbo to that party. The first financier of that party was Prince Engr.

Arthur Eze; he brought the major huge sum of money into the formation, followed by former Senate President then, Pius Anyim and then Sam Egwu, while Chekwas Okorie was the one coordinating and the founding father and the first National Chairman of the party. But it was when Chekwas started having problems with Umeh, not knowing that it was a coup plotted by Umeh, because the events unfolding now will show that Umeh was the one who plotted that coup, blackmailed Chekwas to get him out because of his ambition to take over and Peter Obi bought the idea then and that was why Chekwas was removed. Umeh was the Treasurer of the party, and by the constitution of the party, he should not take over but Obi did it for him, one, they are from the same Anocha Local Government and two, he believed he has trust on Umeh for him to revive the party. Umeh took over on acting capacity for three years before a convention, because the matter was in court and we could not conduct any convention till Supreme Court said that the expulsion of Chekwas was in a right direction. Based on that, a convention was held and Umeh was returned. Returning Umeh into the party was a big task believing that he would use the opportunity to revive the party, but what you can see in APGA today is that it was a one man show for eight years. He was running the party as a limited liability company; he was the sole signatory to the party's account, he never gave account to anybody and we kept on believing that Umeh will change. In Obi's re-election, it was a tug of war and up to date as am talking to you APGA has never been audited for 11 years. So with that Umeh has killed APGA. What you are saying now was not the story we heard when you people were persecuting Chekwas. He was accused of collecting money to sell APGA and Obi's mandate to PDP and Ngige?

I said earlier that it was blackmail, falsehood; that was the same thing that happened. Umeh used the same trick to blackmail Obi out of government. But then, Obi did not know that Umeh was lying.

Chekwas did not do that, as the National Chairman of the party, there was no way Chekwas will betray his party that he had led to court to reclaim its mandate of the election in Anambra State which his APGA won, to betray it to support Ngige. All these were blackmail and falsehood, it is not true.

What is happening now has shown Obi that what Umeh was saying then was not true, that rather Umeh was looking for a way to take over power from Chekwas at all cost.

Y

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

'Umeh has killed APGA'

• Ndigwe

You were conspicuously absent at the last convention of the party in Awka, what happened?

I was absent in that particular convention because it was not properly constituted. One, the zoning formula, two, the way and manner they managed the affairs of the party was not good because Anambra State is not the only state that owns APGA. We have BoT members, we have top founding fathers of the party; did you see any of them there on the day of the convention? Perhaps am not against the new national executive because our leader and the BoT chairman, the governor sanctioned it and they have his blessing but things should be done right so I felt there was no need for me to be there.

Was it that there was disagreement in house before the convention?

Yes, there was total disagreement; one, Umeh has no right to write an agenda for the convention making himself life BoT, life NWC, life NEC, for what? After being in the party for 14 years, what else are you looking for there?

Because he still wants to tele-guide the new executive council. After being a national chairman for 11 years, national treasurer, vice national chairman, what are you still looking for in that party? He still wants to run it as his personal affair, as if it is a limited liability company and there is no way APGA will grow from one state to another if that particular formula continues and that is why I am calling on the governor of Anambra State to be very careful because that was what he did to Peter and that was why we remained in one state.

This is also what he wanted to do to Rochas and when Rochas noticed what was going on, he stopped him. Obi and Rochas signed papers to remove Umeh and when Umeh ran to us, he did not tell us the full details of what happened.

We were the people who saved him, the two governors have already signed the document which I have a copy that they wanted total restructure of APGA and new leadership of APGA. That was how Umeh and Peter Obi disagreed. On the accounts of the party, how much money, billions that had passed through APGA; we want to know the account and how much money was spent. Why is the National Treasurer not signing cheques, somebody who has the mandate in a convention has never signed one cheque and he still calls himself National Treasurer. Umeh was running everything, so this was what made Rochas to leave the party.

If these were what happened, why was it difficult for the stakeholders to checkmate Umeh all this while?

It was not difficult, you see, APGA has only one funding formula; that funding formula is the governor of Anambra State and Umeh's strategy and tactics was that any time you want to strike, he must get to the governor's side first and if you say anything they will sack you from the party. Onwuka Ukwa tried it, he was removed, Chuma Mbonu tried it, he was removed; Alfred Nwosu tried it, he was removed. And when you say APGA, the main pillar of APGA is the Governor of Anambra State because he funds the party, he pays them the salary; he dictates the tune. So Umeh's strategy is to get the governor and that is one

of the biggest regrets Obi is having today because he believed him, he trusted him till the last day but he betrayed him. So if APGA is in other states like Abia, Enugu, Nasarawa and some other places, probably he would not have had his way the way he had it. He will go and tell governor, this one is fighting you; he does not want you to be re-elected; governor will now say this, this and people will now go back and give him simple majority vote. That was how Mbonu Chuma the immediate past Commissioner for Transport was sacked from NWC. Alfred Nwosu was the Publicity Secretary, when he noticed what Umeh was doing was wrong, he ganged up and removed him; Onwuka Ukwa was Deputy National Chairman. When he challenged what Umeh was doing, he ganged up and removed him.

This is a verifiable fact, you can ask them. So, he ran APGA as one man show and because Obi had no time to do politics, Obi is an administrator, he left the political arm and wing of the party and the government for Umeh, so Umeh, was, if you are loyal to him you follow him if you are not loyal to him, he messed you up. That was the true position because it was only Anambra that was funding the party, and whoever that dictates where the funds come from you will be loyal to the person.

All these were happening and no member of the NWC was able to challenge him, or go through the anti-graft agencies, why?

No, they did that and Obi saved him then because EFCC arrested Umeh; that was three years ago, they arrested him and he was interrogated and they asked him to bring document, in the process of doing that, that was one of his conditions for peace between him and Obi, that as governor he should talk to the President then to drop the charges against him, that EFCC should stop harassing him.

Before the convention, the amendments in your constitution were made, including the issue of life membership of BoT, between then and the last convention, why was it difficult for party members or stakeholders to reject it if they did not like it?

Let me tell you, the truth and the fact was that Umeh didn't want to go and the governor was a little bit diplomatic to get him out of the way. Convention can be called any time and amendment can be done any time by simple majority in a convention. Umeh wanted to stage

Let me tell you, the truth and the fact was that Umeh didn't want to go and the governor was a little bit diplomatic to get him out of the way.

Convention can be called any time and amendment can be done any time by simple majority in a convention

a comeback for a third term tenure agenda, he never wanted the convention to hold in the first place and that was why some people like us said we won't be party to illegality, but we won't stop it. We had cause and the locus to go to court and stop that convention but if we stopped the convention, it will favour Umeh because that is what he wanted; to have that crisis and will not hand over.

Somebody's tenure ended, but he didn't want to go, he called for a mini convention to deceive the governor, we needed to do this, if you do not extend my tenure the politics will not go well, this and this will not happen, if you start changing leadership now that the new leaders will not know the party agents.

From your story, Obiano, like Obi seem to have danced Umeh's music until this last convention, would that suggest Umeh made him governor?

You see, Obiano is a divine call as far as I am concerned because God has a way of changing the face of the state; God has a way of doing things. For example, Umeh was not supporting Obiano in the first instance. Umeh brought in Soludo, Soludo is still alive. When we were talking about North, Umeh was talking about South. It was when our clergymen called our attention that this and this are the things they want us to do that Umeh felt Obi is tilting to Willie, I am tilting to Willie, the major supporters are tilting to Willie, he now did a reverse. He had already endorsed Soludo, brought him to Anambra, gave him form and assured him that he was going to give him the ticket. The same way he played with Ifeanyi Uba, he brought him in; he told him he is the next governor.

Ifeanyi started this struggle, spending money, upon all that he did, at the dying minute he betrayed Ifeanyi. The same thing he did to Ukachukwu; these people are still alive, come and be senator, I will give you ticket. Ukachukwu started pumping money, immediately he met Ernest Ndukwe, then of NCC, he believe that one is a bigger fish, so he dumped Ukachukwu again. So, how can the party grow from one state to another if we have this kind of leadership style in APGA? It cannot work and that is why APGA is losing supporters and losing their members. So, when he now saw that Obiano is a brand new name in the field and that people wanted him, former Executive Director of Fidelity, former Texaco Auditor General, he felt that for Obi's support and others he cannot go anywhere, he dumped Soludo and joined the rest. As the National Chairman, by Electoral Act and the constitution, he is the one that signs the form, so he played a major role in the process of selecting Obiano but former Governor Peter Obi was the architect of the whole thing.

Immediately Obiano emerged, he started his usual way of propaganda and stained the relationship between Obiano and Obi. The way Obiano emerged, it was like he was loved by the party, how actually did he emerge governor?

You cannot say so, nobody can say so. I am a living witness and I was a party to the selection, former Governor Obi played a very important role in that case. You are in Nigeria and you know the relationship between Obi and Goodluck Jonathan, everybody knew that. If Obi did not play that role, even if Umeh gives Obiano ticket he won't be governor, that is the simple fact and we must say it. One, Goodluck Jonathan was in Anambra and said APGA is my party; PDP is my party, vote your conscience.

Goodluck Jonathan was in Anambra, he went to Holy Trinity, he did not even raise his party's candidates, Tony Nwoye's hand because of the love he has for APGA and Obi, these are verifiable facts and don't forget that Peter Obi then was still an incumbent governor who has a role to play both in primary and funding of the party and the election itself; he was the captain of the team.

Who is Umeh to say he made Willie governor? It is not possible. Obi brought the federal government factor which is security, Obi brought the financial muscle to challenge PDP, Obi brought the strategy and structure, he was the governor then, he owned the structure the 21 local governments as at that time.

If Obi did all these you said, what was the cause of the face-off between Obiano and Obi?

•Contd. on page 41

W THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

39

I

N anger and frustrations over misrule by some previous governments, many Nigerians in the past have fumed that Nigeria would have been a better country under military rule except that the military came with discipline put inside their boots and got carried away, loading their AK 47 automatic weapon with corruption; a situation that did not make them better than the democratic governments they toppled.

Today, it is a good thing that Nigerians no longer wake up with 'Made by Army' brand of dreams. We have accepted democracy as the way to go come rain or sunshine. That we are able to live with our democracy is a good sign that there is a better alternative to totalitarian and jungle system. Good, fair or bad, the common belief is that we can organise our society with laws that takes care of every aspects of our lives. As a result, democracy has come to stay with us.

The independence era, the civil war era, the military interventions, the truncated democratic eras and fullfleshed democratic period of today all have stories associated with them.

Actors, gladiators, stake-holders, heroes, cabals, patriots, martyrs, chameleons, reformers have emerged in our 54 years history of independence.

Nigeria has had its share of leadership by force, leadership by fiat, leadership by error, the genius we never crowned and progressively passionate leaders.

Opportunity for all Tomorrow, lest Niger-Delta says a minority was never allowed to rule, they got a Jonathan. The Yoruba race has had a fair share of governance in the country; the North has tasted power and like Oliver twist asks for more. The Igbo race had Azikwe in the independence era (Nnamdi Azikwe) and an Azikwe II (Azikiwe Jonathan) just recently; they joined hands in cutting the leadership cake baked in Otuoke and claimed ownership of it with Goodluck Jonathan - that everyone must at least have a share and a say.

Tomorrow, I look forward to the original leadership cake that will be baked in Aba, Owerri, or Enugu. Surely, such will be the very original one for my Ndigbo brothers.

As the nation progresses, we cannot but continue to sincerely count our heroes past and present; we must continue to identify how well each region is trying to foster a Nigeria that we can truly call a federation. Of course, this is not a score card or regional assessment of ethnic variables in the country. Without bias, a brother from the South-East, representing a constituency in Yoruba land of Lagos is a sweet harmony of love, acceptability and liberal spirit. I never can say now if this model is acceptable in some other regions in the country in decades to come. Yet, we all claim Nigeria is foremost before any regional identity.

Politically, the Yoruba race has progressed significantly for several reasons. One of those prominent reasons is the ability to accommodate other peoples' interests alongside homegrown interests. Another important reason is Yoruba's wisdom of selfcriticism. For now in Nigeria, it is more or less only in Yorubaland that you see a man vote against his kinsman from same home simply because he was not convinced in his brother's ability to deliver. Self-assessment and criticism helps growth and performance.

For every season and generation, God has always appointed a political Messiah for the Yoruba race. The followership of Awolowo, Abiola and presently Bola Tinubu were induced by no other factor than 'believe' ideology. In Yorubaland, the people must believe in their leader before he can reign. In the olden days, when the people have lost confidence in a king and revolt publicly, the King will be made to 'open calabash', symbolically relieving himself of his status, causing him to die for fear of humiliation or banished and sent to a foreign land where he will live and die as an ordinary man.

To understand the brand of politics and association of Yoruba race, one will need to reflect why the region gave it to Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and to

When Buhari met Obama

T •Tinubu

The Yoruba race, Tinubu and nation building

By Segun Olulade Muhammadu Buhari in 2015; and why the South- West region will equally get it back when it is politically ripe. The SouthWest has played significant roles in nation building, believing in the project Nigeria and observing fair play rules.

To be a leader in Yorubaland, you must be one in real sense of it. Anyone that polls the likes of Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi, Abiola Ajimobi, Ibikunle Amosun, Raji Fashola (all former and present governors) and many more others as members of his political empire needs no further leadership identity for recognition because all these men are great leaders themselves. In the just concluded general election, I saw a battle against the wall of Bourdillon; but the battle was ironically against the collective empire that represents the South-West region in Nigeria's political equation. The wall was defended by the natives, with Bola Tinubu carrying the banner of a united race.

Unknowingly to many Nigerians, Bola Tinubu has averted civil war twice in this country. He was able to manage political reality of 2011 by deploying political wisdom and strategy to manage the situation thereby averting a crisis situation that would have erupted if minority slot in person of Goodluck Jonathan was edged out prematurely. For those who argued that Asiwaju did financial bidding with Jonathan in 2011, they should know that if they were correct, Tinubu wouldn't have been able to escape GEJ's axe even when the Jagaban took the then President up fiercely in a political royal rumble towards the 2015 general elections. On the second note, Nigeria would have entered a critical war if GEJ was allowed to rob Buhari and the North of a ripe mandate. Above all, Bola Tinubu led Nigerians unto a direction that will change the destiny of the nation for a permanent change. How else can one define a true and deserving leader?

In the current political equation, North, East, South or West, one man has been identified for leading the cause that liberated Nigeria and Nigerians from the pang of democratic slavery. Today, average Nigerians in the commonest class are breathing sigh of relief and seeing hope for a better future. The economic and social turbulence that bewildered Nigeria in the last 16 years is gradually fading off even within a very short time of the current government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

By the current political landscape, what makes a fair equation is what everyone is bringing on the table. 'Though tribe and thong may differ, in brotherhood we stand'. For Ada in Owerri, Ubong in Akwa-Ibom, Danladi in Kano, Hajara in Kogi and Kolade in Ogun, what makes a

united Nigeria is how we can use natural ethnic variables to strengthen our national unity.

What Asiwaju is to the Yoruba race is what every other region wished they could be blessed with. In Lagos State, during the last general election, I saw unbridled hatred against Asiwaju which was ethnically packaged and sold to unsuspecting fellow brothers from other divide of the country at the poll, forgetting that a movement was already in place racing across the entire regions. If we must progress as a nation, and if everyone must have something to bring to the table for our collective existence, the struggle is for ensuring emergence of brave leaders like Bola Tinubu from across the regions who will enjoy the support of their people to deliver brains and braces in the larger economic and socio-political spectrum of our country.

To the political adversaries of Bola Tinubu, they will have long walk knowing well that the only project they have and nurture in the political space is vicious attempt to crumble the empire built by this unusual Yoruba leader. I think they shall wait for so long on the business.

A Chukwudi, Aminu, Ekaete and Godson living in Lagos should join Lagosians to advocate for a special status for a Lagos that accommodates over 26 million Nigerians with every family having a representative in the state, not setting on unproductive cause of challenging leadership status of the natives. A nation for us is one that sees everyone being proud of something worth counting to be part of what is needed for national growth.

Lagos is setting on a new cause for yet another historical journey for growth and development under the present government of Akinwunmi Ambode. The development that will be seen in the next four years will be other landmark achievements that consolidate existing benchmark for leadership in Lagos, same for other states being governed by the progressive and level headed leaders. Ekiti and Ondo states are fountains of knowledge and wisdom, so I am sure glory will return to our people; at every point in time, there is always space for accidental leadership, but Ondo and Ekiti shall be free in the words of Kenneth Kaunda. Tomorrow, a Lagos will assume its special status and we shall rejoice that ours is a leader that sets right path for our growth. He shall also remain in the vital pages of Nigeria's political history.

Asiwaju is not just a title; it is also a name for a deserving leader who is peoples' hero!

–Olulade is a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Epe Constituency II

HE four-day state visit to the United States of America by the Nigerian President has received rave comments in the media in the past week. Many of the comments have adjudged it a huge success, while a few have pointed out the pitfalls in it. It will always be a major issue when the leader of the most populous black nation is hosted by the leader of the most powerful country in the world.

Nigeria could make a strategic partner for the YSA. It cannot be ignored. Under President Jonathan, the relationship was ruptured, During the period, Nigeria pretended to have found a new friend in China and did everything to suggest that the world leader was the loser. But we all knew it was a lie. China could not fill the place of the U/S. China itself, despite its success story, is just an emerging world power; so many things about it are still rough. Pretending that it could become a alternative source of arms supply for a military weaned off western diet was a huge joke.

I have no doubt that the U.S. as leader of the western hemisphere looks out essentially for its interest. So it is for every other nation, China inclusive. So it should be for Nigeria. Nations look to others for mutual benefit, not favour or hand-outs. It appears that President Buhari realised it and quickly reached out to the most powerful country in the world. The U.S, too, realising that Nigeria could be instrumental to its bid for total domination of Africa, is happy to welcome the country.

How did it go for President Buhari on that major foreign policy foray? From what we saw and read, it was a good public relations opportunity for our President. He had sessions with President Obama, the Vice President and the Secretary of State. He relished the moment and granted interviews to leading media personalities. But, beyond that, what did Nigeria achieve?

Not much could have been, despite the noise. Nigeria is prostrate and I am yet to see a country that owes its rise to another. Development is principally at the domestic front.

America and the western countries could complement our effort, but that is after seeing our determination to succeed.

Again, I insist that the Buhari administration would be defined by the President.

The responsibility of picking the right team, defining the government’s philosophy and working out a plan rests on him. The country is blessed with enough resources to make its people and inhabitants happy and restore the pride of the black man.

How well did the President acquit himself in showing that he appreciates the burden he has to bear? In deciding to go with a motley crowd delegation of 33, he negated the impression he had managed to create as a serious-minded leader out to cut waste. Besides, what was the decision to go with so many APC governors meant to achieve- the same bogey of seeking to attract foreign investors? Why only APC governors? The last time I checked, the PDP controls the levers of government in 13 states, including five in the South South, three in the South East and twi in the West. There are also two in the North East and one in the North Central.

That is too significant to be ignored, If only to show that the President is fair-minded, liberal and ready to reflect the diversity of the country in all he does, he should have taken one or two PDP governors along.

The essence of quickly constituting the government cannot be over-emphasised.

While the President told the world he was not in a hurry to appoint ministers, especially on the laughable ground that it took Obama some time to FULLY constitute his cabinet, he failed to appreciate that the American President appointed some immediately he mounted the saddle. He also failed to realise that the American society is settled and the institutions are working. He chose to ignore the fact that there is a limit to what a 72-year old could attend to. He shifted his gaze from the part that civil servants have played in the rot in the country. Leaving the country to the cunning of Permanent Secretaries is to say we are not ready for governance yet. So, today, who is in charge at INEC? Who is preparing for the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections? Is it the Acting National Chairman whose tenure as National Commissioner has expired?

Does the President have the power to unilaterally appoint the head of such a critical agency, or should the commission remain in temporary hands for so long? When President Jonathan sacked Justice Ayo Salami as President of the Court of Appeal, we all cried out that he lacked the power to do so. Now Buhari is flouting the constitution. We cannot afford such whimsical acts. Unfortunately, the legislature is in disarray.

The Americans are welcome back, but the task of building Nigeria is Nigerians’ and our dear President should wake up to the reality.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, a renowned activist and the Igba of Warri, is one of the grassroots political leaders in the country, who have seen it all since independence and are therefore rather hard to impress these days. But the journalist, industrialist and CEO of Rita Lori Hotels says in this interview that President Muhammadu Buhari has started on a good note. She spoke on other national issues. Sam Egburonu reports

S

o far how do you see the performance of President Buhari?

I think President Muhammadu Buhari has done very well. I said very well because the state of the nation before he took over was very precarious. And I say so without mincing words because I know what I am talking about being a mother, industrialist and partly a traditional ruler; I manage people. During the independence, I was a journalist and knew what was going on.

Before President Buhari took over, there was a huge problem in this country. Today, we thank God that that bad wind is over. I knew that I had to run around talking to heads of states, talking to people who should be taking certain actions, and today, we thank God that that bad wind is over.

Gratitude to all the churches, from what happened, at my age, I know that God hears prayers.

I want to emphasize my gratitude to all those who came into it. The Churches, Mosques, the women, we prayed. Because when you see what is going on in other countries like Sudan or other African countries, one trembles.

So, we were all very worried. But Buhari's name struck fear that 'look, if he wins, you have to behave yourself.'

He won. The name alone started working for him before he started.

Then, the second thing is that people started respecting themselves by going to return the stolen money on their own. If Buhari were somebody else, he will go and start borrowing money. The western powers were quoted to have said they were going to help Nigeria and with that, if he were somebody else, he would have gone to start borrowing money, but he didn't. He looked for money to bail out the states that were owing backlog of salaries.

The second thing Buhari has done is power supply. Do you notice that the situation has improved? We all have noticed the improvement in power supply. What happened?

Whether he did it or not, his name did it because they know he is a no nonsense man. If you don't do your job, he is going to get at you.

