The Nation- June-11-2011 by The Nation

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

Badagry killings: I-G under

fire for absolving Army 3

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Resign now, victims’ families, others tell police boss

VOL.05 N0. 1787

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Slain DPO, DCO buried

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

Oyo elects first female Speaker

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

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Bankole’s supporters weep as court defers ruling on bail 3 Page

Ex-Speaker to spend weekend in custody ‘Security aide alerted EFCC of his plan to escape’ Page

Behold Lagos akara seller who owns jeep

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The change I want to see in my would-be husband

y c r e M — n o s n Joh Page

‘PDP employs violence to frustrate ACN’s petitions’

2NEWS

ARELY a week in office, members of the House of Representatives have started mounting pressure on their new Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, for appointment as chairmen of ‘juicy’ committees. It was also learnt that the lobbying for juicy committees has rekindled the NorthSouth rivalry in the House. But Tambuwal and his deputy, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, are already neck-deep in consultations to avoid taking off with a divided House. The House of Representatives has about 70 committees for oversight functions in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The committee was increased during the 6th National Assembly to cater for pressure on ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole and reduce conflict in the House to the barest minimum. Although some of the committees were mostly redundant, members took pride in the fact that they were chairmen of these oversight bodies. Investigation by our corre-

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Tambuwal under pressure from Reps over ‘juicy’ committees Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation spondent showed that many members of the House have been mounting pressure on Tambuwal and Ihedioha for ‘juicy’ committees. According to findings, those regarded as ‘kingmakers’ in the new House have been naming their terms on the committees they desire to head. Those who did not support Tambuwal-Ihedioha’s election are, however, insisting on merit in constituting the House committees instead of political compensation. It was gathered that another challenge before the new House leadership has to do with the rekindling of North-South rivalry. It was gathered that some lawmakers are agitating for more ‘juicy’ committees for

•North, South rivalry rocks House the North than the South since the North has virtually lost out key positions to the South in President Jonathan’s administration. But a major task before Tambuwal is how to balance appointments into committees because of the support he received from the opposition parties like the Action Congress of Nigeria, the Congress for Progressive Change and the All Nigeria Peoples Party, A reliable returnee member of the House, who spoke in confidence, said: “The battle has really shifted to intense lobbying for committees. I am aware that there is too much pressure on Tambuwal and Ihedioha. “Nobody is talking of the

election of the Speaker again; we are engaging in horsetrading to be in committees where we can be active as members of the House and influence a few projects for our constituencies and states in general. Another member of the House said: “Some Representatives have not even allowed the new House leadership to take stock and settle down for business. They have been disturbing Tambuwal and Ihedioha with ‘spurious’ requests. “The choice of committees needs careful consideration because once the House leadership falters; it can lay the foundation for their fall.” Another Representative said: “Setting up committees

•Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State (left) with his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) during the former’s courtesy visit at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday

for the 7th House of Representatives is the first test for Tambuwal and Ihedioha and they have to avoid the ‘Banana Peel usually associated with such an assignment. “Although PDP is in the majority in the House, the reality is that TambuwalIhedioha’s leadership has its support in the opposition parties in ACN, CPC and ANPP. “Some PDP members are advocating a winner takes all policy. This is a risk

‘PDP employs violence to frustrate ACN petitions’

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has alerted security agencies and all lovers of democracy to the use of violence by the PDP in several states to frustrate its petitions at the various election tribunals across the country. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the most recent instance of such cases of violence was recorded in Jigawa on Thursday, when the ACN chairman in the state, Dr. Abubakar Fulata, and over 50 party members were attacked by thugs after the day’s sitting of the state election petition tribunal. ‘’These thugs, who were armed to the teeth with various weapons, were led by the PDP chairman in the state, Ahmed Isa Duniya Bahutu; Chief of Staff to Governor Aminu Ibrahim Ringim as well as Muhammadu Daguro.

N4.7bn pension scam: EFCC seizes 45 houses, freezes 36 accounts of five suspects

S part of the ongoing trial of those allegedly involved in N4.7billion pension scam, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized 45 houses and frozen 36 accounts belonging to five suspects currently on trial. Over three million shares in 29 companies traced to the five suspects have been taken over by the commission pending the conclusion of their trial. Also, assets of 41 companies allegedly used for the scam by the suspects will be forfeited. The five suspects are Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu, who is currently the Director of Finance in Petroleum Ministry, and Mrs. Phina Ukamaka Chidi, a serving director in the Federal Ministry of Transport. Others are Aliyu Bello; Emmanuel Olanipekun; and Abdul Mohammed. Both Shuaibu and Mrs. Chidi had previously served as Director and Deputy Director in the Pensions Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. But all the five suspects and 27 others are presently stand-

• Over 3m shares in 29 companies affected •EFCC, Police may beef up security for four witnesses under death threats Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation ing trial on a 134-count charge at a Federal High Court in Abuja . They have all pleaded not guilty to the 134 charges. Investigation by The Nation, however, showed that the Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, decided to invoke the Asset Forfeiture Clause in the commission’s Act to prevent the assets from being disposed of before the end of the trial of the suspects. A document by the EFCC chairman indicated that the assets, said to be worth over N12billion, were “temporarily seized by the anti-graft agency in line with Section 28 of the EFCC Act. Waziri said: “It is an offence punishable under Section 34 of the EFCC Act 2004 with imprisonment for a term of five years without option of fine to sell, deal with or otherwise dispose of any property or as-

set without the authorisation of the commission.” Some of the assets seized from the suspects are a state of art hotel, an estate of 10 bungalows in Abuja , another ultra-modern estate in Sokoto, and five filling stations. A top source in EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “We decided to seize the assets to prevent them from being tampered with. “We have secured necessary court backing for the forfeitures. If the court releases the suspects after their trial, we will release their assets to them. “If they are however convicted, we will sell the affected assets to recover the public funds they had diverted or mismanaged. The court will determine their fate.” The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed the invocation of the Asset Forfeiture Clause by the commission. Babafemi said: “We have

seized those assets in the interim until after their trial. I won’t say more than that.” Meanwhile, the EFCC and the Police have started probing death threats from one of the suspects on four star witnesses of the commission in their ongoing trial. The star witnesses are Stanley Iwu, Isa Abu, Mohammed Mohammed and Abdullahi Lawal. One of those involved in the scam had threatened to kill the four suspects if they do not disengage from further testifying in the case. The EFCC source said: “We have identified the suspect threatening our witnesses and we are beefing up security for them in collaboration with the police. “If necessary, we will ask the suspect in question to enter into a bond to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the four witnesses. “But the affected suspect may face a separate trial for death

which Tambuwal will find difficult to take because of the ‘tacit’ support given to him by PDP leadership. “To deal with Tambuwal and Ihedioha for distorting its zoning formula, the PDP is waiting for cracks in the House to capitalise on.” An opposition member of the House said: “I think the Speaker and his deputy were key officers in the administration of ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole; they should be able to avail themselves the experience they have learnt. “I do not foresee any trouble because they are old in the game although a politician could prove otherwise if he is directly in charge.”

threats after the police have concluded investigation into the case.” The pension scam was uncovered during the tenure of a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye. During the clean-up of the Pension Unit in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation by Oronsaye, the government had discovered that there were 106,000 on pension roll whereas the actual beneficiaries were about 60,000. The current Head of Service, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, in January, told the EFCC chairman that the verification of pensioners had reduced monthly pension bill from N2.3billion to N1.2billion. He said: “We have secured about 50 per cent reduction in monthly pension bill. At the end of the second phase of the exercise, we may be able to save N600million monthly.”

‘’They physically attacked and manhandled our Jigawa State chairman, even as wellarmed policemen looked on without making any arrest. Even one Garba Liman, the PDP chairman from Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, who was arrested by the SSS, was quickly released on the orders of the state government. The attacks did not spare other members of the ACN, most of whom sustained serious injuries, including one with a broken arm,’’ it said. ACN said the main purpose of such attacks is to intimidate the ACN and force the party to abandon its petitions, when party members realise their lives are in danger every time they appear at the tribunal. ‘’As every one knows, ACN is not a violent party. We believe in using constitutional means to protest any hijacking of our mandate, instead of engaging in street battles. But when this channel is closed by a virulent and anarchic party hell bent on using foul means to keep an illegal mandate, the outcome can only be chaos and anarchy. ‘’This is why we are crying out now, so that all those concerned can act urgently to stem the tide of unpleasant scenarios resulting from the impunity of the PDP acting, as always, with the collusion of an ever-pliable police and other security agencies,’’ the party said. It said similar acts of intimidation have been employed against the ACN chapters in several other states, including Benue, where ACN members are being maimed and killed by agents of the PDP-led state government just so our party in Benue can abandon its petition against the election of Governor Gabriel Suswam. According to the party, its members are also being daily harassed and intimidated in Akwa Ibom by the PDP-government of Governor Godswill Akpabio, who believes no one should have the temerity to challenge his victory in the last election. ACN appealed to its supporters in the affected states to remain resolute and peaceful, even in the face of the provocative acts by antidemocratic forces, saying no matter how far lies travel, truth will always catch up and prevail.

NEWS 3

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

•Left and right: Widows of the slain DPO and DCO respectively during the burial of the police chiefs.... yesterday

PHOTOS: Jude ISIGUZO

Badagry killings: I-G under fire for absolving Army • Resign now, victims’ families, civil society groups tell police boss • Slain DPO, DCO buried

IVIL society groups and the family members of the police officers killed by soldiers during a clash between the police and soldiers in Badagry have called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Hafis Ringim, over his comments on the incident. Ringim on Friday absolved members of the Nigerian Army from the gruesome murder of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Badagry Police Station, Mr Samuel Salihu, a Chief Superintendent of Police; the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO),

Jude ISIGUZO Mr Samson Okedusi, a Superintendent of Police; and Mr Taofeek Afolabi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, from the crime. He said anybody who had any proof linking any member of the Nigerian Army to the killings should come to him with such evidence. Ringim could not also give a good account of the policemen that was abducted by soldiers to their barracks on the night of the incident. Since the policemen were abducted at Badagry roundabout, nothing has been had

about them, and their families are also worried. Some members of their families argued that the four policemen should be handed over to the police for prosecution if the soldiers knew that they were still alive. At the Lagos Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, where the corpses of the DPO and the DCO were laid in state yesterday, some civil society groups described the IG’s comment as that of a coward who was not prepared to defend the people who work under him. At the solemn ceremony which had few senior police

officers in attendance, the Commissioner Police, Mr Yakubu Alkali was absent. The President of Africans for Human Rights International, Mr Afolabi Gbajumo, who spoke on behalf of others, asked: “Who killed them? He is supposed to take a courageous position. We do not know where he got his information. If he cannot handle the position and defend his men when duty calls, then he should resign.” In an address by a member of the DCO’s family, Dr Michael Okedusi, he said the family would not succumb to intimidation, compromise or

any other alternative to justice. He noted with sadness that the families had not heard anything from the police until recently when the IG said that the matter had been addressed. Okedusi said, “I want to ask the Inspector General of Police how it was addressed. Addressed without the culprits being arrested and prosecuted? Addressed in what form? Is it in the area of preventing future occurrence? Addressed by constituting a joint panel? We the families say no to all these plans to sweep the matter under the carpet. All we

are asking for is an independent panel that will bring about justice, equity and fair play in all ramifications. “We are calling on all human rights groups, both locally and internationally, to come to our aid and ensure that the soldiers involved in this heinous crime are brought to book. Likewise the policeman that fired first. The Presidency, the National Assembly and the National Judicial Commission should, as a matter of urgency, address this case once and for all. Enough is enough. The families will not fold their arms,” he said.

Bankole’s supporters weep as court defers ruling on bail HE embattled former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole is to spend the weekend in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday adjourned ruling on his formal bail application till Monday. The decision of Justice Donatus Okorowo jolted some of his women supporters who openly shed tears in court upon hearing the judge’s pronouncement. But Bankole remained calm. The court also heard how a mobile policeman attached to the former speaker informed a security operative attached to the EFCC on how Bankole allegedly plotted to escape from Abuja to the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday before he was arrested on Sunday night. To prosecute the case, the EFCC said it was ready to call witnesses day by day, asking for accelerated hearing. Bankole is facing a 16-count charge of contract inflation and awards without due process slammed against him by the anti-graft agency. Justice Okorowo, who expressed his willingness to decide the application on time, said due to time constraints and the plethora of authorities cited by parties, he needed time to give a considered ruling. The matter, which initially began at 12 noon, was stood down till later in the day on request by Bankole’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) who wanted to reply to the counter-affidavit of the prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo. On resumption, Awomolo,

•Ex-Speaker to spend weekend in custody •’Security aide alerted EFCC of his plan to escape’

Kamarudeen OGUNDELE, Abuja who moved the bail application, urged the court to admit Bankole to bail on self recognition. He described as hearsay and speculative the claims by the EFCC that the accused person would jump bail if granted. Awomolo argued that the fear that an accused person will run away or jump bail is not a reason in law for denying bail, because to jump bail has its own criminal consequences. Urging the court to discountenance the EFCC, Awomolo cited a Court of Appeal decision in Ibori V Federal Republic of Nigeria, which overruled such claim by holding that an accused person would only jump bail at his own peril. Besides, he submitted that “the world is now a global village where criminals have no hiding place,” adding that court can only act on legally admissible evidence, whether oral or documentary. Awomolo contended that certain claims in the EFCC counter-affidavit deposed to by one Oriogun Folajinmi offended Section 76, 86, 87, 88 and 89, saying all facts except content of a document could be proven by oral evidence. Consequently, he urged the court to discountenance paragraphs 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 31 which, according to him, are speculative opinions and conclusions which only a court can determine.

Countering the bail application, Keyamo urged the court to refuse it. At this time, Bankole looked in the direction of Keyamo with his face squeezed, shifted on the seat provided for him in the dock and then lowered his gaze in amazement. He lost his composure momentarily but tried to force a smile which rapidly disappeared. His mood completely changed. Keyamo chronicled how the commission traced Bankole from his official residence in the National Assembly Legislator’s Quarters, Apo, Abuja, to his Guest House in highbrow Asokoro in Abuja. He referred to the counteraffidavit deposed to by Folajinmi, where he averred that ‘’around 8 am on Sunday June 5, 2011, while carrying out my undercover assignments at the Gust House of the Applicant located in Asokoro, I was informed by a mobile Police officer attached to the Applicant that the Accused/Applicant had concluded plans to escape from Abuja to the United Kingdom by 7 a.m on Monday, 7th of June, 2011 flight through Lagos by a British Airline. This flight was later re-scheduled for 10 a.m.” Keyamo said the commission was not under any obligation to disclose the name of the mobile policeman that gave information on Bankole as argued by Awomolo. Referring to the Ibori’s case cited by the defence counsel, Keyamo urged the court to

note that he (Ibori) jumped bail granted him and since then trial has been stalled. “That case is a bad case for a defence to rely on, because Ibori eventually ran away and up till now trial is stalled in that case.” Keyamo submitted that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Bankole, and that many of the paragraphs in the bail applications did not meet the requirement of law in considering bail application. Citing a few paragraphs in the affidavit in support of the bail application, Keyamo said there is no decision that says bail could be granted because

an accused person has two young children and aged parents as claimed by Bankole. Meanwhile, the embattled former Speaker has raised the alarm over plans by the EFCC to re-arrest him. In a letter to the Commission by his counsel, Chief Awomolo, Bankole said he heard from competent sources that the EFCC had perfected plans to re-arrest him immediately he is admitted to bail by the court. The letter dated June 9, reads in part: “We were further informed that the Commission’s operatives will re-arrest our client immediately he is admitted to bail on the grounds that the Commission requires him

in respect of investigations of other allegations made against him not related to the charges before the court. “We wish to bring it to your notice that the Commission, as a public authority, should not misuse the statutory power of arrest and detention. Our client has no intention to run away from this country or avoid justice. “We undertake that if the court grants him bail, he will not obstruct any officer of the Commission in the discharge of their duties. He will make himself available for interview or interrogation at any time he receives the invitation of the Commission.”

PDP state chairmen, scribes endorse Tambuwal

TATE chairmen and secretaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday endorsed Hon. Aminu Tambuwal who recently emerged the Speaker of the House of Representatives in defiance of the party’s zoning formula. According to our source, the endorsement took place when Tambuwal and his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, met with them yesterday at the Bolingo Hotels in Abuja between 10am and 1pm. Tambuwal, in his bid to gain support and build consensus, had earlier met with Vice President Namadi Sambo and the Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark. At his meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, Tambuwal apologised and sought forgiveness. According to our source, arrangements are at an advanced stage for him to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan immediately he returns from New York.

Sanni OLOGUN, Abuja It was also learnt that Tambuwal has commenced the zoning of principal offices in the House to accommodate some of the zones that lost out in the power game. Our source said that Mulikat Adeola-kande has been pencilled down to occupy the position of House Whip, which has been zoned to the South West. It was also learnt that the position of House Leader/House Services Chairman has been zoned to the South South while the Deputy Whip of the House was zoned to the North Central. The member being considered for the post is Hon. Pategi from Kwara state. The Nation also gathered that the post of the Senate Leader has been zoned to the North East and that the possible occupant is Senator Abdul Ningi while the position of Senate Whip would be occupied by Senator Ndoma Egba from Cross River State in the South South zone.

4 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Stockbroker jailed for defrauding clients of N139m

USTICE Shuaibu Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment the Chief Executive of Credence Investment Ltd, a stockbroking firm, Mr. Oladele Shittu. The convict was brought before the court on a 136-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over a N139 million fraud. Shittu was first arraigned by the EFCC on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, on a 136-count charge of fraud. His arrest followed a series of petitions from his supposed clients who turned out to be victims who he allegedly

lured into investing their money in stocks between 2006 and 2007. The 136-count charge detailed how Oladele collected various sums totalling about N139, 626,170.20 from over 130 victims within the jurisdiction of the court with the intent to defraud and obtain under the pretext that he was investing in the stock market. When the matter came up yesterday for judgment after months of legal fireworks by both the prosecution and defence counsel, Shittu was found guilty on all the 136count charge and consequent-

ly sentenced to 943 years to be run concurrently for a period of seven calender years. On counts 135 and 136 which bordered on non-registration of his stockbroking firm with the Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, the judge agreed with the prosecution that there were sufficient evidence linking the accused with the crime and intention to defraud by falsely claiming to be a stockbroker and his company a brokerage firm. While Dapo Laoke represented the convict as defence counsel in the case, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad stood in as the EFCC counsel

•New Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hajia Monsurat Sunmonu (left), taking oath of office. With her are Mr. Ibrahim Bolomope, from Egbeda Constituency, and Clerk of the House, Mr Olugboyega Adebolu, at the inauguration in Ibadan... yesterday

Oyo elects first female Speaker

OR the first time in the history of Oyo State, a female legislator, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, yesterday emerged the Speaker of the House of Assembly. Mrs Sunmonu, who emerged unopposed, is representing Oyo East/Oyo West State Constituency in the House. She is a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Her emergence came as reporters who went to cover the inauguration were assaulted by a police officer attached to the police station in the Assembly. Specifically, a reporter with The PUNCH newspaper, Mr. Olalekan Adetayo, was tear gassed by the overzealous policeman who stood his ground that reporters would not gain access into the Parliament compound on the grounds that they came late for the ceremony. Silverbird Television reporter, Tade Oludayo, also received a mild assault before their colleagues from other media took them away. The policeman, identified as Mr. Goddy Sylvester, went away unrepentant. The new Speaker, who took over from a kinsman from the same Oyo town, Hon. Moroof Atilola, is the only female member of the 32member House.

Bisi OLADELE, Ibadan A member of a minority party, Accord Party, Mr. David Olaniyan, emerged the Deputy Speaker, while another ACN lawmaker emerged the Majority Leader of the House. An Accord Party lawmaker was elected the Chief Whip. A member representing Egbeda State Constituency on the platform of the Accord Party, Mr. Ibrahim Bolomope, nominated Sunmonu for the exalted position while the nomination was seconded by another member representing Atiba Constituency, Mr. Ganiyu Adekunle. Her nomination was unopposed. When it was clear that there was no other nomination, the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Samuel Adebolu, declared nomination closed, paving the way for Sunmonu to emerge as the Speaker. Before the election, Adebolu had read the proclamation on behalf of the state governor. In her acceptance speech, Sunmonu expressed the readiness of the Assembly under her leadership to collaborate with the executive to ensure that “dividends of democracy are delivered to the people of the state.

Court strikes out Omisore’s case against rights activists

N Osogbo magistrate court has struck out a case of conspiracy and malicious damage instituted against five Osun State-based human rights activists by Senator Iyiola Omisore. Omisore dragged the activits, including the Executive Secretary of the Justice Now Foundation, Comrade Waheed Lawal, a member of the JNF, Comrade Kola Olayiwola, and three members of the Youths Solidarity Forum, Mr. Akindele Olawumi, Olawuwo Najeemdeen and Gafar Kadir, before the court for breaking four window glasses of his campaign office

Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo on Gbongan Road, OgoOluwa, Osogbo. It would be recalled that the activists on December 30, 2010 led hundreds of prosters against the alleged plot of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former members of the Osun State House of Assembly to impeach Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, who had just spent a month in office as governor of Osun State, following the Court of Appeal’s ruling that sacked the Oyinlola administration. Omisore’s Campaign Office was on the road leading to the

State House of Assembly where the protesters went to submit a letter to warn the lawmakers against the impeachment plot. Omisore alleged that the protesters smashed windows of his office while marching past the area. When the case came up for mentioning before Magistrate Olusola Aluko, the police prosecutor, Sergeant Joshua Oladoye, told the court that the witnesses were not available. Oladoye, however, pleaded with the court to grant him an adjournment for him to bring all the prosecution witnesses to the court.

HE Ogun State Government has declared Monday, June 13, as a public holiday to mark the 18 th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 election won by the late Bashorun MKO Abiola. The event will also be marked with a lecture, stage play and democracy walk. According to a statement from the SSA (Media and Communication), Funmi Wakama, this year’s June 12 Democracy celebration will commence tomorrow, June 12, with a lecture to be delivered by Dr Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, while Dr. Abubakar Momoh of the Lagos State University(LASU) and the

MKO Abiola: Ogun declares Monday public holiday Nwokolo ERNEST Abeokuta spokesperson of General Muhammadu Buhari, CPC presidential candidate, Yinka Odumakin, will be discussants. The title of the lecture is “How Rivers Dry Up-Must Ogun?’’ It starts at 4.00pm at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The lecture will be followed by a play titled “Long Story” which captures the political essence of the late MKO Abiola and his struggle to re-validate his mandate and his eventual

incarceration. The play was written and directed by Prof. Bode Sowande. On Monday, which has been declared a public holiday, a democracy walk, to be led by Governor Ibikunle Amosun will start at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland and terminate at the MKO Abiola Stadium. The democracy walk will be followed by a rally at the stadium. The theme of the rally is “Echoes of Democracy: Lessons for Democratic Good Governance.”

Protest in Oyo council over alleged missing N56m

GROUP of concerned indegenes of Afijio Local Government Area in Oyo State, under the auspice of the Awareness Contact, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to probe a sum of N56 million allegedly missing from the coffers of the local government. The group led by its Chairman, Mr. Adeola Olunde, who stormed The Nation office in Oyo town, said the money was released to the local government from Abuja, before the governorship election. They stated that the money

Bode DUROJAIYE, Oyo. was for stabilization fund which should not be spent on election purposes. According to them, “but two days to the gubernatorial election, the money, impeccable sources informed, was tampered with and disbursed for electioneering campaign of the former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala”. Similarly, they hinted that some new commercial buses released to the local government by the last administration for procurement by road transport workers were diverted for private use by top council officials. Under the agreement, the

group explained that any road transport worker willing to buy the vehicle would deposit a sum of N500,000, while further payment would be on instalment.”No sooner had the vehicles arrived the local government area than the officials took over and diverted them for their private uses”. In a related development, attempts by some top officials of the Atiba Local Government to loot the treasury money have been foiled. Voucher for the money, running into millions of naira, was said to have been raised with last-minute contracts awarded to former ViceChairman of a neighbouring local government area before the account was frozen by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

LAUTECH alumni urge owner-state governments to be wary of detractors

HE Alumni Association of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology has cautioned the two owner-state governments to be wary of those whose stock in trade is to fan embers of destabilization. The association’s National President, Dr. Tunde Olabiyisi, gave the advice today at a press briefing in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Dr. Olabiyisi said the LAUTECH situation required an approach devoid of any political colouration, for the stake of future leaders and

Bode DUROJAIYE, Ogbomoso posterity. “We, the alumni are deeply confounded at the situation in the institution. Our heart bleeds because the very cherished legacy of education, with which our founding fathers bequeathed to us are being strewed into ruins, due to lack of collaborative efforts, mutual understanding and sincerity of purpose.” He said more worrisome was the involvement of sycophants, gossips and others

with feeble minds who confused the owner-state governments into taking retroactive decisions which further worsened the already tensed atmosphere in the institution. “LAUTECH Alumni Association views the victories of both Senator Abiola Ajimobi and that of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State, as the necessary pedestal that will provide enabling environment to give a lasting solution to the ownership crisis rocking our institution since last year,” he said.

Adekunle Ajasin varsity workers condemned over strike

HE Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State has condemned the ongoing strike embarked upon by its workers on the directive of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing segments of the university workforce. According to a statement signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, of the university, Mr. Sola Imoru, it was wrong for the JAC to order the strike in respect of 2009 Federal Government-Unions Agreement. The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Management of Adekunle Ajasin University has been drawn to the infantile propaganda and innuendoes being pedled in the media by the leadership of the so-called Joint Action Committe supposedly representing segments of the University workforce in respect of the 2009 Federal Government Unions Agreement and the inappropriate manner the organisation has been prosecuting the ongoing illegal strike.