You said we were in precarious situation before he took over. One school of thought said ex-President Jonathan averted that danger by conceding even while they were still compiling the result; what is your take on that?

Jonathan as a person, deep down, is a good person but he was surrounded by people who didn't think well for the country; he was surrounded by people who are working for themselves and their families. So, Jonathan's heart is not the heart of a politician. His heart is that of a teacher. And they took advantage of it but Jonathan himself knew towards the end that he had been fooled by his so-called friends. And he knew that he was going to endanger himself and the whole country, and that heart of a teacher took over and conceded to the advice of stakeholders of this country.

We all as a whole are stakeholders but there are people who are real stakeholders, who hold this country.

They surrounded him at the last minute that this is the way it has to go. So, by the time his so- called friends came, he was already surrounded by the

stakeholders of this country, who said, 'look, we cannot go through all the rubbish. There is no reason for us to be in a situation where we will become bastards, world bastards, where our children, father and mothers will be running all over the world.

He was surrounded but he could still be adamant and cause trouble but the heart of a teacher took over from the heart of a politician.

On controversy over the source of the bailout fund I heard the PDP saying that the money he used for the bailout was part of the money saved by the Jonathan administration. If that is true, most of the states were PDP states. Why couldn't they pay for months? Why couldn't they pay especially when they were going for elections? It is because the money was not there.

On her roles on derivation and Niger Delta region affairs I fought with the then Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, openly. We said to them create institutions to look after the Niger Delta, not to appoint one man, make him a minister and say he is the one to look after the Niger-Delta. So, they created the NDDC. Let NNDC come and tell me what they have done.

They said the money is not enough. If money is given to a man who does not

know thew o r t h of the money, he cannot use it judiciously.

It is like we are talking about Buhari. He did not meet any money there but he has not gone to borrow yet. He has paid workers' salaries. So, NDDC show me what you have done.

So, what has the Ministry of Niger Delta done?

Before the election, the Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs came and said he has done the East-West road. I said it will be very good; I will be able to convince my women to vote for you. Give us a date, we will go and see the road and on the road we will campaign for you. He left and never came back.

So, what has the ministry of Niger Delta done? Especially people like Rita Lori, I have fought for 13 percent derivation. I carried placards in Abuja that the money should be given to us. I took Ibori to court for 8 years because of this fund. But the last minute when Ibori was about leaving office, he created DESOPADEC. I want DESOPADEC to tell me what they have done. This is the DESOPADEC I fought with my all for.

Vehemently, I fought Ibori for this. Now Ibori created DESOPADEC, after eight years, but he developed Oghara. People of the underdeveloped riverine areas who own the 13 percent, nothing was done for them. NNDC and DESOPADEC should give us account.

The amnesty was a good programme.

Jonathan continued with the amnesty programme and even expanded it. Where is the fruit of the amnesty today? All we hear is Kuku or what sent some people all over the world to study. That for every child in the Niger Delta, whether you go to school or not, you get N65, 000 every month; People that went to school, did they get N65, 000 sitting at home a month?

So, if you give young men, who didn't even go to school N65, 000, because they are from a certain area, in this country, without work, how long do you think the federal government will continue to pay that?

The amnesty programme is said to be ending this December and some people are saying, no, it must not end, that there is going to be trouble. Which trouble?

Because of all these problems, the Niger Delta has no money. They should ask the leaders, especially those who managed the funds.

On her assessment of the governors in the Niger Delta region over these years For me I don't talk about things I don't know.

I don't even know their n a m e s because they have n o t performed.

Buhari has done very well so far - Rita Lori

If you ask me today, the governors I can tell you their names, I can tell you about Fashola, because he performed for me to see. We only know governors who are performing.

The federal government can't go and develop the Niger Delta. It can only create institutions to develop the Niger Delta. Some people from the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta came to me yesterday, and they were talking about DESOPADEC. They were saying they want the money given to the communities directly and not to the governors.

Their argument is that the governors don't visit their areas. They should use the money to create institutions to develop their areas, to take their money along with the people and the people will tell them what they want.

These people in the Niger Delta didn't help Jonathan. As a person, Jonathan tried. He had the heart of a teacher and not the heart of a politician.

Politicians' heart is very different. They are treacherous. If somebody can give his people money, N65, 000 a month, what do you expect him to do for you again? Even though, you are an illiterate, for all the period he was there and they were getting that N65, 000, they can use it to start up a petty trade.

If you are a girl, you can use it to start up a hair-dressing saloon business.

Now there is no more money and the amnesty programme is coming to an end this December, and some persons are asking me to go and fight on their behalf. If I go to fight, Buhari will ask me, was your son not there?

If they give you all the money all over the world, it will still not satisfy them.

The leaders of the Niger Delta didn't help themselves.

What do you think the Buhari should do with the national confab report?

The national confab was actually asking for fiscal federalism. At the end of the day, that was what we gained.

With the present generation of politicians, there will always be trouble.

Can you imagine, in that confab, people were still struggling for states; how are you going to feed your people? People are not thinking about the country, they are only thinking of themselves. When 36 states can't pay workers salaries, where will the 18 more states recommended by the confab get money to pay salaries and run the states? You think we will continue like this, so that one state or a group of states will continue to feed the whole country? It can't work that way.

So, what I must ask Buhari to do is that he must take a look at that confab and face it squarely. If he thinks at the moment, that the country is so weak, one has to depend on the other, they must create infrastructures that will give those states happiness. Like in the Niger Delta, I'm quarrelling with them because the leaders who ran different institutions failed. At the end of the day, we will have to fall to fiscal federalism.

Every bird must fly. All of them will continue to go their different ways to expand. However, there are some who want to remain where they are, good luck to them. But those who are ambitious and want to work give them t h e privilege to develop themselves.

The country is so big, so we all have different abilities of development.

Some can't develop but you can't keep others waiting.

When we were in regions, Awolowo was always the first. He created the television, Azikiwe followed and then the Northern Region.

Awolowo and heads of other regions developed their regions massively. But today, every Tom, Dick and Harry, establishes university, because other people have built universities. These are the leaders that believe politics is everything to them. Politics is just a means of getting people to lead the country. But these people believe politics will give them direct food.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

•Contd. from page 38

POLITICS

41

'Umeh has killed APGA'

These are the things I am trying to tell you about Umeh; he is a very smart human being. I said that he blackmailed Chekwas out of the way for him to have his way.

Immediately Obiano emerged, Peter had already been nominated for BoT and leader of the party, Umeh refused to confirm him, he told Obiano, Obi is not a good man, Obi took me to court, Obi doesn't like you, am the one who nominated you, am the one who asked you to come and be governor, how can you ask someone to come and be governor under which platform without Obi? The same Umeh that is claiming this glory Peter was the one paying you, all the vehicles you have in your house were bought

by Peter, the first time you travelled abroad was Peter that paid and got you your visa, the house you are living now in Enugu, Peter was the one that gave you the contact and money to build it. You were living in a flat at Chime Avenue in Enugu. How can you claim the glory of what you did not do, so Umeh was the architect of the face-off between Obi and Obiano.

Is this the reason Obi left the party and some members of the National Assembly also left?

Umeh caused it, for example, Uche Ekwunife was running for the House of Representatives; she was seeking for reelection in House, Chris Azubogu was seeking for re-election in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene was seeking for re-election in House of Representatives, these people met with Obi being the leader of the party then and said this is what we want to do but Umeh said over his dead body, Uche will never return back, Chris Azubogu, Ogene they will never return. Uche was seeking for re-election not to go to senate but they refused, she is alive; you can confirm from her. He refused to pick Uche's call; he

• Ndigwe

refused to see Uche again; he said Uche and Obi were working together. The ones that had the heart to take risk, they are the ones that are in the National Assembly today; the ones that are lily-livered are the ones Umeh still betrayed. He did not give nomination to Afam Ogene, he did not give nomination to Emeka Nwogbo; they are the people he betrayed. Uche now said you people don't want me in the party again after all the things I have done for this party, let me now run for Senate in PDP if I lose I go but I will stop you Umeh. So in the process of Umeh denying Uche nomination for the

House of Representatives in APGA, Uche went and stopped him and took over the Senate and won convincingly and that was why we lost all our seats in the National Assembly because people don't want Umeh. How can you be National Chairman and be senatorial candidate, you only. You are contesting for election you gave yourself ticket, you are holding National Chairman's seat, you are holding senatorial ticket? So a lot of people demonstrated and is a warning sign to Governor Obiano that if he doesn't take time because we lost out in National Assembly but in the state assembly

people still said that Obiano is innocent for now, we must give him chance and give him all the support to see how he performs. That is why they voted APGA for the state Assembly; we lost the three senatorial seats including where the governor came from.

How much do you think the party made from aspirants?

For example this last exercise 34 party realised N917 million. What was left for the new national chairman is N40 million, can you imagine that and the same governor is still funding the party, bringing N20 million every month, look at APGA secretariat we are building here, people expected such money should go into the party, let him challenge me I will prove my claim. But when he was summoned by the governor, how much did you realize, he said N618 million, where is the N618 million?

He did not account for it. He sidetracked the National Treasurer and was signing the cheques with Shinkafi. His first face-off with Obiano was why would Obiano ask of the money? So how can you call that a political party?

I am already on my way to EFCC, I am on my way; we are the founding members of this party, we are not running away because of him. I am on my way to EFCC and court, he must come and audit and show us how he spent this money and which approval, which meeting. EFCC will call for all the accounts of the party because all these money were being paid through draft.

What is the future of APGA? The future of APGA and the way I am looking at it is that the governor should call another immediate convention to ratify a lot of things. If he wants people to come into the party, that party needs total overhauling, if he wants the party to move forward, if he doesn't want the name of Ikemba to die forever.

Okowa's Smart tune for Delta

A

new tune is wafting across Delta State.

It is the SMART tune with a loveable chorus of "Prosperity for all Deltans".

The proponent and natural cheerleader is no other than Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State, whose consuming passion is how to ensure that his fellow Deltans, irrespective of differences in ethnicity, gender, faith, geographical location and political persuasion, live a good and decent life.

SMART, an acronym for a well thoughtout, all embracing and masses-oriented agenda, meticulously packaged to usher in "Prosperity for all Deltans" involves: Strategic wealth creation initiatives and provision of jobs for all Deltans; meaningful peace building platforms, aimed at political/social stability; agricultural reforms and industrialisation; relevant health and education policies; transformed environment through massive urban renewal.

The aesthetic appeal of Okowa's SMART agenda can be located in the way and manner the various components are designed to address those things that are at the heart of peoples' efforts to meet their everyday needs.

It was, therefore, not surprising that, notwithstanding frantic efforts in some quarters to divert Deltans' attention and focus during the April 11 gubernatorial election, they stuck to their choice. For them, the SMART agenda represents the most plausible and reasonable message of hope that is genuine, original in content and appeal and the best option going forward.

It was not surprising, therefore, that across the three senatorial zones, Deltans consciously and overwhelmingly voted for the opportunity for this new song of hope to be sung with greater fervor and intensity across the state.

And from the very moment he assumed office, Governor Okowa has left no one in doubt about his determination to walk his talk and ultimately deliver "Prosperity for all Deltans" in line with his campaign promises.

As we speak, the administration has already unveiled six entrepreneurship

By Augustine Avwode schemes that will create 6,000 direct jobs in the next six months. These schemes include the: Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP); Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP); Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP); Tractorisation; Extension of Loans and the Development of Agro-Industries.

Significantly, these schemes are being transparently pursued, using the revered traditional institution in the 25 local government areas in the state. Targeting 6,000 direct jobs before the end of 2015 is indicative of the seriousness which Okowa attaches to the implementation of the SMART agenda aimed at economically empowering Deltans.

Governor Okowa has also taken an unprecedented step in ensuring that a critical agency of government, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC), is repositioned in a way that it will be able to effectively deliver on its mandate to the people and the state by reviewing legal provisions that have all along impeded the commission's performance as expected. One cannot but commend the determination, foresight and political will of Governor Okowa to revisit DESOPADEC as it is presently constituted. It is all part of his determination to ensure that prosperity for all Deltans does not turn out a mere slogan, but a concrete and visible wealth for all.

Regrettably, few self centered individuals who are benefitting from the skewed arrangement in DESOPADEC have gone to great length to discredit and demonise an otherwise laudable and timely intervention by the governor. It is, however, gratifying to note that the majority of stakeholders, who appeared before the Hon. Dennis Omovie-led Ad-Hoc Committee of the Delta State House of Assembly on DESOPADEC during the public hearing on July 17, commended Governor Okowa's initiative to make the commission more effective and efficient in utilizing the resources accruing to it.

For those who have chosen to label Governor Okowa's line of action on DESOPADEC as having a "hidden agenda", the governor, again, personally explained his

motives to revered traditional rulers from Delta Central early in the week during a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Asaba. Hear him: "We are not going to do anything in secrecy. In my inaugural speech, we made it clear that we will strengthen DESOPADEC along the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission) pattern; we want to ensure that we have a structured management system that would not be based on ethnic sentiments. The commissioners from different ethnic nationalities will be members of the Board where they will present issues concerning their ethnic nationalities, while the management, which is insulated from ethnic politics, implements policies reached.

"I insisted on a public hearing so as to get the people's views which will vastly enrich the bill before it is passed into law. It is left for the House of Assembly, after listening to the public to take its own decision and pass a bill •Okowa that will be in the best interest of Deltans; this I will assent to", he reassured the royal fathers. commissioner; functioned as the Secretary to Governor Okowa has also not hidden his State Government (SSG) and has also desire to see to the quick completion of the Asaba represented the good people of Delta North Airport by contractors handling various projects as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal there. This much he made known to the Republic where he shone like a million stars, contractors when he paid an unscheduled visit Okowa arrived this point well prepared. to the airport early in the month.

Those who know him speak eloquently Besides, he has demonstrated that he is and confidently about his near immeasurable capable of taking big decisions which require passion and selfless commitment to strong political will devoid of unnecessary empowering people economically. A sentiments in the overall interest of the good conviction they say is second nature to him. If people of Delta State. there was one thing for which Governor The governor has left no one in doubt on Okowa is famous as a public figure, it is his his commitment to SMART. While swearing-in ability to deliver on his promises. It is for this some commissioners and special advisers reason that he is fondly called Ekwueme, recently, he urged all political appointees to which literally means "a man who keeps firmly key into it, especially the job creating promises". Yet, in all this, he carries himself programmes. with disarming humility.

"It is incumbent on you to make the For the majority of Deltans, who are bent attainment of the lofty goals in the SMART double by the excruciating pangs of poverty, agenda your watchword; they must be the focal SMART comes as a sweet music to their ears. point around which all your decisions and And they are in their millions. For such actions will revolve", he solemnly admonished. people, and many more Deltans of goodwill, A focused, painstaking and far-sighted pan- it is simply let the SMART tune "play on, play Deltan, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa couldn't on, play on", the way a Lionel Richie would have emerged as the Governor of Delta State at render it. a better time. For a man who has superintended –Avwode, media aide to Governor Ifeanyi three different ministries in the state as a Okowa, wrote from Asaba.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

POLITICS

Reps seat: How Saraki blocked Gana T

HE failure of Prof. Isa Gana, the immediate former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly to become a member of the House of Representatives in this current dispensation may not be unconnected to the opposition of his political leader and Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, it was learnt. To realise his ambition, Gana, sources say, had gone ahead to collect a nomination form to contest for a seat into the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). That move turned out to be his undoing.

For his "effrontery", Saraki allegedly ordered Gana, who is a Professor of Agriculture, to withdraw from the race.

Sources disclosed that pleas by concerned APC leaders in the state on Saraki to shift ground failed.

• Iduma-Enwo

Forces behind Rep who sued Buhari

H

ON. Igariwey Iduma-Enwo, a member of House of Representatives, who recently sued President Muhammadu Buhari over the N700 billion bail-out package to state governments, has some very powerful backers urging him on, impeccable sources have revealed.

The lawmaker, who represents Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, had gone to court to challenge the president's action, which he said, was unconstitutional.

The main force behind Idumo-Enwo is alleged to be a principal officer in the Senate, who wants the current status quo as regards the present leadership of the National Assembly sustained.

• Akpabio

PDP Senate caucus settles for Akpabio

What next for Osagie?

A

O

PPOSITION from some senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop Senator Godswill Akpabio, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, from being named the new Minority Leader of the 8th Senate is fast thinning out. Akpabio's main opponent is James Manager, the Senator representing Edo South, who was initially penciled to succeed Senator George Akume, who held the seat in the immediate past dispensation. Sources disclosed that barring any last minute change of plan, Akpabio would be named as Minority Leader when the Senate reconvenes within the next one week.

• Saraki

S the Minority Whip of the 7th House of Representatives, Hon. Samson Osagie distinguished himself to the admiration of his colleagues in the Green Chamber. For his vibrancy in the House and assumed popularity in his home state, Edo, not a few believed that Osagie was the man to beat in the Edo South senatorial election that held on March 28. Surprisingly however, Osagie lost to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in what many bookmakers described as an upset. Now relatively quiet on the political scene, the next move Osagie would make is not yet clear, even as rumour mongers say he is considering taking a shot at the Edo 2016 governorship race.

Senate rule forgery allegation: Ekweremadu's camp jittery T

HE camp of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu is jittery following reports that the Police authorities is all set to release the report of its investigation into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules. Ekweremadu, former Senate President, David Mark and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Salihu Maikasuwa, were, a few weeks ago, questioned on their alleged involvement in the scandal, which blew open following a petition sent to the Police by some senators opposed to the emergence of the present leadership of the Senate.

• Ekweremadu

• Osagie

IN VOGUE

By Kehinde Oluleye

Tel: 08023689894 (sms) E-mail: kehinde.oluleye@thenationonlineng.net

PILLOWTALK Raising a voice for the Nigerian girl With Temilolu Okeowo temilolu@girlsclub.org.ng 07086620576 (sms only) Please visit my blog www.temiloluokeowo.wordpress.com for more inspiring articles. Twitter@temiloluokeowo

YETUNDE OLADEINDE molaralife@yahoo.com

55

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

ME AND MY BOOKS Writing has made me a recluse, more committed Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is the author of the shortstory collection, The Whispering Trees. He is a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow and has won the BBC African Performance Prize in 2007. He studied Mass Communication at the University of Jos and he is currently the Art Editor of Sunday Trust Newspapers, Abuja. In 2013 he made the shortlist for The Caine Prize For African Writing. In this encounter with Edozie Udeze he talks about his writing career, how writing has shaped his life and lots more

•Ibrahim

W

HAT sort of books do you like most?

I read mostly literary fiction now. I find that they give the most satisfaction, especially when they have an engaging plot and use language well. I have never had the patience to read self-help books.

When you read a book, what are the salient things you look out for most?

I look for a strong plotlines, good command of language. I like stories told with a flourish, with some panache, if possible.

I look out for convincing and believable characters, engaging dialogue and challenging storylines. I don’t like stories that I can predict how they end. I love reading Nigerian and African fiction but I want books with good aesthetic appeal and sound production quality and most importantly, well told stories.

Who are your favourite authors in the world and why?

I have many favourite authors for very different reasons. I love Author Golden for his ability to combine research and good story telling in Memoirs of a Geisha, the same quality I admire in Cyprian Ekwensi and many of his works like The Burning Grass.

I love Gabriel Garcia Marquez for the richness of his prose and the depth of his imagination. Isabel Allende too is a favourite. The richness of these prose is captured in Veroniqu Tadjo’s As the Crow Flies. I like Murakami for his daring narrative. Every day I discover new authors and fall in love with their works.

When and where do you like to read and what time and why?

I read whenever I have time. Sometimes before going to bed.Sometimes after waking up. Sometimes while travelling, other times while using the convenience. It is hard to find time to read now so I use every opportunity I get.

What is your preferred literary genre?

My preference is literary fiction. It echoes the reality of life more closely than any other genre for me.

What book or books have had the greatest impact on you and why?

There are many. Too many. Recently I gave a talk in London at the African Writers Festival on African Books to Inspire and I chose to talk about the books that spoke to me at various times in my life.

Camara Laye’s The African Child, Cyprian Ekwensi’sThe Burning Grass, and Elechi

Amadi’s The Concubine were the three I talked about. I could also count Ben Okri’s Famished Road and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera.

These were some of the books that I think gave me permission to write the way I write now. But different books influence me differently.

As a child what books tickled you most?

Before reading Laye’sThe African Child I remember reading RL Stevenson’s Treasure Island and wanting to be like Jim Hawkins, hoping to defy pirates and find an island full of riches. But Laye’s book showed me that there is enough adventure in an ordinary African life. I loved Ekwensi’s An African Night Entertainment and The Passport of Malam Ilia.

At what point in your life did you begin to nurse the idea of becoming a writer?

For me I suppose writing has always been a life-long interest. I became conscious of wanting to tell stories before I could write and when I began to learn how to write, it was just the next step in an evolution. But I think my first conscious thoughts about becoming a writer was in my early teens when I read a book called The Prisoner of Zenda and wished I had written it. I was impressed by the way the author, Anthony Hope, used language and for me that was when I think I started consciously cultivating myself as a writer.

How has writing shaped or reordered your life?

Writing has freed me. It has made me a

“Writing has freed me. It has made me a happier and fulfilled person. It has given me the opportunity to travel, to see the worlds in my head and the world out there, to meet different people and explore new cities and cultures. It has shaped my life in the sense that it has made me a recluse, it is always demanding my attention, always demanding time. It is a hard and lonely job being a writer.

But there is an effervescence to that kind of loneliness. It is dangerously beautiful”

happier and fulfilled person. It has given me the opportunity to travel, to see the worlds in my head and the world out there, to meet different people and explore new cities and cultures.

It has shaped my life in the sense that it has made me a recluse, it is always demanding my attention, always demanding time. It is a hard and lonely job being a writer. But there is an effervescence to that kind of loneliness. It is dangerously beautiful.

If you meet your favourite author face to face what would you like to ask him/ her?

Well, I don’t know how that will happen now since my favourite author Gabriel Garcia Marquez died last year before I got the chance to meet him. I would have loved to ask him about the first girl who broke his heart. I know there might be a story there.

Of the plays you’ve read which character struck you most?

Soyinka’s Brother Jero is a favourite.

He stuck because he is at once funny and confused and embodies everything that is wrong with us today.

What book do you plan to read next?

I have many, many books on my shelves and a huge pile by my bedside. I am reading Raymond Carver and EC Osondu’s latest novel at the moment. I hope to read Haruki Murakami and the works of Junot Diaz. They are all in the pile by my bedside.

How do you arrange your private library?

My favourite books are on the top shelves. The ones I have read and enjoyed and just love looking at them to remind me of the pleasure of reading them. Then the least favorites take the lower shelves. I have mentioned the pile by my bedside; these are the ones I plan to read immediately next. Interestingly, that pile keeps growing. It seems I am acquiring more books than I am able to read.

Are you a re-reader and how often?

I don’t reread much. I have a pile of books I have set aside to reread but I haven’t got the time because there is so much going on, so many new books to read.

So, if a book doesn’t grip me the first time I don’t see myself going back to it any time soon.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY,

ARTS

Title: The Promise and Peril of Power Author : Soji Obebe Publishers: City Drum Ventures, Ibadan Reviewer: Edozie Udeze

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N The Promise and Peril of Power, Soji Obebe chronicles the reasons why many leaders in Africa and worldover, on assumption of office become tyrants and tin gods who end up terrorizing and traumatizing their citizens. It is a booklet but it contains all the necessary ingredients that make it truly a treatise on political authority. To him, there was the urgent need to write such a powerful and instructive booklet, letting readers see the fertility of being extremely wicked and abrasive while in office.

He began thus: “Leadership with political power is transient”. Even life itself in all its entirety is transient.

However, when entrusted with power, which is meant to be a guide towards making life and its circumstances good for the people, then a leader ought to use it well for the progress of the society. Nevertheless, if you use this same power to oppress or hound and haunt the masses, sooner than later, you become good riddance to bad rubbish,

JULY 26, 2015

For an ideal leadership “pleasantly forgotten and joyfully ignored,” so says the author.

In essence, this booklet was done purposely to show leaders, men and women in positions of power and authority what power really entails. It is a book meant to highlight the gains of good use of power in relation to the consequences or penalty of its misuse. And even though power is sweet as espoused by Bertrand Russell, it is equally intoxicating. “It is like a drug, the desire for which increases with habit and the quest for more acclaim.”

Unfortunately, due to the intoxicating nature of power, those who have seized it even for the noblest and most desirable motives soon persuade themselves that there are indeed good reasons for not relinquishing it. In Africa, for instance, the situations have been more worrisome and troubling with the likes of Emperor Bedel Bokasa of Central African Republic who rose to power on the crest of wickedness to torment his citizens.

His role saw the worst human enslavement and debasement in that part of Africa.

So also was Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada of Uganda who became so swollenheaded that thousands of people lost their lives especially those who stood up to defend the common p e o p l e .

Obebe situates his horrendous tenure this way. “In the seventies, Idi Amin Dada, an uncouth and improperly tutored soldier, a glorified cannibal, gained power via a coup in Uganda. He began to unleash a reign of terror on the landlocked nation of Uganda. On this, two Ugandan journalists wrote: “three weeks after the take-over, seventy army officers and more than 2,000 men had died. Within three months, 10,000 civilians had been slaughtered. Indeed crocodiles basked beneath the Karume Falls Bridge, the

Bridge of Blood, spanning the River Nile…

For eight years the man they called the Black Hitler ruled over Uganda with unprecedented brutality. Over these years, thousands upon thousands of innocent people had been murdered and tortured by Amin and his henchmen.”

Others in his mould in Africa included Sergeant Samuel Doe of Liberia and Saddam Hussein of Iraq. Close to them in Nigeria was General Ibrahim Babangida who ruled and plundered the nation’s huge and vast resources. He was nicknamed Maradona, for he was indeed a good political dribbler who named himself, the evil genius.

The author described Babangida this way: “His political philosophy could be

summed up as lust to dribble.

He truly dribbled, hoodwinked and bamboozled Nigerians for eight years. Eight years when he wasted the nation’s hard-earned petro-dollars on mindless and fruitless political engineering which he derailed by himself and his cohorts and advisers. When he was in power, Babangida was more of a tin god. He surrounded himself with intelligentsia to give his regime creditability, but then he went about doing what pleased him…”

Sergeant Samuel Doe’s tenure was even worst, for, in the process he plunged Liberia into serious ethnic and internecine war that lasted for years and which also decimated the country. Today Liberia has not recovered fully from the after effects of that pogrom and torment and torture.

Obebe is saying, nonetheless, that leaders ought to be servants of the people. He goes more biblical when he gave examples with Christ’s admonition to his apostles.

Whoever will be your leader will be the one that serves you.

Leadership in its truest sense

is for service. It is for the leader to see the numerous needs of the people and accede to them.

But a nation with a dictator is doomed. “It is like casting one’s pearl before the swine…

Gold ought to be sold to the person who knows its value.”

However, a good leader should know when there is good in what he does for the people. His advisers should be able to give him sound advice to better the lot of the people; making them savour his leadership acumen and qualities.

Invariably, no one truly knows the worth of a man until you entrust him with power. “In Nigeria, the prayer of the people should be, let God give the country men who will be able to differentiate between the use and abuse of power. Men who will be honest enough to admit it when their greed lure them to exceed the bounds of the power and trust reposed in them. Indeed men who will remember always that political power, economic power, all powers, are ephemeral. “No condition,” says the Zik of Africa, “is permanent.” They should therefore do their best to use the authority they have for the joy and prosperity of many because to be in position of power is a rare privilege.”

Anakara fabric; artists’ emerging medium

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HE ankara fabric has gone way beyond a material for making clothes. The fabric which is primarily associated with Africa has become an important tool not just for fashion designers but also a tool of communication and medium for artists to express themselves.

Today, ankara fabric is being used to make necklace, shoes, bags, hats, even cover for books and toys for children. Artists are laying their hands on the material, experimenting and creating magnificent artworks with it. “I look at the importance of fabric in our daily life, no matter how beautifully one dresses; you can still find fabric around us. I like that part of the fabric,” said Marcellina Oseghale, a young female artist who is currently working with ankara and acrylic. “Fabric is a nice medium to explore since we all use fabric to cover ourselves.”

You would agree that the fabric is gaining more popularity across the globe and probably artists don’t want to be left out in this trend.

Kolade Oshinowo, George Edozie, Yinka Shonibare and Peju Alatise are some of the renowned Nigerian artists who have worked and are still working with ankara as a medium. “Working with fabric to me is like painting with colour in fabric form,” said Oseghale.

Oseghale who has been working with the medium since 2012 prefers to recycle the material instead of seeing it being thrown away by tailors as waste. “The fabrics I work with are ankara fabric I source from tailors. These are fabrics the tailors want to throw away, most times they don’t have anything to do with it, so I collect it from them and use it to create artworks.”

The uniqueness of Oseghale’s work is her ability to create texture with the fabric on canvas. “The way I glue the fabric to the canvas gives me the texture. I don’t lay it flat, I use bond, then I

By Udemma Chukwuma

put it on the canvas, I make sure is not flat, I raise it up, then when it dries it stays the way I placed it on the canvas,” she explained.

Other aspect of her work that cannot be ignored is the way she manages to create shades, space and colours with the fabric. “When cutting the part I want to use, I consider the shades; I don’t want the darkest colour to be where the eyelash should be.

I also consider the hue of the fabric if it will be dark enough to the dark area.”

Recalling what inspired her to w o r k w i t h ankara fabric, s h e said: “I w a s making ankara jewelries while in school, I wanted to try something else and something new that is how I started working with fabrics.”

Preserving the material was a major challenge for Oseghale when she started working with the medium. “I had problem when I started working with ankara fabric, I thought of how to solve this problem and I did a research and discovered that I can preserve the fabric with acrylic glaze. The glaze protects the fabric from durst and other harmful things that could damage the fabric. After I am done with the work, I apply the glaze on it to protect it, making difficult to pull off the fabric from the canvas.”

Osage is currently working on her series, which she calls the Pearls Series. “I am

fascinated with the way the pearl is made. The pearl only happens when sand or an irritant gets into an oyster, the oyster bears the irritant and it starts to make some flu and eventually the pearl is made.

It takes about twenty years to get a pearl. And you don’t get pearl from all oysters, so I like that part. This part inspired this series. I like this style as it looks like you can see through it. The work can breath, I like giving the work breathing space.”

As a science student in secondary school Oseghale was not fulfilled with her five credits and left science for art. “I didn’t feel fulfilled as a science stud e n t e v e n though I had five credits. I knew it wasn’t where I ought to be.

It was after I graduated I felt I didn’t go where I should have gone …I was not where I was supposed to be. That was how I started looking for where I could go and study art.”

With the beautiful works she produces, patronage is very low, only family members and her friends patronise this graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Lagos.

“I don’t feel like giving up even though the patronage is not encouraging because I love art. I love to express myself with art. It’s either I am writing or I am doing art.

Art to me is a self expression; art is a tool I use to express myself. I raise questions on what you are pondering about with my work,” she asserted.

• Invisible Borders constellation-themed presentation

Invisible Borders featured at the 56th Venice Biennale

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S part of All the Worlds Future curated by Okwui Enwezor, Invisible Borders Trans-African Project is featured at the 56th Venice Biennale from May 9 to November 22, 2015.

Featured at the Arsenale, Section 8, The Invisible Borders presentation at the Venice Biennale is titled A Trans-African Worldspace. The body of works is set up as a constellation of impulses, experiences, and deductions from five years of being active and on the road across myriad forms of borders.

It is a space-installation aimed at presenting the project as a complimentary association between process and outcome.

According to information, a part of the installation (Room 1) is designed to immerse the visitors in the processes of the road trip through collage of images, audio-visual documentations and cartographic depictions.

By Ovwe Medeme

Another part, Room 2, focuses on outcomes: specific bodies of works – photography, video and writings – realised by artists who were part of the road trips, workshops and sitespecific interventions. Its works are beamed from a projector mounted almost 9 metres high and projecting vertically downwards onto three different screens laying flat on a black-carpeted floor. The room is kept dark to allow the projection pop out and be immersive.

Also, texts from Emmanuel Iduma play the role of a mediator, creating reflective intermissions while sending pointers to the audience. The exhibition also features videos whose sound becomes the audio component of the entire installation.

“The images, videos and texts have been carefully arranged and synchronised across the three screens such that they re-

late and reference each other while retaining the specificity of each artist’s intentions. In this sense, this exhibition is not a group show, but a collective one, the difference being that the focus is on presenting our endeavour as the outcome of impulses which took shape within a collaborative frame and context,” a statement from the body reads.

Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers Organisation” is an artist-led initiative founded by Emeka Okereke and registered as a not-for-profit organisation in Nigeria. The pioneer members and participants at the first road trip of the Organization include Ray Daniels Okeugo, Emeka Okereke, Uche Okpa – Iroha, Amaiza Ojeikere, Uche James Iroha, Nike Adesuyi Ojeikere, Lucy Azubuike, Charles Okereke, Chriss Aghana Nwobu and Unoma Giese.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

‘Return of-- Page 53 tollgate better for the economy’

‘Corruption very attractive in Nigeria’

Page 58, 59

Anxiety grows over illicit cash flows

•Adi

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Page 60

•Musa

Don to manufacturers: up your game From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo PROFESSOR of Analytical Chemistry, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Professor Anthony Paul Udoh, has called on manufacturers to place more emphasis on sample preparation in their quest to manufacture goods for the public.

Prof. Udoh gave this admonition while delivering his inaugural lecture at the University of Uyo recently.

The don who spoke on the theme: ‘The Covenanted Chemist’ said sample preparation is the most important step in chemical analysis because it determines to a large extent, the kind of result expected or obtained.

Prof Udoh who has over 37 publications in both national and international journals, is currently a member of the Chemical Society of Nigeria and former Dean, postgraduate School, UNIUYO. The chemist whose works on crude oil standardisation procedures has helped to solve problems that were unsolved for decades in the oil industry, said buildings, structures and historical monuments corrode easily and fall into disuse quicker than the years they were expected to last.

According to him, climate change worldwide has caused a number of harmful effects apart from ozone layer depletion thus has resulted in highly heated earth environment.

He added that the world may be facing serious crisis over frequent corrosion of steel and aluminum if the problems are not addressed on time.

“It is known that there are climate changes the world over.

These changes in climate have resulted in a number of harmful effects,” he said, adding: “Apart from ozone layer depletion resulting in highly heated earth environment, corrosion of historical monuments, structures and buildings is very worrisome."

The professor of analytical chemistry, who has designed solution against corrosion of the metals, stated that environmental degradation has been a matter of serious concern to engineers, chemists, and other scientists, adding that scientists have made efforts to develop ameliorating conditions for the phenomenon.

Besides, Udoh warned that agricultural wastes should be adequately harnessed as they can be useful raw materials for industries.

“Agricultural wastes are the materials that are left after we have processed agricultural materials for human benefit. Such wastes include plantain husk, peels from plantain, the fingers and stem from palm fruit bunches, among others.

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•Larry Ettah, President of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Buky Adebambo, Safety Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Ikeja Plant and Akomen Omijeh, Corporate Communications Manager, NBC Limited at the presentation of Continuous Compliance on Occupational Health and Safety Standards awards to NBC at the 58th Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony of NECA that held recently.

Nigeria lost $500m in oil swaps since 2009 – NEITI

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HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has said that more than $500 million has been lost by the Nigerian government over fraudulent activities in the management of crude oil swaps over the years.

NEITI said its audit of the oil and gas sector for 2012 showed that the nation lost about $100 million in swap deal involving the exchange of crude from domestic allocation for refined petroleum products.

The audit report further showed that crude oil worth $6.4 billion was swapped in 2012, while the value of refined products was $6.3 billion, bringing total revenue loss to the Federation Account from 2009 to $500 million.

According to the audit report, Nigeria lost over 23 million barrels of crude valued at over $2.6 billion in 2012 alone.

The breakdown shows

that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, lost over 13 million barrels of crude valued at about $1.5 million. Three International Oil Companies sampled lost over 10 million barrels of crude valued at $1.2 billion.

Director of Communication at NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji, who made the disclosures at a World Bank-funded workshop for civil society engaged in the oil and gas sector, noted that asides the loss, the value of the refined products not delivered at all under this arrangement stood at N78.8 billion.

“The revenue loss to the nation on crude swap especially at the depot on fuel alone during the same period stood at N11.7 billion or $74.3 million depending on the exchange rate used.”

A review of the NEITI report showed that the country earned a total of $62.9 billion in the year 2012, comprising $30.3 billion from crude oil and gas sales, $26.9 billion from

taxes, royalties, rents and $5.6 billion as revenue flows to states, local governments and other entities.

It showed that the aggregate unresolved difference with respect to all the financial flows in 2012 was $47.5 million, representing 0.075 per cent of total financial flows from all sources when compared to 0.14 percent recorded in 2011.

According to the report, about N1.3 trillion was processed for payment as subsidy to oil marketers, while the sum of N690 billion was actually paid during the period.

“A total of 862.7 million barrels was also recorded as fiscalised crude oil production at an average daily rate of 2.36 million barrels per a day,” it stated.

A comparative breakdown showed that the amount from crude export sale declined to $21.6 billion from $24.7 billion in 2011, representing a 13 per cent decrease. Also, domestic crude sale value declined to $18.15 billion from $18.36 bil-

lion in 2011, a 1.0 per cent decrease.

Gas sales also declined to $489 million from $610.8 million in 2011, down by 20 per cent. Feed stock, however, grew to $1.84 billion under the period from $1.82 billion in 2011.

The report noted that “previous audit cycle witnessed a steadily increasing trend in the total Financial Flows to the federation from $30.129 billion in 2009, to $44.944 billion in 2010, and $68.442 billion in 2011.

“However, there was a decline of eight per cent in 2012 to $62.944 billion.

The decrease in 2012 was largely due to a drop in the sales revenue from crude oil and gas attributable to reduction in production and lifting volumes as a result of the following: crude theft, deferred production due to destruction of production facilities and crude losses resulting from sabotage and pipeline breakages,” the report added.

Nigeria, others to curb stock market challenges IXTEEN African Stock Exchanges, including Nigeria, are closed to ending share price manipulation, forgery of certificates, boardroom squabbles and other issues posing threats to the practise of corporate governance on the continent.

The President, African Stock Exchange Association (ASEA),Oscar Enyeama, made this known at the sideline of the Bi-Annual Meeting of African Corporate Governance Network (ACGN) in Lagos. ACGN’s membership is drawn from

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By Akinola Ajibade sixteen African countries, namely Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Morocco, Nigeria and Uganda. Others are Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa.

Speaking during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the African Stock Exchanges Association and the African Corporate Governance Network at the event, Enyeama said this partnership would help in addressing challenges ranging from corporate governance in those countries.

He said through the MoU, stock exchanges would be able to identify and proffer solutions to critical corporate governance issues, adding that the market regulators and operators would benefit greatly.

He explained that corporate governance is key to improvement in fundamentals of quoted and non-quoted companies, trading of equities and growth in earnings accrued to investors.

He said when corporate governance practises improves, the better for directors of companies, investors and

other stakeholders in the value of chain.

He said: ‘’The signing of MoU signifies a major improvement in our desire as( African Stock Exchanges Association) to improve formulation and implementation of corporate governance policies in companies and further reduce problems facing stock markets on the continent. The fact that African Corporate Governance Network is made of directors from various countries in Africa means the job of tackling corporate governance problems has been made easier.”

Mortein unveils anti-malaria product

By Omolewa Oshin

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N furtherance of its commitment to provide innovative solutions to make life easier and healthier, leading antimalaria brand, Mortein from the stables of RB Nigeria Limited re-launched Mortein Liquid Electric Device (LEDs) in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, the Marketing Director, RB West Africa, Oguzhan Silivrili represented by the Brand Manager, Mortein, Iku Ejiroghene said the re-launch was informed by the need to provide convenient ways to stem the prevalence of malaria scourge in the country and Africa generally.

According to him, there are estimated 300 million acute cases of malaria every year around the world, resulting in more than one million deaths while approximately 90 percent of these deaths occur in Africa, mostly in young children.

Silivrili decried the high malaria prevalence in Nigeria as ‘‘unacceptable’’, saying ‘‘malaria is responsible for 60 percent of outpatient visits to health facilities, 30 percent of childhood deaths, 25 percent of deaths in children under one year and 11 percent of maternal deaths.’’

“Malaria can be eliminated in Nigeria which is the reason RB Nigeria Limited is taking the lead. We have made strategic partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the lead agency of the Federal Ministry of Health on the elimination of malaria and other relevant government bodies. Through these partnerships, we have reached over one Million mums by engaging, sensitizing and educating them through our Primary Health Centre programme,” Silivrili said.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

BUSINESS

•Emefiele

T

O say that Nigeria has been fleeced of funds by successive regimes is to state the obvious. But the humongous discovery of illicit financial flows stolen by some unscrupulous individuals and estimated at over $218 billion has become a source of worry.

Specifically, the recent Global Financial Integrity report ranked Nigeria seventh among the top 10 countries with highest illicit capital outflows in the developing world.

Whodunit?

From crude oil swaps, contract splitting by government officials and their collaborators in the organised private sector including foreign businesses, all have complicity in the matter.

Illicit financial flows are simply money that is illegally earned, transferred or utilised. This money is smuggled or disguised out of the country of origin through tax evasion, trade misinvoicing, and figure alterations and generally do not return to the country of origin.

According to the Global Financial Integrity every year, roughly $1 trillion flows illegally out of developing and emerging economies due to crime, corruption, and tax evasion- more than these countries receive in foreign direct investment and foreign aid combined.

Africa loses about $50 billion annually a half of the entire IFFs lost globally, this clearly explains why African nations continue to suffer most from poverty and underdevelopment.

Concern over IFFs Though the issue of the impropriety of illicit funds is being hotly debated now, it is instructive to note that a lot of people have continuously raised their voices above the din in their condemnation of the troubling phenomenon.

It would be recalled that at the 4th Joint Annual Meetings of the African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development at the AU Economic Commission for Africa Conference in March 2011, Resolution L8 was adopted, mandating the establishment of a high level panel, HLP, headed by the former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, to assess the impact of illicit financial flows on the continent’s economy.

Specifically, the mandate of the panel included the review of the complex and long-term implications of illicit financial flows on development.

The panel was to also sensitise African governments, citizens and international development partners on the scale of illicit financial flows and its effect on development.

Concerned about the impact of illicit financial flows on the African economy, ActionAid Nigeria called on the Nigeria government and the country’s delegation

Anxiety grows over illicit cash flows

The discovery of huge illicit funds stolen from the country has fueled strident calls for the repatriation of such funds, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf to the 24th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to support the adoption of the recommendations of the Mbeki Panel report.

The ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Hussaini Abdu, identified Nigeria among the countries severely affected by illicit financial flows in the world, saying the situation demanded urgent and decisive action if poverty is to be eradicated.

Mr. Abdu, who said Nigeria was losing about $15.746 billion (N2.645trillion) annually as a result of illicit financial flows, called on the Federal Government to be in the vanguard of countries and groups demanding that the Mbeki report be received by the African leaders and acted upon.

“In view of the huge impact of illicit financial flows on the Nigerian economy, especially at this time when the country’s major revenue source, the crude oil money, has been eroded, it is time Nigeria takes the lead in ensuring that the Mbeki Panel Report is received by Africa’s Heads of Government and their Finance Ministers.” Mr. Abdu said.

Shape of IFFs: The Nigerian example Nigeria has the highest outflows in West and Central Africa, here, money is illegally moved out through tax evasion, corruption, trade mis-invoicing and abusive transfer pricing.