“Contrary to what the illegal JAC would want the public to believe, Adekunle Ajasin University was the first conventional state university in Nigeria to implement the agreement under reference effective from April 2010, following an understanding with the Ondo State Government that it would not pay arrears as it was not a party to the FG-Unions Agreement. It is also to the credit of the State Government that the university pays its workers’ salaries as and when due. “Unfortunately, no sooner had the implementation of the new salary package commenced than JAC started agitation for arrears – July 2009 to March 2010. “As a step toward brokering a truce, representatives of the University met with the Visitor, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, on Monday, May 16, to discuss the matter. A second meeting with the Visitor and his team held on Monday, 23rd. In attendance were the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, members of Council, the Senate, the Vice Chancellor, the principal officers of the

university, Deans, members of the Senate Peace Committee and the executive councils of the four unions in the university. “At that meeting, agreements were reached on the modalities for resolving the matter and with an understanding that unions would not go on strike. “It was therefore shocking that less than two weeks after the meeting with the visitor, some elements within the campus would not only convene an illegal meeting under the auspices of JAC but would also go ahead to declarea seven-day strike action in flagrant breach of the agreements reached at the meeting with the visitor and the Governor of Ondo State. “Also inconceivable is the resort to breach of the university peace, prevention of other staff and students from entering the university to conduct their legitimate business, vandalisation of university property and sabotaging of electricity supply to the university by these elements. “

NEWS 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Niger postpones council elections

From left: Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka; Founder, Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF) and wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Lagos State First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola; her Oyo and Ogun states counterparts, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, at the launch of the EDF in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday.

HE Niger State government has chosen September

for the conduct of council polls. Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said that the election which is supposed to be conducted in June was shifted due to the shift in the general elections, the many activities that preceded the general elections and also for security reasons. The governor, who stated this yesterday in Minna while swearing in Caretaker Chairmen of the 25 local government councils in the state, said that the state INEC is getting ready to conduct the elections in September, adding that the body will ensure that the process conforms with the law. According to him, “We cannot conduct elections within this time due to many reasons. The initial plan was to conduct it in June but because of the shift in the general elections and the

Police recover bomb from Kaduna market T HE police in Kaduna State yesterday recovered an object suspected to be a bomb at Goningora, Kaduna, foiling an attempt to detonate the object at a crowded market along the Kaduna/ Abuja road, on the outskirt of Kaduna metropolis. The Nation on Saturday learnt from sources in the area that traders and residents of the area discovered the object at about 11.00 am and immediately alerted the police who immediately mobilised men of the bomb disposal unit to the area.

Tony AKOWE, Kaduna

The police bomb disposal unit, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and men of the state special security outfit, Operation Yaki, arrived the place to evacuate the object. Eye witnesses told The Nation on Saturday that the quick intervention of the police saved the residents and traders from being blown to pieces, adding that some residents

of the area and traders at the market have started leaving the place for fear of the explosion. The source said: “If not for the quick intervention of the police,everyone around the market area and the residents here in Gonigora would have perished if the bomb had gone off. You can see that out of fear, many people have started running away from this area to a safer place”. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aminu Lawan

who confirmed the development said: “it is an explosive object discovered by the people and they quickly alerted us and we were able to move to the scene, recovered and disposed the object immediately. “We have been calling on the people to always alert us about any strange object suspected to be bomb. So far, the object did not explode and there was no injury , no death and we have cordoned off the place while investigations have since commenced”.

Yuguda sacks Head of Service •Appoints new HOS, Chief of Staff, Press Secretary

AUCHI State Governor Isa Yuguda has sacked Ibrahim Mohammed, the former Head of Service(HOS), even as he has approved the appointment of Mr.Abdon Dalla Gin (JP) in an acting capacity as the state’s Head of service. He has also approved the appointment of Yusuf Musa Gumli as Chief of Staff to the Governor. Also appointed is Mr. Michael Ishola Adeyemi, former State Correspondent of Tribune Newspapers as Chief Press Secretary and Hon.Jibril Adamu Zungur as Special Adviser on Assembly Matters. Until his appointment, Mr. Gin was Permanent Secretary, General Services in the Office

Austine TSENZUGHUL Bauchi of the Secretary to the state government and holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy. While Yusuf Musa Gumli, a former Education Commissioner in the Yuguda administration from 2009 to 2010 is with a Master’s degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling But Mohammed Abdullahi, the sitting Nigerian Institute of Public Relations National President and the longest serving Press Secretary in Nigeria has been moved to Bauchi State owned Radio Corporation as Managing Di-

rector. A press statement by Secretary to Bauchi State Government (SSG) Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija in Bauchi said the appointments are with immediate effect. The appointments which are coming ahead of Governor Yuguda inauguration of the State House of Assembly are being welcome by most people in the state as signal to his administration’s determination to deliver on his campaign promises. Confirming the people’s expectations, a confidential source close to the governor said:’’Yuguda is a nice man but those who worked with him in his first tenure misled him

but he is bent on correcting the past and will not recycle mischief makers in this dispensation’’. ‘’Yuguda will not appoint people that are only interested in feeding fat on the people’s resources, uncompleted projects will be completed as soon as funds are available’’ the source added. It was, however, silent on whether Yuguda will look into the accounts of organisations some of his political appointees headed and performed below expectation from May 29 2007 to May 2011. Meanwile, the Governor is expected to inaugurate the State’s Seventh assembly on Monday, June 13, 2011

Plateau Assembly sets up committee over tertiary institutions’ strike

Plateau State House of Assembly has set up a six-member special committee to look into the industrial face-off between the state government and the Joint Unoins of Plateau State-owned tertiary institutions.This is sequel to the protest of the students of the institutions in which the Speaker of the House of Assembly,Hon Clark Dabwan was held hostage. The committee which was inaugurated by the Speaker is to find in details, the reason for the prolonged strike, is

Marie-Therese PETER, Jos headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon John Bull Shekarau and is expected to find a meeting point between the warring sides and amicably resolve the problem so that the students would return to schools. Hon. Dalyop Mancha, who is representing Jos South constituency, raised the issue as a matter of urgent concern, saying it was important that education be protected, especial-

ly when students are kept at the receiving end of the faceoff between the government and the lecturers. Other members who contributed agreed with him, maintaining the protesting students who surprised the lawmakers on Thursday by storming the assembly complex are anxious to return to their classes, but with the eight months old strike action, this has not been possible. Meanwhile, Governor Jonah Jang has sent a list of 25

people to the House for the post of Special Advisers and has asked the House to clear his former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Edward Pwajok for the position. The House yesterday screened the former Commissioner who is the only former cabinet member to be presented for screening by the governor. 16 out of the 24 members in the House later asked him “to take a bow and go” as he has been cleared for the position.

Jide ORINTUNSIN and Justina ASISHANA –Minna activities that took place after the elections, we have to shift the election to September or early October.” Aliyu said that only six officials, which include the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and their supervisory councilors will be allowed to work in the local government council until the elections are conducted, warning that any caretaker chairman who stays in the city instead of his given local government shall be penalised. He then warned them not to obtain loan without permission from the Ministry of Local Government and if they do, the caretaker chairmen should ensure that it is paid within three

months otherwise such loan may be converted to personal loan for them. Noting that all councils have men as Caretaker Chairmen, the governor directed them to look up the names of qualified women and summit them for election. He stated that the state had enough qualified women to take up the positions, adding that it should not be men only affairs adding that he intends to see some women as local government chairmen or vice chairmen when the elections would come up later in the year. Aliyu called on the newly inaugurated caretaker chairmen to ensure that they relate with the people andbe just to their mandate.

Rep decries slow pace of corruption cases’ trial •Tasks institute on crises in Jos, Borno Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

MEMBER of the House of Representatives from Yola North/South/Girei Constituency, Engr. Aishat Ahmed, has decried the slow pace of trial of corruption cases involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. She also asked the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies to rise to the challenges in Jos and Maiduguri by proffering concrete solutions to the crises in the affected areas. Ahmed, who made the submissions at an interactive session with lawmakers in Abuja by EFCC and ICPC, said the delay in investigation and trial of corruption suspects, could affect the war against graft in the country. She said: “To win the war against corruption, we have to accelerate the pace at which we investigate and put the corrupt on trial. We have a situation in which it takes three to four years to complete the trial of some suspects. “This slow pace makes the trial boring and Nigerians do resign to fate that once you steal and you are arrested, nothing will come out of it. “If we accelerate the trial of corruption suspects, we will enhance the work of the EFCC and the ICPC and win the war against graft. We must run a system that will dispense justice as fast as possible to serve as deterrent to those who may want to indulge in corrupt practices.” On security challenges in Jos and Maiduguri , the woman Representative said it was shocking that there is an Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies in the country and it could not come with solutions to the crises in the affected areas. She added: “The Director of the Institute should tell us why it could not assist the nation with suggestions and recommendations to arrest the crises in Jos and Maiduguri . “Why must we continue to spend money heavily on such institute and still record huge losses in human and material resources? “I think this type of institute should rise to up to security challenges in the country by assisting our security agencies with recommendations that could arrest the crises in some parts of the country.”

Group warns lawmakers against corruption OMRADE Emmanuel Ezeume, the president of the Progressive Leadership Organisation International (PLO), has called on the members of the National Assembly to eschew corruption in all its forms in the discharge of their duties. Ezeume, who made the call at a press conference on the state of the nation in Lagos, said the promotion of the moral value in our society and other parts of Africa was the main objective of his nongovernmental organisation. He said: “With the poor performance of the 6th National Assembly, Nigerians expect good leadership from the new legislators. We implore them to abstain from corruption and serve Nigerians more diligently with optimum transparency. They should endeavour to work independently of the executive arm of government. They should look deep into the problems of Nigerians and come up with good solutions through the passage of good laws. “We implore the Senate in particular to screen the ministerial nominees without fear or favour. They must avoid being biased in this very important assignment. They should emphasise merit and ensure that people with bad records in their previous public and private offices are not appointed as ministers.” The PLO president appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to charge all corrupt members of the Bankole-led House of Representatives to court, adding that most of them were not clean, considering the revelations made by the former Speaker in the course of his interrogation. He said: “All the principal officers of the House who shared in the N10 billion loan and those that benefited from the car deal must all be prosecuted. Nigerians are much interested in their trial as economic saboteurs. They must be exposed and used as examples to serve as deterrent to others who are still in the positions of leadership.”

6 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Lord, when shall thou speak to me? I

have never pretended to be a fan of Fuji music. But there was no way I could have ignored the sweet rhythm of a particular song released by the late Fuji music maestro, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, during my early years in the secondary school. It was in the course of admiring the rhythm of the song, Oke Agba ni Mo Gun, that its message sank into my brain like bread does in tea. The song is essentially a prayer rendered by the late musician, pleading with God to guide him against falling into the wrong profession. In a clear demonstration of his absolute faith in predestination, he reasoned that many people are not successful in their careers mainly because they failed to choose the profession their Maker had designed for them even before they were born. Thus, many who would have been successful barbers are in the medical profession, only struggling to make ends meet, while a man destined to be a guguru seller would sell guguru and make a stunning success of the business. I am not one given to superstition. So, I ordinarily would not subscribe to the concept of predestination. But my stand in this regard was shaken after reading the story of 65-year-old Comfort Ogo-Oluwa, a Lagosbased akara seller, who from a trade that had

become the metaphor for penury and misery, has become so successful that she cruises around town in a Mitsubishi sports utility vehicle (SUV), otherwise called jeep. And that is not all. Recalling how fortune has smiled on her through her akara business in a chat with a reporter of The Nation, the Iloro-Ekiti-born woman said: “I have switched over from the use of firewood to cooking gas. I have constructed a well with a submersible pumping machine, because I realised that I would need more water. I have about seven employees and I use N42,000 worth of gas per month. “As you can see, I have about 25 bags of beans in the corner of my shop. From this business, I have sponsored my children’s university education and they are all graduates now. I have never taken any loan to do business. Instead, I am one of the biggest customers of a micro-finance bank whose identity I won’t want to disclose. So, what more can I ask from God?” Before fortune smiled on her, she had experienced years of frustration as a provisions seller in the heady days of the notorious Oshodi market in Lagos, when members of the state-owned environmental task force constantly raided the traders and seized their wares. After losing virtually all her wares to members of the task force, she hit on the idea of seeking the face of God for direction on what else she could do for a living as a widow who had to cater for her children. After fasting and praying for seven days, God told her to sell akara. The rest, as they say, is history. After reading her story, my mind returned to Barrister’s song and I started wondering if many of us have not ventured into professions other than the ones destiny had de-

Inspired by‘her story, I have also resolved to seek the face of God for a fresh direction because I am beginning to suspect that my inability to acquire a jeep could have resulted from wrong choice of profession

’

signed for us. Why would an akara seller boast of so much affluence while lawyers, doctors, accountants and other professionals struggling to make ends meet, and civil servants clamour fruitlessly for the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage? I will not be surprised, for instance, if the least paid employee of Madam Ogo-Oluwa earns a monthly salary in excess of N18,000. Inspired by her story, I have also resolved to seek the face of God for a fresh direction, because I am beginning to suspect that my inability to acquire a jeep could have resulted from wrong choice of profession. While she fasted for seven days, I have decided to make mine 21, just to show God how critical the matter has become. The only difference would be that I will not fast from 6 am to 6 pm like she did. Something tells me that the 12 hours

Did Bankole chop alone? I

do not envy the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sabur Dimeji Bankole. It is his moment of reality now that the razzmatazz of the Green Chamber and the false sense of importance are over. The once bubbly, athletic young man who blazed into the nation’s Number Four position with pomp and circumstance is presently having his day with the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of graft and misapplication of public funds. By now, Bankole would have realised that there is more to public office than having a mastery of the English Language backed with good elocution. The crowd that swarmed around when the going was good would have drastically reduced if it has not completely disappeared. When a man of power is laid bare, he, more often than not, becomes a lonely sojourner. Bankole may as well be ruing the day he was voted in by his ‘colleagues’ to take over as Speaker from Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh who has been cleared of any culpability in the N620m house renovation scandal that led to her forced resignation. Sadly, Bankole’s trademark immaculate white attire has been dabbed with red oil. Here was a man who came into power challenging the executive to go beyond paying lip-service to the crying graft in the civil service. Here was a man who condemned, in strong terms, the shameful wastages in the power sector wherein billions of dollars pumped into it could only generate megawatts of darkness. Here was a man who spoke against corruption in whatever guise, vowing that his leadership would do everything to stop the mindless and callous rape of our collective inheritance. Here was a young man whom we all thought would make the difference and open a vista of opportunities for others who desire to make a change in the polity. Here was Dimeji Bankole, the hope of the new Nigeria. Three years after, he is being singled out as a poster boy for rotten graft and for all that has gone wrong with the business of lawmaking in the country. Pity. Yet, we need to ask questions. Why, for example, is Bankole the only individual being put in the sun to roast while the other members of the ‘body of principal officers’ alleged to be involved in the binge of contract inflation are said to be “now at large” by the EFCC? Are these nameless characters from Mars? Who and who benefitted from the largesse that came out of the inflated prices and who were the contractors? Were the items meant to be carted away by the lawmakers as they reportedly did after the valedictory service of the 6th National Assembly? Was it right to sell the controversial Peugeot cars to the lawmakers at giveaway prices even when we are yet to determine how much was creamed off the purchase by the leadership of the House of Representatives? Or is the EFCC telling us that Bankole is the sole beneficiary of the alleged fraud? Truth is: I was the least surprised that the former Speaker is having his day at the court. I knew it was just a question of time before he would be asked to come clean on how 400 Peugeot cars were purchased without any discount from the dealers. I never, for once, believed the hush-hush clearance given Bankole and other principal officers by their colleagues and the thumbs down given to Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, for crying wolf where there was none. I was not under any illusion that Bankole and others would have been arrested by the EFCC long before now but for the House’s unholy alliance with the Presidency. Asked why the anti graft body was reluctant in making its find-

ings known and persecuting the offenders, if any, Farida Waziri, the Chairman of the EFCC, once told reporters that the document was handed over to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua for his perusal. Of course, that was clearly out of sync with the law setting up the body. But Farida insisted it was not tantamount to an executive interference even when she said another copy of its findings would be forwarded to President Goodluck Jonathan after Yar’Adua’s demise. And going by what was said to be in that document, I had written on this page that Bankole would meet his come-uppance one way or the other. Therefore, last Wednesday’s appearance at the court is just the beginning of things to come since nothing is being said about the agency’s findings on the N2.3 billion car scandal. That aside, it would be interesting to see the arguments Bankole and the other principal officers will put forward to justify the bloated figures in the purchase of some items far above the 30 per cent profit margin specified in the Public Procurement Act. For a legislative body that participated in the passage of the procurement law, it would be shocking if it was confirmed that its leadership completely ignored the Public Procurement Act and due process laws in contract awards. Could it be true that Bankole and the other principal officers, who are presently at large, conspired to inflate the cost of 400 units of 40-inch Samsung (LNS. 341) television sets by approving the purchase of the said item at the rate of N525, 000.00 per unit, instead of the prevailing market price of N295, 000.00? Did they also rig the bid and defraud the national treasury by inflating the cost of 800 units of Desktop Computers (HP Compaq dc 5700) by approving the purchase at the rate of N330, 000.00 per unit, instead of the prevailing market price of N160,000.00 per unit? Did these ‘honourable men’ conspire amongst themselves to inflate the cost of 100 units of Sharp Digital Copier 5316 by approving the purchase of the said item at the rate of N270,000.00 per unit, instead of the prevailing market price of N160,000.00? And did they also sit in council and hatched the plot to inflate the cost of 400 units of HP Laserjet 2600N by approving the purchase at the rate of N150,000.00 per unit, instead of the prevailing market price of N60,000.00? Did these representatives of the people, in a bid to satisfy their salacious taste, rig the bid for the purchase of 2 units of Range Rover Bullet Proof vehicles and the purchase of 3 units of Mercedes Benz S-600 cars? I have asked this question once and I will ask again: what is it about power that makes men run amuck immediately they get it? Why can’t they tread with caution and save themselves the embarrassment and shame that are sure to follow their despicable act out of office. For sure, this is not about bashing Bankole because, personally, I believe he remains innocent until he is proved otherwise by a competent court of law. And the onus of proof lies with the EFCC. Yet, his travails in the hands of the law should be a lesson for many others who are still reveling in the delusory inviolability that power tends to confer. Few days back, Bankole was so powerful that that the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, strolled into his compound to pay him a “social visit and apologise for not attending a social event” which the former speaker had craved Ringim’s indulgence to attend. Of course, the police chief’s presence sent shivers down the spines of EFCC operatives who had planned to arrest Bankole. By the time Ringim denied stalling the arrest during the strange coincidental visit, Bankole had become a paperweight. He was arrested and escorted to the EFCC office. Does that ring a bell?

between 8 pm and 8 am will be better. My decision to fast in the night has nothing to do with being smart. Since prayer must necessarily accompany fasting, I believe the best period to do it for maximum concentration is night, when there will be less distraction. Happily, knowing the kind of soft spot that God has for me, I know He will not ask me to take to shoe shining, okada riding or other such menial jobs. God is more likely to ask me to drop my pen and become a politician, so that I can aspire to become the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives. There, I can renovate my official apartment with the sum of N620 million like Hon. Patricia Etteh and preside over the sharing of N10 billion like Hon. Dimeji Bankole did. My only fear, however, is that the passion the average journalist has for the profession could block my hearing, even if God decides to speak in an audible voice and not the small, still voice our prophets are accustomed to. I work with a colleague who once resigned as the editor of a prominent Nigerian newspaper and joined the Public Relations Department of a first-generation bank where he was offered an annual salary that could buy up a modest community and an annual imprest that ran into hundreds of millions of naira per annum. To the shock of his employers, however, he abandoned his banking job after one week and returned to another newspaper house where he struggled to pay the children’s school fees. I make no mockery of him because there is no guarantee that I too will fare better in the same situation. But that should not stop God from speaking to me.

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913

Shed of the immense power of his office, it was not long before Bankole started singing like the bird with the broken beak. He said he did not share in the N10bn loan used to offset the increment in the allowances of members. He said while the House Leader and his deputy got N14m quarterly increment each, the Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip and the Minority Leader also benefitted with N14m increment each. That is besides the jumbo increment in the allowances of the all the members. Those who were earning N27 million as quarterly allowance got it upgraded to N42 million. And that, I guess, was how they got soaked in debt. So, why is Mr. Bankole being singled out for punishment? Well, I don’t have the answer. I can only speculate. Could it be because Bankole benefitted the most from the largesse? Could it because he has fallen out of favour with the powers that be? Could it because he accused the executive of blindly closing its eyes to the crazy looting in the civil service? Could it because a former president had promised to ensure that he ended up in jail for the role he played during the power probe saga? Could it be because some persons have described him as being too arrogant and bossy? Or should we link Bankole’s ignominious fall after stepping on the much-dreaded banana peels to his inability to ‘carry’ his colleagues along? Put in another way, did Bankole chop alone? If that was the case, then it is safe to assume that this man jumped into the Speaker’s chair without taking some time out to learn the intricate tricks of survival from the masters of the game. Unless we want to pretend, contract inflation and rigging have become acceptable norms in doing government jobs. If in doubt, the EFCC can take random checks of invoices and contractual agreements in ministries, departments and agencies. If they do this, they will discover that the Bankole case is a child’s play. What goes on in the MDAs is at the heart of the rot in the system. If nothing is being heard or read about this, it is because it has remained a guided secret. Now that the Freedom of Information law has become effective, maybe attention would be focused on that aspect of our national life. But do you know what? Sometimes, I just wonder if Bankole wouldn’t have been walking the streets a free man today if he had fully adopted what I call the Senator David Mark principle of avoiding the banana peels in the legislative chambers. Explaining the magic, Mark said: “I’m a team player and I put the cards on the table. There was mutual respect between me and my colleagues. We build confidence and trusted one another. So, there was no need for the dreaded banana peels!” End of story. And so, why is it that in a community of 360, only one person is being hung in the sun to roast? Beats me!

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

IGERIA’S President Goodluck Jonathan met US President Barak Obama at the Oval Office in the White House last Wednesday for the first time after the last Presidential elections in Nigeria deemed to have been transparent , free and credible by the international community . At the same time , at the UN Security Council , the UK and France filed a resolution calling on the UN to condemn the violence unleashed by the government of Syria on its citizenry .Mean while NATO planes continued to bomb Tripoli in Libya determined to snuff out Gaddafi dead or alive while Gaddafi vowed he will fight to death .Similarly in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen ,President Abdullahi Saleh had been personally hit at his palace by his opponents -asking him to quit after 32 years in office - and was said to be receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia. In Nigeria however the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN- Aloysius Katsina-Alu swore in the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice Ibrahim Auta with the charge that he can sleep well in his bed provided he dispenses justice without fear or favor .According to the CJN ‘ Most of your critics may not be lawyers, ignore them. We as judges are here by the grace of God Almighty and if they did not like us they should fight God who put us where we are instead of fighting us .The CJN completed his swearing in homily by saying –‘At this democratic system of governance , Nigerians want fair play and justice . So give them justice according to your conscience and go home and sleep ‘Between the sedate setting of the Oval Office , the daily violence, murder and mayhem from the skies and on the ground in Syria ,Libya and Yemen – the SLY nations - and the advice of the Nigerian CJN on justice lie the difference between the rule of law and anarchy ; the difference between governance and insecurity ;as well as the basic requirement needed to sustain any democracy in which people have made their choice in electing a democratic government in which they have put their hope for the security of their lives and property. These then are the issues to be discussed today in all ramifications. First ,both Presidents in the Oval Office on Wednesday met last when President Goodluck Jonathan was an acting president and the US President Barak Obama implored him to’ make a difference’ in organizing free and fair elections in Nigeria and moving the nation forward in terms of accountability and the rule of law . I am sure that President Goodluck Jonathan looked the US President straight in the eye to confidently to assert that he has fulfilled his promise on free and fair elections . On the issue of rule of law and accountability I doubt if the Nigerian president can look the US president in the eye with the same confidence. This then is the sad road sign that the high level diplomacy put in place by the US and EU to checkmate the excesses of the peculiar Nigerian political system of separation of powers , seemed to have failed in the

Security, diplomacy and justice

face of undemocratic forces at play in Nigeria in the name of democracy .For on the eve of Jonathan’s departure to the US his party men of the ruling PDP in the legislature dealt a major blow to party discipline and their one party hegemony by defeating the agreed choice of their party for the position of Speaker in the new political dispensation after the last general elections. Worse still they elected someone who was implicated in a loan scandal for which the last Speaker of the House of Representatives is being tried by the nation’s major anti – corruption institution – the EFCC . That in itself is a recipe for anxiety and political uncertainty and a bad start in the relationship between the executive and the legislature which can lead to immediate or future expensive dissipation of energy and the concurrent political instability for a new presidency in our separation of powers dispensation. Legislative tussle aside ,it is the issue of the security of the two nations that met at the White House last Wednesday that best illustrates the divergences and differences on the extremes of anarchy and a break down of the rule of law. Really , the US president has more problems on his plate than his Nigerian counterpart because the US is fighting wars on three fronts in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq- where it is wounding up .Since 9/ 11 however the Americans

Worse still they elected someone who was implicated in a loan scandal for which the last Speaker of the House of Representatives is being tried by the nation’s major anti – corruption institution – the EFCC have made sure that no major terrorist attack has been successfully carried out on American soil .More importantly the US under Obama has beheaded the major terrorist threat and irritant to US security ,Al Qaeda ,by killing its leader Osama bin Laden in a mission in Pakistan recently . So Barack Obama was happy to meet his Nigerian counterpart and give him a lecture on the virtues of protecting the citizens of any nation that calls itself a democracy like the US has successfully done under the Obama presidency with regard to terrorist attacks .But it is the Nigerian president’s reaction to Obama’s genialty buoyed by success at home in the US on security matters that I want to dilate upon in

national and personal terms next, given the context of the security situation in Nigeria before President Jonathan went to the US . Let us start from Lagos State where the Inspector General of Police Mr Hafiz Ringim at a ceremony at which the police received funds from the Lagos State Security Fund - canvassed a special security grant to the state because of its strategic relevance for the economy of the nation .The IG said the police hierarchy is ready to partner with Lagos state to ensure the security of life and property in the state despite its huge population .At the ceremony Lagos State Governor Raji Fashola warned drivers in the state to obey all traffic rules or face the wrath of the law . That warning however came too late for a 27 year old young man in posh Lekki area of Lagos State who was mowed down by a heavy truck driver at 8 pm on his way home to enjoy the birthday dinner of his mother on Monday June 6 2011 .Worse still since dead men can no t talk, the driver of the killer truck and his employers tried to mislead the police as to the circumstances of a case of sheer wicked and thoughtless murder with regard to the post mortem , coroner’s inquest and the writing of a police report . That really is a very poor index of safety of lives and property in any democracy which should bother not only the Nigerian President but also the hard working

Lagos State government which has spent a lot of money and energy on security. Quite recently too in the North East of the country in Bauchi , Bauchi State, Boko Haram Spokesman one Abu Zayed acknowledged on the Hausa Service of the BBC that Boko Haram killed 14 people in unprovoked attacks in Bauchi ,as well as the brother of the Shehu of Borno the only empire in the north not conquered by the Fulani jihad that shaped the rise and growth of Islam in Nigeria . Yet Boko Haram with unbridled impunity wants western civilization or ways of life abandoned in Nigeria . Which really is a challenge to anybody educated in the English language including Muslims too . Boko Haram has sadly turned itself into the Al Qaeda of Nigeria and should urgently be contained or eliminated by our well trained and well funded security forces like the police , SSS , and Army Intelligence. Surely such high security concerns must have prompted the calls by two prominent labor leaders for high alert on security conditions in the Nigerian polity .NLC President Mr Abdulwahed Omar recently asked the Federal Government of Nigeria to treat bomb blasts as acts of war against the Nigerian state . He condemned the high casualty figures recorded in the bomb blasts in Maiduguri , Kaduna, Zaria and Juba as well as the inability of the security forces to stop them rather than reacting to the fatal incidents. Similarly PENGASSAN -Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria’s President Mr Babatunde Ogun at a conference this month condemned the high incidence of post election violence in Nigeria as well as the spate of bombings between the swearing in ceremony of the new president and now as well as the many cases of

unresolved murders in the nation . I think the point being made by these eminent Nigerians including myself is that the governments at all levels of political dispensation in our democracy have to belt up on security which is a right of any citizen in any democracy . This is because without security there is no state and indeed no democracy can exist without security . The only silver lining on our cloudy security horizon in all these was the advice of the CJN to judges in Nigeria on the dispensation of justice so that they can sleep well .In our Nigerian environment heeding the CJN’s advice may well be the last hope of the common Nigerian for peace and security. The advice reminds one of Shakespeare’s Macbeth where it was said that ‘Macbeth has murdered sleep and will not sleep again. We ask our judges not to be like Macbeth but to heed the CJN advice and save our nation from a nasty or brutal descent into anarchy from a break -down of law and order through the insecurity of life and property or the mindless killing of innocent lives.

On a very sad note and with a dagger in my heart I dedicate my column today to my son Richard Ayotunde Sobowale aged 27 who was buried in Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi Lagos yesterday . He was the young man l mentioned earlier , who was mowed down in the flower of his youth by a driver of the truck of the Construction company Hiteck in Lekki on the night of Monday June 6 2011 .Kindly pray with me for his innocent and warm spirit to rest in perfect peace . Amen

8 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Release our members, MASSOB tells I-G

HE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)yesterday requested the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to release its members who were arrested in Owerri, Imo State capital and other parts of the country. It also wanted the corpses of two of their members who were allegedly killed by the Police, released. In a statement yesterday in Onitsha , MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna Madu, warned that the police continued detention of some of its members was dangerous. Madu, in the statement, said the group arose from their meeting in Owerri where they took the decision that though some of their members who were earlier arrested by the

Adimike GEORGE, Onitsha police had been granted bail by a Magistrate Court , a greater numbers of them were still in custody. According to him. “Information reaching us through our members in police shows that over the one week, three members with gunshot wounds have died in police custody in Owerri and many are sick because of the trauma. No visitor is allowed to see them. We insist that they must produce the corpses.” The group also alleged that the police merely arraigned few members of the group in court and kept a greater number of them in custody, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in what he described as “police brutality on the non-

violent members of MASSOB.” The group also chided the new governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, for allegedly giving the police moral back-up to brutalise its members. The statement read in part: “We condemn the role played by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State in giving the police moral back up/support to shoot MASSOB members. He did it to impress the Hausa/ Fulani/Yoruba and to show that he does not support the break-up of Nigeria“. Giving more graphic details, Madu said that 100 of their members were being held in Owerri, 32 in Umuahia and 18 in Awka,adding that out of the 150 members held, six were killed in the last raid of MASSOB members in Owerri, while five of the corpses were still with the police.

Alleged corps member’s rape: Court rejects police report on Osun monarch’s health

N Osogbo Magistrate Court yesterday refused police report on the Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesha in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adebukola Alli, standing trial for allegedly raping a 23-year-old corps member serving in his domain. Oba Alli has failed to appear before the court for the third time, claiming to have been hospitalised at the University Hospital College, Ibadan in Oyo State, for suffering stroke. On June 3, two Fridays ago, when the alleged rape case came up before the court, the monarch’s counsel, Tewo Lamuye, said the accused could not be present because of his poor health and the judge sent a police team to investigate and come with a medical report on Alowa’s health. When the case was mentioned yesterday, the police told the court that they saw the monarch on admission bed but

LOST OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that the original copy of C of O in respect of plot number BNA 3428 of Tor Sabo Street, near Hotel the Success Makurdi belonging to Mr. Zachary Aga Valentine Ukoh of No. 6 off Inikpi Street High-Level Makurdi is missing. All efforts to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found please contact the above address or the nearest Police Station. Signed: Mr. Sylvanus Azeleke Agbonoga

Adesoji ADENIYI, Osogbo could not get a medical report because the officer to write it was in a meeting with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director. The counsel to the accused, in his submission, said: “With the police report confirming Oba Alli’s admission in the hospital, it is enough for doubting Thomases to believe that the accused is sick.” Lamuye, therefore, applied for a long adjournment of July 8 in order for the suspect to recuperate and have enough strenght to stand the trial. He also applied that the bench warrant issued on the accused and which subsists be vacated. But the state prosecutor, Olufemi Adedokun, opposed the application for long adjournment and picked June 17,

next week Friday. The prosecutor, who argued that the police report alone was not enough proof that the accused was sick, also opposed the application to the court by the counsel to the accused to lift the bench warrant on Oba Alli. Adedokun, who said anyone could be on admission bed in the hospital, urged the court to order the police to get the medical report, which he affired, could say the true state of health of the accused. The presiding Magistrate, Adewumi Makanjuola, insisted that the bench warrant earlier issued on the accused subsists. The judge ruled that the police should go back to the UCH and get the medical report and report to the court next Friday June 17, date of next adjournment.

ACN Reps candidate gets June 21 pre-hearing date at tribunal

HE Benue National and State Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Makurdi has fixed June 21, 2011 as pre-hearing notice in the case filed by Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N ) House of Representative candidate for Ado-OgbadigboOkpokwu federal constituency, Comrade Onjeh Daniel Donald, against the election of Hassan Saleh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Comrade Onjeh, a former

Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi President National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), and president, West African Students Association (WASA), contested the April election for the Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu federal constituency on the platform of ACN. The former students activist rejected the outcome of the election and has filed a petition against the PDP candidate, Hassan Saled,INEC, PDP and the returning officer in Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu federal constituency. In his petition, Comrade Onjeh said one Andrew Abah won the PDP primaries for the Ado/ Ogbadigbo/Okpkwu federal constituency conducted on January 6, but the name of Hassen Saleh was forwared to INEC after PDP wrote a letter dated February 14, 2011 purportedly substituting the name of Andrew Abah. The petitioner Onjeh avers that as at March 1, 2011, sponsorship of candidates for election had closed, therefore the PDP could not validly and lawfully under whatever guise, sponsor any candidate for the election into the federal constituency.

•Wife of Vice President, Hajia Amina Sambo (middle) being received by Mrs. Adedoyin Olushoga (left) and others on arrival at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday. PHOTO: Isacc AYODELE

East-West coast road project kicks off

HE Federal Government has commenced the process leading to the take-off the Trans -Coastal Road Project with the presentation of environmental aspects of the project to the communities where the road is expected to pass through. In his presentation at the forum, tagged the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Stakeholders Consultative Forum, the Project Coordinator, Prof. S. A. Braide, told participants drawn from Delta, Bayelsa and Edo states that the construction of the coastal road would be done in eight segments and by multiple construction firms. Prof. Braide noted that one major advantage of the project

Isaac OMBE-Yenagoa would be the national intergration of the coastal communities of the region at the end of the multi-billion naira project. Also, in his presentation, the Head of the Engineering Unit of the Pearl Consultative Design, Engr. Nat Okoroma, disclosed that the project would commence from Odukpani junction on the Calabar/Ogoja road in Calabar and run through coastal communities of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo and Edo states. Enumerating the economic benefits of the project to the region, Okoroma said

the project was expected to create multiple centres of economic activities, wider “business connections and give direct access to waterways that are not currently utilised. “It will enhance the exploitation of oil and gas and promote a high sense of integration among the people of the Niger Delta”, he said. Over 7,000 persons are expected to be employed around the Niger Delta region when the project comes on stream. Over 160 bridges, two suspension bridges, cable bridges in Forcadoes, Bonny and Escravoes are expected to be constructed on the road which was part of the Niger Delta Master Plan drawn for the region by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Oro people decry marginalisation in Akwa Ibom

OUTHS from Oro Nation in Akwa Ibom State yesterday condemned the appointment of persons from Ibibio extraction as Secretary to the State Government, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the purported plan to appoint another Ibibio son as a minister as an act of injustice melted out to the generality of Oro Nation being the third largest ethnic group in the state. Speaking with newsmen during a stakeholders meeting organised by Essu Nlap Oro (Supreme Council of Oro Youths), the president of the organisation, Apostle Edim Ante, described as unfair the intentional neglect of Oro Nation by the government of Governor Godswill Akpabio. Governor Akpabio has reappointed Umana Umana as the Secretary to the State Government. Umana, an Ibibio man, served as SSG during the first term of Akpabio’s administration. Lawmakers in the state House of Assembly penultimate week elected Sam Ikon from Etinan State Constituency as the Speaker. Ikon, an Ibibio man, took over from Anietie Etuk, an Ibibio man from Nsit Ibom State Constituency. Ante reasoned that Akwa Ibom State was created on tripod system, adding that for equity, justice and fairplay to prevail, elective and appointive positions should be shared on the tripod arrangement.

Kazeem IBRAHYM, Uyo He explained that people from Oro Nation contributed immensely to the oil revenue derivation the state government is currently enjoying. The president added that happenings in the state had made youths to lose confidence in the system since the interest of the Oro Nation had not been adequately protected in terms of appointment into elective positions. He stressed that since Oro Nation is an integral part of the system, Governor Akpabio should be fair to all in dis-

tributing political offices. His words: “Oro Nation gave Governor Akpabio overwhelming votes in the governorship race even at the detriment of our own son. It is our hope that since we were not considered for appointment as Speaker of the House of Assembly and Secretary to the State Government, we will be given a ministerial slot and appointments as commissioners; special advisers, and board chairmen.” The youths appealed to Akpabio to consider an Oro person for appointment as minister. They added that the 2015 governorship dream of Oro Nation remained non-negotiable.

CNPP scribe loses mum Gbenga OMOKHUNU, Abuja

HE Conference of Nigeria Political parties (CNPP) yesterday condoled its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu over the death of his mother, Lolo Madam Patricia Ezugwu, alias Obunoko Eze of Opi Kingdom. A statement signed by CNPP Chairman , Alhaji Balarabe Musa, said: “On behalf of members of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), one wishes to convey our heartfelt condolences to our Secretary General, Chief Wily Ezugwu, over the death of his beloved mother, Lolo Madam Patricia Ezugwu, alias Obunoko Eze of Opi Kingdom. “Lolo Patricia Ezugwu, a great community leader and former chairperson Catholic Women Organisation {CWO}, St Charles Catholic Church Opi, was born on February 6, 1937 and joined her ancestors in May 2011. “She will be remembered for the coordination of the activities of Caritas International during the Civil War. Lolo Ezugwu distinguished herself as a selfless and forthright person; for food and clothes under her care were diligently distributed to vulnerable women and children. This earned her a great commendation from all and sundry. “She continued in the same manner at the end of the Civil War till her last days on earth. She is survived by her husband Pa Ezugwu, many children, grand children and relatives.

1, 2011

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Lawmakers need higher pay than they earn at present —Borno Speaker, Goni Ali Modu The Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly for the 5th and 6th Assembly, Hon. Goni Ali Modu, was recently reelected for the third time to preside over the 7th Assembly. Prior to his re-election, he spoke to newsmen on his two tenures, his challenges and hopes. ABIOUDUN JOSEPH was there.

OU have been at the helm of affairs of the Borno State House of Assembly for eight years. How do you feel at the end of two successful tenures? I thank the Almghty Allah who spared my life and gave me all the necessary courage to see me through the eight years of my speakership. Secondly, I thank my colleagues, honourable members of the Borno State House of Assembly of the 5th and 6th sessions, for giving me the opportunity to serve them, and the state as well as the country in general. I thank them for giving me all the necessary cooperation, which made me to succeed in running a rancour-free assembly for the eight years. Honestly speaking, it is very challenging to be a leader among equals and survive for such a lengthy period. The position of a speaker in a state House of Assembly is very challenging in that you are one among your equals and you are the link between the legislature and the executive. It is very difficult to manage things between the two arms. We are very lucky in this state, because the former governor of the state, Sen. (Dr.) Ali Modu Sheriff was a legislator before. He was in the Senate for about 10 years, and that makes it easier for me to carry the house along, because he was very conversant with legislative procedures. He knows what the constitution of this country is all about. So, most of our dealings with the executive were made easier because he knows all about legislating. Secondly, the 5th Assembly was a bit vibrant. There were certain elements of opposition in the House. But the 6th Assembly was a one party house. Twentyeight of us were members of the

•Modu

same party. So, it was not the same as a House where you have elements of opposition. Because we didn’t have opposition members in the 6th Assembly, it was possible for us to have most of our activities simply passing through. We were gearing all our efforts towards implementing our party manifesto. The executive and the legislature all belonged to one party. In such a situation, it is difficult to fish out anything that would go against the executive. The good thing was that in whatever we did, we had the electorate in mind. And, honestly speaking, a lot of programmes and projects were executed in the last eight years by the former governor due to the cordial relationship he enjoyed from the honourable House. In short, we had a rancour-free, peaceful assembly for eight years. It wasn’t easy, but God made it possible for us to achieve that Were you satisfied with how things went? Yes. As far as I am concerned, I know we did our best. There were certain areas where we expected the public to come in, but the area was so silent. I strongly believe that the business of legislation is not the business of the House alone; it is the business of everybody. It was so difficult in spite of all sorts of enlightenment by us. We couldn’t get a single bill from the general public, whether an individual or a group of people. Nobody submitted any public/private bill to us. All the bills we passed in the last eight years came from the executive or they were bills initiated by the members themselves. We enlightened the general public that they should also provide some bills to legislate on, but none came forth. I am sure that if we had received some bills from the public, our performance might have been better than it was. We passed only 41 bills. We could surely have done better if the public had initiated some bills. So, I think the media should gear up

for more enlightenment of the public; that they are free to initiate bills on any area they feel the House should legislate. It is only when we get ideas from the public that we can do our best. So, please assist in that area. Which would you say was your most challenging moment as the Speaker? This is a question that is very difficult to answer. My position as the Speaker for eight years was very challenging, because you can recall one thing vividly that was very challenging: the creation of emirates. That issue, honestly speaking, if not because the House was one House and the governor was determined to

‘

Considering their position and the responsibilities I enumerated, I think it is not enough. As far as I am concerned, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission should revisit that formula and increase it. At times, it is difficult for a member to feed his family due to public demand from this amount that you think is huge, due to the type of politics we play

create a new Dikwa Emirate, the issue would have been very tough. Some people even took us to court, but we were able to handle it and successfully got the emirate created. Another issue that I confronted, which was very difficult, was the recent security problem in the state, which to date we are still wading through. Honestly, it is a very serious thing, which is still disturbing day in day out, as innocent people are being killed. The security personnel have been dispatched, but up till date, there is no clear cut way of solving it. We in the House did out best by proscribing that particular sect, but till date, there is no impact as to what we as the House did. So, these were two major issues I confronted. You have just decried lack of public participation in raising bills. But they do not have access to the House. Most of the time, the gallery is empty. How would you respond to this? I totally disagree with the statement, because this trend is a recent development and it was as a result of the insecurity in the state that if somebody goes to the House, he would be searched thoroughly before he is allowed in. And for the public to submit their bill, it is not necessary that they go to the House. They have their representatives and could submit the bills to them. Is it healthy for democracy to have one party in the House? No, it is not healthy for democracy, as a one sided House does not have dissenting views. That is why I pointed out that the 5th Assembly was more vibrant with opposition members among us. However good it is, if you have critics you would do better. I believe that a strong opposition assists in getting good governance. There is public outcry over the remuneration of members of the legislature at both state and national levels, to the detriment of grassroots development. Do you support the need to cut the salaries of honourable members?

This is a very tough question. The Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission are the ones saddled with the responsibility of fixing salaries for public servants. Looking at the type of democracy we are practising in this country and the level of poverty as well as the rate of unemployment, the general public and unemployed youths and our parents at the villages who have no means of livelihood mostly rely on government officials for their activities, especially ceremonial activities like naming, burial and the like. They run to either their chairman or the member representing them to solve these problems, because they don’t have something doing and the rate of poverty is so high. Considering this fact, I don’t think so. I don’t know what the National Assembly members take home as pay, since I have never been there. But in the state assembly, a member takes home a little above N400, 000 monthly. Considering their position and the responsibilities I enumerated, I think it is not enough. As far as I am concerned, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission should revisit that formula and increase it. At times, it is difficult for a member to feed his family due to public demand from this amount that you think is huge, due to the type of politics we play. You have been quoted as advocating that state assemblies should be self-accounting, as it would not be easy to oppose your pay masters. Do you still stand by this view? Yes, I do. I am a very strong advocate of that, because the legislature is supposed to be independent of the executive. So, it has to be independent in all ramifications, because it is not healthy for the legislature to go for funding from the executive. There is no way the legislature can perform its function if it is the executive that issues funds to the legislature. Hence, I still advocate financial autonomy. You will recall that we nearly got it passed during the recent amendment, but some states refused. I believe this issue will still come up in the future. One would expect you to move to the National Assembly after serving as Speaker for eight years. Why are you still here? That is destiny. I have been destined to be the Speaker for eight years and then my people elected me for the third time to be in the state House of Assembly as the member representing them. I might remain a member for the next four years so it is destiny. If my colleagues will elect me to lead them for eight years, I don’t see the reason why I should not be the follower for the next four years. It is destiny. How would you react to the allegation that the House has been a rubber stamp? We have never been a rubber stamp. There is no way we could have achieved the number of laudable projects we have in Borno now if we are. Whatever we did was for the advancement of the state.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

The resolve of the Osi of Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun, on issues is always interesting and daring. For example, when many people in the South West during the Second Republic pitched their tents with the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), he stayed with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Again, when the strongman of Ibadanland politics, now late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, had Oyo State under his control, Balogun was never afraid to express his feelings. The Manchester University graduate also confronted immediate past governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, on issues. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, Assistant Editor, he explains why he worked for the Oyo State governor, Chief Abiola Ajimobi of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) against the former governor, Chief Alao-Akala, who incidentally is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); his close shave with death; his attitude to women, among other issues.

RE you thinking about becoming an Olubadan one day? It is funny. I didn’t set out to be an Oba. The family I was born into is one of the ruling houses in Ibadan. I just found myself there. The initial step to the throne is to belong to the family of the ruling house. I didn’t want it, I objected, people said I must do it. The family is fond of making educated people mogajis. In my family’s case, they used to make the oldest man alive the mogaji of the family, such that whether he is a mogaji or not, you owe him your prostration, being the oldest man in the family. By the time I became mogaji, a lot of old people in the family were all interested that I should be mogaji. Remember, I taught in ABU and I had been high flying manager in Shell BP and had several promotions which were unusual. With that kind of background and experience, it was unthinkable that I would be mogaji. They insisted that I should. I hardly knew what to do or where to start. I had been Marxist/ Leninist, who didn’t believe in tradition and class rule and all that. You could see that I was being made the opposite of what I stood for. But I just said the history of humanity is written basically on the issue of participation between justice and injustice. Whether you’re a mogaji or not, those things will continue and to the best of my ability, I have been handling the family affairs since I became the mogaji since 1986 and to the advantage and pride of the family. At the level of the Olubadan in council which I became member some years back now, I’ve always been an active participant in the debate in the council and very close to the Olubadan who is educated, who is principled, who also has some very high level commitment to democratic norms and practices. He is person I’ve been working with, I think it will be too much for me to say he enjoys working with me as well, I’m proud of him. In spite of my hard-line left wing background, the position has made me more comfortable, even in traditional system, basically on issues of interpersonal relationship, the issue of injustice from one man to the other, one community to another and resolving them. Even an inter- state issue like the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is a good example. Property being owned by two states, former Oyo State governor said they belonged to Oyo State alone. When the chips are down, the issues of life are political even if it is not called political. So I’ve not had it very difficult to operate in this length. For the Oba, if God wishes it, why not? I see it as my service to humanity, promoting the welfare of people, promoting the health of the people even promoting inter community health and happiness. For me, it is a service to humanity, I don’t mind if God decides. Ibadan has a way of choosing its traditional rulers, something that is a complete departure from what obtains in most parts of Yorubaland. If you had your way, would you change it? I’ m comfortable with the arrangement. I can’t accept the British system, for instance, one family, all right through history, it is unacceptable, totally unacceptable. We ‘re republican people in Africa and our traditions are very strong with little variations here and there. Basically, African tradition is very strong and more democratic than what you have in

•Balogun

My encounter with gunmen at home — Lekan Balogun Europe. For instance, even the Americans will not tolerate the British system of monarchy and they say they are the greatest democratic nation in the world. Taking a leave from that, we have our own tradition, and the same time, we are combining that with the democratic rules and principles. I will rather keep what we

have now, I won’t change it. Even Ibadan was founded by warriors and a lot of ruling houses were involved in founding Ibadan and so those ruling houses are the ones that now have their heads competing for the Olubadanship. I think I will rather keep what we have. You said you were a Marxist. At

what point did you drop your Marxist toga? I didn’t have to drop it. I think you know the troubles I have gone through in Oyo recently; it is just that I adapted to my environment, to my climate. I don’t go shouting Leninism anymore or Maoism. I was a Maoist, I was a Marxist /Lenininst but I have

basic issues of interpersonal relationship. Somebody is right, somebody is wrong. People call me and say how can you have courage to have challenged Chief Adedibu? I say what for? He was one man in Ibadan, I was another person, if he did the wrong thing, I would have the courage with all due respect and tell him what he has done is wrong. Look at these people sitting down here, they are my people and children (SLB Transformational Group, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State Coordinator, Prince Ganiyu Eniola and other members), I don’t lord things over them. It is a matter of loving democracy, loving justice. There was what we used to call social chauvinism in Marxian term in those days, more of deeds, less of words. In those days when we shouted Marxism, it was the best to express our political commitment and convictions. I’ve learnt how to express this without mouthing the platitude of Leninism any more. Marx was operating in European climate, Lenin operated in Russia climate that gave birth to USSR. I’m operating in Nigeria with a very strong tradition, very strong history of our own. I can’t come shouting Marxism here, it won’t make sense. But I’ve not removed the toga. Because there are still problems to deal with, we deal with them, applying the principle of social justice. Reading through some things about you, I discovered that you had so many problems with different people at different times in Ibadan. Was there any time that your life was threatened? Several times. If you go to my gate, you will see bullet holes everywhere, brought about by shooting on the gate. Some people walked into my bedroom, at one time and wanted to kill me. They were carrying guns, one of them said to the other, ‘Shoot him’ and I asked, ‘What is my offence?’ At that time I had a State Security Service guy and a MOPOL fellow, I shouted Mabo! Mabo! That was the name of the SSS guy. Before they knew it, he opened the back door but the assailants prevented the opening of the door and they moved out. The SSS guy told me to lock the door; I heard the MOPOL saying, ‘What do you want?’ The next thing I heard were gun shots. Then, there was total silence for about a minute, it was then I realised that there was a key on the door. I was at the back of the door where the key was, but the fear of the moment prevented me from even noticing. I just held on to the door and I said, ‘Anybody that would take this door from me, we would die together’. When I opened the door, I saw one of the assailants in the pool of his own blood. He was shouting, ‘A si ise gba (we took the wrong job)’ . The other guys had run away. Not knowing that the time they came into the premises, there were four of them, two of them were waiting downstairs to stop anybody from coming up. Before the police came, he was dead. That was one occasion. The other occasion resulted in the bullet-holes you see on the gate on your way out. On that occasion, I was not in the house because we had known that some National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) guys had done surveillance there. So, I checked out of the house around midnight. When they came to the house, my own boys overpowered them and they ran away. About three to four •Continued on Page 11