IFFs are extremely worrisome as it is growing at a faster rate than support, at $50 billion per annum, Illicit funds outflows from Africa doubles the official development assistance sent into the continent annually.

The effects of IFFs on developing countries cannot be overemphasised. White-collar crime not only worsens poverty level, it drains foreign exchange reserve, reduces tax collection, cancels out investment inflows.

A critical basis why the number of people living on less than $1.25 a day in Africa rose from N290 million in 1990 to 414 in 2010.

According to the Mbeki Panel report, Nigeria tops the league with a cumulative of $217.7 billion from 1970 to 2008 (30.5% of the entire IFFs in Africa) lost with over 90 percent loss related to oil.

This amount is just adequate enough to fund 870,000 standard schools in Nigeria

estimated at N50 million each, 400,000 world-class hospitals at N100 million each, enough for 500 primary hospitals for each local council and provide clean water for every street in Nigeria at N10 million each.

As stated in the report, oil remains Nigeria’s problem as 92.9% of the total IFFs in Nigeria are oil-related. In just 2008, 76.4 percent of the IFFs in oil from Nigeria are absorbed by the United States, Spain, France, Japan, and Germany. If Nigeria stops IFF at this current rate and uses funds efficiently for Millennium Development Goals, infant mortality can be drastically cut from 23 years to 10 years.

“We encourage the new government to further promote and enhance transparency and accountability through the implementation of open and transparent budgeting processes such as the Open Budget Initiative, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and also strengthening civil society organisations. Multinational companies operating in African countries should be mandated to publish annual financial reports that explicitly include all their activities in Africa,” the report stated.

The African Development Bank further reinforced the report by the Global Financial Integrity.

The Bank inferred that Nigeria had recorded a cumulative illicit financial outflow of about $83.3bn in the past 51 years.

The Country Director, AfDB, Dr. Ousmane Dore, stated this in Abuja while delivering a paper entitled, “Domestic resource mobilisation for Nigeria’s development: Need for national compact against illicit financial flows.”

He spoke at a multi-stakeholders meeting on ‘Illicit financial flows out of Nigeria’ organised by a political think tank called Centre for Democracy and Development.

According to him, the loss accounted for 5.6 per cent of total goods traded without proper invoicing in the last 51 years, between 1960 and 2011.

Dore recalled that Nigeria has for many decades experienced a very serious problem with trade mis-invoicing, in the form of over-invoicing of imports and under-invoicing of exports for the purpose of shifting money out of the country.

He said, “Between 1960 and 2011, Nigeria experienced cumulative illicit financial out flows totalling $83.3bn or 5.6 per cent of a total goods traded through mis-invoicing only. Export under-invoicing takes the larger share of $44bn while the balance of $39.3bn was due to import over-invoicing.

Also speaking, the Director, CDD, Hajia Idayat Hassan, said the nation has sufficient resources to meet its developmental needs.

According to her, the illicit funds can be used to provide about 870, 000 schools and 400, 000 hospitals, among other things.

She however, attributed the widespread illegal financial outflows to governance challenges including weak institutions, inadequate regulatory environment, lack of transparency and accountability.

Mindboggling revelations President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that top government officials including ministers in the immediate past administration stole as much as one million barrels of crude oil per day for their personal purposes.

Buhari who noted that he had received some documents which indicted the officials of massive fraud, including oil theft, said this while speaking at an interactive session with Nigerians in the Diaspora at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC, United States, in continuation of his four-day official visit to the country.

He alleged that such officials also opened as many as five bank accounts abroad for the purpose of laundering money.

While describing the amount of money involved in the shady deals as mind-boggling, the President promised that his administration would use the indicting documents and others still being compiled to clamp down on the culprits and prosecute them.

He said by the time the process of compiling and identifying the shady deals and those behind them were completed, his administration would approach countries where the loots were kept to assist in repatriating them.

The President added, “We are now looking for evidences of shipping some of our crude, their destinations and where and which accounts they were paid and in which country. ”When we get as much as we can get as soon as possible, we will approach those countries to freeze those accounts and go to court, prosecute those people and let the accounts be taken to Nigeria.

“The amount of money is mind-boggling but we have started getting documents. We have started getting documents where some of the senior people in government, former ministers, some of them operated as much as five accounts and were moving about one million barrels per day on their own. We have started getting those documents.

“And we will use those documents to arrest those people and prosecute them.

This, I promise Nigerians.”

Crude provides Africa’s biggest economy with about two-thirds of government revenue and 90 percent of export earnings.

Helping Nigeria to track IFFs The need to track the illicit financial flows, many experts have argued, becomes inevitable at this time of the parlous state of the nation’s economy currently battling credit crunch.

Thankfully, the United States has offered to help Nigeria track down billions of dol-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015 lars in stolen assets.

US cooperation with President Muhammadu Buhari’s predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, had virtually ground to a halt over issues, including his refusal to investigate corruption and human rights abuses by the Nigerian military.

Buhari has said his priorities were strengthening Nigeria’s economy, which has been hard-hit by the fall in oil prices, boosting investment and tackling ‘the biggest monster of all’ – corruption.

In 2014, the US took control of more than $480m siphoned away by former Nigerian dictator, Sani Abacha, and his associates into banks around the world.

Washington has broad powers to track suspicious funds and enforce sanctions against individuals.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said the U.S. will help trace and recover funds from the sale of about 250,000 barrels of oil that are stolen each day in Africa’s biggest producer of the commodity.

The U.S. and other developed nations are helping identify accounts where money has been deposited and Nigeria will prosecute the suspects, Buhari told an audience of Nigerians in Washington last Tuesday.

“The amount involved is mindboggling,” Buhari said. “A lot of damage has been done to the integrity of Nigeria with individuals and institutions already compromised.”

A divergent view Laudable as the move to repatriate the funds, not many people are optimistic that it would pay off on the long run. One of those who feels Nigerians should not be overambitious as far as getting back these funds, is Dr. Bongo Adi. Adi, who is a senior lecturer in Development Economics, at the Lagos Business School, Pam Atlantic University, holds the view and very strongly too that President Muhammadu Buhari anticorruption stand notwithstanding, only holistic action plans, not mere rhetorics can help to address endemic corruption in the system.

While noting that if the effort succeeds the repatriated funds can be utilised to provide social infrastructure like good road networks, healthcare delivery, qualitative education among other things for the teeming masses, he however raises some posers: “How easy would it be to repatriate such funds in the first place if they are traceable?”

“We can only succeed with these efforts depending on the amount of political goodwill allowed by the respective countries where these funds are warehoused, especially in the US. But in a place like Switzerland, where there is a oath of secrecy regarding safety of investors’ funds, it might not be an easy task so to speak. Of course, this has a way of dampening morale in this whole effort. So, considering the cumbersomeness efforts to repatriate these stolen funds present, it is not going to be easy at all.

But of course, lets pray this whole thing succeeds.”

Adi who is former MTN Research Fellow at the LBS is also worried that there is no strong institutional mechanism in place to protect the funds in such a way that they can be converted into funds readily available for productive use. “This is because we have observed in the past how similar monies repatriated ended up been stolen again by politicians and their collaborators in the civil service.”

BUSINESS

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‘Corruption very attractive in Nigeria’ Dr. Bongo Adi, senior lecturer in Development Economics, at the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University, in this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf holds the view and very strongly too that President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption stand notwithstanding, only holistic action plans, not mere rhetorics can help to address endemic corruption in the system. Excerpts:

D

O you consider the strident calls for the repatriation of illicit funds out of the country as something to cheer about?

Of course, it is a very welcome development because if the effort succeeds the repatriated funds can be utilised to provide social infrastructure like good road networks, healthcare delivery, qualitative education among other things for the teeming masses.

But the question really is, how easy would it be to repatriate such funds in the first place if they are traceable? Herein lies the problem.

We can only succeed with this efforts depending on the amount of political goodwill allowed by the respective countries where these funds are warehoused, especially in the US. But in a place like Switzerland, where there is a oath of secrecy regarding safety of investors’ funds, it might not be an easy task so to speak.

Of course, this has a way of dampening morale in this whole effort. So, considering the cumbersomeness ef-

forts to repatriate these stolen funds present, it is not going to be easy at all. But of course, lets pray this whole thing succeeds.

A lot of people are optimistic that the repatriated funds can indeed provide the much needed funds required to further develop the economy, especially at this time of credit crunch...

Absolutely. But again, the question you ask yourself is, what are the institutional mechanisms that have been put in place to protect the funds in such a way that they can be converted into funds readily available for productive use? That is the problem.

This is because we have observed in the past how similar monies repatriated ended up been stolen again by politicians and their collaborators in the civil service.

This is a good move by President Muhammadu Buhari quite alright but the management of the economy does not lies solely in the hands of the president. Anti-corruption war is not an individual’s fight. No matter how willing the president is, we need to know whether his lieutenants

•Adi share the same sentiments with him.

Clearly, there is a distance between good intention and action. Corruption is really deep-seated in our system, so it requires stringent measures not kid gloves to handle.

You mentioned that institutional mechanisms need to be put in place to protect the illicit funds once repatriated. Isn’t that the mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the first place?

As you said, the EFCC and the ICPC as well as other law enforcement agencies are there. But their presence has not discouraged anything, especially when it comes to malfea-

sance in the system. The fact is they have been around all this while but that has not deterred the politicians and their collaborators from fleecing the system.

As l said, it is not just the president that would make things happen. No. As far as l can see, not really has changed. The problem really is not the crime. It is with the operating environment we have in place. If we have a right system in place, things would work. But in a situation where the system provides the right incentives for criminals to operate, then there is a problem. Our system absolutely rewards bad behaviour and unless we disincentivise corruption, it will never stop.

Corruption happens because people find opportunities. What most criminals do around here is to weigh all the options and once they find the opportunity, they go for it.

But if you know you will get caught and face severe consequences, the attraction for crime will no longer be there.

Beyond disincentivising corruption, what other steps can be taken to curb endemic corruption in the system?

As l have said many times, corruption is also encouraged by our constitution. We don’t have a truly federal system in place. In a situation where the whole power is concentrated at the centre, this fuels desperation on the part of politicians who fight to the death to get to power. We just have to restructure the system. If we can devolve power by making politics less attractive, it will help to reduce significantly, the present craze for crass materialism and cronyism in the system

Nigerian political parties misused public funds—survey

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OLITICAL parties, especially the ruling party in the country has been known to misappropriate public funds overtime.

This is the outcome of the Global Integrity Report, published by Global Integrity, a US-based watchdog, which assists anti-corruption institutions and mechanisms around the world, intended to help policymakers, advocates, journalists and citizens identify and anticipate the areas where corruption is more likely to occur within the public sector.

The report tagged: ‘Money, Politics and Transparency project’ obtained by The Nation over the weekend showed that the role of money in politics challenges states worldwide, both rich and poor. Its abuse often raises problems of graft, corruption and cronyism, undermining legitimacy and governance.

Specifically, in Nigeria, the data shows that contributions to parties are capped however, unlimited do-

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf with agency report nations may be made to parties. Additionally, in 2011 only two of 23 parties filed their expenditure report.

“No direct or indirect public funding is available for parties or candidates in Nigeria. Despite a prohibition on the use of non-financial state resources during campaigns, the ruling party availed itself of state buildings, vehicles and staff for campaign purposes in 2011.”

The legal framework includes some prohibitions on contributions, though a number of loopholes exist.

Anonymous donations to parties are not permitted, though candidates may receive them. Individual contributions to parties are capped, but unlimited donations may be made to candidates. Corporations may not give at all to parties, and are limited in how much they can legally contribute to candidates. Foreign financ-

ing is banned for parties, but not for candidates.

Spending limits are in place, but apply only to candidates, not parties.

These patchwork restrictions and the absence of public funding combine to create a system in which parties and candidates rely heavily on private donors, some of whom violate contribution caps. Indeed, violations of both contribution and expenditure were common in the 2011 elections.

Legal reporting requirements are not onerous, and apply only to parties. In practice, parties regularly fail to file the required reports: only 2 of 23 parties filed annual reports in 2011.

Third party actors, in the form of political organisations that support specific campaigns, are present in Nigeria, and they are not subject to any regulations. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is empowered to monitor and investigate political finance issues in Nigeria.

Appointments to that body, in practice, are not completely meritbased, and the independence of appointees is not fully guaranteed. In practice, the INEC suffers from capacity constraints, and has largely eschewed any active oversight of political finance. It conducted no investigations in 2011, and imposed no sanctions on violators, despite ample evidence that violations had occurred. Enforcement, therefore, is weak.

The Africa Integrity Indicators is an initiative of Global Integrity undertaken in collaboration with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation that assesses key social, economic, political and anti-corruption mechanisms at the national level.

Since 2006, Global Integrity has conducted eight rounds of research on Nigeria – including four rounds of the Global Integrity Report, three rounds of Africa Integrity Indicators research, and 2014’s Money, Politics and Transparency research.

IMF envisages collapse in Nigeria’s oil revenue by $36bn

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HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has presaged of some consequences in Nigeria’s economy following oil price shock.

The IMF said the challenge might occur from sharp drop in oil revenue which it predicted would drop to $52 billion this year, from $88 billion it was last year.

According to the Fund’s Article IV Consultation Staff Report, this represents a reduction of six percentage points in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and would reduce its external current account balance as well as international reserves.

The report added that Nigeria’s outlook for growth is expected to moderate as the economy adjusts to permanently lower oil prices.

The IMF, however, said the government has expressed its determination to implement appropriate

measures to manage risks.

“They agreed that the oil price shock is significant and, at least in part, permanent, but saw a smaller effect on economic activity, owing to measures targeted at sectors critical for growth (agriculture, power, small enterprises) and the impact of remittances.

They noted that rising food selfsufficiency would limit the passthrough to inflation and activity in housing construction would continue,” it said.

According to the IMF, fiscal oil revenues are projected at 3.4 per cent of GDP, down from 5.8 per cent last year, limiting fiscal spending. It said aggregate demand shocks could lower growth by about 1.5 percentage point from last year to 4.3 per cent this year.

IMF added that the overall impact on non-oil sector GDP will come

from cuts in public investment and a reduction in real purchasing power of oil receipts.

It noted that, “The depreciation of the local currency will add to inflation, reflecting the pass-through of higher domestic prices for imports. However, the effect is likely to be contained, in part due to lower food prices from increased local production of staple food crops.”

The IMF said the outlook is compromised by low fiscal and external buffers, which have reduced the capacity to absorb shocks relative to the experience of the 2008-09 financial crisis.

IMF said although small, Nigeria’s exports to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries have been increasing, from $1 billion in 1990 to about $6 billion in 2013.

It said the implementation in

January of the Common External Tariffs (CET) for ECOWAS member countries is expected to reduce incentives for informal trade and simplify customs procedures, potentially increasing recorded trade volumes.

“Moreover, the slowdown in Nigeria will adversely affect informal exports to Nigeria. Anecdotal evidence indicates that goods that are subject to import restrictions in Nigeria have become key export goods for neighbouring countries.

“Those informal exports to Nigeria are important sources of income for some neighbouring countries and outward spillovers may be non trivial,” it said.

It noted that growing cross-border activity of Nigerian-based banks has increased the scope for spillovers through financial channels, along with regulatory and supervisory challenges.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

BUSINESS

HERE are road accidents which people attribute to drunkenness of the drivers.

Do you collaborate with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency to control driver’s use of drug?

Well, I don’t have collaboration with them. They have not visited me, and I have not visited them. But I do not believe in that. There was a summit we held with the Federal Road Safety Corps when they complained about underage drivers. I told them there is nothing like underage driver because if police see a young man drive a truck, they stop him to produce his particulars. The driver ordinarily presents his driver’s license to put them in a fix. There are no more issuing drivers license, they are selling drivers’ license.

Gone are those days that you have to test someone before issuing him a driver’s license. In places like Dubai, in three years you have not been issued a license. You prepare for it as if you want to write your WAEC. But now, you can sit down in your office and send somebody to go and do a driver’s license for you.

That is why you see underage drivers. So police cannot arrest them. It is like asking are you a driver? I have driver’s license. It is like saying you’re a graduate and you can present your certificate and NYSC certificate. What else would the person tell you?

So VIO should be checked on that or properly advised to go back to the former system of testing before issuance of driver’s license.

There was a time the personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps visited your office and you discussed number plate issuance.

How did you sort it out eventually?

They took to my advice because I told them that there was no reason for somebody to have three number plates. And it was the former Corps Marshal that caused it. You could remove the new one and use the old one to commit offense and you come back undetected. But this new Corps Marshal has taken that advice. They have not been disturbing people. They have now agreed that to withdraw the old plate numbers before issuing you a new one. This is now stopping people from having two plate numbers. And I give kudos to this Corps Marshal that has a listening ear. He does not discriminate. He invites every trade union when he holds his monthly meeting. He is also introducing speed limit metres.

But my advice to them is that they should ensure that it is not just for fining drivers on the way.

If it kicks off, once you are fined for speed limiter, they must make sure you fix it before your vehicle is released. If they impose a fine, everybody will have it. I advise them to look for the genuine ones because there is information from Kenya and Ghana that there are some fake ones from China that if you fix it in your car, it even increases the speed. It could even cease the fuel or catch fire. They must ensure that whoever they are issuing a license to produce them must produce the genuine ones for us to accomplish our intention of saving lives.

There was a time I ran into a driver that complained about molestation from men of the Nigeria Customs Service on the highway. His complained that his car was even registered before Customs arrested exacerbated the crisis as the Customs

‘Return of tollgate better for the economy’ National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Shehu Isiwele Musa argues that the best way to generate revenue to maintain the highways is to reintroduce tollgate. He spoke on this and other issues in this interview with John Ofikhenua asked him to produce a duty for it.

Do you have a record of such complaints from your employees?

Yes! Many of them reported it to me. I think this administration has come to right the wrong. Because the President has said he is going to enforce discipline and justice. It is very funny that there is Customs in the border, everywhere and you cannot put your vehicle in your pocket to cross the border.

Definitely, you come through the borders by road then unfortunately somebody comes to say they are Customs and they will seize your car even after registration. I’m calling of the Federal Government or the Comptroller-General to advise his people to stop that in as much as the vehicle has a registration number or plate number. The best thing they should do is make sure that they advise licensing offices to demand for customs duty before issuing numbers or registering vehicles. The idea of blocking roads after plate numbers to ask for Customs duty we will not take it any longer from anybody.

Recently Federal Capital Territory drivers complained about the Joint Task Force of the VIO, FRSC, AEPB, Navy disturbing them from doing their legitimate duty. Have your men complained about this to you?

Yes! I’m calling for the dissolution or cancellation of that Task Force. They arrested my vehicle.

There is Immigration. The Immigration will jump into your motor instead of remaining in the passport office. The minister that introduced it is no more there. It is now a lot of burden on the transporters. The taskforces are so many. I’m even happy that IG has bound those local government officials that put out nails on the road. They put nails on your way while driving on the highway to puncture your tyre. Transporters and trade unions are providing jobs for drivers, motor boys, and mechanics. They should let us be.

So if your particulars are complete they should allow you to pass. But these many taskforces because they look for money they seize your vehicles. And the worst of all in Abuja somebody will tell you that you have a fake plate number, whereas you registered the same number in Abuja.

They have arrested two of my vehicles like that and the VIO just took it over

and parked. I now said that you people printed this plate number I don’t print plate numbers, our members don’t print plate numbers. So how come about fake plate numbers? They said I should tell them who gave me the number that somebody is doing it in their office. Can’t you check your office and you never bother to check this number? They said, yes, we have this number we have not got to it.

Even my personal car, that my land cruiser jeep, they said the plate number there is fake. It was registered in Abuja so it should be checked. If you are in an office if the head is rotten, then the down will be useless. You can’t say you’re a head of a department then you will go and arrest an innocent who pays and everything is given to him. They are now telling me that the handwritten one is fake. How do I know that it is fake? So these are the issues that they need to check because I regard all this as part of corruption.

Suddenly, we can see fuel queues reappearing at the petrol stations in the country, and mostly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) does the scarcity affect your employees?

Of course yes, the fuel scarcity is more serious in Abuja than any other state because in other states y o u have fuel. Yesterday

when we were looking for petrol we had to leave Abuja city and go to Gwagwalada to queue up. I don’t know the reason or its cause because NNPC is telling people that they have fuel. They always talk about 25 days before the next batch.

If there is scarcity of fuel you can’t control your members they charge passengers anyhow because most of them are now buying black market. I use this opportunity to call on the people responsible to make fuel available for our members and the whole Nigerians so that the transport to avoid uncontrollable transport hike on daily basis.

How does the state of Nigerian roads affect your workers?

I think the immediate past government tried on the road because formally roads like the LokojaAbuja, Obolafor - 9th mile, your truck could only travel once in a month from Kano to Port-Hacourt.

But now that the road is good you can do it two to three times in a month since about 70 to 80% of the roads are now motor able. However, I want to cease this opportunity to appeal to this present government to complete the remaining parts. The immediate past government tried in terms of road construction and rehabilitation because good roads save lives. I commend that government for that.

Based on your employees complaints, which portion of the roads are you asking government to complete?

Yes! The one they complain about mostly is Lagos -Mokwa road. It is supposed to be dualised as it is still a single lane. And that is why accident is prevalent in Mokwa-Teginna-Kangara road.

You see a lot of places are not motorable there and it is still a single lane. Government is supposed to dualise the road from Lagos to Kaduna.

Your association commenced a housing scheme last year, how far have you gonet?

Anytime from now we are commencing because we held a meeting with the financier on Saturday and we have got a land in Karasana along Kubwa road, where we are going to build about 1,600 houses.

The land cost N2.1billion.

The agreement has b e e n signed

•Musa

for the financiers to come and pay within 21 days. And they have assured me that they are going to pay within 21 days. As soon as they pay for the land we will move to the site.

The last administration ran a SURE-P scheme that your association was to benefit from, what happened along the line?