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011 •Continued from page 10 times like that. To the mind of an average person, it would seem like this guy must be powerful too; I‘ve got no power, it is just God protecting me. I have too much of God’s protection, I think God loves me. Are you a Muslim or a Christian? I’m a Muslim. I went to a Catholic school and I know the Bible inside out. This your boldness, where did you get it from? I don’t know. Does that mean you are not afraid of death? Should any human being be afraid of death? Did you make yourself? If it comes it comes. I didn’t know when I was born, I didn’t do a deal with God to let me come into the world, how can I be querying my departure if that thing happens? And be careful, I’m not careless with life but I will not compromise on the truth because truth must be told no matter what it takes. You mentioned your resolve on LAUTECH, why did you take that stance since Alao-Akala’s decision favoured Oyo State? It favoured Oyo but it was a disadvantage to another people, Osun people. Remember that we’re one people, ethnically one people because of the Yoruba affinity. That was a pan-African institution left for us to inherit. Should we go to war over it and start destroying the efforts of our ancestors? We shouldn’t. That was a pan-Africanist institution left for two states to manage. It is like saying demolish Oduduwa enterprises left as a legacy for all Yoruba people. It is like one state grabbing it and saying it is mine. It is fraudulent, it is not truthful. Look at the opposite thing that has happened in this country, WNTV/WNBC was founded by Awolowo for Western Nigeria but it has become a Nigerian property. If you ask me again, maybe the Marxism in me is talking. Why would I want the property that belongs to two of us? Why would I want to appropriate it alone? Does it make sense? That won’t make for people’s coexistence, apart from the fact that it won’t promote democracy. Why can’t Osun and Oyo manage a university? Many people would have expected you to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oyo State to win the governorship election in the state, but rather, you pitched your tent with the opposition, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In fact, when it was fashionable to be members of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the South West in the Second Republic, you preferred to stay with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Why is it that you always take weird decisions? When I was in England, I wrote a book, ’Nigeria’s Social Justice of Doom’, I spent a lot of time looking at social issues in Nigeria. I wrote another one, ‘Nigeria People Must Decide’. The books enabled me to have contact with these great men, Alhaji Aminu Kano, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. And from there on, I started monitoring the events in Nigeria and when PRP came, I felt this is my political programme and I joined PRP. Later, late Rimi, may his soul rest in perfect peace, we lived on the same area in London, Regent Park, international student hostel and we became friends. Rimi wasn’t on the left then. The Aminu Kano’s pamphlet which I read which was a clear commitment to social cause, made me opt for PRP at a time. I didn’t know that this ethnic thing would creep into the Nigerian politics. UPN was for Yorubaland, PRP was for Kano and Kaduna people, NPN was for global North and some parts of Nigeria which determined the popularity of the party I chose to team with at that time. Later we found that Aminu Kano was willing to compromise with the NPN and Rimi and I went to join NPP because the Federal Election Commission (FEDECO) dispossessed us of the PRP. That was

•Balogun what brought me to NPP. This ethnic thing has never mattered to me as to which party to join. At that time within the PRP, I fought very seriously for us to team up with the UPN, not because it was a Yoruba party but because our location in the ideological continuum, PRP was leading,UPN followed, if we had quarrelled within our party and we were looking at somewhere to go, it should be UPN but some other people felt differently. Majority of them said let’s go to NPP and I went with them to NPP and that gave me a platform to run on 1983 for the gubernatorial election. By that time, I, a young man, in Yorubaland, bearded, was fighting Chief Awolowo on my right; an Ibadan man, Chief Akinloye on the left, and I was unknown. Towards the tail end of the campaign, Chief Bola Ige told me that if he was worried about anybody destabilising him, it was me not Olunloyo. At what point did you start having problems with Akala? When Chief Adedibu was alive, I saw Adedibu as being responsible for all the ills he was doing. I even got into a fight with him reluctantly; I liked some things about him. At that time, he would say, ‘It is baba not us’. I didn’t know that he saw my quarrel with baba as an advantage to keep doing the wrong thing he was doing and I was not looking at his direction. Even the wrong thing he did at that time, I blamed Adedibu for it, because I felt that baba was his guardian. But when baba now died, he didn’t change his ways. Like baba, I like something about Akala, he is humble but his values are not democratic. So, again we began to part ways gradually. You said you were with Shell, why did you leave Shell? It was Shell BP at a time. I found myself doing a lot that was contrary to my commitment to anti-imperialism cause. Shell was owned by Dutch and British. I was pushing an imperialist cause against my own people. I was the head of industrial relations in Port Harcourt. I was mis-

said you have my support. She was wonderfully a supportive wife. Some wives would say with promises in Shell, prospects in Shell, why would you leave? I left and I was happier for it. How many wives do you have? I have about three. As Osi of Olubadan, do you think you’re missing something, do you have restrictions? I’m not missing anything but I have restrictions. I remember one occasion, I was far from where I’m now. I was coming up on the chieftaincy hierarchy, I went to Gbagi once on buba and Sokoto without a cap. I met Chief Adedibu there and he said: ‘Oloye Olubadan, you’re here without agbada and without a cap; this your education is too much and it is becoming a problem to you’. I sad no! He warned that next time I did that, he would drag me to Olubadan to go and prostrate. My elders told me that I had to be in three piece agbada, buba, sokoto and I should always have a cap on my head and I decided to change that way as well. So in the last 10 to 15 years, you would not see me outside my home without a three-piece and I stopped wearing jeans, and suit except when I go abroad. I only use them when I travel abroad. Those are the restrictions, but I’m coping. Your three pieces are always beautiful, who designs them for you? I’ve a couple of tailors who sew my dress, about two of them. Any particular colour? No, but I wear white on Fridays. It was the prescription of Islamic scholars. What is your relationship with the new Oyo State Governor, Senator Ajimobi? Very fine. Very beautiful. He is my aburo. I love the autonomy of his mind; I think he will do well. I just hope he will be patient enough to cope with some people who are slow. He is sharp and bright. Autonomous in mind, but he will have to learn to be more patient with some people, that is all. Your relationship with Akala was cordial when he started, what are the measures you are putting in place for an enduring relationship with Ajimobi? We’re talking. I think we have something in common. We met yesterday and we discovered it more and more. We have some things in common. He respects societal and moral rules, he has a knack for integrity. He is an intellectual, very bright and loves working with people who are equally bright. He has no patience for people who are mentally slow. As governor, he may have to tolerate some of those things. I’m not saying he should encourage them. I’m encouraged by some things I’m seeing about him. You know before the election, people said he was arrogant, and I suspect that it was because he is autonomous of the mind; that is why he seems to be arrogant to those who seem not to understand what it means to be autonomous in your mind. When we met, I asked him why they say this about him. He explained to me and I think I understand him. Some would say I’m humble, easy going but some would say I’m arrogant; once they don’t understand you and they don’t have the tool to understand you, they would say you’re arrogant. I’m encouraged more and more everyday that he is autonomous in his mind and he has comprehension about what is right and wrong in the aspect of societal values. And he is trying to surround

erable doing those things. My annual report would say I was brilliant, I had helicopter quality, I was high flying, promoted virtually every year, but I knew I was doing that at the expense of my people. The anti imperialist in me revolted against what I was doing. At the intellectual level, I was enjoying what I was doing . With Marxian background, I wasn’t happy with what I was doing. That was the contradiction and most people who were looking from outside of me couldn’t see what I was going through. If the Nigerian workers in Shell were disadvantaged, we were responsible for it, we were negotiating with them; we had higher European skills of negotiating with Nigerian workers. It they wanted benefits, we would say no you can’t have it. Sometimes, when we knew those arguments were wrong. The other side would accept. I would get home and reflect and I would feel very bad about myself, promoting imperialist cause. When I was in England, I stood for anti-imperialist cause; it was a job I felt miserable doing. The day I resigned, I got home and told my wife, ‘This is the copy of my resignation letter’. We didn’t discuss it before I left home in the morning. I got tired of it and I said let me go into management consulting. I retired and moved to Ibadan. When I gave my wife a copy of the letter she said, ‘This is beautiful, I knew you couldn’t last in Shell. I knew you would not stay till you retire’. She

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He (Ajimobi) respects societal and moral rules; he has a knack for integrity. He is an intellectual, very bright and loves working with people who are equally bright. He has no patience for people who are mentally slow. As governor, he may have to tolerate some of those things. I’m not saying he should encourage them...

himself with people who are autonomous and bright. I think he will do well. Do you have any active role to play in this present government? Well, I’m called senior citizen, I won’t impose condition on him but I would advise him if he is going wrong, I will support him especially when he is right that is active enough for me. I’m, very hopeful that he will succeed. You’re getting too close to Ajimobi, some would want to argue that probably in the nearest future, you will defect to the ACN? That is the thing I will leave for future. Right now, there isn’t any pressure to join ACN. I will be reluctant to pronounce on that because I’m the Osi of Olubadan. I’m the father of all. That is the way it should be. But you have your sympathy. I have a lot of sympathy for Ajimobi. I have for President Goodluck Jonathan. I have for former Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki. I have for people with intellect and character. Regrets in life? I would have read Law in my masters. I did Sociology of Law and it is not the same thing as Law. My father told me he didn’t want me to associate with criminals not even to defend them as a lawyer. He was a great Islamic man. I love and trusted his judgment. But when my father died, I became a Marxist. I enrolled at the University of London to read Law, but I did not take the exam once because I didn’t have time. In my dayto-day activities of life now, sometimes I wish I read Law. If there is any regret, that is one area. Everything I have done in life even when it is bitter, if have to come to life again, I would rather go through the same route again. By every standard, you are a successful person. But success does one thing to a man, it brings hordes of women, how do you cope? It is not difficult. I have a lot of platonic relationships with the opposite sex, and I’m also handicapped by my choice of occupation, the whole public is watching. You have to be mindful of what they say about you and the opposite sex. That helps me to moderate a little. A lot of women come to me to seek help and I think it is immoral for me offering relationship to people seeking help. I have a moral issue as well. If I want to go out with a girl and she says someone else has gone out with her, I think it is immoral for me to go into such relationship. That is why I do not agree with Yoruba concept of inheriting wives, I can’t do that. A lady my father has slept with, my brother has slept with, I can’t sleep with. A lady my friend has slept with, any junior friends has slept with I can’t sleep with. I’m not saying I’m an angel but those moral considerations keep me in check. These values help me to moderate. I’m coping well. How would you describe the decision taken by Akala on his last days? I have strong feelings that they were after-thoughts. And they may have been designated to trap some persons. Minimum wage was designed to trap Ajimobi. I think he is achieving the designed goal now. Workers are not happy with Ajimobi but the working class are being led by intellectuals, if he explains to them why he can’t pay, they would listen. Why wasn’t Akala paying before now? That one was designed to trap Ajimobi and make the state ungovernable. The one of traditional council chairmanship, it is like doing the right thing in a wrong time and in a wrong manner. Then the emergence of head of service, this young man was the most senior a couple of years ago when he picked the number 12 and ignored his 1 to11. If at the end of the day, he is saying No 1 should be the leader, again, he is doing the right thing in the wrong manner. Hope the union and the working class would understand that Ajimobi has a problem; he should take time to explain to them.

T his inauguration as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, made a solemn pledge to the people of the state, saying: “The security of your lives and property shall be paramount in my consideration at all times. My administration shall create an atmosphere where people can do their legitimate business, confident of their safety in their homes and on the streets. No one should make any mistake or take for granted my determination and resolve to be very decisive. I will use every legitimate means at my disposal, including the full force of the law to deal with any and all acts of destabilisation. Kaduna State deserves the chance to quickly pick its pieces and move forward.” Before then, the state government had told anyone who cared to listen that security was topmost on its 11-point agenda. This explains why the government invested heavily in the provision of vehicles and operational facilities for security operatives in the state and created a special security outfit, code named Operation Yaki, headed by a high ranking government official of the status of a Special Adviser. But the vicious post-presidential election violence in the state shattered the peace that the state had enjoyed for about nine years. It has thrown the state back into its dark days with the people living in fear, watching their backs and even afraid of their own shadow. The governor said at his inauguration that “each life is a sacred gift from God to individuals. One month ago, you came out in great numbers to cast your votes in the most transparent, free and fair election ever conducted in Kaduna State to decide who would govern our state for the next four years.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Security challenges facing Kaduna Governor Yakowa

•Yakowa

Tony AKOWE, kaduna The election, though peaceful, took place in the wake of another cycle of mindless, tragic violence. It is inexcusable that anyone or group should use a democratic process as a cover to instigate violent at-

tacks against others. No electoral office is worth the loss of a single life, not to mention the numerous lives that were lost in the state. “By its very nature, democracy only offers people the opportunity to make known their choices and preferences. It abhors violence. I therefore condemn in the strongest terms possible, the masterminds of

the violent conflicts that have bedevilled our state. All persons are created equal before God and are also accountable to Him. Each person has the inalienable right to live free from fear and free from want. With a view to ensuring lasting peace and stability, I have inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the causes of the recent crisis. Based on the findings and recommendations of the commission, my administration will take necessary measures to promote justice and equity. “I call on all political, religious and traditional stakeholders to redouble their efforts to enhance genuine reconciliation within their sphere of influence. There can be no development without peace. I want to state very clearly that our collective differences put together are not worth a single life that has been lost. The triumph of democracy and the building of a virile nation are bigger than any individual ambition. My administration will continue to stand with you in solidarity. I will be firm and fair in the discharge of my duties. I will be governor for all the people of the state, irrespective of differences in class, ethnicity, religion or social circumstance. “The strength of our state cannot be built on narrow interests, but must derive from the sum total of the interests that make up its beautiful mosaic. We cannot ignore genuine cries for redress, not in ret-

ribution, but in true reconciliation.” Apart from dealing with the issue of the post-election violence and restoring confidence to the tormented people of the state, the governor has the herculean task of seeing to it that investors’ confidence is restored in the state. Even though the police in the state have continued to deny the existence of members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in the state, there are clear indications that the group, which has operated in Bauchi and Borno states, may have found their way into the state. The gruesome murder of two policemen on guard at the residence of a Divisional Police Officer in the Kaduna metropolis lent credence to the assertion that the Boko Haram sect exists in the state. There have been speculations across the state that the group have infiltrated the state and have even threatened to deal with those that are poking their noses in their operations. But security agents in the state have refused to accept their presence, assuring the people that there was no reason to fear. However, one major challenge that government may not have paid serious attention to is the issue of miscreants who specialise in hard drugs. They contributed significantly to the violence that erupted during the post-election •Continued on Page 60

Saturday

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

SPECIAL

Behold Lagos akara seller who owns jeep ‘Frustration drew me into the business’ My kind of woman

-Fashion icon, Frank Osodi

‘We snatched our weapons from policemen who slept on duty’ Crime / Page 16

‘The change I want to see in my would-be husband’

Screen / Page 23

Social Scene/41

•See Pages 14 & 15

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

•Madam Ogo-Oluwa stirring a bowl of akara balls

‘Frustration drew me into the business’ —Akara seller who owns jeep L

IFE, like they say, is different strokes for different folks. While many of her counterparts can barely feed from the paltry income they earn from selling akara (a local beans delicacy), Madam Comfort Ogo-Oluwa, a popular akara seller in Ijegun, a Lagos suburb has grown so affluent that she cruises around in a Pathfinder Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) popularly called jeep. And the reason for her fortune was evident when our correspondent visited her outlet on Irede Street, Ijegun, Lagos during the week. The hundreds of akara balls in a big frying pot she had put on fire had hardly been emptied into a bowl when waiting customers competed for a share in exchange for money. While some of the customers tucked the delicacy in loaves of bread, others simply ate them as they walked leisurely

KUNLE AKINRINADE

away. In a twinkle of an eye, the bowl of akara was empty, leaving Ogo-Oluwa with no other choice than to order her employees to prepare more in readiness for school children in the area, who would soon be returning from school. Her grass to grace story, made famous by her line of business, is a product of courage and providence. She recalled how she switched to selling the delicacy way back in 1990 after the military government in Lagos State sent men of the then Environmental Task Force after road side traders in Oshodi where she used to sell provisions. She said:” I was a petty trader selling provisions by the roadside in Oshodi.It happened that the military task force against roadside trading constantly harassed us and we often ended up losing

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I started a seven-day prayer and fasting. And just before it ended, God ministered to me on my way home. I just heard a voice that said, ‘Go and sell akara, and you will prosper

our wares and money each time they struck. “I, therefore, started praying to God to help me with another line of business, so that I could take care of my children, because I am a widow. At that time, I was a member of a local branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and I was living in Ilupeju (a Lagos suburb). “I started a seven-day prayer and fasting. And just

before it ended, God ministered to me on my way home. I just heard a voice that said, ‘Go and sell akara, and you will prosper.’ “Initially, I felt it would be difficult to go into that line of business, because I did not know how to fry akara on commercial scale. But on my way home one day, I encountered some Igbo people who were selling akara. When I asked them, they told me they got their supply from

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some people. I told them I could also supply them akara, and they asked me to prepare it without adding onion or pepper.” The 65- year-old Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State indigene was already hard up at the time. So, she decided to talk one of her friends into partnership, not knowing that the friend would disappoint her. She said: “I was only left with about N300, which was the proceeds of the sale of my

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011 entire wares. Therefore, I spoke with one of my friends with whom I used to sell provisions in Oshodi, and she promised to contribute her own share of the business. She told me she had about N200. Unfortunately, by the time I sent one of my children to collect the money from her, she was nowhere to be found. “This made me to cry, because I had already used the money I had on me to buy half a bag of beans. It was there that God spoke to me again, saying that I should not cry. Rather, He asked me to seek favour from people. “This led me to Ojuwoye Market in Mushin (Lagos).There, I went to one woman who sells vegetable oil and told her that I needed a five-litre vegetable oil on credit. It cost only N20 then. I was surprised when the woman gave me the item and asked me to bring her money the following Monday, even though she did not know me before. “When I got home, I cried profusely, because I was shocked at the way the favour came without stress.” She started frying akara and began to make a fortune from the business as her customer base kept increasing. But her modest fortune soon pitted her against some community leaders in Ilupeju where she started selling the item. She said: “My story began to change soon after I started supplying the Igbo akara sellers and I was also selling in front of my residence in Ilupeju. Ironically, while the ones I was supplying the Igbo traders were without onion and pepper, the one hugely patronised at home was spiced with onion and pepper. Before I knew it, I could not handle the horde of customers who stormed my outlet every day. I was then forced to employ more hands. “But tongues started wagging about my success. Some people in the community said I must be using juju (charms) to sell. It got to point that my former landlord asked me not to pour waste water in the gutter near the building. “But I was not in anyway intimidated because it was God that asked me to go into the business.” She recalled that the business suffered a setback when she relocated to Ikotun part of Lagos. This she attributed to her failure to consult God before taking that decision. She said: “On a particular day, I was visiting one of my relations in Ikotun when I saw a shopping complex at the centre of the town. For the first time, I did not consult God before deciding to relocate to Ikotun where I felt I could consolidate on the business because of the teeming population. I got a shop from the Alimosho Local Government Area with the hope that I would soon start making more sales. Things, however, took a bad turn, as I experienced low patronage. “In no time, I lost everything

• Top and Bottom: Two of Madam Ogo-Oluwa’s staff at work

I had made from the business. It was then that some people advised me to start selling food. That also did not work, as I continued to suffer losses for about six years.

“When I could no longer bear it, I started fasting and praying again for divine direction. It was then that God told me that I was the one who deviated from His path,

having relocated from my former residence and going into another line of business without His consent. He asked me to start selling akara again. “I went back to the business

and God indeed proved Himself. I began to sell more and more. I switched over from the use of firewood to cooking gas and I constructed a well with a submersible pumping machine, because I realised that I would need more water for washing. “I have about seven employees and I use N42,000 worth of gas per month. And as you can see, I have about 25 bags of beans in that corner of the shop. So, what more can I ask from God? “From this business, I have sponsored my children’s university education and they are all graduates now. I have never taken any loan to do business. Instead, I am one of the biggest customers of a micro-finance bank, whose identity I won’t want to disclose. “I bought my jeep with my money from Cotonou, where I also get my consignment of vegetable oil, because I want to let people see the blessing of God in my life. “Although many problems came with it, as some elements that were envious of my success in business started instigating all manner of attacks against me. They would say, ‘Alakara to n lo jeep, o nlo ogun ni (a common akara seller who owns a jeep; she must be using juju) At times, they would place all kinds of fetish materials in my business premises, but I have no fear at all because God is my fortress. “I am a member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church, popularly called MFM, and prayer is one potent weapon I am using against evil. “When things were a bit bad for me in this business, a lot of people advised me to visit marabouts for a solution to my problem, but I did not yield to their advice. Luckily for me, it was not long before God intervened in my plight, thereby reinforcing my belief that He does not forsake those who put their trust in Him.” Her 18-year-old daughter ,Tope, also shared a few words with the reporter on her mother's sojourn in business. She said: "I grew up knowing my mother as an akara seller and it's from this business that she trained and sponsored our education including that of my three siblings who have graduated from university. As for me, I have just finished my secondary education and I am currently seeking admission into university. “What many do not know is that God works in mysterious ways and that is why He has made a success of what my mother is doing because He's the architect of everthing. What we sell here may not really mean anything to the mischievous but I tell you our production and sales on daily basis go beyond our comprehension. “My mother does not joke with prayer at all; she is a staunch member of MFM and she believes so much in the efficacy of prayer which she has been using to ward off evil attacks."

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

‘We snatched our weapons from policemen who slept on duty’ A

ROBBERY suspect, Charles Okon (32), has confessed that most of the sophisticated pistols and rifles his gang used during robbery operations were obtained from policemen and officers who slept while they were on duty. But he said they later found a way of returning such guns when they had finished using them for operations. Okon made this confession on Thursday last week while he was being paraded by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police. Recalling the circumstances surrounding his arrest, Okon said the six-man gang were sharing their loot when operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command, led by SP Abba Kyari, got wind of it, swooped on them at Oshodi, Lagos and arrested them all. He said: “They later took us to our hideouts and homes where they recovered these guns and cartridges. We are armed robbers, but we do not rob in big banks because of heavy security there. We rob micro-finance banks because they cannot afford heavy security like the big banks. “We got our pistols and rifles from sleeping policemen and officers, especially those who drink heavily and fall asleep at their duty posts. “Whenever we saw any policeman sleeping on duty, we would use his handcuff or rope to tie him and order him to continue sleeping until we would get out of the area. At times, we forced them to take more sleeping mixture that could make them to keep sleeping for one hour or more. If we could not get them at their duty posts, we targeted them at drinking and smoking joints. “However, we used to pity some of them and promised them that we would make it possible for their guns to be recovered by the police authorities so that they would not lose their jobs.” Asked how they were able to return the guns or rifles, he said: “We simply wrapped them or put them in a sack and drop them near any police station. We would then monitor the guns until we were sure that they had been seen and retrieved by the police, especially the police station nearest to the place where the guns were snatched. “We also robbed offices and warehouses. We broke market safes after holding the market security men hostage and tying them with rope or wire. At times, we deliberately engaged our informants at the market, warehouse or office in a fight and even inflict them with minor wounds in order to make them look innocent. But they would collect their share of the loot after about one week, depending on how soon the air cleared. “We did not allow any of our gang members to rape anybody during operations because it brings bad luck. If anyone wanted to do it, we would threaten to shoot him. So, our gang members did not rape victims. We also had insiders in the police, who gave us information when the police were looking for us, and we would give them a part of our loot. “Our gang leader is still at large. Any time his gang members were arrested, he would go into hiding. When the case had died down, he would form a new gang entirely. Some of his gang members are either dead or are in prison. “Any time we were being paraded, some of them would come around to make sure that what they heard was true. But they would not stay longer than two minutes to avoid being detected.” Narrating their escapades in the

•The suspects

Ebele BONIFACE

Chima, Obinna, Richard, Jimmy, Ijebu and Obere.” Her confession, he said, led to the arrest of Godwin Adams at Tin Can Area, who also confessed to taking part in six robbery operations with the gang led by the said Charles presently at large. While one Muniru Olegieuno and Chima, two other members of the gang, were arrested at Ajegunle area by SARS. “On April 27, 2011, at about 8.30 am, the gang leader, Charles Okon, was arrested after executing a successful robbery operation with his gang at a Catholic Church in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos where the sum of N3.6 million and other valuables were carted away. “He volunteered a confessional statement, stating how he was initiated into the robbery gang and also accounted for 17 successful armed robbery operations carried out by the gang. “He mentioned the names of his gang members. And based on his confession, a staunch member of the gang, who is also their armourer, Richard Ogodo, who also belongs to a different robbery gang, was arrested at Ajegunle area of Apapa on 17th May 2011. “He also volunteered a confessional statement as a member of the gang who had taken part in series of armed robbery operations. He also confessed to be the amourer of the gang and stated that the rifles snatched from the police, which were being used by the gang, were being

underworld, Jinadu said the six suspects, namely Mariam Onwuka, Charles Okon, Godwin Adams John, Muniru Ihegieunon, Chima Oko, Chima Daniel and Richard Ogodo were arrested at about 8.30am at Agboju Motor Park, FESTAC town, Lagos on March 23, this year with two AK-47 assault rifles, one K2 Assault rifle, one pump action rifle, six AK-47 riffle magazines, two K2 rifle magazine, 65 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition, 59 rounds of K2 live ammunition and 10 live cartridges. Giving the facts of the case, he said: “On March 23, this year, at about 8.30 am, information was received by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, GRA Ikeja on patrol along Agboju area of FESTAC town, that a lady was caught with a travelling bag containing three assorted English rifles. “The lady found with the bag is by name Maria Onwuka, of No. 48 Uzor Street, Ajegunle Apapa, an indigene of Kwale in Delta State, a school certificate holder. “She stated that the arms and ammunition perfectly packed in the bag were given to her by her fiancé, one Charles, on the same day, along Alakota area of Ajegunle, for her to convey to Koko area, Sapele in Delta State, where they had a robbery operation. “She identified the members of the gang as Charles (leader), Stanley, Godwin Adewo, Muniru Ilegieuna,

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Whenever we saw any policeman sleeping on duty, we would use his handcuff or rope to tie him and order him to continue sleeping until we would get out of the area. At times, we forced them to take more sleeping mixture ...

kept inside the ceiling of his father’s house at No. 5, James Onowho Street, Coconut area of Tin Can Island. “The following are the confessed 17 armed robbery operations as stated by the five self-confessed armed robbers between 2009 and 2011 within Lagos, Ogun and Osun states: (a) An office complex along Ajah road before the beach in 2009. Members: Charles Okon, Chinedu, DonSimon, Akilu and Gambo. Charles was arrested in this operation and sent to jail. (b) Customs office Tin Can Port, Apapa. Members: Charles Okon, Chinedu Don Simon, Gambo and Iko. They looted two generators and N250,000 cash. (c) Ak-47 rifle snatched from policemen at Adeniyi Jones in 2009. Members: Charles Okon, Murphy, Lucky and Chicago. (d) Sena Hotel, Ajao Estate. Members: Charles Okon and Obilo. They looted one AK-47 rifle, one K2 rifle, cash and phones. (e) Scepular Plaza along Ajah road. Members: Charles Okon, Godwin John Adams, Chicago, Essae and Yinka. They looted N1.8 million. (f) Local Government in Sangotedo area, Ajah. Members: Charles Okon, Godwin John Adams, Richard Ogodo alias Tallest, Murphy and Lucky. They looted N2.6 million cash. (g) Local Government Secretariat, Ikire in Osun State. Members: Charles Okon, Richard Ogodo alias Tallest, Yinka Stanley, Alu-Owerri. They looted N200,000 cash and four laptop computers. (h) Shopping Plaza at Akiode Area Ojodu. Members: Charles Okon, Richard Ogodo alias Tallest, Chinedu and others. Their loot included two laptops and GSM recharge cards. (i) Shopping Plaza, Ibafo, Ogun State. Members are Charles Okon, Richard Ogodo alias Tallest, Banjo alias BJ, Chicago and Pat-man. They looted a few things before they were

chased away by security operatives. (j) Aguda Titun Microfinance Bank, Ogba. Members include Charles Okon, Muniru Ilegieuno alias Prince, Ogbonna, Stanley and Yinka. They carted away N3.6million cash. (k) Karma Hotel along Burma Road, Apapa. Members include Charles Okon, Obilo, Peter, Banjo alias BJ. They carted away N200,000 cash. (l) Catholic Church, Idimu. Members include Charles Okon, Stanley, Essae, Yinka, Lucky, Banjo alias BJ. They carted a few things before they were chased away by OPC vigilante men. (m) Microfinance bank Sangotedo along Ajah Road. Members are Charles Okon, Godwin John Adam, Murphy, Lucky, Essae and Muniru Ilegieuno alias Prince. They were chased away by security operatives. (n) Local Governent Secretariat, IleIfe, Osun State. Members include Charles Okon, Richard Ogodo alias Tallest, Yinka, Banjo alias BJ and Stanley. They were chased away by security operatives. (o) Filling station in Shagamu, Ogun State. Members were Ozu, Chima Oko Daniel, Solomon and others. They carted away N150,000 cash. (p) Catholic Church, Aguda Surulere. Members: Charles Okon, Opure, Ozu, Niko, Ndubuisi, Essae, Yinka and two others. They carted away N34 million cash, four laptops, five phones and other valuables. (q) Providence Baptist Church, Dopemu, Lagos. Members include Charles Okon, Obiko and others. They carted away one Toyota Avalon with registration number HK 882 AAA, laptops, phones, DSTV machines, four projectors, gold jewellery and other valuables. The PPRO, Jinadu, assured that investigation was still on to apprehend the other fleeing members. All the suspects denied killing any policeman during their operations.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Man arrested for allegedly diverting foreign firm’s N700m into private account

•Okpara Alex

HE Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex Lagos has apprehended two alleged international fraudsters in Lagos, with one of them allegedly diverting the sum of N700 million belonging to a foreign firm into his private account. The Public Relations Officer of SFU, Ngozi Isintume, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said Clark Ejuren, who claimed to be the Managing Director of Heshgood Oil and Gas Ltd., was arrested following a petition to the SFU by a new generation bank. Isintume said the new generation bank on May 4, 2011 received a letter of complaint from a Nigerian Oil and Gas Company alleging that the sum of USD5,405,776.09 had been fraudulently diverted into an account No. 4070918635 belonging to the said Clark Ejuren, and that the sum diverted represented an inflow from a sister company which has a foreign bank account in favour of the oil and gas company. The PPRO said trouble began for the suspect when operatives from the Special Fraud Unit were alerted by the new generation bank and the suspect was promptly arrested in the banking hall while attempting to withdraw the ill-gotten funds. And when a search was conducted on the suspect, several Nigerian banks’ cheques were recovered from him. She said the suspect in his state-

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She said the suspect in his statement claimed that he deals in crude oil transaction with some friends abroad, and that the quoted sum in his account was the proceeds of the said transaction. But he was unable to provide any documentary proof to justify the genuiness of his claim

Ebele BONIFACE

ment claimed that he deals in crude oil transaction with some friends abroad, and that the quoted sum in his account was the proceeds of the said transaction. But he was unable to provide any documentary proof to justify the genuiness of his claim. The PPRO said as the investigation progressed, another petition

•Clark Ejuren from the same bank against the suspect was received intimating the police with ‘his fresh attempt

to fraudulently divert another sum of USD4,700,000.00 belonging to another customer of the bank. Further investigation, she said,

revealed that the scam was attempted by the suspect in connivance with his accomplices still at large, and that the suspect would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Chinwike Asadu, commended the bank staff for their alertness which, he said, made it possible to apprehend the suspect and foil the scam. He reiterated the determination of the Nigerian Police to stamp out the menace of Internet fraud. He said the foiled bid was an attempt by a sophisticated syndicate to intercept and divert funds from foreign companies’ bank accounts to their Nigerian business partners through hacking of e-mails and manipulation of swift transfer instructions. Another suspect, 32-year-old Okpala Alex Joe, was found in possession of fake traveller’s cheques. Isintume told our correspondent that on May 13, 2011, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the SFU, Chinwike Asadu, received a complaint that at the KLM checking counter at the the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos, the previous day, Joe, the holder of passport No. A02831491, issued at Ikoyi, Lagos on April 19, 2011 was intercepted with suspected fake traveller’s cheques while trying to board an aircraft to Spain. She said the suspected traveller’s cheques included four Lloyds TSB Bank Plc cheques in the name of Lukeman Olayinka Yusuf valued at 16,600 pounds; two blank US Bank cashier’s cheque number 9035821222; two US Bank cashier’s cheque written in the name of PEND Hui Liu and valued at $5,478.82 dollars; two US Bank cashier cheques No. 012635 without payee’s name and two official cheques of the Guernsey Bank, Washington, Ohio written in the name of Liu Pend Hui and valued at $6,056.74. The PPRO said in the course of their investigation, it was revealed that the suspect, who hails from Kwale Town in Ndokwa Local Government Area, Delta State, travelled to Spain by land via Morocco and Bamako in 2003 through the help of a friend known as Director. She said the suspect stayed in Spain illegally for two years until he perfected his documents in 2005, adding that he works at present as a labourer at Contesa Building Construction Company, Spain. The suspect, she said, claimed that he came to Nigeria to attend to his sick mother and received a phone call from his friend, Otunba Kazeem Ishola Alabe, from Spain, that his (Alabe’s) brother, Murphy, wanted to send some food items to him and he (suspect) should help him bring them to Spain. He also claimed that when the food items were brought into his residence, he was not at home, and unknown to him, an envelope, which contained the traveller’s cheque, was hidden in the food items until it was detected at the airport. But investigation, Isintume said, proved that Joe was neck-deep in the scam. She also said the suspect, who has a wife and two kids residing in Spain, was arraigned on May 26, 2011 on a five-count charge. The SFU Commissioner of Police, Chinwike Asadu, advised security agents at our airports to always carry out painstaking checks on persons travelling in and out of the country so as to curb the menace of desperate individuals who are bent on rubbishing the image of the country.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Commuters lament legendary traffic gridlock in Garden City

N employee of a new generation bank in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, who prefers to simply be identified as John, lives in neighbouring Agbonchia-Eleme, in Eleme Local Government Area of the state. Eleme LGA is home to two refineries, petrochemicals company, naval school, oil and gas free zone, fertilizer company and two ports, among others. To get to the office at 7:30 on week days, in order to be ready to attend to customers from 8:00am, John must leave his house before 5:30 am. Otherwise, he will not get to the office on time, which may attract sanction or query. On public holidays or Sundays, when the roads are free, the distance of about 30 kilometres, between the banker’s house and office can be covered in less than 30 minutes, but may be held up in the traffic for over five hours, if he wakes up late. If John leaves his house at 5:30 am on other days of the week, he must not do so on Wednesdays, set aside for the weekly Oil Mill Market on the ever-busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, which always worsens the traffic situation. He prefers to follow the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway to his office, in view of the location, rather than taking alternative routes, which are usually worse. Before the Eleme interchange and flyover were constructed, there were instances where commuters had to sleep on the road on Wednesdays, especially between Rumuokwurushi-Oil Mill Bus Stop and Eleme Junction on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, in view of the traffic gridlock. The Eleme junction flyover was started by the six-month administration of Sir Celestine Omehia, before

Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt he was sacked on October 25, 2007, following the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. The flyover was later completed by the incumbent Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, thereby preventing people from sleeping at the notorious points on the road and adjoining roads and streets. A civil servant, Christy Fyneface, whose office is located at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt, but resides with her husband in their personal house in neighbouring Oyigbo, off the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway and near the boundary between Rivers and Abia states, also always had sad tales to tell of Port Harcourt traffic. Fyneface said: “In spite of the efforts of the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to bring sanity to Port Harcourt’s roads, through the establishment of TIMA-RIV (Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority), the situation is always horrible. “On some days, I may be forced to spend three to four hours on the roads, between my house and the office, which should not be more than 30 minutes. It is becoming very unbearable. The governor must urgently do something about it.

•Top&bottom: Traffic snarl on typical PH roads “The TIMA-RIV’s officials are trying but they still need to do more, while the authorities should check the excesses and corrupt attitude of some of the officials, in order to ensure free flow of traffic in Port Harcourt and its environs. Needed equipment should be provided for

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On some days, I may be forced to spend three to four hours on the roads, between my house and the office, which should not be more than 30 minutes. It is becoming very unbearable. The governor must urgently do something about it

TIMA-RIV and its officials should be adequately trained.” The experiences of John and Fyneface are part of what motorists and commuters in Port Harcourt and its environs go through everyday, especially on working days, when more vehicles are always on the roads. East-West Road, Port HarcourtAba, Ikwerre-Port Harcourt International Airport, Azikiwe, TransAmadi Industrial Estate, Ada George, Rumuolumeni, Rumubiakani, old Port Harcourt Township, Woji, Slaughter, Peter Odili, old and new Government Reservation Areas (GRAs) and Olu Obasanjo roads, among others in Port Harcourt, are notorious for

heavy traffic. Investigations revealed that construction of flyovers and dualisation of most Port Harcourt’s roads by the Amaechi’s administration and bad roads in the state capital, are part of the reasons for the usually-huge traffic. At times, the construction workers would block more than half of the roads forcing the motorists to be struggling to pass the narrow stretch, coupled with recklessness and impatience on the part of the drivers, who would prefer to drive against the traffic. Amaechi, however, said he was in a hurry to develop Rivers State, and had no choice but to have many con•Continued on Page 22

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Saturday

THRILLER

As hunger bites harder I

t shouldn't hurt to eat bread. It does. Seventeen months ago, the popular food staple attained some prestige of a sort, in the house of Amodu. That was because it bored deep holes into the family's pocket. Consequently, Koko and ewa aganyin (maize syrup and bean pudding) have become the favoured diet by the family of eight even as they attempt a breakfast of bread, once in a while. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bread we used to buy at N70 now sells at N150. The one we used to buy at N100 now sells at N200. Due to my

In the wake of the global food crisis, Nigeria struggles to save what is left of its major food staples, writes OLATUNJI OLOLADE, Assistant Editor

family size, I have to buy at least three loaves for food to go round. So you see, if we stick to eating bread alone as we used to every morning, I would be spending N600 on bread alone. And I would still have to give out money for beans or eggs. Koko and ewa aganyin is more affordable than bread. I spend at most N200 on a family meal of such diet. It saves me more money, it is more nutritious too,â&#x20AC;? disclosed Mohammed, 47, a grain merchant and the family head.

Danjuma Sule, 28, is incapable of such radical retreat. Rather, he has devised a measure by which he adjusts to the new era. Now, he buys smaller loaves. Instead of buying the N150 worth of bread like he used to for breakfast, the Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos-based sand merchant has developed a taste for the N80 loaf; not because it's sweeter but reality counselled that he adjusted his love for the bigger loaf.

Continued on Pages 20 & 21

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

•Continued from Page 19

“What can we do? We can only adapt. Rice became more expensive and we started to eat bread. Now, they are about to take even bread from us. You see, due to the prohibitive cost of bread, many of us have been forced to cut expenses on the food staple. Even if it means feeding unsatisfactorily, some of us have no other choice but to eat bread. I, for instance, must eat bread and tea in the morning. Otherwise, I won’t be okay,” stated Clement Nwaigwe, 29, a commercial transporter in Sango, Ogun State. For a breakfast that includes tea, scrambled egg and a small loaf, Nwaigwe pays about N150 every morning at his favourite roadside café, twice what an indigenous meal of maize syrup and bean pudding would have cost him. However, unlike the Amodus, Nwaigwe isn’t so desperate to save a few naira notes; his love for bread is the most important thing. He said: “I will continue to buy it as long as I have the money to do so.” But what happens when he can no longer afford to do so? The consequences are better imagined, according to Dele Tella, a freight worker. The father of three argued that when living standards drop to such level that people can no longer afford a staple diet of bread, a crisis looms around the corner. That crisis may just be around the corner. Nigeria, like most countries, is being affected by the sharp increase in food prices. Worried about the situation, three years ago, the government ordered 500,000 tons of rice from overseas to flood the local market in an attempt to get the skyrocketing price of rice down. The effort, however, amounted to naught as the price of rice among other food staples continues to escalate. However, despite her oil reserves, Nigeria is still fundamentally an agricultural country, at least in terms of the population working on the land. Agriculture has remained the largest sector of the nation’s economy. It generates employment for about 70 per cent of the country’s population and contributes about 40 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with crops accounting for 80 per cent, livestock 13 per cent, forestry three per cent and fishery four per cent. Agricultural landholdings are generally small and scattered, with the average number of farm plots per household ranging between two and 30 plots across the nation’s North and Southern region. Nigeria cultivates over 25 million hectares of land for various food crops. The country produces just about 500,000 tons of rice while annual consumption rate of the food staple is 2.5 million tons. Despite these abundant agricultural resource endowments, Nigeria still finds it difficult to effectively feed her estimated 150 million population as the country is the world’s second largest rice importer after Singapore. Till date, the country has spent over $350million on rice importation alone. That has to be worrisome. It is. Why staple foods are sold at a higher price Bread and rice, Nigerian’s staple food items which serve across class boundaries in the country, are on the verge of shooting out of the reach of low income earners going by recent developments. Take bread for example, soaring prices of wheat, wheat flour and sugar have frequently, have forced bakers to consider an increment of 25 per cent per loaf of bread with attendant increases in price of the food staple in the local market.

•Bread: a local food staple currently sells at prohibitive prices to low income earners

•Rice, previously affordable to most Nigerians currently undergoes arbitrary pricing According to Bayo Folarin, president the producers who would rather divert Reasons for the crisis of the Association of Master Bakers and it to the production of biofuel. Thompson Ayodele, Executive Consequently, wheat flour has to be Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), it has been very difficult for bakers to make procured at higher prices and volumes Director of Initiative for Public Policy profit all along as a 50-kilogramme bag to produce bread by the bakers; this is Analysis (IPPA), a public policy thinkof sugar which hitherto cost N5, 000, in addition to inflation in the cost of tank based in Lagos, stated that other factors of production, like yeast, restrictive trade practices starve the currently sells at N9, 500. Corroborating him, Oluwadamilare milk, butter, sugar and other additives. poor and aggravates the food crisis in Nigeria grows little wheat, although Nigeria. Akinlaja, a baker in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, According to Ayodele, little has been noted that the hike in the price of bread the nation has developed a taste for in the last five years is attributable to bread, in part because of aggressive done to address low yields; “on the the rising cost of production of the food marketing by foreign wheat producers contrary, it seems as though government staple in the country, which has scared and exporters thus bread, a wheat has gone out of its way to stifle produce, has been displacing traditional production. Agricultural policies were some bakers out of the business. Simply put, the cost of ingredients for foods like eba, dumplings made from erroneous right from the conception and most were ad-hoc in nature.” baking bread has sky-rocketed in the cassava root. He is probably not too far from the Local wheat imports in 2007 were past three years without corresponding effort by the government to alleviate the forecast to soar by 10 per cent or more truth as the Rice Farmers Association of even though demand was also rising in Nigeria (RFAN), recently revealed that hardship on bakers in the country. This has so far impacted on bread prices many other places, from Tunisia to Nigeria fell 800,000 tons short of its five thus making the erstwhile affordable Venezuela to India. At the same time, million-ton production target four years food staple an expensive food item on drought and competition from other ago due to inconsistency in government Nigerian dining tables. For instance, a crops limited supply. Hence wheat prices policies. Of the projected 4.64 million loaf of bread which cost 30k in 1982 sold soared, and bread prices in Nigeria sky- metric tons annual national demand for at N80 six years ago. Today, that same rocketed by 50 percent. In response, rice, current local production stands at bakers started making smaller loaves a meager 525,000 metric tons, requiring loaf sells at N200. Basic economics dictate that once there hoping that consumerswho could not imports worth US$267 million. Most of is a shortfall in the supply of wheat while afford to pay more would pay about the the locally produced rice is of low quality demand is high, the cost will escalate. same to eat less. Sales have dropped for which limits its market potential, even This implies that flour producers would street hawkers selling loaves. With within Nigeria. However, noted Ayodele, “by trying oftentimes be pressed to increase the imports shrinking, mills are running at price of their produce to compensate for half capacity. the extra cost of procuring wheat from •Continued on Page 21

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

As hunger bites harder

‘

•Rice and beans on display at a local market

What can we do? We can only adapt. Rice became more expensive and we started to eat bread. Now, they are about to take even bread from us. You see, due to the prohibitive cost of bread, many of us have been forced to cut expenses on the food staple. Even if it means feeding unsatisfactorily, some of us have no other choice but to eat bread

•Continued from Page 20

to protect the local rice growers, the government has shielded them from competition. Farmers have not had the incentive to improve the quality of their crops, nor crop yields. They have not been able to invest. This in turn breeds low production... Government duties and other levies starve poor people to death – they drive up the cost of food needlessly. Averaging 33.6 per cent, agricultural trade barriers within SubSaharan Africa are the highest compared with other regions of the world. “Given that the poorer people are, the more of their income is spent on food, this spells disaster. Customs duty on rice imports in Nigeria is at 55 per cent including a five levy for increasing local production. In neighboring Benin, rice merely attracts a huge 35 per cent duty. In monetary terms this represents a whopping US$200 per ton price advantage over imports through Nigerian ports. “ One of the major constraints to agricultural development in Nigeria is the predominance of peasant farming practice across the country. Farming

across the country cannot reach the end users (resource-poor farmers) and primary processors. Banks willingly lend money to traders but are reluctant granting loans to farmers because of the high risk involved. The supply of fertilisers to farmers has also become a recurrent decimal in the polity. This commodity is neither imported early enough nor local sources developed and maintained so that farmers can have access to the product as and when needed, experts allege. Even when fertilisers eventually arrive, it becomes a service tool to politicians, middlemen and cannot get to the real farmers. Then there is the health constraint symbolised by the AIDS pandemic which is fast decimating the active working population of the society with its resultant effect on the loss of manpower in all sectors, the agricultural sector inclusive.

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families engage in subsistence farming in which family needs determine the scale of production and wherein small plots of land are cultivated by individual owners or sub-owners following age-old methods without much control on the yields. Peasant agriculture takes care mainly of the food needs of the farm family and produces little surplus for sale. This type of peasant agriculture involves 95 per cent of Nigerian farmers, while farmers employed on corporate and government supported large-scale farms account for only five percent. Other constraints include land use policy that sees the Federal Government claiming ownership of all land, poor farming techniques, rural-urban migration of the active segment of the population in search of ‘white-collar jobs,’ uncoordinated agricultural policies or lack of it. Also, farm land encroachment due to expansion of urban centres; construction of heavy industries, roads, dams and game reserves have all contributed to diminishing arable land available for massive and sustained food production. The findings of research conducted in universities and research institutes

A grim picture Given the high rise in prices, food importing nations like Nigeria face increased costs in meeting domestic food demands. The situation is exacerbated by the current global meltdown and the crisis in the “oil rich” Niger Delta region. The implication is that the already existing hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity aggravates. This emerging scenario in Nigeria has engendered a bloat in the percentage of food insecure households, especially those residents in the rural areas where the effect of government policies are rarely felt. Statistically, the percentage of food insecure households was reported to be 18 percent in 1986 and over 40 percent in 2005. This figure seems to be increasing by the day; because of inequalities in income and poverty status of majority. Many studies have indicated the relationship between income and food

consumption. Income, according to Ifeanyi Nwachukwu of the Department of Agribusiness and Management of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia state, is a major determinant of food consumption. At a lower income level, a high proportion or income is allocated to food while at a higher income level; expenditure falls less on food consumption. At this low level of income, the diet is dominated by cereals and starchy foods which are relatively cheaper while at a higher income level, there is a marked shift in food consumption to sugar, fruits, vegetables and livestock products. Even within the same food product, there has been a shift from ones referred to as foreign to local due to price increase. A case in point is rice. Higher food prices can substantially hurt poor net food consumers because food accounts for a very large share of their expenditures. Higher staple food prices will cause families to buy fewer more nutritious foods such as eggs, vegetables, meat and milk in a struggle to maintain their caloric intake. Given the fact that starchy foods are the major staples, it seems unlikely that households would be able to increase their spending on fruits and vegetables without substantial changes elsewhere in their food budget or from other household expenditures. Even with income differences in geographical divides of urban and rural areas, the scenario is the same. The pattern of income distribution in Nigeria shows that within the urban and rural sectors, there are large number of people who suffer in terms of inadequate food intake and malnutrition. While nearly all urban dwellers are net food consumers, not all rural dwellers are net food producers. In fact, farmers with very small holdings and agricultural labourers are often net consumers of food, as they do not own enough land to produce sufficient food for their families. There are many such people in the rural areas of Nigeria, he explained. The way out Nwachukwu suggested a possible increase in investment in agricultural research, technology and development. “This could be regarded as the long-run and best approach in that it is likely to reduce food prices and lead to increased productivity. It is the only sure way of facilitating a strong production capacity; as well as discovering fast maturing breeds. This ensures a sustainable food supply and security. It is true that food aid and imports has been used in the past to mitigate food unavailability and hunger. However, current trends have proven its non-sustainability,” he said. The agricultural expert also identified the need for greater government investment in marketing infrastructure. According to him, construction and maintenance of bridges, roads and market places, especially within the producing areas can serve both infrastructure and poverty reduction goals. The Federal Government would probably have to do more as local farmers clamour for greater access to information, formal credit and a wide range of local units of measures that could encourage farmers and traders in comparing prices. Market information systems aimed at collecting, and disseminating of information about prices and market conditions ought to be put in place and improved upon. Efforts to grant credits to farmers and traders have not yielded any positive results or have not yielded expected results thus the need for newer approaches and more purposeful efforts in supporting local farming enterprise. The sooner the government can implement these efforts, the greater the country’s chances of surviving the current food crisis.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Commuters lament legendary traffic gridlock in Garden City •Continued from Page 18 struction works ongoing at the same time, in view of the short dry season in the Niger Delta state. On many occasions, the Rivers governor had personally driven vehicles with few aides, to control traffic or check the excesses of motorists, as well as stopping his convoy to arrest security personnel and others driving against the traffic (one way). Typical examples of bad roads or construction-induced traffic are those on Ikwerre road, around Agip Junction; Azikiwe road, where Rivers government is constructing monorail and the reconstruction of dualised Godspower Ake road, linking Airforce Base with Airport road, with one side closed to traffic. The attitude of drivers is another factor responsible for Port Harcourt’s traffic, with many of them preferring to rush and not maintaining their lanes, but to drive against the traffic, which will always bring face-off with officials of TIMARIV and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). The choking traffic is also as a result of the fact that most people working in Port Harcourt live in neighbouring towns, villages and communities, where most of them are opportune to buy plots of land to build their personal houses, coupled with the exorbitant rents demanded by landlords in the city centre. Most of the people who live on the outskirts of Port Harcourt daily hit the roads to move to offices or transact businesses in the city, thereby contributing to the traffic bottleneck, with many man hours lost. It was also discovered that many of the medical doctors, nurses and

•Another view of the traffic situation other health personnel, who were working at the old University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) at the old Port Harcourt Township, popularly called Town, are still living near the demolished hospital, in spite of its relocation to the permanent site near UNIPORT, Choba, thereby contributing to the traffic. Lack of peace in Town and other parts of Port Harcourt in the days of militancy, kidnapping and cult war, also forced many people to relocate to the outskirts, considered as relatively peaceful, and still preferring to live there till date, but work at the Rivers State secretariat, Federal Government’s secretariat, Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LG secretariats, banks, companies and other offices and trading or self-employed in the city.