I cannot say we benefited because it was only the minister for FCTA that gave us 22 cadets and they did not even seek our advice before procuring the vehicles.

Had they informed us we would have advised against the purchase of cadet. They are now off the road since there are no spare parts for them. They gave us 22 and asked us to deposit N130,000 before collection. But now none of the vehicles is working because there are neither mechanics nor spare parts to repair them. So we did not benefit from the SURE-P scheme, although other sister union members were board members of SURE-P or of road maintenance agency they did not give us a slot. When I met the minister he said they were going to make sure that they send us a letter for a slot but till the government left we never got any slot.

What is your agenda for the new government?

My agenda for the new administration is that I have advised that time without number and I said the government is looking for money, so for them to get money they should return toll gates. Everywhere all over the world there is tollgate. They can create tollgate which if you pay the gate will open itself for you, for people not to convert the fund to their own use. I found such a system in Saudi-Arabia. I also found it in Germany that if you pay it opens itself for you to pass to prevent stealing of the proceeds. There is another system which is like a photocopying machine that counts the papers it photocopies and also record condemned copies. If the government adopts that system, it will use the proceeds to fix the roads instead of looking for another loan to fix it. Essentially, good road saves lives and good road can also create employment opportunities for jobless Nigerians. In addition, there could be a way bridge in every 50 kilometers. Weighbridge is a scale that every vehicle must climb before proceeding to load and after loading comes for the paper so that when you reach another 50kilometer you also climb the scale. This is to prevent a driver from carrying additional or excess luggage that could burst the vehicles tyres on the way.

Also, we should have what we call highway motor parks with less expensive hotels for drivers to pass their night after a tiresome journey. Highway motor park are always highly protected in term of security. You stay there and freshen up to avoid a driver dozing off and swerve into the bush. These are my recommendations in form of agenda for this government for the benefit of all Nigerians.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

‘Affordability sets us apart’ Y

OU celebrated your fifth anniversary last month, can you give us a brief history of Star Times?

StarTimes, as we speak, is five years old in Nigeria. We celebrated our fifth anniversary last month. StarTimes, I must let you know, is a high end enterprise in digital broadcasting technology with global stature and pedigree. As we speak, we are in about 23 countries across Africa. We have strong presence in about fifteen. .

StarTimes is a digital TV operator known in Nigeria as NTA-Star TV Network Ltd. The company is a joint venture between Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Star Communication Network Co. of China. As a digital TV platform, we offer everyone the opportunity to afford, access and enjoy about 150 authorised television channels with programmes covering sports, news, movies, series, sports, entertainment, kid’s programmes, religion, documentaries, lifestyle, telenovelas, and others.

What is actually your vision?

StarTimes has a vision of becoming a global and very influential media group, while the mission is to ensure that every African household and by extension Nigerian is able to afford and enjoy digital television.

Will you say that this vision is being accomplished?

When StarTimes began digital television offering in Nigeria, digital TV was exclusively for the rich. Only a few people could afford it. It had been exclusively for the rich. It was very expensive.

But, since the advent of StarTimes some five years ago, the story has since changed.

What new things did you introduce to celebrate your five years of existence?

To celebrate our anniversary, we signed a fiveyear exclusive deal with Bundesliga, for the best of sporting events and entertainment in the German top league. We have also launched four new sports channel and three movie channels, Iroko TV, Iroko Play and Iroko Plus. We also launched our HD decoder which means consumers can enjoy clearer pictures and have more options. Also, we have a promotion which started last week of July and running through September.

This enables our subscribers to recharge for two months and get 50% discount on the second month. It automatically qualifies one for a raffle draw and a chance to win a trip to Germany. Ten lucky winners will be sponsored to Germany and there are other prizes like LED TVs with inbuilt decoders, generating sets and solar five mobile

Israel Bolaji is the Manager and Head, Public Relations and Communications Unit, StarTimes Nigeria, a global Pay TV brand. In this interview with Jill Okeke, he speaks about what makes the brand the preferred choice in the Pay TV market in Nigeria, bordering on its unique selling propositions of affordability and pocket friendly posture as well as high technological edge cum offerings around its fifth anniversary in Nigeria . Excerpts. phones.

What is your unique selling point?

First, StarTimes is everything in one: system integrator, technology provider, network operator and content producer. This gives us the capacity to dictate the pace in the industry. So, our number one distinguishing factor is our affordability heritage. All our products have been very affordable and pocket friendly. We have the quality and we still give it out at a very affordable rate. We believe that it can be good and can also be very affordable.

You succeeded in demystifying Pay Tv brand in Nigeria, but how did you penetrate the market?

We are a mass market friendly brand. That has also helped us to penetrate the market. Our business direction and promotion has been geared towards exciting the masses. We also have a family orientation. That is also good. In our product development ideology, we have something for everybody.

Let me give you an example; we have a dedicated channel for babies between the ages of zero and three. It is called baby T. We also have for teenagers and adults and various products that project us as family friendly. We are also

a multi-cultural brand. We have the opportunity to tap into the Asian culture. We use our brand to project the Asian culture and African culture. So, we have a multi cultural angle plus our local partnership.

Many people do not understand your relationship with NTA. Can you please enlighten us?

StarTimes, formally known as NTA Star TV network, is a joint venture between the federal government of Nigeria and Star Communications Network Co. of China. We’ve been able to leverage on the Star Communications Network strength and the stature of NTA. NTA is a big brand in Nigeria. It is the only television station in Nigeria that covers everywhere. That has helped us with greater reach.

There is no key area in Nigeria without the NTA. If you see NTA there, you will get StarTimes coverage. We can say the relationship has existed for five years now. And, the way it is, there is a localisation policy inherent in the partnership. Overtime, we have more and more localisation of the brand. As we speak, the larger percentage of the workforce are Nigerians. We have very few expatriates.

What is your market share?

I won’t talk about market share, but I will say that we’ve been growing and we are growing very fast. Our subscribers are in millions.

And, that is a clear testimony of the acceptance of the brand in the last five years. I believe that we can attribute that to our affordable prices, our continuous commitment to growth, innovation and commitment to offer value.

How many channels do you have?

We have about 250 channels . In Lagos, for example , we have over 100 channels that you can enjoy on our two platforms. We have the digital terrestrial and digital satellite, one is called DTT and the other one is DTH. What is Star Times doing to support digital switchover in Nigeria?

Nova bouquet is another step forward towards delivering digital TV to the unconnected in Nigeria. We realised that our package seems to be the most affordable and yet there are people who are yet to be reached and still not able to afford it. So, we said, what more can we do? As you are aware, The International Telecom Union (ITU) as the regulatory body

•Bolaji

wants all the nations of the world to switch over. We want to be able to further go down there and connect those who are not connected. There are people who have the decoder and they are not recharging. If we switch off analogue service now, that means no analogue television will work unless with a decoder. So, if we have people who don’t have a decoder or you have people who are unable to afford monthly recharge. It is a challenge . That means, they will not be able to have un-interrupted access to digital TV. That is why we developed NOVA. The most affordable one we have initially was N1200. So, we then developed NOVA which goes for N600 monthly subscription. It is so small that if you do the arithmetic it translates to a minimum of N20 naira per day and is what anyone should be able to af-

ford. That’s why we are trying to accommodate more families to be able to afford and buy, and not only that, they should be able to maintain it. With just N600 per month, you watch about 30 channels. We believe that at least that would really help a lot of people to be able to access digital TV. What more do you want to say to your subscribers?

Let me wrap up this way.

For us as a brand, we are really very grateful to our consumers out there. I’m using this opportunity to appeal to them to continue to keep faith with us. We have lots of things to offer them and we are just coming up. We are ready and equal to the task to ensure every Nigerian household has access to digital TV. StarTimes will continue to strive to put smile on the faces of our subscribers.

A refrigerator with energy-saving edge IGERIANS are hardworking people by nature. After the day’s work, they head home where they have a refrigerator, a home appliance that enables households preserve their foods and chill their drinks.

Many householders experience various challenges with their refrigerators; many householders do not like their refrigerator as it uses too much energy and their foods just don’t seem to stay fresh as long as they should. Also, it produces noise and breaks down constantly, which sparked the introduction of refrigerator models with inverter linear compressor by LG Electronics, a global leader in home appliances.

Aimed at making life in the homes more comfortable, more convenient, more efficient, and better, LG’s Inverter Linear Compressor refrigerator comes with leading edge

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benefits – superb energy savings and quiet performance, providing optimal temperature control for fresher food, great durability for greater peace of mind.

Commenting on this innovation, at a press briefing in Lagos, General Manger, LG Electronics West Africa operation, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung, said, “A refrigerator’s compressor plays a key role in determining energy efficiency, food freshness, noise levels and durability.

“LG Inverter Linear Compressor utilises a sim-

ple design; it is engineered with a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for quality. Fewer friction-generating parts and superior construction have allowed the Inverter Linear Compressor to achieve an outstanding level of durability.

This durability is backed up by a 10-year warranty on every LG Inverter Linear Compressor,” explained Mr. Hyunwoo Jung.

Unlike other appliances, refrigerators run 24 hours a day. This makes them the main energy culprit in most homes, as well as a great place to achieve energy savings through innovation. The heart of a refrigerator is its compressor, which circulates the cool air and maintains refrigerant pressure. In a conventional compressor, there are four points of friction. In LG’s Inverter Linear Compressor, there is only a sin-

gle point of friction, which increases overall energy efficiency.

LG’s Inverter Linear Compressor only functions when temperature stability is threatened, ensuring that hotspots aren’t created. In addition, it enables the refrigerator to make incremental temperature adjustments with greater sensitivity than conventional fridges, resulting in better temperature optimisation. Put together, this means that food stays fresher longer.

By creating the highly efficient and energy saving linear compressor with inverter technology, LG Electronics, as an industry forerunner, has once again demonstrated leadership - its commitment to upgrading its technologies to meet the demands of consumers in diverse markets around the world.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 electricity. I forgot to tell you that I bought a laptop to help me with the editing. If you do not have a laptop, you cannot do the job very well.

It makes it easier for my clients to preview the job and select what they really want.

‘Photography an excellent startup for enterprising women’

Supportive spouse My husband has been very supportive. He was the one who introduced me to photography.

What if he did not tell me about the opportunity then?

Apart from that he has been a very wonderful husband. I give kudos to him for being always there for me.

Yetunde Oladeinde shares the story of Victoria Omobolanle Oyedele who has made good plying her trade as a photographer

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ICTORIA Omobolanle Oyedele started life selling household utensils but somehow things were tough because many of her customers loved to buy those items on credit.

She also tried her hands in fashion designing, making adire and batik fabrics but something was still missing in her life. Then an opportunity came for training as a photographer by Lagos State government during the Bola Tinubu administration and she grabbed it enthusiastically.

Interestingly, today the middle-aged woman is making a fortune as a photographer and she takes you into her world capturing the happiest moments of celebrities, government officials and more.

How it all started A long time ago, the opportunity came in 2005.My husband went for a particular seminar and the opportunity came that the new executive then led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Femi Pedro wanted to train some youths in the area of vocations like photography and screen printing. Unfortunately, he didn’t remember to tell me about the programme until a month after it kicked off.

When he told me about it, I was excited and showed interest.

As God would have it, the training on photography came to my Estate in Abesan Estate. They made it so good for us and during the trainings, every last Friday of the month; we went to Alausa to collect pocket money.

We collected the allowance for three months.

After the training, we had to take different pictures of nature, landscapes and so many other aspects of life. I went about taking different kinds of pictures

Advise for women I would tell them to have self indiscipline. Secondly, I would tell them that they should be themselves. You should not say that because some people are doing this, I must do the same thing. You look at your area and do what you are doing very well. There are so many women that we went for that training together but today only about one or two are doing something with it.

that we submitted and to the glory of God, I came third amongst the 150 students.

Winning edge I took so many pictures and they were in an album which was submitted like other students. I felt so good. Winners were given the Zenith analog camera. It was a very good camera and it was a turning point in my life. That camera opened doors for me and it opened my eyes to so many opportunities around me. This is the third camera that I am using after that camera. I met different people from different walks of life and I learnt different things from them too.

Memorable experience I remember a pastor introduced me to the former president, General Olusegun Obasanjo. I took some pictures for him and the experience was memorable. It was a programme organised by a nongovernmental organisation and Baba liked the picture that I took for him. While I was taking some photos, he cracked some jokes that made me laughed each time I remember the encounter.

When we got to the reception, we were taken to the food court. I heard OBJ talking in Hausa and I understand the language a little bit. He told the guy, the people you are serving food to, let them serve themselves and if you must serve them, give them the portion they can eat because if the food remains, I would pack everything for you. Nothing must be wasted.

I smiled and then he looked at me and asked, ‘Did you hear what I was saying”. I smiled and quickly looked the other way.

There are so many other memorable moments and it includes a woman that I met in the oil and gas sector. I have travelled

with her to different places for events like house warming, burial and more. After the camera from Lagos state government, someone also gave me a digital camera and then I used my money to buy another camera. They are not cheap cameras at all and for me, my cameras are the greatest assets in my life. I have used the camera to assist my husband in different ways like paying school fees and other bills.

Scaling up I went further to train myself in the area of graphics, editing of pictures and I learnt all the tricks.

Before photography I used to deal with household utilities. I sold products like Binatone products. It wasn’t easy because I was moving from one place to the other. I was going to schools, companies and different organisations to market them. It was very tedious and people owed me so much money and it got to a point that I was tired of doing this and I had my first

daughter and not too long after this, I had another girl. To the glory of God, my husband has been supportive. He started publishing a magazine for photographers. It was called Photo people magazine. He started in year 2000 and up till 2009 when it was rested.

Photography lucrative for women Yes photography is very good but not for lazy women. I say this because it is a job that takes so much of your time. If you are not a good time manager, you cannot do photography as well as manage your home.

Juggling roles I try to plan ahead, once I know the date of a particular event, I begin to plan things and get everything I need ready. I prepare children for school and I thank God that my first child is preparing to go to the university. I manage my time properly. In the area of editing pictures, I do a lot of this in the night especially when there is

Winning formula It is God Almighty, my husband and my children. Perseverance had helped. If you cannot persevere, you are not likely to go far. Women should be focused.

You cannot mix business with pleasure. It just can’t work.

Future projections My passion is to empower others too. There are so many people looking for paid employment and for years nothing is forthcoming. So, it would be nice to bring more people in my area into the business. I want to train more people but I need more cameras.

Other skills set Just before Photography, I was into fashion designing. I do batik and adire. I learnt this when I went to a fashion school somewhere in Isolo, Lagos. Then I won the most beautiful girl competition during the training. That was where I won the sewing machine in my house. After this I wanted to go to Yabatech but somewhere along the line, I just couldn’t do that. After a while, I went to the Federal School of Administration.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

INTERVIEW

‘Why Church leaders need accountability system’ Y

OU have been organising convention for 26 years, when will you ever get tired?

When will I get tired?

You can’t get tired doing what God has anointed you to do. When you have the call of God upon your life, He infuses you with passion that keeps you going. You have energies as you grow. So, I cannot be tired for any reason.

What will be different this time around?

The theme is just like a dream, which is the language of an overcomer. That is the language of divine intervention and complete turnaround. So, I believe there will be a shift for those who attend. I foresee things will happen that will take people to the level they have never attained.

You run an orphanage in Akure. What’s the vision behind it?

It is like a home to the less privileged. We have about 30 children in the home now.

We are just after meeting the needs of people who for one reason or the other lost their parents. We try to raise them as God’s children and reintegrate them to the society. We also give out some of them to foster parents to take care for us.

It is a major focus of the ministry that we invest in heavily. By the grace of God, we have some in secondary schools right now. They are doing well and we hear good reports about them.

People say you mentor several men of God secretly.

How did you come about it?

I just believe that in every generation, God raise prophets and fathers. I believe God raised me as a prophet and father. He has placed a huge responsibility on my shoulders to put the younger generation right.

God prepared my heart for it. It wasn’t something I just stumbled on. He has processed me for the assignment because even when I was not yet saved, He made me go through some hard times that I believe were too much

The general overseer of Agape Christian Ministries Akure, Bishop Felix Adejumo, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on essential ingredients that church founders need to succeed. Excerpts: for my age. At the same time when I was serving under my pastor, I went through some training that sharpened my life.

So, that emboldened and expanded my heart to be able to tolerate people; identify with their needs and challenges and stay with them until they overcome their challenges. I don’t allow the problems people have to scare me. I just believe that God packaged me with that grace to father even some of my mates and people that should be my fathers.

It’s not something I can boast about because it’s all about God. Do you go about looking for who to mentor?

I think for me it works naturally. People come around my life and it’s not by reason of application. I never applied to father anybody and neither did anybody applied to be a child. It just happens through relationship. I believe that once there is a relationship, there is a posturing. The posturing of a child is different from that of a friend. Everybody just falls into line when we meet.

How do you handle some of your protégés that do things you are not proud of?

You know when you have a child that misbehaves, he is still your child.

You don’t disown children for misbehaving. I believe fatherhood is not only showing up when a child has done well. When you play the role of a father, you help the child stand again. I will rebuke him for whatever he has done wrong. I tell him to learn the lessons he needs to learn so that he does not fall

again.

If you are going to do that, you have to set a benchmark for yourself because people must be able to say ‘where did he pick his own from? Certainly not from his father, but his peers.’ Also, you can’t rebuke a child over some you are also guilty of.

I confront people because it’s important to have confronters in your life.

You need encouragers but also need people to confront you, rebuke you and correct you. If you don’t have such people in your life, your life is not safe.

I don’t spare my children when they misbehave. I rebuke them because I don’t allow anybody to buy me over

table, you must also ask what you contribute to that person’s life.

But we don’t get to hear of some of your children that have been chastised… … I don’t do that so that we don’t damage people.

You see it can be damaging if you expose the dirty linen of a child. People don’t have to know what I am doing before I feel good. I just want to do what I do without much noise.

Have you ever had reasons to tell ministers to step down from the pulpit before?

Yes, I have asked some people to withdraw in the past for sometimes. If a Christian is wounded, he should stop fighting and get treated so that they can bounce back.

Elsewhere there would have been a statement explaining what happened.

Why don’t you do that?

In the US, you can do that but our society is different.

The farthest you can go is to announce it among the workers in the church that the senior pastor has been asked to step down. If you do that when someone is just coming to a church, you have not helped that person. You have destroyed him. In my church, for instance, someone had issues with his wife. I asked him to withdraw from the pulpit until they reconciled. That was done. I enforced it.

But do you have people who call you to order too?

Yes, I do. I have people that I tell to watch out for me.

They can confront me over anything. I am not a law to myself.

Within the church, I am accountable to some three pastors under me. I •Adejumo told them right

with money or anything.

The reason many fathers cannot talk is because they have been bought over. They can bless me if they choose to but I will never ask for it. I don’t allow money to determine how far we can go in our relations. I don’t relate based on what you have or don’t have.

How many of your children have ‘seed’ their way to your mentoring?

I can tell you by His grace that there is none anywhere in the world. I don’t believe that I have to feed off my children. Fatherhood is not about what you can get but what you can give.

I don’t believe in waiting for prophet’s offering all the time. There must be mutual benefits. If somebody drops money every time on your

from the onset to feel free to call me to order if I do anything unbiblical. When they do, I don’t resent it or feel bad. I take things in my strides and move on.

It’s better to have safety valves around you. They know me; they have been doing their works and they can vouch for me. You must have people you account to within and outside the church as a founder so that your life can be safe too.

What’s your position on first born redemption?

I think it is an Old Testament practice. I have never done it before because I don’t have a New Testament backbone for it. It involves sacrifices and money; I’m not saying those doing it are completely wrong because I don’t know whatever God might have told them. But I don’t teach or practise it.

Do you believe church leaders should draw allowances or salaries?

I believe each set man has an idea of what God wants him to operate. The bible approves of offering them material support as workers in the vineyard. But beyond that, I think every church leader should not solely depend on the church.

He should have something aside that he draws incomes from. Every pastor must be bi-vocational. I do businesses that I believe corroborate what I do. I am involved in farming. I do crop farming where I have acres of lands that plant maize and other crops.

I am also into poultry and rabbit farming, though that is at a small scale now. I sell fertilizers. I do all of these things because I know I will retire and need to have a source of livelihood. I want my children to also have something to inherit from me.

I draw allowance from the church when it is available because we are involved in enormous projects. I just want to have something of my own that will augument whatever I get from ministering.

NEWS

Moment of Grace launched in Lagos Lead by example, men told

“T

ALENT, they say, is priceless.”

This was the words of some men of God last Saturday at the life transformation music concert and launch of moment of grace album in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The host, Ibu Gabriel, said the concert was to bring back the throne of worship, adding he acting to instructions from God. Speaking on the album, Gabriel noted that the messages are based on hope and confidence in God. “Basically, my mission on earth is to minister to lives and restore destiny. Most of the songs are based

By Ibrahim Adam

on faith, hope and confidence on God. It is about waiting on the Lord and believe He alone can lead us through.” he said.

The pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Odokekere, Ikorodu, Rev. Akinniyi Daniel, said the songs were burn out of deep inspiration from God. Daniel also tasked youths to be patient and fear God in their daily endeavours.

He added: “Youths should ensure they follow Gods vision in their lives. You should not waste your time on worldly things but always

keep faith in God.” Rev. Paul Ajayi of God Vine Yard Baptist Church, Ikorodu added that Gabriel has proved that no knowledge is waste.

He described the album as exceptional, adding that the singer proved his mettles.

“I ‘m happy because out of thousands we trained at the music workshop we organise annually, Gabriel has been different with his knowledge,” he said.

Gabriel attended Abundant Life Baptist Association (ALBA) Ikorodu that trains young artistes on music and instrumentation.

T

HE pastor of Lagos province 17 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor David Omunagbe, has implored Christian men to lead exemplary lives.

Omunagbe spoke at the maiden edition of the province Redeemer’s Men Fellowship Convention at the Province headquarters in Abule Egba, Lagos with the theme ‘In His Image’.