The demolition of Port Harcourt’s waterfront communities by Amaechi’s government also forced many people to relocate to the neighbouring villages but still retain their offices and work places in the city. The feeling of Eldorado in the city, also made some people to move to Port Harcourt and finding it extremely difficult to return to the villages even without good jobs, but would still prefer to stay in the city and be driving around or boarding commercial vehicles, with the hope of securing better jobs. Some of the traffic difficulties can also be self-inflicted or traced to ignorance on the part of the motorists or commuters, considering the fact that some parents and guardians who live on the outskirts prefer to

take their children and wards to schools in the city centre, to show class, when there are better ones near them. Some persons still prefer to attend UPTH or Rivers governmentowned Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) in Port Harcourt, which are referral centres, that should not be experiencing tremendous pressure, as it is currently the situation. The other equally-standard hospitals near the people should also be patronised, which brings the need for decentralisation to the fore. Ignorance on the part of some residents, who do not know where to find or purchase some items, also contributes to the worsening traffic situation. Some auto mechanics/ technicians, who want to buy spare parts, will always like to move to

Ikokwu Market on Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, when they can also get original parts in their areas. Most of the oil companies and industries in Port Harcourt are located in the Trans-Amadi axis with haulage articulated vehicles and trucks always on the roads, thereby impeding the free flow of traffic, in view of the death of the rail transportation system in Nigeria, which is being revived by some states. TIMA-RIV, according to insiders, who craved anonymity, need more equipment and vehicles, just like Babatunde Raji Fashola’s administration is doing for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), making its officials to be more assertive and restore sanity to Lagos roads. The TIMA-RIV’s Chief Traffic Controller, Mr. Confidence Eke, declined to react to the allegations levelled against the traffic management authority, while insisting on interviewing the Controller-General, Mr. Nelson Jaja. An official of TIMA-RIV, who craved anonymity, however, said the outfit had made a difference in the state’s traffic situation, with sanity restored on the roads, while lauding Amaechi for his determination and commitment to transforming the state, but frowned at the harassment of the officials by security personnel and lack of adequate equipment, kits, tools, vehicles and bikes. In his reaction, Mr. Jaja said: “We have no sympathy for any traffic offender. We have impounded thousands of vehicles whose drivers disobeyed traffic rules. We have obtained a court order to sell 41 of the cars, having stayed for more than three months. Over 40 TIMA-RIV officials have been dismissed for bribery and corruption.”

LOCATION

BACKSTAGE

SNAPSHOT

REEL NEWS

MUSIC

SCREEN

Edited by: VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 08077408676

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

What I’ll like to change about my would-be -husband y c r e —M on s n h Jo

STANDh BY! Wit

VICTOR AKANDE

Afro Hollywood Best Entertainment Writer 2009

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com Tel: 08077408676 (SMS only)

THINK

nt part of An importa s of any the succes is its civilisation late the mu ability to e t led to the a factors th f other success o s.—Eric civilisation rt Reine

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

SNAPSHOTS

Joseph Benjamin ‘romances’ Monalisa Chinda

Benjamin with Monalisa

Ini Edo’s new calling

“Undoubtedly, the entertainment industry in Nigeria needs an intervention but one that goes beyond a financial largess that chances are would be hijacked by people who can't even tell a boom mike apart from a tripod.”

WRITE TO US! Do you watch Nollywood movies? What do you think of the Nigerian motion picture industry? Send your review of any movie or short essay on any topic of your choice about the film industry in not more than 200 words. Send entries by e-mail to: victor_akande@yahoo.com or SMS your short comments to 08077408676

• Ini Edo

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

RE ELNEW S Nobert Young, Kola Oyewo, others impress in Thorn in the Flesh

•Anthony Onwujekwe in court

HE suit against Anthony Onwujekwe, a suspected pirate linked with the popular Alaba electronic market, Lagos, has come to the fore again following last year's arrest of the business man. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), being the plaintiff, re-arraigned the suspect on June 6, 2011at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos, on a three-count charge of piracy of several copyright protected musical and audiovisual works; commercial possession of the pirated works; as well as sale of such infringing protected works. Popularly called Alaba's King of Pirates by the plaintiff, Onwujekwe's case comes under suit no: FHC/L/CS/33C/2010, but the accused person pleaded not guilty before the new presiding judge, Honourable Justice M. B. Idris, and thus the matter was adjourned to June 13, 2011. A release signed by Vincent A. Oyefeso, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NCC, stated that the NCC D.G, Mr. Afam Ezekude, was in court to underscore the Commission's commitment to effective antipiracy enforcement and prosecution of pirates. Oyefeso noted that Ezekude expressed concern over attempts of the prosecution counsel at frustrating effective hearing of the

NCC still on Alaba's King of Pirates' case case. “This indication emerged from the ruling of December 14, 2010 by the former presiding judge, Honourable Justice O. E. Abang, who complained of frustration of further hearing of the case by the defence counsel, and consequently referred the matter to the Chief Judge for re-assignment.” Ezekude recalled that on November 5, 2009, the accused person was arrested by the Ojo Police Station, Lagos, following a complaint by one Peter Divine Okah, alleging piracy of his recorded music in CD format. In line with its powers under the Copyright Act, the Commission made a formal request to the Inspector-General of Police for the transfer of the case file to the Commission to facilitate further investigation. On January 20, 2010, the case file was transferred to the Commission. The Commission carried out further investigation and having obtained relevant evidence to establish a case of criminal infringement, arraigned

DSTV Mobile gets decoder

AY television channel DSTV has unveiled a new mobile decoder to facilitate network services for laptops, PCs, and tablets such as the iPad, smartphones, iPhones and iPods. This project, according to Dstv, is an addition to the line of earlier technology innovations such as DSTV Mobile, High Definition decoders and integrated customer services tools for which DSTV has become branded. Tagged DRIFTA, the gadget allows Nigerians to enjoy television 'anywhere' and at anytime'. Joseph Hundah, Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria, said during the launch that “the introduction of new technology is the key to ensure that DSTV subscribers get more enjoyment and control of their television viewing - these always remain at the basis of the company's mission and vision.” Drifta supports windows and the iOS device at the moment, while in the future other devices

Adeyeni ADEYEMO

such as the Blackberry OS, Symbian 3 and Android applications will also be supported. According to Hundah, there are 3 bouquets attached to the DSTV Mobile Drifta which include: Free bouquet, Mini bouquet, Maxi bouquet and Maxi plus bouquet (available only for DSTV Premium subscribers which include all channels as well as SS3N). In a statement, General Manager of DSTV Mobile, Mayo Okunola, says, “I am thrilled to be able to offer DSTV Premium subscribers such an exciting value added option. While non-DSTV subscribers can also purchase a Drifta and subscribe to one of three bouquets - the Free bouquet, the Mini and the Maxi bouquet, DSTV Premium subscribers in contrast will have access to the Maxi Plus bouquet at absolutely no additional charge after paying only for the Drifta hardware.”

the accused person on a threecount charge of illegal reproduction of several musical and audiovisual works; being in possession of infringing works; as well as sale of such infringing works. The D.G who noted that the charges were based on overwhelming evidence of infringing materials recovered from the accused person in the course of investigations, said his Commission took cognizance of the need to proceed on this case expeditiously, by seeking that evidence led before the former judge (Justice O. E. Abang) be admitted in evidence before the present trial judge.

ERY soon, TV screens will be lit up with the wonderful on-screen performances of prolific thespians such as Kola Oyewo, Nobert Young and Steph-Nora Okere and others in a new series by AK Media Concepts entitled Thorn in the Flesh. Directed by Africa Movie Academy Award [AMAA] winning director, Niji Akanni, the series also features Adejumo Lewis and Amaechi Muonagor. Thorn in the Flesh will hit local and international television screens in July this year. The series revolves around Olayinka, a successful Architect with clientele of high class. As a disciplined gentle man, Yinka lays emphasis on moral values and peaceful co-existence for all.

He is married to Yemisi, a retired health worker who works as a consultant to an NGO and they are both blessed with two boys, Yomi and Sola. The older brother, James Adubi, is a Warrant Officer 2 retired soldier who brags around that he retired as a major to receive undue respect from people. James Adubi is greedy and desperate; he looks for money by any means. One of his strategies for making unlawful income is by using his last daughter, Nifemi, as examination mercenary. Thorn in the Flesh is an expose of how these brothers and their families cross paths with cataclysmic effects thereby creating an atmosphere of hatred and lust.

HiTV shows Hip on TV

“It's a new attraction to HiTV,” says the company's Brand/Marketing Manager, Kemi Fashina, on the newly added channel, Hip on TV, which comes under the Nigeria's wholly owned pay TV's Premium Bouquet. Launched on May 31, Fashina said the debut of the new channel is in line with the Pay TV's resolve to bring the best of entertainment to its valued subscribers and Nigerians in general. “Hip on TV is a lifestyle and entertainment

channel that showcases the hottest happenings in the entertainment world, both locally and internationally. Produced by the organizers of Hip Hop Awards, the channel features award shows, celebrity lifestyle, hottest gossips, fashion tips, album launches among others,” Fashina said. She added that the channel is targeted at young adults who desire first hand information on their favourite celebrities. “The Hip on TV crew has travelled to cover

high profile events such as the BET Awards and the famous Rio De Janerio carnival among other carnivals in Brazil as well as other star studded events across the world. Indeed they have a catalogue of exciting content for television.” The inclusion of Hip on TV brings to seven, music and lifestyle channels that HiTV has, the others being, BET, E! Entertainment, Biscon World, MTV Base, Trace TV, and 1 Music.

Maami goes to Ekiti

UNDE Kelani's latest work, Maami, is scheduled for second premiere. This time, the filmmaker says is the turn of Ekiti State government to host the cast and crew of the movie as a way of celebrating June 12 (a remarkable date in the political history of Nigeria and one hinged on the annulment of an acclaimed best presidential election by the military government in 1993). Kelani said the Ekiti State leg is a continuation of the success story recorded at the premiere and presentation of Maami, last Saturday in Lagos. “I am also delighted to inform you the next premiere is scheduled as part of the celebration of June 12

in partnership with Ekiti State Government led by Dr Kayode Fayemi.” He said the screening of the movie which is open to the public is scheduled for Monday 13, June, 2011 at the Bishop Adetiloye Hall, Fountain Hotel, Ado-Ekiti by 4pm. An adaptation of Femi Osofisan's novel under the same title Maami is set over a two-day period, leading to the 2010 World Cup. The movie, according to Tunde Kelani is an inspiring story of a poor, conscientious single parent's struggle to raise her only child, Kashimawo, who eventually rises to international stardom in an English football club.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

My father is my supermum 窶年ext Movie Star producer, Sola Fajobi

窶｢Sola Fajobi

窶｢Tiwabanks

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

M •Julius Agwu

Crack Ya Ribs returns!

ULTIPLE awardwinning singer/songwriter Darey is about to step up the gear with the upcoming release of his hot new single 'The Way You Are' featuring Grammy Award winning rapper, Chamillionaire. The single is written and produced by Darey alongside renowned producer Cobhams Asuquo and Del B (for Soul Muzik). Tipped as Africa's answer to Ne-Yo by industry experts due to his beautiful songwriting skills, Darey has his sights firmly set on breaking the UK and other international markets; “I've always wanted to bring my sound to the UK and I'm super excited to see how the people take to it. I'm a massive fan of the scene there and have a huge respect for the music that has come out of England over the years. I'd also love to collaborate with a few British acts, I can't wait to see what happens next,” he commented.

Darey set to drop first UK single

Indomix plans multi-million naira studio

Ahmed BOULOR Meanwhile, Darey will head to the United Kingdom soon for his first set of promo performances. The new single will debut on radio stations across the UK on Sunday June 19, 2011.

Darey

‘Only Don Jazzy has pitched tent with Kanye West’

LTHOUGH quite a number of Sound Engineers, Music Producers and Song Writers would love to share in the popularity and seeming buzz that most musicians get when they hit it big on the music scene, the same cannot be said of fast rising Sound Engineer Indomix, who seems to be hugging the limelight at the moment. Iloyi Oluwole, a.k.a Indomix, has one time or the other worked with music heavyweights such as 2face Idibia, Wyclef Jean, Faze, Blackface, Terry G, Jaywon, Goldie, Ruggedman, Sound Sultan, DJ Zeez, Timaya, Jahbless, W4, 2Shots, Steel and Ayzee Yo and others. His career in Sound Engineering started in 2005 when he left Sagamu in Ogun State for the hustle and bustle of Lagos. “The journey thus far has been hectic. I left Sagamu in 2005 for Lagos to sharpen my skills in Sound Engineering. Coming to Lagos paved the way for some kind of development in my line of business I must say. “I now have an outfit known as Hi Point Entertainment and the label boasts of a very talented artiste known as Tee-M. Right now, my major aim is to take Sound Engineering to the next level both locally and internationally,” he said. The rising stock of the Ogun State born Sound Engineer is beginning to yield more positive fruits as some of his Canadian acquaintances are willing to invest in a multi-million naira studio which will be solely managed by him.

•Indomix

•Kanye West with Don Jazzy

Adeyeni ADEYEMO

•Gbenga Adeyinka

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2011

COVER COVER

WH O‘S O N STAGE

Mystery: A stage play to behold

OU sneak in and out of Lagos. It appears you've relocated?

No, I've not. I still live in Lagos. It's just that most of the productions don't take place in Lagos. They are mostly done outside Lagos. I do most of my job in the east but I still live here. Now that you're most times out of Lagos, what's been happening to your pet project? My pet project is still on, basically we go to schools, hospitals and distribute stationeries, and gift items. I do this myself whenever I'm around. But whenever I'm not available, my publicist does it for me. It's really not easy trying to run it solely all by myself. Apart from acting, I'm working on my own TV show which is coming up very soon and that means I might not be active on the acting scene for some time. You've joined issues with colleagues in recent times more than anyone else in the industry. Why? I think most of the problems I had is sometimes I just flip one second, forgetting that I'm a public figure. I guess I'm just being human. We all flip once in a while but when it's me, it becomes news. I have colleagues who fight on set. When you flip, you lose it, before then remembering that you need to calm down. I remember when I offended Mama G, Mama G knows me so well that I don't take her for a ride but it was just sad that with all the work stress, shooting and everything gets you all messed up. However, I admit that I'm short fused but I'm seriously working at controlling my temper when it gets so crazy particularly on set. What does your fiancé think about your temperament? We understand each other, so we try to work on them not criticize, he's too blunt. Odi tells you the way it is irrespective of how you feel, I prefer he says you are stupid in a subtle manner; you know sometimes you don't act normal. I wish I could change that about him. For me, I know I need to attend anger management classes, all the same that is why we are friends, so we can tolerate ourselves. It was rumoured you travelled to Germany to have a skin bath. Was it in preparedness for your wedding? My sister, I don't know where that is coming from; I didn't go to Germany. Look at my skin, it's still the same or does it look to you like something that was washed? Honestly, I don't know where they got the story from. What do you have to say about the recent stories in the media saying you've postponed your wedding? There were no postponements in the past. I've always insisted on a dream wedding on my birthday, I never said this year or next year, all I wanted was a wedding close to my birthday. I heard people saying August 28, but I came out to say my wedding is not August 28 because I wasn't specific about a date. So I simply said the wedding is not August 28. I wanted it to be close to my birthday because it takes a lot of planning. You can remember last year, the date was a Saturday. All I said is that I wanted it to be close to my birthday and that's all I have to say about it. As per the story, I don't feel any bad about it. Personally, it's like people are wishing me well, after I'd done well for myself in my chosen field,

About-to-wed Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson is noticeably excited about her wedding. After several rumours of failed marriage plans, Mercy is finally walking down the aisle with her groom simply known as Prince Odi come August 27, 20l1. Known for her hotheadedness in recent past, the actress in this interview with MERCY MICHAEL confirms that her colleagues whom she had issues with will not be left out of her lavish wedding. Mercy speaks on her wedding plans, life after marriage, and her imminent talk show, Celebrity Eye. Excerpts

‘One thing marriage will take away from me’ people couldn't just wait to see me walk down the aisle. People are excited about it and they can't wait but they should not worry. You recently confirmed a new date, August 27… There is no new date, the real date is August 27th, and so there was never an old date. What is your budget for the wedding? I'm sorry I wouldn't be able to tell you what the budget is like but it's definitely a lavish wedding. Of course it has to be big (smiles). As for the event company that will handle it, I'm still talking with Royal Landmarks, but I

can't really specify for now who'll handle the wedding. Right now, I'm busy with trying to shop for my wedding. I'm actually going to Paris to shop for that, I've got lots of catalogues. I'm going to the U.S with my hubby next week to also search for good ones because it just has to be perfect and that means I have to travel a lot this period. You're getting married soon, what kind of roles do you see yourself not accepting? There is no character I've not played, unless they want to refine roles. So any role that is going to embarrass my family I'm definitely going to drop it.

That's the only thing for now that I see marriage will definitely change about me. So you agree that there were some roles you played in the past that were embarrassing? They were not embarrassing, it's make believe, nobody has asked me why I shaved my hair, the reason is to make things come out well and that is the reason why I wear skimpy things. But I must say that my hair is really growing fast. (She pulled her wig to show

her head). Will marriage change your dress sense? Yes of course, I've had enough of these skimpy clothes, I'm going to start my TV show soon, and I can't afford to wear skimpy clothes on national TV. When I was single I had to answer to myself but now I'm not. A lot of people are in Nollywood for the wrong reason. What is that one

thing you should do or not do in this industry if you must grow? One thing you shouldn't do in Nollywood is not to limit yourself, and if you want to go far you have to be daring and that's one thing I learnt from Genevieve Nnaji; and things you should do are persistence and work on yourself because you are never the best. I was on set once with aunty Rita Dominic and she took a particular scene that I was expecting her to raise her voice but she didn't and somehow it turned out to be really nice. I couldn't hide my feelings from her and I told her I would have shouted if I wanted to

take that scene, and she told me that I didn't have to shout all the time to achieve that sort of role. So you see, you should never think that you know everything about something. Who is the lucky chief bridesmaid? She's an actress but I can't tell you for now who. Everything is ready but I can't tell you. That means you have female friends in Nollywood? Everyone can't be your friend, I have my girls in the industry, and everyone has their favourites, so also me. Any particular reason why you picked this person out of all your friends? I just chose my girls to do the thing and we all agreed on who was going to do this and that, so it wasn't anything out of the blues. Can you recall how your man proposed to you and where you both first met? (Laughs) He was straight and normal. Don't forget he's a prince, so he didn't kneel down to propose to me. However, it was November last year, when we went to visit our parents officially, he had the ring before he came back from the UK, but certain things happened which I'll never tell you and he gave me the ring. Where we met? We met at the salon Make Me in Surulere, Lagos. Was it love at first sight? Was it? (Laughs) Odi is a likeable person. I don't know how to explain it. Honestly, I can't tell what the attraction was really, I guess he's just it. I ask him every morning, and I keep telling him that if I don't marry him someone else will not marry him. He's not that multibillionaire, I just love that man, he's a handsome man, a good man. I just love him, plus his flaws, even when he pisses me off I want to kiss his knees. What's your relationship like with your in-laws? It's pretty good; I'm a very playful person. They are very friendly and nice. In fact I'm extremely close to my mother-in-law. What's that silly thing you do when you're both alone? At home I squeeze clothes into my stomach and ask Odi how do I look and he just laughs at me, in essence I love kids a lot. You've been left out of endorsements. Is it that you've been too busy with acting that you don't have time for such? Truth is, they've not been coming my way.

he Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos came alive for three days beginning from May 20, 2011 with mystery of stage drama bringing unreserved excitement to the audience like the times of old. The play itself was entitled Mystery. Co-directed by Michael Asuelime and Seun Adeleye, the play, written by the former employed the rare style of “two people” conversation, a lawyer and an exconvict, the storyline was marvellous and twisted, the inclusion of the mystery woman and the dancers was a welcome twist that depicted brilliance on the part of the author as the combination of the woman, actors and dancers brought the play to a climax. The playwright, one must say, succeeded in adding value to the renewed culture of stage appreciation, backed by the performance drawn from an interesting storyline. One of the things which make the play awesome was its two-man showmanship; one would have expected it to be a bit boring, yet it kept the audience spellbound all through. One major spectacle was the Mystery woman who dropped from the sky while singing a soul touching song; that spectacle wowed the audience and even left some petrified. The main casts for the play were Yemi Blaq who played the role of the lawyer, OC Ukeje who played the role of the ex-convict and Kemi‘LALA’ Akindoju who played the role of the mystery woman. The conversation between the lawyer and the ex-convict was one I would not forget in a hurry, the lawyer misrepresented the exconvict a couple of years back and now that the exconvict is out he wants the lawyer to represent himself before the ex-convict who now plays judge deciding if the lawyer lives or dies depending on how well he represents himself. The mystery woman narrated the story which the two main characters interpreted, the brilliant inclusion of the traditional dance was a clear indication that the author really loves his roots, The interpretation of the roles by the cast was splendid; you could feel the tension in the air, the emotion laden voices, the struggle, the pain, one detail that left the audience speechless was the song rendered by the exconvict. The mystery woman was also amazing as one could not ascertain her age or origin from her dance steps, words and looks. She was simply ageless The stage design was remarkable as it paid attention to details; it depicted an unused warehouse as you could see the ladder, the water drum and other props. The lighting had an important role to play in the overall success of the play, it showed every detail on time and moods. The high points of the play might differ from person to person but going by the claps and gasps in the hall, one would say that the point where the woman dropped from the sky was terrifying as it was impressive. Quite applauding was the soulful song she was singing while descending. It was also thought provoking that the lawyer, even when tied, could argue with a man who subdued him. The notable lesson in all is that what a man chooses to neglect today could come back to haunt him tomorrow.