He said Christian men were ordained to be family heads and must therefore position themselves to influence, teach and lead by examples as part of their service to God. According to him: “Our prime focus and concern shall be to live exem-

plary lives because God made man in His image, but the devil deformed man through sin in the Garden of Eden, however Jesus came to reform man. Therefore it is upon the shoulder of men to set standard in our various homes.”

Reading from Gen 1: 26-27, Pastor Wunmi Adetona, who delivered the sermon, said God made man in His image and was therefore expected to give direction as the head of the family.

He said the responsibilities given to man by God is quite tasking, urging men to draw closer to God to make a success of the assignment.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

WORSHIP

Adeboye opens prayer camp in hometown

COLUMN

Living Faith

By Dr. David Oyedepo

Exploring the Wonders of Kingdom Stewardship!

S •An aerial view of the prayer camp during construction

N

EARLY 30 years after he conceived the idea, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has finally opened a prayer mountain.

The camp, which was opened at a relatively quiet ceremony, is located in Ifewara the hometown of the respected preacher, some 10 minutes away from the ancient city of Ife in Osun State.

Elders and pastors from the RCCG family and dignitaries from Ifewara as well as workers and volunteers of the project attended the opening of the facility named Mount Carmel Prayer Mountain.

Conceived as a prayer village, the facility boasts of a magnificent mix of sanctuaries, dormitories, chalets and numerous prayer huts flowing down the slope of a hill, overlooked by bigger residential blocks.

There are also halls of various sizes, a restaurant, bookshop and supermarket.

Welcoming guests at the

Stories by Sunday Oguntola

opening ceremony, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, who was in charge of the construction, revealed that although the plot of land had been bought years ago but was lying fallow until about seven years ago when her husband moved for its development.

Tracing the origin of the project, she said: “We had been inspired to build a prayer mountain by what we saw in South Korea in 1985.

“We went for a David Yonggi Cho prayer conference there, and one afternoon, they took the delegates to their prayer mountain, which we admired so much.

“So since 1985, we had it in our minds that one day, there would be a prayer mountain of a similar status in Nigeria.”

Also explaining the name of the prayer mountain, she said: “We named this Mount Carmel after the Mount Carmel where Prophet Elijah defeated the work of the devil.

We also remembered the Mount of Transfiguration.”

Corroborating his wife’s account, Adeboye said, “When we returned from South Korea in 1985, we decided by this grace of God that there would be a prayer mountain in Nigeria that people from all over the world would come to pray.

“The way I had planned it, the place should have been built many years ago. But in the face of the enormous challenges, we resorted to building a place called “Halleluyah House” at Redemption camp.”

He went on: “Yet the passion for the prayer mountain was still burning in my heart.

I believed that by the time I was 60 years old, we would have built it but it was not possible.

“When I was getting to 70 years old, I remembered that every year after 70 years of a man on earth is extra time.

“To ensure that the dream would not die, and efforts that had been made would not be fruitless, I called my wife and gave her the responsibility to build this prayer mountain.”

•Cross Section of men at one of the rallies (Inset: Odukoya)

18 years of discovery for men

“A

LL it takes is one man taking his place and rising up to the demands of true personal and commonwealth leadership,” Pastor Taiwo Odukoya declared back then in April 1997.

It was at the maiden edition of the discovery for men rally of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.

18 years after, the rally has become a reference point for engagement of men into leadership positions across all sectors.

The leading men seminar, which holds every quarter, has taken place in Enugu, Calabar, Eket, Uyo and Abeokuta.

It challenges men to go forward and take new territories, overcome all obstacles, win the war - not just the battles against greed, indolence, debauchery, drunkenness while serving God. Notable speakers who have featured include: Deacon Gamaliel Onosode; Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, among others.

On the first Sunday in July, thousands of men gathered again at the Ilupeju headquarters of the church to learn about courageous manhood.

Dubbed Africa’s largest

single gathering of men in one place, the rally afforded Odukoya the opportunity to tackle fears confronting men.

Odukoya, who noted men are besieged by all manners of turbulence, said they must retain their courage at all costs.

According to him: “When you lose courage, you have lost everything. Don’t lose it, no matter what. We are not made to bury our heads in the sand when troubles come.”

Blessed by the interactive sessions anchored by these elderstatemen, some of the participants have since become partners, funding the ministry to do greater exploits.

ERVING God is a bigtime business! That is the reason Jesus defined Kingdom stewardship as the Father’s business. As it is written: He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?(Luke 2:49;Exodus 23:25-26).

Therefore, Kingdom stewardship is the Father’s business and it is a platform established by God for profitable living.

What, then, is Kingdom Stewardship?

Kingdom stewardship is all about serving God and the interests of His Kingdom as a lifestyle. It is one of the great steps that lead us to a world of wonders.

As it written: If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures (Job 36:11; see also Matthew 6:33).

That means we are not permitted to live under pressures when we serve God. Furthermore, we understand from scriptures that Kingdom stewardship which includes soulwinning,emits and engenders wonder rewards.

WHAT, THEN, ARE THEAMAZING WONDERS IN SOUL-WINNING? · The Flow of Divine Wisdom: In soul-winning, we are co-labourers with Christ and The Bible says: He that walks with the wise shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20; Mark 16:20).In other words, as we engage in soul-winning, we work and walk with God, and we cannot walk with the only wise God and not partake of His wisdom.

As result, every soul winner flows in divine wisdom supernaturally (Daniel 12: 3).

We are empowered to scale new heights: The Bible says: But it shall not be so

among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28).

No one ever prays or fasts into greatness, we can only serve into greatness. It is the covenant platform for unlimited heights. Therefore, we scale new and strange heights as we serve God with meekness and humility.

Command of Signs and Wonders (Mark 16:20): Every time He sends us, He backs us with the signs and wonders anointing. As it is written: And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (Matthew 10:1).

The more committed we are to soul-winning, the higher our level of command of signs and wonders. Moreover, the Bible says that the husbandman,wholabours is ordained to be the first partaker of the fruits (2 Timothy 2:6).

Therefore, as we engage whole-heartedly in soul-winning, the value of our lives is enhanced.

Access to Divine Favour: The Apostles were out reaping a bountiful harvest for God and they were having favour with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47). That means favour was flowing as souls were won into the Kingdom. Thus, when we engage in spiritual stewardship, we enjoy divine favour.

As it written:Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory (Psalm 102:13-15).

Divine Health: A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health

(Proverbs 13:17). We are ambassadors of Christ, because we are reconciling the world back to God. Therefore, we are entitled to divine health (2 Corinthians 5:20). It is written: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:1-2).

Thus, as fruit-bearing Christians, Jesus becomes our personal Physician and His mission is to keep us supernaturally fit.

Divine Protection: Every soul winneris empowered for protection (Luke 10:17-19).

Supernatural Supplies: When we are on the go for Christ, we are not permitted to lack anything (Luke 22:35).

Miracle Children: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127:3). When we engage in soul-winning, we become fruit-bearing branches. This is because everyone who bears fruits for the Kingdom, God releases fruits into their lives (John 15:2).

Miracle Marriage: The Bible says: Marriage is honourable in all… (Hebrew 13:4).

Marriage is ordained an honourable thing and it is one the entitlement of everyone who honours Jesus. Every soul winner honours God and as such, is entitled to honour in return, which includes miracle marriage (1 Samuel 2:30).

Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books:Wisdom that Works, Walking in Wisdom, All you need to have all your needs met, Winning Wisdom and Excellency of Wisdom.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

NEWS

Foursquare men meet for empowerment

C

HRISTIAN men have been challenged to draw closer to God so as to save their families and the nation from perdition.

This was the consensus recently when over 10,000 gathered for the National Council of Foursquare Men retreat with the theme empowerment for greater glory.

One of the speakers, Benson Ogunbamiwa, told the men that they must have personal concentration as Christians.

He urged them to be living examples of righteous-

By Medinat Kanabe

ness and integrity.

Ogunbamiwa urged them not to evaluate themselves based on what they possess but to concentrate on the amount of God’s grace upon their lives.

In his goodwill message, the general overseer, Rev. Felix Meduoye, said men cannot function properly without empowerment.

He urged them to pursue God for empowerment in order to succeed in the various assignments God has committed into their hands.

“God has made available

enough resources for us to be sufficiently empowered to overcome these challenges. It will therefore be good and advisable for all of us to position ourselves ready for that which God will do during this retreat,” he stressed.

A participant, Mr. Chris Nwachukwu, appreciated God for the retreat.

He said: “The programme was beyond my expectations, one of the sessions addressed my reason for being here and I now know that I can move from where I was to another level.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME OGUNNIYI Formerly addressed as Miss Kikelomo Rosemary Ogunniyi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Kikelomo Rosemary Sorinola.

Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OLOJEDE Formerly addressed as Olojede Eniola Ayobami, now wish to be addressed as Afolabi Eniola Ayobami. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OGUNTOLA Formerly addressed as Miss Oguntola, Elizabeth Iyabo, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Akinkoye, Elizabeth Iyabo. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

JAMIU Formerly addressed as Jamiu, Abiodun Akano Gaffar, now wish to be addressed as Jamiu, Abiodun Akano Ghaffar. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

AJANI Formerly addressed as Mr. Ajani, Johnson Oyewale Ayodele, now wish to be addressed as Mr. Ayodele Johnson Oyewale. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OLADOKUN Formerly addressed as Miss Oladokun, Funke Dorcas, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adeoti, Funke Dorcas. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

SHONIBARE Formerly addressed as Miss Shonibare, Esther Toluwalope, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ojo, Esther Toluwalope. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OLAORE Formerly addressed as Waheed Friday Abidemi Olaore, now wish to be addressed as Friday Abidemi Olaore. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OYEDUN Formerly addressed as Miss Oyedun, Elizabeth Oluwakemi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Akinyele, Elizabeth Oluwakemi.

Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

BALOGUN Formerly addressed as Mr. Balogun, Lateef Olukayode, now wish to be addressed as Mr. Balogun, Abdul-Lateef Kayode.

Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OKAFOR Formerly addressed as Miss Nnenna Kofoworola Okafor, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Nnenna Alajuruonye. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OLANIYI Formerly addressed as Olaniyi Abiodun, now wish to be addressed as Olaniyi Abiola Olalekan.

Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

AKINTAN Formerly addressed as Miss Olayinka Iwa Ola Akintan, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olayinka Iwa Ola Omotosho.

Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

ABDULLAH Formerly addressed as Miss Abdullah Mariam Olumuyiwa, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adekoya-Abdullah Mariam Olumuyiwa. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

AGBOR Formerly addressed as Miss Patricia Agbor, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Patricia Williams. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

FOLARIN Formerly addressed as Miss Folarin, Abolanle Maryam, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oduntan, Abolanle Maryam.

Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

MBAJIUKA Formerly addressed as Miss Mbajiuka, Chikaodi J., now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Onwuzuruigbo, Chikaodi J. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

ALUFA Formerly addressed as Miss Alufa, Olajumoke Helen, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Helen Olajumoke Adeleye. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

LAWAL Formerly addressed as Miss Lawal, Monsurat Bolanle, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Awe, Monsurat Bolanle. Former documents remain valid.Lagos State Civil Service Commission and general public take note.

ONYEGBULE Formerly addressed as Miss Peace Chibundo Onyegbule, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Peace Chibundo Nwosu. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME OKON Formerly addressed as Okon Asukwo Antai, now wish to be addressed as Anthony Asukwo Antai. Former documents remain valid.General public take note.

OJO Formerly addressed as Miss Ojo, Omolara Aduke, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Saromi, Omolara Aduke.

Former documents remain valid.Ondo State Local government Service Commission and general public take note.

SEBIONIGA Formerly addressed as Sebioniga Temitope A., now wish to be addressed as Agarau Sebioniga Temitope A. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINSHE Formerly addressed as Akinshe, Olayinka Ibiwunmi, now wish to be addressed as Olayinka Ibiwunmi Akinshe-Bakare.

Former documents remain valid. Alpha Integrated Energy Services Limited, PH and general public take note.

ABDULLAH Formerly addressed as Miss Abdullah Mariam Olumuyiwa, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adekoya-Abdullah, Mariam Olumuyiwa. Former documents remain valid. Alpha Integrated Energy Services Limited, PH and general public take note.

BELLO Formerly addressed as Bello, Silifat Arinpe, now wish to be addressed as Ojomu, Silifat Omowunmi Arinpe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ASHIFAT Formerly addressed as Ashifat Suebat Aderonke, now wish to be addressed as Oladipupo Ashifat Suebat. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWACHUKWU Formerly addressed as Miss Nwachukwu, Chinegbo Doris, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Nwaiwu, Kingsley Chinegbo Doris.

Former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

ESIMAI Formerly addressed as Miss Esimai, Chizoba Linda, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Emecheta, Chizoba Precious. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEDAYO Formerly addressed as Miss Adedayo, Funmilayo Esther, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ojulape, Funmilayo Esther. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MADUABUCHI Formerly addressed as Miss Maduabuchi, Ada Valentina, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Nnaji Adanna Amauchechukwu Valentina. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEWALE Formerly addressed as Miss Adewale, Adeyemi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adeoye, Adeyemi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FOLORUNSO Formerly addressed as Miss Folorunso, Ajimoht Abisola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olanite Ajimoht Abisola. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FOLORUNSO Formerly addressed as Miss Folorunso, Ajimoht Abisola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olanite Ajimoht Abisola. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IYARE Formerly addressed as Mrs. Iyare, Kate Nkechi, now wish to be addressed as Ms. Enyi, Kate Nkechi. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EGBUNA Formerly addressed as Kingsley Chuckwuemeka Egbuna, now wish to be addressed as Kingsley Chukwuemeka John. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NEWS CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OYEWUMI Formerly addressed as Miss OYEWUMI, CHARLOTTE OYEBOLA now wish to be addressed as Mrs. ADEYEMI, CHARLOTTE OYEBOLA. Former documents remain valid. INEC and general public should take note.

AYODELE Formerly addressed as Miss Ayodele Oluwatoyin Bukola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oluwole Oluwatoyin Bukola.

Former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that Are Afiz Akande is the same person as Are Timothy Adekunle Oluwaloseyi. Former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

AWESU Formerly addressed as Miss AWESU, KAFAYAT AJOKE, now wish to be known addressed as Mrs. TAIWO -AWESU, KAFAYAT AJOKE . Former documents remain valid. INEC and general public should take note.

ANYANWU Formerly addressed as Miss ANYANWU, CHRISTIANAH UGOESE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. AMEH CHRISTIANAH UGOESE. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKOH Formerly addressed as MISS MARGARET NKECHINYERE OKOH, now wish to be addressed as MRS. MARGARET NKECHINYERE SODIPO. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UWAKWE Formerly addressed as MISS CHIKA ANNE UWAKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHIKA ANNE NWANGWU. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

YAKUBU Formerly addressed as FATIMA ZAINAB YAKUBU, now wish to be addressed as FATIMA BINTA ADAMU. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NDUAGUBA Formerly addressed as MISS STELLA IFEYINWA NDUAGUBA now wish to be addressed as MRS. STELLA IFEYINWA NWACHUKWU. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

WOLUCHEM Formerly addressed as MISS UCHECHI WOLUCHEM now wish to be addressed as MRS. UCHECHI ONUNWOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UGORJI Formerly addressed as Miss Nwaozichi Maryann Ugorji, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Nwaozichi Maryann Eze. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

YUSUF Formerly addressed as Miss Yusuf, Zainab,Omowunmi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Disu, Zainab Omowunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNYINKA Formerly addressed as Ogunyinka Ayomikun Anuoluwapo Ebenezer, now wish to be addressed as Oluwayimika Ayomikun Anuoluwapo Ebenezer. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNYINKA Formerly addressed as Ogunyinka Ifeoluwa Babawemimo Matthew, now wish to be addressed as Oluwayimika Ifeoluwa Babawemimo.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNYINKA Formerly addressed as Ogunyinka Ibukunoluwa Temitayo Dorcas, now wish to be addressed as O l u w a y i m i k a IbukunoluwaTemitayo Dorcas.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AKINPELU Formerly addressed as Miss Abosede Olubukola Akinpelu, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Abosede Olubukola Abe. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ODUSAMI Formerly addressed as Miss Abimbola Olufunmilayo Odusami, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Abimbola Olufunmiyo Mustafa.

Former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OWOYEMI Formerly addressed as MISS OWOYEMI SARAH OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be addressed as MRS. ADELEYE SARAH OLUWATOYIN. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

REUBEN Formerly addressed as Mr. Inye Reuben, now wish to be addressed as Chief Inye R.K. BlackDuke. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EZE Formerly addressed as Miss Eze, Adaeze Cynthia, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ikechukwu, Adaeze Cynthia. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IKPEAMA Formerly addressed as Miss Victoria Uchechi Ikpeama, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Victoria Uchechi Mgbechikwere.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UMOSSOH Formerly addressed as Mr. Idara Friday Umossoh, now wish to be addressed as Mr. Youngdaddy Friday Umossoh. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

UMEAKA Formerly addressed as MISS UMEAKA NKECHINYERE PRECIOUS, now wish to be addressed as MRS. OKOYE, NKECHINYERE PRECIOUS. Former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OLOWOOKERE Formerly addressed as Miss Risqot Adebisi Olowookere, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Risqot Adebisi Quadri. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EMMANUEL Formerly addressed as Abiodunolude Emmanuel, now wish to be addressed as SanyaAbiodunolude Emmanuel. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NKEMATU Formerly addressed as Miss Nkematu, Christiana Chioma, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Obi, Christiana Chioma. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OPATA Formerly addressed as Miss Opata, Uchenna Eucharia, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Opata-Ezema, Uchenna Eucharia.

Former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

UDOH Formerly addressed as Miss Idaresit Ime Bassey Udoh, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Idaresit Wisdom Ndon. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NWANEKEZIE Formerly addressed as Miss Uchechi Susan Nwanekezie, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Uchechi Susan Yakub-Lawal.

Former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AFFIONG Formerly addressed as Miss Affiong, Okon Ekpenyong, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Glory Aniekan Patrick. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that Miss Ogbuka Onyinye and Miss Ogbuka Onyinye Ozioma is the same person as Are Mrs. Onyinye Andrew Dada. Former documents bearing the above names remain valid. CFAO Motors NIG. Ltd and general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that Dike Uche Franline and Jackson Franline is the same person as Are Jackson Franline. Former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

ABBEY Formerly addressed as Tinna Tosin Abbey, now wish to be addressed as Tinna Abbey Harrison. Former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ELISHEBA Formerly addressed as Miss Elisheba Agbo Adoga, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Elishebo Agbo Apeji. Former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Health, Nursing and Midwifery of Nigeria and general public should take note.

AKANBI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yetunde Oluwadamilola Akanbi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Yetunde Oluwadamilola Bello. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

ADEYEMI I, formerly addressed as Wunmi Adeyemi Odejide, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Omowunmi Aduke Odejide. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKOYE I, formerly addressed as Okoye Chinyere Hope, now wish to be addressed as Okeke Chinyere Hope.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. 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.

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Saraki decries needless deaths in Arepo explosion ENATE President Bukola Saraki yesterday decried what he called unnecessary loss of human lives in the petroleum pipeline fire incident at Arepo, Ogun State.

He expressed shock that over 100 people were roasted beyond recognition due to the activities of oil pipeline vandals.

Saraki was irked that corpses of victims could not be immediately evacuated by relevant agencies owing to inaccessible terrain.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, he said: “The incident saddens me because I realise that these are Nigerians who have met their untimely deaths in such gruesome circumstances.

“I must say that the fire

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incident in that area was one too many at a time one would have thought that we have put issues of pipeline vandalism blamed for the fire incident, behind us.”

The Senate President also urged Nigerians to be wary of scooping fuel from busted pipelines, saying it was capable of causing unimaginable calamity to lives and colossal economic waste.

He assured the federal government would continue to enjoy the support of the National Assembly in all its current efforts aimed at securing the lives and property of Nigerians.

Saraki called on the joint task security teams to urgently secure all national assets across the nation and equally ensure that bodies yet to be retrieved from the Arepo inferno are immediately evacuated.

Arase vows to continue clampdown on cultism

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HE Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase yesterday said he would continue his clampdown on cultists and their activities across the country.

Arase said he has no apology for the police action on cultism in Edo State.

He spoke in SabongidaOra in Owan West Local Government in Edo State after he was decorated with a chieftaincy title, the Ojeagbase of Ora Kingdom.

Arase noted that the implementation strategies of police reforms and its road map were being perfected.

According to him: “I

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

have dealt with cultists in Edo and Kogi states and I will continue to deal with them.

“No country can eradicate crime but we can make crime tolerable. We are going to remove police from politicians. It is an ongoing thing.

“Road block was not a panacea to curb crime. It is an avenue that creates social friction between us and members of the public.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said Nigerians need people like Arase to drive the change that President Muhammadu Buhari has promised in securing the nation.

CJN gives NOUN pass mark on education

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HE Chief Judge, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has described the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as a centre for the provision of quality and comprehensive education for Nigerians.

Speaking at the fourth annual lecture organised in his honour, Mohammed commended the institution for providing quality education for all categories of Nigerians.

The CJN added that NOUN, which was resuscitated in 2001 by the Obasanjo’s administration, was designed to provide unrestricted tertiary education.

He said: “The success story (of NOUN) lies in testimonies of its astuteness, past and present. Indeed for our dear citizens, the university is now an indispensable tool for achieving educational empowerment.”

Mohammed said NOUN being the biggest institution in the country with its unique mode of education delivery is providing unrestricted access to educate prisoners, artisans,

From Tony Akowe, Abuja house wives and other underprivileged Nigerians.

“With over 408,000 students, it is Nigeria’s largest single tertiary institution offering over 50 programmes and 507 courses.

“It is indeed laudable, from prisoners to full time artisans and even house wives in Nigeria, NOUN unique model allows all to simply combine their daily work and routine with flexible school schedule.”

The Vice Chancellor National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Vincent Tenebe said: “The NOUN school of law was one of the units approved by the federal ministry of education through the National universities commission (NUC) in 2003.

“Thereafter we produced the detailed program proposal online with the NUC BMAS. This is what other universities use all over Nigeria.

“Our students receive lectures and we have first class course materials prepared by seasoned academics and professionals in law and legal studies.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

66

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Oguntunase blasts critics

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ATIONAL Mirror front, views and inside pages of July 23, 2015, welcome us this week after a long break from this column with all manner of flaws: “…the arrest and prosecution of some former ministers and other government officials for looting and stealing the country’s crude oil.” ‘Looting’ and ‘stealing’ cannot cofunction.

“Some states governors (state governors) like Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola of Osun State confessed the situation was beyond their control.” This sentence would have been perfect if at least two governors had been mentioned.

“To this extent, the intervention is justified on ethical ground (grounds).”

“It will not surprise anyone that some states (sic) governors may divert the fund to purposes they are not intended for….”

Existential humanism: ‘fund’ and ‘they’? Why not ‘it’? In addition, with ‘diversion’, there is no need for this clumsy phrase: “to purposes they are not intended for”.

The front and inside pages of The Guardian of July 21 goofed copiously: “Gbajabiamila’s group rejects Dogara’s power sharing (power-sharing) offer” “Two people (why not ‘persons’ preferably) died in this fatal accident that happened just beside Maitama General Hospital, Abuja (another comma) yesterday morning.” (The Guardian Metro Section Caption, July 21) ‘Fatality’ is established here by the fact of death.

Therefore, inclusion of that is otiose and undermines the reader’s intelligence.

FEEDBACK Ebere, you are our pet love, keep the flag flying!

But, don’t forget that nobody is too old to learn and that a teacher is a student! I taught Newsman’s English at the Nigerian institute of Journalism (NIJ) and at the College of Journalism (COJ), both in Ikeja, Lagos. Therefore, I know what it takes to keep abreast of the current tendencies and influences in the language.

Please note that “Pub” is colloquial abbreviation for “public house” in Great Britain. And, in Canada, they have “beer parlor” (note the spelling) and “beer garden”, while it is the “Kneipe” in Germany and ‘beer parlor’ in Nigeria, get it right!

In his piece last Sunday, the Alawada (aka Bala Sala, junior) of ljesa land, the emeritus professor of English, G. O. Komolafe (he conveniently forgot to give his telephone number) wrote: “In the late 80’s I wrote an article in The Guardian and National Concord “ titled” (sic, entitled), “ Grammatical Flaws”, stressing inter alia the distinction between “its” and “it’s…. Mr. Bayo Oguntunase took me up, claiming he had consulted this and that textbook on this simple elementary grammar and would not agree with me”.

“Prof”, do you know that, in Nigeria, we follow Standard British English (SBE)—British English— which I have been emphasizing since May 1984, when I confidently started writing a column entitled “Mind Your Language” (Not “Mind Your Grammar”) as another humorous commentor wrongly called it recently? In Nigeria, we have a great number of humorists!

Esan, you don’t know that “title” is Noun! “Entitle”/entitled” (meaning name/named or call/ called) is its corresponding Verb (see English Usage by John O. E. Clark, page 145) while “titled” is an Adjective in British English (BE), e.g., a titled lady, a titled friend (e.g. Chief Ebenezer Babatope, an ljesa gentleman and my good old friend). I repeat, you use “entitled” when you are mentioning the title of something such as a book, film or painting, e.g. a report entitled (not “titled”) Attitudes Towards Geriatrics” (BBC English Dictionary, page 379) .

Besides, the Associated Press STYLE BOOK on page 73 asserts: Use”entitled” to mean a right to do or have something. Do not use it to mean titled. Right: She was entitled to the promotion; the book was titled “Gone with the wind”.

That is in America, but this is Nigeria. Characteristi-

cally, Americans use “titled” (an adjective, in BE) as a verb, hence we also read of “the American people being gentled into acceptance of China in the U. S.” and “the speech hotting up the debate”! That is America, nation of nations!

In simple terms, Esan cannot distinguish between British English and American English. In conclusion, let Esan publish what I wrote in National Concord in the 80’s and his reaction to it on this page for all readers to see and judge. Finally, writing a column “On Language” is like walking, unarmed, in a forest full of tigers or liens. It taxes one’s linguistic skill and competence. The challenge is on the table, let Esan start to write a column On Language on a weekly basis. I dare you.

All the best! (BAYO OGUNTUNASE/ 08056180046) THE word “talk”, as in a conversation, is a countable noun (we had a long talk) but in a discussion, it is “talks” (peace/trade talks), a plural noun requiring a plural verb. The Nation, Page 5, July 19, therefore, should have read “peace talks to end the leadership crisis in the Senate appear (not appears)...”

Also, the rider ought to read “as peace talks break (not breaks) down”. But despite President Barack Obama’s vow to help Nigeria rout Boko Haram Insurgents, the issue of same-sex marriage, recently approved by the U.S. Supreme Court, remains a “sticking (not “sticky” as reported) point” in the U.S.-Nigerian ties.

Finally, public office holders found to have looted the nation’s treasury are “stinking rich” (an informal adjective meaning “extremely rich”) and not “stinkingly rich”. The citizens want the new administration to make the looters return their illgotten wealth. (KOLA D A N I S A / 07068074257) FROM THE COLUMNIST: MORE INFORMED AND NOVEL PERSPECTIVES ARE WELCOME.

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OLLOWING through both local and foreign media, the euphoria that surrounded President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent trip to the United States of America got to a somewhat ridiculous height. The aggregate trend in most of the views and opinions expressed by most media analysts in respect of the visit is that it would usher in ‘big time prosperity’ for Nigeria.

Though, most of the analysts did not really state the basis for such extravagant optimism, the general consensus, nevertheless, was that with President Buhari’s trip to America, Nigeria’s greatness is a foregone conclusion. One very (over) excited analyst said: “For President Obama to invite President Buhari to America is a big deal. I am now very sure that our economic problems are over”. How simplistic!

Without a doubt, President Buhari’s recent visit to America would open new window of opportunities for relations between the two countries. It would be recalled that relations between the two countries had gone sour in recent past. Nigeria, being the most populous Black Country in the world ought to take leadership in Africa in terms of international diplomacy. So, it was somehow demining for the country to be overlooked by a super power like America when it comes to taking decisions on critical issues that concern the continent. This is what happened in the past. With President’s Buhari’s visit to America, it is believed that Nigeria would, once again, be at the center of Africa’s diplomacy.

But then, that is where it all ends.

In international diplomacy, every country looks after its own interest to the fullest. It would, therefore, be too naive for people to erroneously believe that America would want Nigeria to be a great nation. The truth of the matter is that America is responsible for its greatness and that is the way it must be for every other country. The issue of recovery of stolen funds put away abroad back to Nigeria was one of the top priorities of President Buhari in America.

Would America help us recoup stolen fund stashed in America and other western countries? In all honesty, this is quite doubtful.

The sincerity of the American government in accomplishing this task is rather uncertain. It is a common knowledge that America and most western countries operate very rigid financial system that easily detects fraudulent financial transactions. The big question then is: How did the stolen funds get into America and other such destinations inspite of the legendary tight financial mechanism put in place to checkmate such crooked cash movement? Another interesting puzzle is for how long has the funds in questions been kept broad? Now, if at all they are going to be repatriated, what exactly would we be getting? The exact amount stolen or the accrued interests on investment?

It is naive and unrealistic for any country to think that its salvation lies abroad. One of the mot wicked acts that the Nigerian State has ever committed against the citizenry is the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election. I was a bit naïve politically when the annulment took place but I was quite pained by that action. So, I supported to the fullest every action that was directed towards the revalidation of the stolen mandate. One of such was the

Now that President Buhari is back from America

By Tayo Ogunbiyi

foreign trip made by the acclaimed winner of the annulled election, late Chief MKO Abiola, to several western nations including America to solicit foreign help concerning his plight. The idea then, among some of Chief Abiola’s supporters, including myself, was that with America and other western nations backing the Chief, it would be easy for him to retrieve his stolen mandate.

After weeks of toiling abroad over the issue, Chief Abiola eventually came back home with no concrete success recorded from the trip. Upon getting home, he had to start all over by meeting with key stakeholders in the country on how they could help him to salvage his stolen mandate. It was the struggle that eventually consumed Chief Abiola and his wife, Kudirat.

Though, it remains largely unproven till date, but there were insinuations of foreign complicity in the death of Chief Abiola.

For our dear country to get out of the wood, it is very essential that we look inward. Most of our challenges are self inflicted and could be better tackled with home grown solutions.

The present international political order under the supreme leadership of the United States replete with hypocrisy and deception. Why, for instance, should every country practice democracy as a system of government? If democracy has been working for America, is it a guarantee that it would work for every other country? Libya, under the late Colonel Murmur Ghadaffi, was a prosperous nation. But, to the United States, Libya was not a democratic nation. So, Ghadaffi must be dealt with to usher in democracy in Libya. What exactly is the reality in Libya today?

In as much as it is true that the world is now a global village, it is also a reality that every country in the global village must determine its own future. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo spent almost the first year of his

administration junketing abroad to sell the idea of a new and democratic Nigeria overseas.

Whatever successes such trips recorded were largely made nonsense of by home grown developments. What we need to be successful is to build enduring socio-political and economic institutions are largely internal.

What we need to become great as a nation is to look inward and make the best use of all untapped potentials.

What we need for our economy to get better and stronger is to diversify the economy. We need to develop the non oil sector of the economy. Our founding fathers built the prosperity of the nation on the non oil sector. In the first republic, it was agriculture that gave us a prosperous economy.

Till date, agriculture remains a vital sector that could sustain food security, generate huge employment and stabilise our economy. The nation of Israel, despite its natural limitations, is renowned for her rich agroeconomy. We could draw lessons from China which bounced back from a great famine that took millions of lives between 1958 and 1961 to become the world numero uno in food production.

Now that President Buhari is back from America is the time to frontally confront all home grown tendencies that have been impeding our progress as a nation since 1999. For instance, do we really need a bi-cameral parliament? In-spite of vital national issues begging for attention, both federal legislative houses have been on break for most part of the current dispensation. It is not likely that their wages and emoluments have equally been on break. Can we actually afford to continue like this? Do we need someone from abroad to tell us what we already know about ourselves? Our real problems are home grown. For President Buhari, the clock is already tickling. Now, is the time to face the real work. God bless Nigeria!

•Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

NEWS

Reps raise alarm over EFCC’s invitation of Saraki’s wife

UNILAG JAMB’s policy meant to help candidates, says Registrar

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HE Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, has reacted to the protest at the University of Lagos by parents and candidates who could not access the university’s admission.

He explained that the policy introduced by JAMB, for which he has been criticised, “is actually meant to help the candidates not only to get admission but to get it on time.”

Ojerinde stated that the decision to reallocate candidates who cannot be admitted into their choice institutions because of the high cut-off marks set by the institutions for the various courses to other federal, states and private institutions was actually to help them.

He said the reallocation was based on the availability of spaces; choice of the course of the candidate; geographical zone of the candidates’ first choice and the performance of the candidates.

The Registrar pointed out that JAMB had made the situation clear to the institutions during a policy meeting on July 14 with representatives of the federal, state and private universities.

“By this approach, wastage of high scores will be reduced, the fate of the candidates will be determined on time and yet the interest of their areas of study may be satisfied,” Ojerinde stressed.

He noted that the decision became imperative because “the big universities are overloaded” while others have spaces that are not filled.

Expatiating, Ojerinde said: “Can you imagine 8,000 students seeking admission to study law in a university that will take only 250 candidates for law?

“The remaining 7,750 candidates will wait endlessly and hopelessly till the end of the admission. Or imagine 7,500 candidates seeking admission to study medicine in a university.

“Of these 7,500 candidates, 2,000 scored above 250 in the UTME. The university has a carrying capacity of only 150 candidates for medicine.

“The remaining 7,350 who scored above 200 will be wasted.

Particularly, 1,750 candidates who scored above 250 will be wasted while other universities either do not have enough candidates or high scoring candidates.”

He added that JAMB had discovered that courses like Biological Sciences, Pharmacy, Agricultural Engineering and related courses are, in most cases, without enough candidates in the universities while everyone scampered to study medicine and only a small percentage eventually get admitted.

Ojerinde indicted some socalled educational consultants, who he accused of having hidden agenda, which are being thwarted by JAMB’s proactive steps.

He alleged they were behind the protests, declaring “This is a period of change. If they do not change, they will be changed.”

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•Onilepa of Ilepa, Oba Fatai Fagbohun (1) laying the foundation stone of the Ogun state government approved Ilepa Community Secondary School at Ifesowapo Community Development Council. With him are members of the Community Development Association(CDA) led by the chairman, Elder Idowu Paul ... yesterday

Tribunal to rule tomorrow on Akpabio’s jurisdiction query he AKWAIBOMSTATE legislative election tribunal will tomorrow rule on whether or not it possesses the jurisdiction to hear the petition challenging the election of former governor Godswill Akpabio as senator representing Akwa Ibom North West.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Inibehe Okori, who are the petitioners, are challenging Akpabio’s vitory on the ground that the election was characterised by irregularities.

The Justice Goddy Anunihuled tribunal chose tomorrow for the ruling after listening to parties argued the motion by Akpabio.

The former governor, aside challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction, is also querying the petitioners’ locus standi to challenge the outcome of the election.

Akpabio’s lawyer, Paul Usoro, who hinged his objections on the provisions of Sections 85(1) and 137(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, argued that only a candidate for an election and a political party can challenge the outcome of an election.

He contended that the APC did not give INEC the mandatory 21 days’ notice for Okori’s nomination, which renders his candidacy for the Akwa Ibom North West

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From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja Senatorial seat invalid.

He argued that based on a notice for nomination sent to INEC by the APC and dated November 18, 2014, the APC had said their senatorial nomination will hold on the 8th of December, 2014 which makes it a 20- day notice thereby violating the mandatory provision of not less than a 21 days’ notice, which violates Section 15(2)(a) of the Interpretation Act. Usoro argued that neither Okori nor the APC satisfied the statutory provisions and consequently prayed the tribunal to uphold his preliminary objection and dismiss Okori’s petition for being incompetent on the ground that the petitioners never had the locus standing to institute the petition.

Akpabio said he was objecting to Okori’s petition because it was not accompanied by any valid witness statement as required by law.

He argued that the witness statements were purportedly administered by the Secretary of the tribunal, who lacked the power to lawfully administer oaths.

Akpabio’s lawyer also contended that it was wrong for Okori to challenge his sponsorship or otherwise as a candidate of the PDP when he is

not a member of the party.

Usoro argued that under the Electoral law and practice, the petitioner, who is not a member of the first respondents political party (APC) does not have locus standi to question Akpabio’s nomination and sponsorship.

He stated that the only persons who can validly complain against the 1st respondents Akpabio’s) nomination and sponsorship are members of the APC or the party itself.

He noted that the 3rd respondent (PDP) has not denied nominating and sponsoring Akpabio.

Usoro contended that the nomination of a candidate by a party is an internal affair of the party, which the court or tribunal is not competent toquestion.

Lawyers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and PDP, S.N. Mbaezue and Edet Bassey, supported the argument by lawyer to Akpabio.

Petitioners’ lawyer, Assam Assam (SAN), urged the court to discountenance arguments by Akpabio’s lawyers, noting that the exhibit filed by Akpabio was not what is envisaged under Section 81(5) of the Electoral Act. Aassam, who faulted Akpabio’s position, argued that what Akpabio presented was a notice of the revision of the date for the conduct of primary, but not the original notice.

“They withheld the

evidence because bringing same before the court would have been unfavourable to their case”, and urged the court to rely on Section 167(d) of the Evidence Act 2011.

Assam, who faulted the cases cited by Akpabio’s lawyer, and argued that Section 85(1) carries no penalty, arguing that if the provision carries any penalty, it would have been so expressly stated.

Section 85(2) he said, takes precedence over 85(1). INEC’s attendance at primaries is what validates a nomination and not by days of notice given.

“If Okori was not a candidate, how then did INEC publish his name? Was his name not sent to the Electoral Commission?

“INEC said he has not complained and cannot complain and Okori has the locus standing to institute the petition,” Assam said.

He said any person duly authorised can sign an affidavit and thus the 1st Respondent’s claim that the tribunal secretary signing the affidavit was immaterial.

On the July 14 motion, Assam said the affidavit filed by Akpabio is with respect to the Governorship election and therefore needs no comment.

“This application was brought by way of motion on notice and in the absence of a valid affidavit it died on arrival.”

It’s a new dawn for journalists, says Odusile T HE newly elected President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Mr. Waheed Odusile, has promised to promote the welfare of journalists during his tenure.

He spoke shortly after he was sworn in as the union president during the 5th triennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja at the weekend.

He said journalists must be remunerated at the right time

By Musa Odoshimokhe

to enable them perform their duties and responsibilities to the society.

Odusile said it was appalling that some employers took journalists for granted, owing them salaries running into several months.

“This is unacceptable, it is either they pay workers their salaries or close shop,” he declared.

He maintained that the union will tackle the issue of

quackery headlong and urge members to be upright in the discharge of their job.

Odusile, who is the Managing Editor of The Nation Newspapers, said his seven- point agenda will enhance the image of the union.

He stated that plan was underway to establish a radio station that will showcase its activities.

He expressed optimism that journalists will receive their dues during his tenure, stressing

that it was time the issue of social security that will guarantee better life for journalists was taken seriously.

He reiterated the need for journalists to be more focused in the discharge of their duties.

Odusile explained that a better society is a reflection of how the media conducts its affairs.

He emphasised the need for journalists to be properly trained and retrained to catch up with global best practice.

GROUP within the House of Representatives has kicked against the invitation of wife of the Senate President Mrs. Toyin Saraki for appearance on July 28 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

In a statement in Abuja

by Hon. Umar Buba Jibril (Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency) and Hon. Muhammad Kabiru Ajanah (Okehi/Adavi federal Constituency) on behalf of 25 other lawmakers in the Green chamber, the group described the sudden invitation of Mrs. Saraki by the anti-graft agency as highly suspicious.

It said while it will continue to encourage the EFCC to carry out its legal mandate, it was optimistic that the antigraft body “will not lend itself as a tool to propagate the political agenda of any person or group.”

The Reps members added that it holds strongly that the days of using the EFCC to harass and intimidate political opponents are gone for good.

According to them: “We must never return to that dark and dangerous side in our polity.”

They expressed concern that the leadership of the National Assembly is being targeted for unnecessary harassment using state institutions.

The statement titled: “Curious EFCC invitation of Barr. Toyin Saraki” reads: “We the concerned Members of the House of Representatives have followed the recent trend of political intrigues since the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate President.

“We are acutely aware that certain power blocks are determined to use any means to mount pressure on the Senate President. It is in light of this that we view the recent sudden invitation of the wife of the Senate President, Barrister Toyin Saraki, by the EFCC with a high degree of suspicion.

“We observe that Senator Bukola Saraki was in office as Governor of Kwara State for eight years from 2003 - 2011. He left that office over four years ago.

“In this period of 12 years, not once has any mention been made of his wife as being involved in anything untoward. It is therefore very curious timing that this “invitation” by EFCC is suddenly raised.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

68

Buhari: From Washington with dignity

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T was an official visit that attracted not only national, but also international attention. President Muhammadu Buhari was going to visit the United States of America for four days, on the invitation of President Barack Obama. Was this going to be just another jamboree, or truly an event that would reset the buttons in the relationship between the two countries?

Sure, there had been some cooling of passion between the two erstwhile allies during the dying days of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, and American experts sent here to train our military had even been asked to leave. She had also refused to sell us Cobra helicopters and other armaments, which could have made a lot of difference in our fight against insurgents in the North-east of the country. America had cited some reasons, including alleged human rights violations. The then President Jonathan was thus forced to look towards South Africa for arms. He loaded millions of dollars in a private jet as if going to Oyingbo market, and got his fingers burnt in the process. South Africa seized the cash, and also impounded the aircraft for some time. The Nigerian government could only huff and puff for a while, and then licked its wounds quietly.

No doubt, the kiln of passion needed to be kindled anew between Nigeria and America, and the invitation extended to President Buhari during the G7 Summit in Germany in June, was a much needed elixir.

The Nigerian leader accepted the offer, and so was in Washington between Sunday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 22.

But another whiff of controversy had presaged the meeting. America, through its Supreme Court, had recently legitimized same sex relationship. A man could marry a man if he wanted, while a woman could also marry a woman. It was against the laws of God, but heck, what did America care? God was either dead due to old age, or now belongs to the old school. What matters now are rights, and people with homosexual or lesbian cravings must have their rights protected under the law.

It was into the eye of this storm that some Nigerians felt President Buhari would be flying, on his trip. True, he had been asked to bring a ‘wish list’ by his host, but is there ever free lunch in America? Yes, your wish would be granted. America would help you decapitate Boko Haram, would help you trace and repatriate billions of dollars salted away in foreign banks by past rulers, would help boost your economy and generate employment, but at what price? At a price of endorsing same sex marriage, which would be contrary to our laws as a country, and to the laws of the God that majority of Nigerians believe in, and serve? Would President Buhari capitulate simply because America would help him fulfill promises he made during election campaigns?

To America we flew last Sunday, arriving after a voyage of 12 hours. Our President was accommodated along with some members of the entourage at the historic Blair House, just a peeping distance from the White House.

A good number of meetings were to hold at that Blair House in the next four days.

You would be permitted if you had jet lag after 12 hours in the air, punctuated only by a one hour technical stopover at a Portuguese island called Santa Maria, to refuel your plane. But President Buhari was still spry enough to settle down to business immediately. We have heard of the work rate of former Army General and later civilian president, Olusegun Obasanjo. Now we see another retired Army General now civilian president, exhibiting the same horsepower work ethics. Could it be true that they give them some injections in the military, which makes them go on and on? Well, I did not say so. I only heard of it.