LOBI STARS VS KWARA UNITED

Afonja Warriors won’t Gombe won’t pose problem for Zamfara –Gusau miss stars –Kiyesola Pg. 36

Pg. 36

Nation Saturday, June 11, 2011

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PAGE 29

NIGERIANS TO NWANKWO KANU Pg. 32,33

Thank you Papilo KADIRI IKHANA

Nigeria football haunted by Decree 101 Pg. 30,35

•Nigeria's Nwankwo Kanu (r) consoles his teammate Kalu Uche (l) after the World Cup match between in Durban, South Africa. INSET Kanu with England FA trophy

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

NATION SPORT

AKINLOYE AT LARGE

KADIRI IKHANA EXPLAINS

Nigeria football haunted by Decree 101 Y

OU went to Niger Republic to work there as a technical consultant. How will you describe your trip? It went well because as at that time I left the country I felt it was necessary for me to leave then because of the prevalent problems in the football management in Nigeria then. It is tiresome sometimes when you are faced with problems that could be resolved amicably and you can imagine that up till now the problems are still deepening everyday without any known permanent solution in sight and that was why when the offer came to consult in Niger (I took it). I didn’t want to coach but as a technical consultant. It was around the period that the Nigerien team was playing the qualifier for the African Nations Championship for the home-based players against Nigeria and it was that time that two of their clubs were also playing in the CAF Club competitions so these were enough motivation for me to embark on the journey to Niger. How was the experience? The club played and almost qualified to the group stage of the CAF Champions League, while the national team almost made it to the CHAN Championships but they defeated Nigeria before their elimination. It was in all a successful sojourn and I gained some experiences from the Niger Republic. I think I acquired some football ideas from there. I like the way their football management is run and it is very peaceful, orderly and straightforward. Was the elimination the Nigeria home Eagles the major highlight of your stay in Niger Republic? No, eliminating Nigeria was nothing too special because you will find out that till date Nigeria has never qualified for the CHAN Nations Championships because of problems emanating from the sponsorship, one faction threatening to cause problem, a club in crisis, election wahala, one player has not been paid his monthly salary and so forth. It is hard to find anything good in Nigeria football and for any African team to beat Nigeria as at that period should be no news to anybody at all. What is the solution out of these problems you just listed? The solution is to go back to the round table and make sure things are done the way it ought to be done. I read some things from Adokie Amesiemaka recently and I think he has said it time without number along with others. If a country like South Africa which we helped to come into limelight, which started football under our nose are able to get sponsorship to run their league without government interference in the day to day running of their football I don’t know the reason why Nigeria cannot do the same. We have all the resources that can make us the envy of all countries but because we don’t want to do things the way it should be done we can all see where we are today. You are back in Nigeria now, how has it been on your second stint in the Local league with Kwara United? Well, it is something we are used to. I wouldn’t say it is smooth or that it is conducive. It is an environment we are used to. We know so many things are wrong but sitting on the fence cannot solve the problem. We don’t just sit behind and say that we want to correct is-

Kadiri Ikhana (MON) is no strange name to Nigerian football. In 2003 he became the first man to lead a Nigerian side to win the CAF Champions league when he won that title with Enyimba Football Club. The following year he was crowned Africa’s best coach for 2003. Earlier in 1980 he alongside the likes of Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu, late Mudashiru Lawal just to mention a few beat the rest of Africa to lift nigeria’s first ever African Nations Cup title at the national Stadium in Lagos. He has seen action as coach of different clubs in Nigeria and not long ago went on a football pilgrimage to the Niger Republic to help with that country’s football. In this interview with NationSports’ TUNDE LIADI in Owerri the Edo State-born tactician spoke about the problems bedeviling Nigerian football, his Niger Republic experience and the way forward for the round leather game in the country. Excerpts sues by staying away. Formerly, I wanted to stay away but I later realized it will not help at all. It is by contributing your quota and observing whether there will be little changes, and that informed my coming back to the Nigerian League but I think we are still far behind. Are the changes reflecting yet? There are no changes at all. We have to be sincere and talk to ourselves once in a while whether the desired change has come. Where are the changes? There is none but I must admit one fact, the only one evident is that players in the local league have improved drastically and our coaches are trying to improve. What is even the reason for the hard work of Nigerian coaches when there is no conducive environment? What work are you doing? People never appreciate what you are doing. Siasia beat Argentina 4-1 and I can hear some side talks that some people are saying that it is not the real Argentine team. Are they Nigerians or from Mali? We know those that came, we saw their clubs, they are scattered all over Europe. It is just like our players too and we can also say that we did not use our regulars because those that are playing for us all did not play in the match. We beat Argentina and that is clear and nobody should say that they are Team B or C they still represented Argentina and nobody has issued a disclaimer ever since the match was played some days back. Talking about the Super Eagles, will you say you are satisfied with the team under the tutelage of Samson Siasia so far? If you ask even a blind man, he will tell you that Siasia has done well but that is not to say that the team has arrived and with more hard work from the technical crew and the players I believe we can still improve. You are the Technical Adviser of Kwara United will you say you are given enough freehand to do your job? Yeah! Luckily I have coached so many club sides in Nigeria and Kwara United is an exception and maybe Kano Pillars that the government does not interfere so much in your job as a coach. You are given that freehand to do what you have to do as a coach. I think Kwara United and Kano Pillars are the two clubs that I can vouch for that you are given enough freehand and it is based on my sojourn with many clubs in the country. There is no time that Kwara United has had financial crisis and I think it would be this season that it is happening for the first time. I believe the government is doing something about it to see how they can salvage the team. I (couldn’t have

thought) Kwara United will ever be in this present malady but I believe something is being done as regard that and very soon things will change. Problems emanating from finance can cause a lot of damage to a team if not quickly nipped in the bud. Presently we are eighth (but now 7th as at Week 26 table). I don’t think we are doing too badly and neither will I say we are doing too well but I can say we are on the average and we can still improve. Almost all the clubs in the Premier League have financial constraint what is the extent of Kwara United? I said earlier that Kwara United has been very upright. What we are lacking now is what has been happening since a very long time ago which is the payment of the players about 70 percent of their sign on fees even before the start of the season but this season it didn’t happen and this caused the little breakdown but we are putting everything under control and very soon we shall overcome our challenges. You singled out Kwara United and Kano Pillars as those clubs that you were allowed freehand, does that mean that there was interference when you coached Enyimba International to CAF Champions League glory in 2003, Sharks and others? Yes there was interference and it is not that the interference took me by surprise or that it disturbed me from doing my job but there was and I will not like to mention names for obvious reasons but I can only single out those I do not have interference from those put in charge of their day to day running. Do you think that the NPL has made any appreciable improvement this season than it used to be? Well the only thing I saw at the inception of this season was that there were so many policies put up that made (one) believe the NPL would be a complete departure from what it used to be but none is working and one is tended to believe that the NPL cannot provide the succor it preached at the start of the season. At the initial stage things were okay but suddenly things changed and we cannot actually get a response as to what is wrong with the NPL. It is not peculiar with NPL alone; generally there is problem in the country’s football sector. Kudos to our players they are not allowing those problems to weigh them down; they still strive to excel both nationally and internationally. I think the players and the coaches should be exonerated from the current problem in our football. I wanted to solely put the blame on the government but after reading

Amesiemaka’s piece I have been enlightened to see the real inside stories and how our administrators were responsible for it. Why putting the blame on the government in the first place sir? The more you see the operation of Decree 101 which we believed is dead and had been buried the more we will continue to blame the government for our woes. Though we believed Decree 101 is dead but its spirit is still working around and they have to look for it to kill it and bury it because I believe that Decree 101 is still living and as much as it is living there can never be solution to our problems. Look my friend, in other countries government is not sponsoring their clubs. Examples of countries like Niger Republic, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco and Algeria abound where their governments do not meddle in their football at all. If we say some of the countries I listed are bigger than Nigeria what of Niger Republic, is that country bigger than Nigeria? Is Benin Republic bigger than Nigeria? If all these smaller countries could source for money to organize their league and football what stops Nigeria from doing same? There is something behind it and until it is found, killed and buried. No, it has been buried, I was there when they buried decree 101 but the spirit is still lingering. The spirit should be found and buried again (laughter). I believe that by so doing we will have a stabilized football system. We know Nigerians, if the government hands off football today in less than one month we will pick up and we will see clubs having sponsorship and we will make more money than what the government is really giving them. But the major thing is corruption and I don’t have to talk about it again so that somebody will not want to come and kill me (laughter). Corruption is what is killing us. On a lighter mood sir, three of your players in Kwara United and another one from Bukola Babes have been invited to the Under 20 camp preparatory for the Under 20 World Cup in Colombia. What does that say of Kwara State sir? They are three from my club alone, Gbenga Arokoyo, Philemon Daniel and Kazeem Yekeen while another one (Abdulrahman Bashir is) from Bukola Babes. What you can get from this is that Kwara State is seriously contributing to the national team’s development if four can solely come from the state out of the 38 invited to camp. I think it is kudos to Kwara State and I am very happy about it. There are other young untapped tal-

ents that are still in the state who are without call up to the national team yet but very soon I believe invitation will be handed to them soon. Have they been released? Yes, they were released immediately. I believe that you know that the country comes first and football is win-at-all-cost syndrome. It shouldn’t be that way. We registered thirty players and I believe that I can file out 18 players to play at any particular point in time. If you are a coach and you do not prepare for that and you start giving excuses (that will not be appropriate). Since they left for the African Youth Championship (AYC) we have not been playing with them but we never complained that we are missing their services. The issue is that these players must answer national call (which) will improve their level of football to international standard which we want to help them to achieve. The NPL is still enmeshed in a sort of leadership tussle with the body yet to find a substantive chairman, what do you think is the way out of this quagmire? The solution is simply, let government hands off football. What is government doing in football? FIFA says it does not want government to run its property. Government should leave it and compel the industries in Nigeria to contribute towards the country’s football. That is what we need because there is no state without about four or five industries and if the government likes they can buy shares and have one of their representatives on the board. If they like they can buy major shares and when players are sold you will get your money back. Without this there will continue to be problem because Aminu Maigari is not the problem, Shehu Gara Gombe is not the problem but the problem is the spirit of decree 101 and if the government says today that the Ministry of Youth and Sports should hands off football and they give a takeoff grant and that after this grant no more next year (and if they say) ‘source for money yourselves’ or they are given grants for two years and say that ‘after two years you will not get any money from the government again you have to source for money yourselves.’ Then it will become glaring to everyone that it has become business and corruption will reduce because if I am giving you money I will like to know what you are doing with it. Have you ever heard of corruption or mismanagement in MTN or even GLO. I think the government should learn to respect the world’s pronouncement that football should be run not by the government but by a board itself.

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

Don’t bet on Super Eagles

•Ikhana

COACH Samson Siasia has Joseph Yobo to thank for saving him from blushes if Super Eagles had lost in Addis Ababa early in the week. The defeat would have been blamed on his decision to suspend Osaze Odemwingie for two games in the name of discipline. The 2-2 draw did not pacify the soccer-loving Nigerians who had expected a win over the Ethiopians. Really, Super Eagles would have missed the striker sorely. It is my opinion that the West Bromwich Albion star would have made the difference if he had played the African Cup of Nations in the horn of Africa. Osaze is in his best frame in years. His speed and the hunger to score would have served Super Eagles very much in Addis Ababa. He is in the season when everything he touches becomes gold and an experienced coach would tap into the season for effect. The striker is bristling with confidence, a spirit which came upon him with his move away from the backwaters of Europe to the English Premiership. I am not saying that discipline should not be maintained in the national team, but we should speak against high handedness whenever we see one. On current form, Osaze is the best striker in the national team even if he has not scored as many goals as Uche Ikechukwu. This is his season to score for the national team and it should not be taken away from him. The score draw has moved Super Eagles from the realm of need to must. They must win the remaining two games to stand any chance of winning the group and qualifying for the Nations Cup. With Nigeria failing to beat hapless Ethiopia, one cannot express confidence that Super Eagles will beat Madagascar at home. The conditions would be similar to what is obtainable in Addis Ababa. The pitch will be below standard for our crop of stars that play on good surfaces in Europe. The issue of altitude will come up again and this would be expected to be handled differently. There are six points to be won from the two remaining games and on past record, Super Eagles can only win four. It is my postulation that Nigeria would squeeze through as one of the best losers. Has is come to that that Nigeria would qualify for the competition they have won twice as best loser? It will not be good for our pedigree in African football. The greatest problem with Super Eagles is inconsistency. While they are being praised for a virtuoso performance in a match, they let you down in the next. It is the major reason why Nigeria fluctuates in the FIFA ranking. Nigeria cannot rise on the log if they lose to Guinea and draw with Ethiopia in matches that bookmakers predict in Super Eagles’s favor. Another problem with Eagles is complacency. The players went to the horn of Africa with the wrong mind-set. They over celebrated the 4-1 win over the Argentines and drank into the night. They should have waited for the outcome of the Addis Ababa clash before hitting the bottle. The match with Argentina came at the wrong time. It should have come after the Nations Cup qualifier, with or without the FIFA calendar. The Super Eagles were in their peak against Albiceleste. It would be difficult to hit the form and recreate the brand of football we saw in Abuja on June 1. Another problem with our national team is lack of character. Over the years, Super Eagles were noted for their character. The 1994 squad posted an unbeaten run which is yet to be equaled in the continent. They won the Nations Cup along the way and qualified for the World Cup. Though they crashed out in the second round, many would testify to their might. The team that took over from the Stephen Keshi-led squad continued in the tradition of might. The dream team was noted for its character, which saw them winning the Olympic soccer gold in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996. You could put your money on those teams and win the bet. The squads we have seen in the last ten years do not have character. You can’t put your money on them and sleep easy. There are no more great players in the national team, but those aspiring to one. Shaibu Amodu described them as average players. He was right and he is still right. The national team is not a place for average players. We have not had a great striker to replace Rasidi Yekini in 17years. A player in the mould of Finidi George has not burst forth in the same number of years. The country is still waiting for another Emmanuel Amuneke. In this season, when coaches ask for money to invite players to the national team, we should expect mediocrity in the selection of players for the national team. THE UNNECESSARY BATTLE The ongoing battle for the soul of our football may kick Nigeria to the bad books of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) once again and subsequently earn the country a ban. The conflict would not be in full flight if the ‘warring’ parties have the interest of our football at heart. If they do, truce will be declared today so that our football can move forward. Mr. Harrison Jalla, who leads the “coup” plotters, is holding our football by the jugular because his footballers association was not given recognition by the Glass House. Instead, the soccer ruling body in the country threw its weight behind another footballers association led by Austin Popo. Popo was Jalla’s partner. Jalla and his men have the ears of the power that is in Abuja and are calling the shots. The current crisis is an opportunity for President Goodluck Jonathan to get even with FIFA, which had forced him to eat his words. He had pulled Nigeria out of international football for two years, a move which FIFA considered to be an interference with the administration of the game in the land. Those that advised the president to do that must have had his ears again. The ‘rebels’ are fighting the wind and the government is grappling with a matter it cannot win.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

NATION SPORT

ESLIM Balogun Stadium in Nigeria’s famous sports city, Surulere will play host to an important historical event that is bound to enrich the diary of chroniclers of great football moments. It is the official retirement of Nigeria’s living football legend, a player that has come to be a symbol of the spirit of triumph in the face of despair- Nwankwo ‘Papilo’ Kanu. The testimonial match in honour of Kanu, who captained Nigeria to win Africa’s first ever Olympic Gold medal in football in 1996, is considered a landmark event by any standard because his life in itself is an inspirational story that has and will continue to motivate young men and women in sports and other walks of life to aim for excellence. It is a landmark because this will be the first time a Nigerian player will enjoy a testimonial match sanctioned by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which has not only publicly endorsed the game but has gone a step further by being fully active in the planning of the one-day international testimonial. It is a landmark because Nigeria will play host on account of this game, to a constellation of international stars who have tantalized us in matches seen only on television but would now be on our soil in flesh and blood. It provides a standard that will motivate the serving Super Eagles players to up their act so as to merit similar honour when the time comes to hang their boots. This not an occasion to recast the achievements of Kanu in fine prints but it will suffice to state that Kanu is one of the

•Maigari

KANU’S TESTIMONIAL MATCH

VOICE OF SPORTS

No Shirts for Corporate Nigeria Attitude, not altitude With Clement Nwankpa Jnr. sportswar@yahoo.com

By Harry Iwuala

greatest football players to come out of the African continent. Through hard work on the field of play and personal discipline in a life style that has been at opposite ends with scandals and unsavory tales, Kanu has risen to heights which perhaps his gaze never reached. The lad from a humble home played himself into the hearts of football fans at Owerri for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, at Amsterdam for Ajax, at Highbury for Arsenal and at Fratton Park for Portsmouth. One of the few players to have won the FA Cup, the Premier League, the European Champions League and the European Cup; Kanu towers above his contemporaries and others before him who have played the game for Nigeria. His football artistry has sufficiently built around him a globally recognizable brand in the name ‘Kanu’. Whereas the brand could have concentrated on achieving commercial success, he lent the equity inherent in the name to charity work through the establishment of the Kanu Heart Foundation, an organization that helps predominantly young African children who suffer heart

defects. Kanu is thus known throughout the continent and beyond for his philanthropic work. It is also an endeavour that no Nigerian player is known to have embarked on. Today, Chelsea’s wave making Ivorian due of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, Manchester City’s brother pair of Kolo and Yaya Toure, Ghana’s Emmanuel Essien, Real Madrid’s Emmanuel Adebayor, former World Footballer of the Year, George Weah, multiple European Champions League winner, Samuel Eto’O and a host of other stars from his past and present club will be in Nigeria to honour one of their own. The question however is; how have we received our own? While the event is becoming a tourism tool drawing a host of international players from Africa, Europe and South America, it has again showcased us as nation averse to heroes and heroines. If we don't celebrate our heroes , how do we create role models for the society? At the media presentation of the Nwankwo Kanu Testimonial which held on Wednesday, June 1 at a hotel in Victoria Island, it emerged that despite the proposals inviting corporate endorsement of the classic

game, only a handful responded. This development forced the player who ought to concentrate on receiving his guest stars to run after state governments in search of sponsorship. At the last count, he had visited Owerri, Umuahia and Port Harcourt with all the attendant risks of flying and driving along highways that are not safe. Interestingly, proceed from the event has been earmarked for charity work including the Kanu Heart Foundation which has been facilitating treatment for infants with heart defects. It is on record that a number of corporate organisations were not averse to tapping on the magic name of the Kanu brand to market their products to Nigerians. The touted him as their brand ambassador and were quick to hoist bill boards and take out newspaper adverts to flaunt their association to the personality of Kanu. Yes, they paid for these associations and brand endorsement but where is their business ethics if they cannot promote a glorious day for a player they considered worthy brand ambassador in the past. Agreed that businesses are no Father Christmas that throws money at events and persons for the fun of giving, yet we also know that world class businesses do make provision captured under Corporate Social Responsibility through which they plough back to the community in which they operate profitably. It is worrisome that some of these multi-nationals that operate in Nigeria adopt operational ethics whose templates are at variance from what we know obtains at their international headquarters. This explains why host communities rise against some of the international businesses who are in their domain. The apathy of huge multi-nationals to the promotion of sports and by implication, the well being of the teeming youth population will in the nearest future become the next platform for activist campaigns. It is high time government and these organisations fashioned modalities for youth empowerment through sports through a cordially negotiated and well thought out program. We must not wait for agitations before the right things are done. I will take liberty to mention some of those organizations that stood up to be counted with Kanu in making the testimonial match and dinner a success. Diamond Bank, Arik Air and Industrial and General Insurance, the Nigeria Football Federation and the state governments who would have come on board after this piece had gone to bed. Harry Iwuala is a renowned Journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria

“WE didn’t play well against Ethiopia and so we shouldn’t give any excuses. We didn’t play like we ought to, although there were the problems of fatigue, high altitude and other minor things. But the truth is that we didn’t attack the way we should have done and that element of urgency and determination to win the game were not in our game. We don’t want this kind of things to happen to us anymore. So, we need to win our remaining two matches away to Madagascar and at home in Abuja to Guinea.This time around we are going to Madagascar with players who are very positive minded and that could go out there and do their best for the nation. I guess we played better against Argentina because the stake was high. Our bane was coming to play with Ethiopia with a relaxed kind of attitude which actually killed us”. -Siasia after Eagles drew with Ethiopia Super Eagles’ poor form away from home has continued even with the advent of Samson Siasia, the one we nicknamed ‘World Cup coach’. The draw with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa has cast a huge doubt over Nigeria’s participation at the Nations Cup next year. Expectedly, the high Ethiopian altitude has been held largely responsible for the poor result. I had opened this piece with Siasia’s post-match comments because it is heartening to note that he knows the exact reason for the poor showing in Ethiopia. Frankly, the results our national teams record on away soil embarrass me. Cote d’Ivoire beat Benin 6-2 in Cotonou to secure qualification with two games to spare. What did Eagles do? Head to Addis to force Ethiopia to a draw. Guinea beat this same Ethiopia 4-1 on that very ground. Why has Eagles, perpetually, failed to post good away results? This whole thing didn’t start in Addis last Sunday, even during the golden era of our football, we struggled on away grounds. But, I have also noted that most times when the boys from Nigeria needed to win on away soil to progress in a tournament, they got the desired results. For instance, during the USA 94 qualifiers, the team blew a 5th minute lead off Rashidi Yekini’s strike to lose 1-2 to Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan on the opening day of the group phase but when they needed just a draw to secure a first ever World Cup ticket on the last match day against Algeria, the fixture ended 1-1 in Annaba. On a day Clemence Westehof filed out with a five-man back line of Austin Eguavoen, Stephen Keshi, Ben Iroha, Isaac Semitoje and Okechukwu Uche, the boys were determined not to leave the ground without the ticket. Then during the Germany 2006 qualifiers, the team carelessly lost to Angola away but when their qualification hung on the balance and the boys needed to win the last two matches including an away tie in Oran against Algeria, Nigeria won 5-2. The last experience during the South Africa 2010 qualifiers will be fresher. After drawing with Mozambique and Tunisia away (two matches they could have won if they raised their game), Nigeria was on the brink of not qualifying for the Mundial unless they beat Kenya in Kasarani in the last match. The boys came from behind to beat the Harambee Stars 3-2. Lest I forget, fresh from the Atlanta 96 heroics, the star-studded Eagles forced the Stars to a 1-1 draw in that same arena during the France 98 qualifiers in 1997. But when the boys needed an away result to nail the ticket, they defied Phillippe Trousier’s ‘anti-Nigerian’ tactics, turned their own coaches on the pitch and beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in Ouagadogou. That was the only time Eagles qualified for the Mundial with a game to spare. One thing that stood out on the days Eagles excelled on away grounds was their commitment, the never-say-die spirit that said “we won’t leave this arena without a favourable result”. It all boiled down to their overwhelming positive attitude. Those days, they weathered through the storms, produced moments of ingenuity and individual brilliance and subsequently hoisted the Nigerian flag round the arena to the consternation of the home fans. On those days, hitherto under-performing players raised their games and left their critics in awe. The Obafemi Martins that missed a sitter against Mozambique in Maputo, came off the bench to score twice in the 3-2 defeat of Kenya in Kazarani. That same day, Mikel Obi dominated the midfield like a general and brought fond memories of his earlier days in the national team. Nigerians had not seen him play that well in the national team in a long while. On the contrary, on the days the boys failed away from home, what stood out was their lackadaisical approach and lack of commitment. It was this negative attitude and not the high Ethiopian altitude that robbed Eagles of victory in Addis. Some players were, simply, not well motivated for the task. Joseph Yobo had to surge forward to grab the late equalizer because he knew his international career could well be over if the team failed to qualify for the Nations Cup. Now, they are condemned to win in Madagascar. I can bet my last dime on their winning that game. Siasia just has to field Trojans who will not take ‘no’ for an answer. I just can’t fathom why our boys can’t win away until their backs are on the wall. I think now, more than ever, we have to take the office of the Team Psychologist more seriously. Robinson Okosun, over to you.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2011

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT AUGUSTINE ONYEMALI Kanu is somebody that everybody in Nigeria knows how he participated in Nigerian football and the world as a whole believe by opting for (retirement) he opted for good, for good in the sense that he doesn’t want to ruin the reputation he has built world wide. I have a thank you word because, one, he has been a humble player right from Atlanta (Olympics) to date and he has never shown sign of pride to say that after all I am the one carrying the Eagles, to say he was the captain. So he has been a leader not a boss throughout his career.

PRINCE IFEANYICHUKWU I know that he has really tried for Nigeria and based on my own advice I would have wished him not to retire but as the case is I believe he has no option since he has made that decision I think he has to go ahead and I believe that God will raise some other players.

ADONLAWO JOSEPH Here is a man who knew himself in and out that he’s becoming tired and he wants to quit the stage for younger generation and he has said he is not quitting like that but he wants to give room and to groom young people. Here is a man who has won many laurels for Nigeria both internationally and internally. He won the Olympics; he has won the African Footballer of the year twice. He has played with many highly rated clubs throughout Europe so if he quits the stage when the ovation is loud for others to take over there is nothing bad.

•Nigeria legend, Nwankwo Kanu

NNIGWE KENNEDY Well if I see Kanu on Saturday it will be a pleasure for me to tell him thank you for making Nigeria proud because we know that sports is one thing that sells a nation and he has contributed so much in selling Nigerian sports business because it’s a business these days so he has done so well for us. If I see him I will give him a warm hand shake for having done well for this country.

DANIEL OGBOZOR Kanu is a very good player, I know but I will not like him to retire because I like Kanu as my brother and as he’s retiring it pained me much but God should bless him as he has already decided to retire. Let him look for people in Nigeria and help them be like him.

LAWAL KAYODE Kanu Nwankwo is a very brilliant guy and he has been in active sports for quiet a long time, he has done his best; if he feels its time for him to retire I think he is free to his own personal opinion. So I just wish him the best after retirement.

AS NWANKWO KANU BIDS SUPER EAGLES FAREWELL OLAMIDE OLADIPUPO I am very, very happy for him because he has done a great thing in Nigeria and abroad he deserves to retire and God will be with him, God will (take care) of him because he tried for this country.

Nigerians say thank you to Papilo H

E came in as a second half substitute for Ajax Amsterdam in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan and went on to clinch that title with the Dutch giants alongside compatriot, George Finidi courtesy a Patrick Kluvert goal. However, that was just one of many more laurels and momentous moments that were to characterize the illustrious career of Nwankwo Kanu fondly referred to as Papilo. This afternoon , the former Nigerian captain, who toiled, thrilled and tantalized many football fans in the colours of Arsenal, Inter Milan, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth bows out of international football after turning out in the green and white of Nigeria 83 times both at home and abroad. His testimonial match is slated for the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos where his team mates from over the years as well as friends from all over the world not forgetting his fans are expected to honour the two-time African Footballer of The Year by giving him a befitting farewell. Ahead of today’s pulling-out ceremony of this illustrious golden hearted legend, OLUSOJI OLUKAYODE and BOLA OMILABU went to town to get the views of Nigerians on their former skipper and footballer extraordinaire – King Kanu.

AMADI MOSES He’s a great player, you know, a player of caliber. He has won a lot of (laurels), he’s a great player. He has done well.

RAZAQ OGABI He did very well, I appreciate him because he’s one of our best players so I am very happy with him, may God bless him.

BOB KEFFI ALAGORO I am a former national and West African boxing champion I worked with NIPOST for 29 years retired and box for 23 years retired undefeated. When I heard that Kanu is quitting the stage I was very happy because he is retiring undefeated, everybody like him, you quit the stage when the place is hot. He’s quitting when the stage is still hot so I wish him good luck. I Bob Alagoro retired when the stage was still hot so I wish him good luck. He shouldn’t relax from football; he should help the young ones to grow like him. I wish him good luck.

SODIQ ADEYEMI I want to tell him a very big thank you because the guys tried a lot for Nigeria so that’s what will like to tell him.

IFEOLUWA SANUSI I appreciate what he has done for Nigeria through out the years. It’s good for kanu to retire because he has tried a lot for Nigeria.