After a briefing of what was to come in the next four days by Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, the President played host to former American Ambassador in Nigeria, Thomas Pickering and Professor Jean Herskovits. The man who has been quite outspoken about Nigeria, and who had doubted if the country would survive the 2015 general elections, Ambassador John Campbell, also came, among other people.

The day was not done until Madeline

•Buhari with Obama during his recent visit to the US.

By Femi Adesina

Albright (remember her? A large number of people across the world were mad about Madeline years back when she was American Secretary of State. She did the work admirably).

Well, Madeline came to dinner with our President. She has aged, but rather gracefully.

Day 2 was the day the world had been waiting for. Day of meeting with the world’s most influential president, Barak Obama. But not so fast! First, breakfast with the Vice President, Joe Biden. Venue was the Naval Observatory, which is the official residence of the American number 2 man. What did he tell our President?

Biden gave an overview of the objectives of the entire visit,assuring Nigeria of the goodwill and support of America. He shared perspectives on the terror war, drawing from America’s experiences after the September 2001 assault, in which thousands were killed by Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists. He said Boko Haram, which has now pledged loyalty to ISIS, should not be battled with just military option. There was also the need to combine the war with strong socioeconomic programs. He said the U.S would be ready to work with Nigeria in that direction.

On the Nigerian economy, Biden bade the leadership to tackle the issue of corruption, strengthen the institutions, and appoint tested hands to man critical sectors. If all these were done, he assured that investors would flood Nigeria in droves.

President Buhari thanked his host, and added that the role played by America prior to general elections, sending Secretary of State John Kerry to convey that America would not tolerate the subversion of the people’s will, went a long way to guarantee fairness and justice.

Having served as Minister for Petroleum Resources for over three years in the 1970s, President Buhari did not forget to mention the oil sector. He said between 10 to 20 billion dollars may have been lost to oil theft in the past one year, and pledged to sanitize the sector. He welcomed American assistance.

The much awaited meeting with President Obama came up a while later at the White House.

American leaders have been known to be fairly parsimonious with praises, particularly when talking about leaders of other countries. But Obama was effusive. He described President Buhari as a man of integrity, needed for such a time as this in Nigeria. He congratulated him for winning the March 2015 presidential election, adding that Nigeria was very important to Africa.

The destiny of the continent was tied to Nigeria’s, he said, pledging that America would continue to support, as long as Nigeria does the right things.

Every patriotic Nigerian must have stood several feet taller, as Obama eulogized our President. It served to rekindle confidence in our country. With the right leadership, Nigeria can, and will get there. Sure.

The American president charted the same course as his deputy on the issue of Boko Haram.

According to him, economic and social programs must run concurrently with military option, to conclusively defeat insurgency.

Obama said the diversity of Nigeria, rather than be a centrifugal force, must be a centripetal one. The disparate parts of the country should be

harnessed to become source of strength, adding that no part of the country should be left behind, or alienated.

Buhari, the American president observed, was hugely popular, judging by the enormous goodwill that surrounded his election. He urged him to use the goodwill to serve Nigeria, alongside the governors that accompanied him.

The governors are Rochas Okorocha, Imo, Adams Oshiomhole, Edo, Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa, Kashim Shettima, Borno, and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo. Speaking on behalf of the governors, Okorocha assured Obama that the states’ helmsmen would back up Buhari to bring enduring change to Nigeria.

President Obama made pledges. America would help Nigeria in diverse ways: checkmate insurgency, train and equip her military, recover monies siphoned out of federal coffers, and many others. And with no strings attached.

The bilateral meetings/ audiences with the Nigerian president at Blair House, and other venues, were worth their weight in gold. The American Secretary of Commerce met with the Nigerian team, so did Loretta Lynch, U.S Attorney General, Jack Lew, Secretary of the Treasury, the Barker Group, potential investors in the Agriculture and Power sectors. There was an interactive dinner hosted by U.S Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa, and captains of industry from Nigeria and America were there, among others.

What of the meeting with Dr Pate of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of the World Bank, and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? Refreshing. WHO unfolded plans to spend 300 million dollars to fight malaria in Nigeria, while the World Bank, subject to ratification by its board of directors, will make available the princely sum of 2.1 billion dollars for the rebuilding of infrastructure in the Northeast, a region beleaguered by insurgency in the past six years. The fund, under the auspices of International Development Agency (IDA) will be made available as loans for Nigeria, at very low interest rates. The first 10 years would be interest free, while an additional 30 years would be granted at rates lower than that of the capital market.

A delighted President Buhari said priority would be given to the resettlement of more than one million internally displaced persons (IDPs), and directed that a team be set up on the side of the Federal Government, which would meet and harmonize plans with the World Bank team as soon as possible.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also disclosed plans to work with the Dangote Foundation to ensure that Nigeria gets a clean bill of health on polio. Already, no case of polio has been recorded in the country for a full year, and if the position subsists for another full year, Nigeria would be declared polio free.

Cheery news also from the session between the Nigerian team and the American Attorney General. The host country would track illicit money from Nigeria in all their jurisdictions, including the U.S, while training would also be provided for our judicial officers, prosecutors, police, and other security agencies, to track and recover stolen funds.

There were other bilateral meetings with

John O. Brennan, Director of the CIA and Deputy Secretary of Defence, Robert Work, and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey.

Oh, the courtesy call by the Class of 1980 of the United States War College, in which the then Col Muhammadu Buhari participated, and got glowing recommendations. It was a time to go down memory lane.

Same sex issue enters the scene. On Tuesday afternoon, President Buhari was in his right elements, as he attended a joint session by the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs at the Capitol Hill. Many issues came up for discussion, ranging from foreign relations, to growing democracy, human rights, and many others. Then a senator brought in the clincher. What does Nigeria think of the rights of homosexuals and lesbians.

Sodomy or anything of such kind is against the laws of Nigeria, and, indeed, the Nigerian society abhors such practices, the President declared. Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Latter Rain Assembly was in the audience, and from the delight on his face, he could have carried the President shoulder high, if protocol had permitted such.

To cap that delightful day, the president headed to the Chancery, Nigeria Embassy. He had two assignments there. A Meet and Greet session had been packaged by Mo Abudu of Ebony Life TV, in which Nigerian youths, who are professionals, had been invited from across America to greet President Buhari, and share their dreams of a greater country with him.

The young people were really happy to have their president and father figure in their midst.

Next was the meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, who also came from across America.

Biodun Ogunjobi had driven 12 hours to attend the event. He alo had waited for four hours outside the Embassy gates, till the program commenced. Such is the fervor Nigerians in America have for their country, and for a president they see as symbol of change. For about two hours, the President interacted with them, answering all the questions.

The night did not end without the president meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) members in USA and Canada.

The previous day, the party members had massed at the gate of Blair House, bearing different placards hailing President Buhari.

When he saw them, he got down from his vehicle to greet them. The gesture drew sustained applause.

On the final day of the visit, it was an interactive event at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It was jointly organized by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, Centre for Strategic Studies and Atlantic Council.

Ambassador Johnny Carson, who coordinated the session, described the guest as a man of honour and integrity. The event included a question and answer session, a round table discussion, and a presentation by the Nigerian president. And did the man sparkle? In fact, so remarkable was that outing that Pastor Bakare told this writer: “He obviously left the best for the last. That was simply brilliant.”

President Buhari went to America, he saw, and he conquered. As I watched him signing the Visitors’ Register as he attempted to leave that historic monument called Blair House, I wondered how many people in the world would ever have such privilege. Not many.

An American official had given him a pen, and the president wrote for about three minutes. He also must have been effusive in his appreciation. When he finished, he read over what he had written, put the pen back in its casing, rose, and handed it to the American official. That one collected it, and solemnly handed it back to the Nigerian president as a gift. Very solemn. And moving.

As President Buhari strode out of Blair House for the last time, with his entourage in tow, one could see that an invisible Nigerian flag had been hoisted in the Amrican sky, and it was fluttering proudly. The Nigerian president had come with dignity, attended all the sessions lined up for him, not missing a single one, and was returning home with an enhanced reputation, not just for himself but also for about 170 million of his country men and women. Who says change will not come to Nigeria?

•Adesina is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to President Buhari

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 26, 2015

WORLD NEWS

69

•Kenyans gather in Nairobi to welcome the US President ,Barack Obama yesterday.

AFP Photo

Obama says ‘Africa on the move’ in landmark Kenya visit

U

S President Barack Obama on the second day of his landmark visit to Kenya yesterday declared that “Africa is on the move”, praising the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Obama arrived in Nairobi late on Friday, making his first visit to the country of his father’s birth since he was elected president.

“I wanted to be here, because Africa is on the move, Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world,” Obama said at a business summit, drawing cheers and applause from delegates.

“People are being lifted out of poverty, incomes are up, the middle class is growing and young people like you are harnessing technology to change the way Africa is doing business,” Obama said in his first official engagement in the kanyan capital.

The US embassy itself warned the summit could be “a target for terrorists”, but Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, sharing the stage with Obama, said the event showed a different side of Africa.

“The narrative of African despair is false, and indeed was never true,” Kenyatta said. “Let them know that Africa is open and ready for business.”

In the afternoon Obama was welcomed at State House for talks with Kenya’s government. On arrival he shook hands with Deputy President William Ruto, who

is on trail at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague accused of crimes against humanity during post-election violence in 2007-08.

Security, trade and human rights were all on the agenda.

Nairobi came under a massive security watch , with parts of the usually trafficclogged capital locked down and airspace also closed for the president’s landing on Friday and his scheduled departure later today for neighbouring Ethiopia.

Top of the list of security concerns is Somalia’s AlQaeda affiliate, the Shebab, who have staged a string of suicide attacks, massacres and bombings on Kenyan soil. Two years ago a Shebab assault on the Westgate shopping mall in the heart of the Nairobi left 67 dead.

Obama also laid a wreath at the memorial site of the US embassy destroyed in an AlQaeda attack in 1998, standing in silence in memory of the 224 killed in the twin bombings in Nairobi and Tanzania.

Obama said he was delighted at the trip, which many Kenyans see as a “homecoming”.

“It is wonderful to be back in Kenya,” Obama said, also greeting the summit with a few words of Swahili.

“I’m proud to be the first US president to visit Kenya, and obviously this is personal for me. My father came from these parts.”

Barack Obama Sr was an economist who the US leader has admitted he “never truly” knew. He died in a car crash in Nairobi in 1982, aged 46.

Excitement has been building in Kenya for weeks, with the visit seen as a major boost for the east African nation’s position as a regional hub — something that has taken a battering in recent years due to Shebab attacks and political violence that landed Kenyan leaders in the ICC. The visit is also the first ever to Kenya by a sitting US president. At least 10,000 police officers have been deployed to the capital.

Kenyatta greeted Obama as he stepped off Air Force One late Friday. The president’s half-sister Auma was also on the tarmac to welcome him and travel in the bomb-proof presidential limousine, nicknamed “The Beast”, for the drive to the hotel in the city centre, where Obama dined with members of his extended Kenyan family.

Kenya is now the target of frequent Shebab attacks, while the country’s Muslimmajority regions are facing a major recruitment drive by the militants.

The United States is a key security partner for Kenya, which has troops in Somalia as part of the African Union force, and US drones frequently target Shebab fighters — killing the group’s previous leader last year.

At least 55 killed as Saudi-led warplanes hit Yemen’s Taiz –Saba SAUDI-LED airstrike on Yemen’s Taiz killed at least 55 people and left tens injured, Houthi-controlled news agency Saba said yesterday.

A coalition of Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, has been bombarding Iran-allied Houthi forces in Yemen since late March in a bid to reinstate President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi, who has fled to Riyadh.

The Saba agency quoted a local source in Taiz as saying that the bombing tar-

A

geted the Mokha area inhabited mostly by engineers and workers of a power station and some displaced families.

The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue services are still working in the area and several of those injured and transferred to nearby hospitals are in serious condition, the source said.

The frontlines of Yemen’s war shifted to the favour of the Gulf Arab coalition earlier this month when in coordination with forces loyal to Hadi they managed to

drive the Houthis out of the southern port city of Aden and much of the surrounding areas.

Since then warplanes have been landing in Aden airport carrying equipment necessary to help re-open the facility which had been shut down by the fighting. Aden and the other southern provinces have been largely inaccessible to U.N. food aid, and about 13 million people - more than half the population are thought to be in dire need of food.

QUOTABLE “I think we should not distract ourselves from the issues at hand. I have been in the Commission. I am a National Commissioner. I passed through the Senate screening to become a National Commissioner and by virtue of that, I was appointed acting Chairman of the Commission. So, there shouldn’t be any controversy over my appointment…””

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 9, NO. 3288

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RESH from his electoral triumph in 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan travelled to Washington D. C. where he would briefly meet President Barack Obama before heading for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. At the event he shared a platform with former United States President Bill Clinton.

After wishing him well, Clinton said to Jonathan who was turned out in his trademark caftan and black bowler hat: “I can tell you the Secretary of State (his wife Hillary) tells me your hats are always cool.” The diplomats and VIPs at the meeting cheered and laughed heartily.

“And I envy your name,” Clinton added to more laughter. “If I’d had a name like Goodluck, I might still be in office!” Four years later not even his uniquely optimistic name could help him cling to power – leaving Obama to welcome a new Nigerian president in whom the world invests the tall hope to deliver what Jonathan couldn’t.

No one would ever accuse Buhari of being a fashion plate, so it wasn’t his dress sense that his host went on about. He praised his character instead. In a continent where leaders have become notorious for graft, frivolity, fickleness and excess, it certainly was a plus that a Nigerian president was being celebrated as an example for Africa.

Towards the tail end of Jonathan’s tenure, much of the goodwill which he initially had with the US had largely evaporated. While the Americans were critical of his administration’s abysmal record on corruption, the greatest source of strain had to do with tackling the insurgency.

The much-hyped US offer to help Nigeria track down and rescue the Chibok girls collapsed in a cloud of controversy over how the armed forces handled the intelligence they received. Some say the body language of the local security leadership suggested they weren’t too keen on having American cowboys riding roughshod over them and taking all the glory.

Little surprise therefore that before the foreign helpers could parachute into our territory, the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh declared authoritatively that his forces knew where the schoolgirls were being held. Who knows, the handover notes received by the new service chief might just contain this top secret.

As the elections drew close, relations between Nigeria and the Americans grew decidedly chilly in the light of their pointed allegations of human rights abuses against our troops and refusal to sell us arms on

A

REPO, a strip of marshy land bordering Ogun and Lagos States is fast becoming the venue of regular manmade disasters. This last week, an estimated 100 persons perished in an inferno caused by a clash between two gangs of petroleum pipeline vandals.

It is also a symbol of how the authorities are fast losing control over vast strips of Nigerian territory to anarchists and criminals. The example of Boko Haram is well established. But much of what they terrorise are areas in the middle of nowhere.

The Arepo neighbourhood, on the other hand, is smack in the urban environment as you approach Lagos from Ibadan. It is a location in which several middle class estates are sprouting. But its curse is that an NNPC pipeline traverses it.

On numerous occasions, the pipeline has been vandalized, leading to mass casualties.

Government officials would pay visits for photo-opportunities, only for criminal gangs to return once repairs have been done and pumping of refined petroleum products resumed.

In the latest disaster, scores were killed.

Amazingly, for a long period of time neither the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) nor National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies could access the site of the accident.

However, heavily-armed vandals were roaming freely and almost murdered two

—Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hajiya Amina Bala Zakaru, dismissing the controversy that trailed her appointment as INEC boss.

E-mail: festus.eriye@gmail.com Twitter: @EriyeFestus

sms only: 08116759748

When Baba met Barack

•Obama meets Buhari

those grounds. With his ratings tanking, a desperate Jonathan was forced to resort to unorthodox measures. The $15 million cash seizure debacle in Johannesburg was the outcome and the rest is history.

The speed with which the Americans invited President Muhammadu Buhari over, and the special welcome laid out for him, underscores how keen they are to mend fences with a traditional ally on the African continent.

In the course of his almost six-year stay in Aso Rock, Jonathan met with Obama three times but I don’t recall anything arresting that was said between both men beyond the anodyne diplomatese. Contrast that with the US president’s effusive praise for Buhari’s integrity and vision.

So at the level of symbolism, there was a sense that the visit went quite well for the president and his country. For the first time in a very long time, the narrative emanating from these parts was positive: a seamless transition from an incumbent government to the opposition and an anti-graft leader in a nation that has become notorious for corruption. Apparently

something good can still come out of Nigeria.

But not everyone is swayed by the positive spin that has been put on the visit. Those who would have us believe Nigerians made a historic mistake by voting Buhari in March have been nitpicking. They point at everything from the gender insensitivity that saw the president travelling without a single woman in his team and having his son along for the ride.

But of greater significance is the claim that the four-day trip was a waste of money because it didn’t produce a promise to sell things like the potent Apache or Cobra helicopters for use against the insurgents in the NorthEast. That sense of dissatisfaction was enhanced

by Buhari’s statement bemoaning the continued refusal of the Americans to sell us arms hiding behind the Leahy Law, which bars such transactions with nations whose forces are accused of grave human rights abuses.

The best way to determine whether the visit was a success is to go back to what Buhari outlined as his objectives before setting out. He was going to discuss military and defence cooperation as well as measures to strengthen

Arepo is another republic photojournalists who strayed into their path.

Arepo captures the recurring headache of securing pipelines that run through vast unpopulated territories. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has proved largely ineffective and the other security agencies either have other distractions, or are not enthusiastic about the assignment.

Jonathan thought the way out was to hand the job to ethnic militias in exchange for billions of naira in payouts. In the Niger Delta, many who were favoured with the contracts were those who formerly used to destroy these same pipelines. In other words Nigeria was paying protection money to thugs so that the supply chain won’t be disrupted.

Gani Adams of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) – a beneficiary of the short-lived contract confirmed this theory – in his reaction to the Arepo attack. He suggested that in the few months his group executed the contract, vandalisation stopped. He blames the resurgence on Buhari’s refusal to continue with Jonathan’s arrangement.

Adams perhaps doesn’t remember that long before Jonathan made him a potential billionaire security guard, Arepo was the scene of a terrible inferno that claimed the lives of scores of opportunists who gathered to scoop fuel from the ruptured pipeline. In 2012, three NNPC officials who came to fix a damaged line were killed.

Down in Delta State, some so-called ‘militant’ group that goes by the name ‘Urhobo Gbagbako’ last week blew up pipelines belonging to the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) at Ighwrenene town in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Indigenes say the group damaged the facility to protest government’s refusal to hire its members to provide surveillance services over all the pipelines in their territory.

What is now happening is that in certain parts of the country people feel the country owes them a living, and that the best way to attract attention is by destroying infrastructure. But paying protection money by whatever name is not the answer.

Whenever a government gets into these funny arrangements, it passes a vote of no-confidence on its security forces and equally indicts itself. A regime that will abdicate responsibility of securing territory and infrastructure no longer qualifies to be called a government.

The new Nigeria that Buhari wants to build – we’ve been told by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo – rests on the rule of law. We can begin to put the building blocks in place by empowering our security forces to take back territory that have been seized by rampaging marauders. Our leaders cannot be comfortable in Abuja while hoodlums claim sovereignty over places like Arepo.

and intensify bilateral cooperation against terrorism in Nigeria and West Africa. The administration’s war against corruption, as well as fresh measures to boost Nigeria-US trade relations were also up for discussion.

In all that was laid out before the trip, there was very little that was specific and nothing suggested that the delegation was going to force their hosts to sign on to sell us arms. Obviously, emerging from the visit with such a deal would have been a massive coup.

That said, it would be churlish not to acknowledge that the swift thawing of relations between the traditional allies was important. In the course of the visit, the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of the World Bank, committed to spend $300 million to fight malaria in Nigeria.

In terms of numbers, that sum was dwarfed by the World Bank’s pledge to invest $ 2.1 billion for rebuilding the infrastructure devastated by the insurgency in the North-East.

Buhari has repeatedly stated his determination to recover monies plundered from the nation’s coffers by government officials and others. His plans received a boost as the Americans offered to track illicit money from Nigeria in all their jurisdictions.

Given what we now know about outrageous sums that found their way into private pockets in recent years, a nation that cannot pay its workers’ salaries should not sneer at any deal to recover monies running into billions of dollars. I suspect that such arrangements didn’t deliver much in the past because friends of Nigeria couldn’t find reliable and zealous partners in our political leadership to get the job done. In Buhari they sense they have a man they can do business with.

In the face of an insurgency that has received second wind with a wave of suicide bombings, a showpiece arms sales agreement would have been the icing on the cake.

It is disappointing that it didn’t happen. It would have been expecting too much to think the Americans – no matter their desire for a fresh start with Nigeria – would rush into such a commitment with a sevenweek old administration which still has a lot to prove.

For now it is convenient for them to hide behind the Leahy Law. Rather than waste energy griping and pointing out the hypocrisy of the Americans who have never allowed a little thing like human rights stand in the way when they want to sell arms to some of their ‘special allies,’ Nigeria should consider what her options are.

If we’re so enamoured of the Apache and Cobra attack helicopters, then we can begin to work to get off the list of countries categorised as human rights abusers. Buhari has committed himself to probing allegations made against the military by Amnesty International and has also pledged that under his watch, such practices would not be permitted. I’m sure that the US would be looking to see what concrete action he takes in this regard. Author of the act, Senator Patrick Leahy has suggested as much in his biting reaction to Buhari’s criticism.

The alternative is to take our cash into the market place. The US and UK are not the only countries that sell arms. France, Russia and China to name a few are big players in the global arms industry. All three are keen to extend their scope of influence in Africa and around the world.

All said and done, even if all Buhari achieved in Washington was the restoration of an old friendship, he should be applauded.

Given her challenges, Nigeria needs all help it can get from friends around the world.

That is far better than the hulking, sulking embarrassment it was fast becoming in the recent past.

PALLADIUM IS ON VACATION

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