SUNDAY AKPAH I think Kanu retiring from international football now is a shock to some of us because I am just hearing that from you. People like us still love watching Kanu Nwankwo play football (for) his club and Nigeria as a nation he has done a great thing and if actually he’s leaving I believe very many of us will miss him. He’s an achiever indeed and everybody pray to get to the level Kanu Nwankwo is today. I pray whatsoever he wishes to do (after retirement) I just pray that God should still be with Him.

OLABODE OSENI Actually he has tried a lot I only want to(encourage) him that he should keep on with what has done so we thank him a lot.

AYOBAMI SANUSI He should retire and try to be Nigeria’s coach (at the grass root) to discover some other young men that are willing to be like him. He has done very, very well.

MERCY NJIOBI As for me I won’t like him to retire o but since he has decided to retire let him go. We appreciate his hard work. He tried for Nigeria and he made Nigeria to be a (great) country and he’s one of the best players in Nigeria so I thank him so much.

OLATUNDE OJEDOKUN I like Kanu Nwankwo. He’s a kind of man who likes to help others. It’s good for him to retire now because he has done many things for Nigeria Super Eagles. As he wants to do his final retirement on Saturday I will like to be there to see those (stars) that are coming because I have never seen them face to face I see them on TV. I have gathered some little money (to watch the match live) I cannot spend the money anyhow because I must be there.

ADENIYI OLABODE He’s not just a footballer, he’s a legend and during his days in the Super eagles we saw what he did. Apart from being a footballer, he has given life to many people through his Heart Foundation. So with this I will (advice) the people coming behind to emulate his character. He has not only made money for himself but he has touched others’ life. So I wish him all the best in life and God’s protection above all.

JOHN OKOH He’s been in the national team for a long time right from his days in the Under 17 until he played at the Atlanta 96 Olympics and he’s done quite well. He achieved a lot as a man and as a player. And also he has done a lot to give back to the community, to give bacvk to the people, to give back to Nation apart from his achievement in the footballing circle. Also health wise he has done very much. I wish him the best and I am sure that is the same thing every Nigerian will also wish him.

OLAYEMI SAMUEL I think Kanu is a great nationalist. He’s given of himself to us as a nation; he’s very, very patriotic in his national assignment. I think he’s a great footballer. Very few footballers on our continent rank with Kanu in terms of achievement, the medals he’s been able to gather for himself both club wise and in the national team. I think there is time for every man to withdraw from the stage and withdraw backstage for me I think it’s time for Kanu to actually withdraw. I wish him the best. Kanu Heart Foundation is doing well, we hope he will be able to reach out to more people, to impact more lives on the street of our nation. I wish him the best.

MATHEW UZOMA If I see him face to face as I see you here now I will tell him to continue with his football because we like his actions for not making us to be put to shame as a country in and country he goes to play. Even my children like him. If he feels he wants to resign from playing we cannot force him, well we (appreciate him for his performance which he put up to the extent he did not let us to be ashamed. His name has gone all over the world.

EMMANUEL OLADOSU AIYEGBUSI I will simply tell him that he has done his best for Nigeria more so that God has given him life to retire because we have seen (some) of them that died on the pitch but we thank God for him that he’s retiring to go and enjoy the rest of hiss life at home with his family. he has done his best for Nigeria he has really tried not only in Nigeria alone but abroad I could remember at a time he played for Arsenal before he left Arsenal. So I wish him well.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

NATION SPORT

Inside The Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

Ambassador Nwankwo Kanu!

ODAY, on the turf of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, a Testimonial Football Match will be played, between ‘Friends of Nwankwo Kanu’ and a select ‘Super Eagles AllStars’, in honour of one man whose contributions to Nigerian football can never really be fully appreciated in one write-up. In appreciation of what he has done for the Nigerian game over the past two decades, the Nigeria Football Federation in March appointed Nwankwo Kanu as the Ambassador of Nigerian Football. This decision was widely commended and the reaction of the fans, who were there at the National Stadium, Abuja during the match between the Super Eagles and Ethiopia on March 27, attested to the general acceptability of the appointment. So many things have been said and written about him, ever since he started and in the past week. Kanu is easily regarded as the most decorated Nigerian football player ever, and one of only two footballers to have played for Nigeria in THREE FIFA World Cup finals – the other being Jay Jay Okocha, a Member of the NFF Technical Committee. It is not a mean feat to play in THREE FIFA World Cup finals. in the case of Nwankwo Kanu, it could even have been FIVE, which would have made him the African player to have played in the most FIFA World Cup finals. I know that Rigobert Song of Cameroon played in his FOURTH FIFA World Cup finals in South Af-

•Kanu

rica last year summer. While we celebrate Nwankwo Kanu and his achievements on and off the field, we can also spend little time thinking of what could have been. Had he made the final cut for USA 1994 (when Coach Clemens Westerhof dropped him and Taribo West at the last hurdle) and, had Nigeria qualified for the 2006 finals in Germany, Kanu would have played in FIVE FIFA World Cup finals! All the same, his achievements remain astounding. Apart from three FIFA World Cup finals, Kanu played in SIX African Cup of Nations finals. That tally also could have been more, had Nigeria not boycotted the 1996 finals in South Africa and then being excused from contesting for a place at the 1998 finals in Burkina Faso. Kanu also won the FIFA U-17 World Cup (in Japan in 1993) and famously ignited a cold war between his Coach, Fanny Amun and the senior team Coach, Clemens Westerhorf over who should have authority over the player. That was a statement of his skills and general ability, even at the age of 17. Last weekend, I read an interview in THE NATION newspaper in which Kanu easily picked the Nigeria U-23 team, Dream Team, clash against Brazil at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 as his best ever. He called it ‘a miracle’. Indeed. I recall that as we watched that Olympic Games semi final in the early hours of the day in Nigeria, many ball fans had given up after the South Americans raced

to a 3-1 lead. But Kanu and teammates never gave up. They played with purpose, defended with resolution and attacked with panache. It was a memorable day for Nigerian football. Victor Ikpeba, now a Member of NFF Technical Committee, scored to reduce scoreline to 23 and in the final minute, motivated by the never-say-die Nigerian spirit and guided by his personal principle of never giving up, Kanu snatched the ball at an impossible angle and turned nonchallantly to draw Nigeria level. In extra time, now highly motivated and unstoppable, the Boys from Nigeria went all out, and Kanu scored the winner. It was in the age of ‘Golden Goal’ and there was to be no more story – pandemonium everywhere. It was, as Kanu said, a miracle. There was to be another miracle in the final. Argentina went ahead but Celestine Babayaro equalized from a corner kick. Early in the second half, Argentina again went ahead, and as the minutes ticked, Daniel Amokachi levelled. Emmanuel Amuneke came from the bench

to score the winner. The Olympic gold was won (first time by an African country), but there were to be many more miracles in Nwankwo Kanu’s life. Days after the euphoria, he was diagnosed to have a defective aorta valve, by doctors conducting a medical for him to sign for Italian giants, Inter Milan. Instead of giving up and crying his eyes out, Nwankwo Kanu chose to be stoic and hopeful. He successfully underwent heart surgery in the United States of America and went ahead to win the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan. After that, he went to England, where he shone endlessly for Arsenal in the days that club knew about trophies. Kanu sensationally scored a hat-trick to bring the Gunners (Goners they were, that day!) back from the brink in an English Premiership game against Chelsea in London. How many more can we remember? From Federal Works FC to Iwuanyanwu Nationale, to Ajax Amsterdam, to Inter Milan, to Arsenal, to West Brom and now Portsmouth, Kanu has done his bit proudly and majestically. In the national team, Kanu proved to be so indispensable. After conquering the world at U-17 level and going ahead to win Olympic gold with the U23, (not many remmeber that he was in the U-20 at the African Youth Championship in Mauritius in 1993), Kanu went on to win 86 caps with the senior team, scoring 13 goals in the process. As we celebrate him on the field today, we also remember that Nwankwo Nwosu Kanu has done very well for the under-privileged, particularly in the area of health. His Kanu Heart Foundation has provided succour to many families who would have lost their children in early age, and he still plans to build Heart Specialist Hospitals in Nigeria and some other countries in Africa.

All hail the King. The Ambassador of Nigeria Football. As I sat in the State Box of the National Stadium, Addis Ababa on Sunday evening, beside the Ethiopian Minister of Defence, I recalled that playing Ethiopia in Addis Ababa had never been too easy for any Nigerian national team. In the first meeting at senior level, Ethiopia defeated Nigeria 1-0 on May 4, 1968. On 29th April, 1983, Nigeria won 1-0, and also prevailed by the same margin on 27th May, 1986. On 11th April, 1993, Ethiopia won 1-0 against the Eagles in a 1994 African Nations Cup qualifier. When the Mauritius referee blew the whistle for the start of the game and it was battle from one end to the other. Certainly, we did not fly to Ethiopia thinking it would be an easy roll of a game. The desire of the Nigeria Football Federation was to get the team there in the most comfortable way possible and with the least stress. As Coach Samson Siasia has said, our team played below expectation and there was nothing much besides to blame for the draw. With 20 minutes to go, the team woke up and really played, but the goals refused to come. Skipper Joseph Yobo, always the saviour at critical situations like the one in Addis, said during the week that, had the match gone an extra five minutes, Nigeria would have won. But there is no need crying over two lost points. The important thing, as the Acting General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said in a statement on Monday, is to realize the enormity of work that must be done and be prepared to deal with that work and also face the challenges. Yes, Guinea has 10 points and plus seven goals advantage, but it is not final whistle yet. Our determination is to go to Madagascar with guns blazing and grab all three points. Once that is done, it would now be down to ourselves and Guinea’s Syli Nationale. We would cross that bridge when we get there, but we have no doubt that we would cross it. Another truth is that, had we been less flamboyant and more business-like in the middle, we would have won in Ethiopia. Surely, everyone must have learnt one or two lessons. For the Federation, we picked up a few things that we must do ahead of the next match in order to avoid what happened in Addis Ababa. Madagascar may be the bottom team of Group B, but as someone said in the aircraft as we flew back to Abuja on Sunday night, when the referee’s whistle goes, it is eleven against eleven. In Dar es Salaam, on the same evening, the Dream Team threw away a bag of chances against their Tanzanian counterparts in an Olympics qualifier, while the hosts scored from their only real opportunity. Poor weekend, you might say. Going to Madagascar, we will prepare well and hard, and surely, our players will be in the best shape possible, since the season would be on by then. I believe we would get three points in Antananarivo, and from there, it would be race to the tape.

Idowu to skip European Team Championships

ORLD triple jump champion Phillips Idowu has indicated that he won’t compete at the SPAR European Team Championships in Stockholm on the weekend of June 18-19, just days after being announced as one of the biggest names on the British team. Idowu – who will this weekend face world indoor record-holder Teddy Tamgho at the Diamond League meeting in New York – yesterday posted a message on twitter saying: “Last session before my next diamond is done. Off to NY now. Hopefully it’ll be another good one. No Euro team champs 4 me this year.” Idowu was set to clash with Tamgho and 2004 Olympic champion Christian Olsson at the European Team Championships. Despite winning several big titles in recent years, Idowu has suffered three losses at

the European Team Championshops in his last four outings at the event. Nevertheless had he been in Stockholm, Idowu – who has broken 17.50m in his past two outings – would have been expected to bag big points for the British team. But in his absence and following Nathan Douglas’s recent injury, it leaves a gaping hole in the team. No other British triple jumper has broken 16 metres in 2011 and the next best athletes on this year’s rankings list is world youth champion Ben Williams – who is yet to compete outdoors this year – and 15.85m man Nathan Fox. It becomes the third event with no athlete named for Team GB at the European Team Championships. Aside from the triple jump, UKA is yet to announce who will compete in the men’s 400m and 1500m in Stockholm.

Olubanwo Fagbemi

On Sport Sport On SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

e-mail: deewalebf@yahoo.com

Eagles on trial

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE...NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE

•Super sub Femi Ajayi opens scoring for Crown FC against a mediocre Gombe United in Ilaro

Gombe won’t pose problem for Zamfara –Gusau Z

AMFARA UNITED Chief Coach, Bello Garba Gusau has expressed optimism of beating Gombe United when both teams square up in tommorrow’s Premier League fixtures at the Sani Sardauna Memorial Stadium, Gusua on Sunday. In a chat with NationSport on Thursday night, Gusau who commended his players over their 2-2 mid week draw away to Sharks in Port Hacourt, believes his team has no fear when it comes to a team from the Northern region of the country. “I’m happy with the way we played, despite the fatigue we had on our way to Port Harcourt. Our bus broke down few Kilometres from Lokoja and we had to charter another bus, so it was Wednesday morning we got to Port Harcourt. We thank God that despite the stress, we were able to get a draw from

By Akeem Lawal

that game and I must commend the players for that. “Our game against Gombe

won’t be a difficult one because whenever we are playing against a Northern team we are used to ourselves, the only team we have difficulties with are the teams

from the South. However with the spirit of the boys in camp now and the matches they have played so far, I think we are going to come out with good result, Insha Allah”, he prayed.

LOBI STARS VS KWARA UNITED

Afonja Warriors won’t miss stars –Kiyesola

WARA UNITED secretary, Ademola Kiyesola has hinted that the team will go for victory over Lobi Stars despite being without five of their regular players for the game. The Afonja Warriors were without five key players in Isiaka Olawale, Ogbonnaya Okemiri, Gbenga Arokoyo, Philemon Daniel, and keeper Kazeem Yekeen - all on international duties when they defeated JUTH 1-0 at the Kwara State Stadium on Wednesday.

By Akeem Lawal In a chat with NationSport, Kiyesola believes that the team has capable replacement that can live up to expectation whenever they are called upon. “Wednesday game against JUTH was a tough match since we lost the services five of our regular players. Okemiri Ogbonaya and Isiaka Olawale went for beach soccer, while Gbenga Arokoyo, Philemon Daniel, and goalkeeper Kazeem Yekeen went to under-20 camp. So it was a

depleted team that played JUTH and you know that such team that is fighting relegation came all out but thank God we god the deserved victory. I’m happy that the players that played did not allow us to feel their absence by putting up that performance. “So against Lobi, I expect the players not to relent of their efforts. Bauchi is a neutral ground even though it is their home ground, we have the believe that we can get the result from that match,” he said.

HAT do you do to redirect a wayward team and ensure more optimistic followership? Answer: Engage an attack-minded coach who favours team discipline – tactical and otherwise. It was exactly what Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials did to critical acclaim. Against the wishes of some who thought he was incapable of handling the ego of the Super Eagles’ ‘big boys’ and mindless delay by the football federation, Samson Siasia was appointed to the Super Eagles helm as fumbling Swede Lars Lagerback’s replacement late last year. Since then the former Nigeria international has orchestrated seven wins out of eight matches with last week’s 4-1 drubbing of visiting Argentina the most remarkable. The Albiceleste may have been represented by mainly inexperienced players, but it was a recognised international friendly against highly rated opposition, regardless of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA)’s reference to an arranged result. Obviously smarting from the humiliation of his national team, FIFA vice-president and Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona led the charge for investigations into the friendly for “unusual betting patterns”, specifically around the late goal scored by the Argentines. None of the players were, thankfully, thought to be involved in the alleged scandal that may be viewed as calculated attempt to reduce the seismic international football feat. If the Argies failed to field Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Angel di Maria, Javier Mascherano, Walter Samuel, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito and other high-profile Latin American football stars, it was no Nigerian’s fault. While Argentina coach Sergio Batista defended his selection of mostly greenhorns on the grounds of future relevance, Grondona took exception to Batista’s act of “messing with the prestige of the national team”. The coach intended the match, among a series, as developmental friendlies and not money-making ventures, Grondona said tongue-in-cheek. It was a meaningful statement given circumstances around the match, but in concocting a variety of excuses for the weakened team presented, the South American giants clearly underestimated the Eagles. They must know better now, and would probably hanker after another confrontation in their Buenos Aires fortress if the Eagles ride imminent ambush at a subsequent friendly slated for Dhaka, Bangladesh on September 6 as confirmed by Musa Amadu, general secretary of the NFF. “Every document that will make the match a reality has been signed and we are looking forward to a big game. The two teams will go to Bangladesh with their first teams and all their top stars,” he said in relation to the second leg of the Abuja tango at a neutral venue. Designed to boost the popularity of football in a country with feverish cricket following, the encounter is guaranteed to draw team regulars including reigning world football king, Messi, and a hefty paycheck of $4 million to be shared by both sides. The grudge rematch holds three days after Nigeria’s crucial Group B 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar in Antananarivo. There is, however, something to be said for the timing of confrontations with such a resilient adversary as Argentina. Without making early excuses for the Eagles, it is possible that they hit Dhaka low on energy after a potentially bruising and dissipating collision with Madagscar three days earlier, just as many justifiably dreaded the effects of the earlier friendly four days before the 2012 Nations Cup qualifier away to Ethiopia. Let the Eagles beware then, for in the spirit of sportsmanship and with logistics well arranged, they could find themselves in a series of challenge they are bound to accept. In the first instance, the Bangladesh game should see keener competition than the one-sided clash in Abuja that was easy enough to mask inefficiency inherent in the Mikel Obi and Joel Obi midfield partnership and the defence line’s frailities. The contest was over by the first half following man-of-thematch Ikechukwu Uche’s brace either side of Obinna Nsofor’s converted penalty. If Emmanuel Emenike’s second half effort was icing on the cake, you sensed that the visitors’ consolation goal in the eighth minute of extra time via a penalty awarded by the Nigerien referee was exactly that. Following the summary annihilation of opponents currently ranked 5th by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), any fan could begin to imagine the 39thranked Eagles in the top echelon of world football. It was a feeling worth sustaining and last Sunday’s qualifier against thirdplaced Ethiopia in Addis Ababa served further opportunity to seal the growing reputation. But the fair-playing, flair-loving Eagles, as often noted here, were bound to struggle against stifling, abrassive African opposition at high altitude, and decidedly came up short against the East Africans, managing a 2-2 draw to trail group leaders Guinea after the Syli Stars skinned Madagascar 4-1 to top the group with 10 points and widen their lead by three. Nigeria supporters were thus conscripted into the permutation force in the hope that convincing wins against Madagascar away and Guinea at home would eventually see the Eagles pip their rivals at the finish, expectedly on goals difference. He may champion the revival project, especially as he didn’t set the skewed course the Eagles presently strain to master, but Siasia must plan better for tricky away encounters and deemphasise elevation of his youth team faithful to senior level in stead of more in-form players. After failing once on World Youth Championship duty with the Flying Eagles (at Egypt 2009), he will find enduring success tied to the ability to shun pecuniary benefit, minimise sentiment in operation and resist pressure to parade a team of wholly established players against better judgment.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

BACK ST AGE

T was indeed a pent-up session of light drama; all soaked up in suspense last Sunday when Bhoke and Ernest were both evicted from MNet's Big Brother Amplified. Bhoke was the first to be shown the door and just when the 'Tails' Housemates thought it was uhuru, Uganda's Ernest was evicted moments later. Ernest had received 6 nominations from his Housemates on Monday, while Bhoke picked up 3. Head of House Danny had saved Luclay, who had received 5 nominations, and put Miss P up for eviction in his place. When he was called on by IK to reveal his decision, Danny stood and told his Housemates: “It's that time again - you know how tough it is, but this is a job I have to do,” he said. “I saved my boy Luclay and I replaced him with Miss P. You all know what I did now it's up to you.” After Uganda's Radio & Weasel had performed “Everything I Do” and “Heart Attack”, IK took viewers back into the House. And after teasing the Housemates, he got down to business. “Bhoke, please leave the House now,” he said, after a long pause. As she emerged on stage, IK told her that she had, in fact, been evicted from Big Brother Amplified. “Do you think your relationship with Ernest might have affected the way you played the game?” he asked her. “Not really, I don't think so because I wasn't playing a game. For me it was real,” she said. “You and Ernest were real, or you being in the House?” he quizzed. •Ernest •Bhoke “Both,” said the Tanzanian with a smile. When IK revealed who had nominated shrieked the stunned Ugandan. When IK want him to remember me.” her, Bhoke said that Alex's nomination asked her why she had chosen to give IK then stunned viewers and hurt the most. “Because he was your him the punishment, she said, “because I Housemates alike by announcing that a boy, right?” asked IK. “I thought so!” said Bhoke. She had her chance for a parting shot, though, by being given the opportunity to “Blow a Fuse” giving one of the remaining Housemates a punishment they had to keep up for one week. “One Housemate will prepare a hot drink for Big Brother every night after all the other Housemates have gone to bed. They must take it to the Chat Room and sing a lullaby for Big Brother. This Fuse will last until this time next week,” read IK “Who is this Fuse going to?” he asked. After giving it some thought, Bhoke replied: “Ernest.” “What?!” •BBA house mates

BBA Amplified: Eviction fever grips housemates! …Super seven up for eviction

OCA Cola brand, Sprite, has announced the activation of the Sprite Triple Slam (STS), a music and sport talent boost which began in 2008. An exciting fusion of skill and dexterity in basketball, music and dance, the project is targeted at the youth on campuses across Nigeria. Austin Ufomba, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria said the Sprite Triple Slam is designed to stimulate out-of-thebox thinking and self-expression as well as to spark up creativity and unleash the ingenuity embedded in the average Nigerian youth. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, Strategic Marketing Manager (Flavours), said the company had chosen music as one of the components of the competition, because youths generally love music and the good feeling it brings. She added that the game of basketball has a culture which embodies everything the urbane youth stands for. “The sagged jeans, punk hairstyles, tattoo and dare-to-do-attitude

second Housemate would be joining him on stage. “That person is: Ernest,” he told the Housemates. As Ernest emerged on stage, IK told him, “Just so there's no uncertainty, and just so you are clear, you have been evicted from the Big Brother House,” he said. “How are you feeling right now?” “This is a once-in-alifetime experience - it's amazing, this is it!” exclaimed an ever-exuberant Ernest. Nominations for evictions continued a day after Ernest and Bhoke were evicted on Monday 6th June and no fewer than seven Housemates were nominated for eviction this week. Confidence, Vimbai, Hanni, Millicent, Vina, Weza and Zeus all stand a chance of leaving the House after Head of House Lomwe saved Felicia and put Vimbai up in her place. Lomwe's decision will no doubt surprise a few of the Housemates when he revealed his nominations, as many would have suspected that he would save Hanni, Vina or Zeus particularly in light of his previous romance with Hanni. •Zeus was a common denominator in the nominations on Monday, picking up six nods from his Housemates. His attitude seemed to be the general reason, while others felt that he was stiff competition. • Hanni had three nominations (from Millicent, Felicia and Sharon O) while Vina, Weza, Millicent, Felicia and Confidence all had two Nominations each. • Vimbai, Lomwe and Wendall had one nomination each, while Sharon O escaped unscathed this week. •Zeus nominated Vimbai and Weza, who both nominated him too. •Lomwe also nominated Weza adding Confidence to his list, because both are well-established “on the outside”. •Vimbai also nominated Confidence, saying that the Ghanaian “had said her purpose has been fulfilled and she's praying to go home". • Felicia was nominated by Hanni and Confidence, while Lomwe picked up his sole nomination from Weza. The winner of Big Brother Amplified, which is headline sponsored by CocaCola, will be named on 31 July, after 91 days of head-to-head competition and the power to award to USD 200 000 prize rests in the hands of the viewers.

Sprite Triple Slam: 4 edition of music, dance, basketball talents hunt th

that is associated with the game and its heroes. It is this spirit which is common to both the game and the brand and for this reason music and the game of basketball were chosen over others for the Sprite Triple Slam”. Organisers reveal that regional activations will begin in Enugu on July 1, followed by Calabar on July 8 and Abuja and Lagos, on July 15 and 22 respectively, while the grand finale hold in Lagos on August 8, 2011. It would be recalled that in the 2010 edition of competition was won by the “Street Maniac” from Calabar, Cross River State. The group was made up of Olubo Olabode Cross River State University of Technology, Ichire Nsor Cross River State University of Technology, Louis Martins

University of Calabar, Adegbe Ikwue Adegbe, Federal University of Technology, Minna; Unyime Otuokon Fred, University of Calabar and Ayeabie Behako ngevers ; Univers ity of Calabar. They later released a single titled “No Fall My Hand” and a basketball themed music video of the same title.

•Rap Artist, Overdose performing

Saturday

SPECIAL

SOCIAL SCENE

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

d n i k y M n a m o of w

Profile Partying Happenstances Style

i d o s O k n a r F , n o c i n o i h s a F -

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

‘I’ve made a lot of wedding suites for people; I also want to wear one’

Renowned international fashion designer and brains behind House of Bunor, Frank Osodi, has operated in the fashion industry for close to three decades. He tells KEHINDE FALODE how he developed a passion for fashion and his plans to get married and retire into music after an illustrious career in fashion. Excerpts:

OU seem to have been too quiet for some time now. What has been happening to you? I’ve been trying to settle down with my business and take it to the next level. I have been a lot more into bridal wears lately, and that is time-consuming, especially when you have to work with the kind of accessories I work with. At the same time, I have assumed the position of the President of Professional Models Association of Nigeria. We are trying to re-engineer the modelling profession in Nigeria in order to position it where it is supposed to be. Is there a particular reason you decided to do more of bridal wears? It is very intricate to produce, and it entails a lot of creativity. It is also time-consuming. It is a woman’s special day and all the focus is on the bride. So, one needs to put in his best possible to ensure that the style suites. You know Nigerians want something different all the time. That doesn’t come easy at all. You have to check around and think well so it does not look like you are copying the style from anywhere. You must get that uniqueness that all brides desire. Where do you get the accessories from? Well, from America and everywhere else; even Lagos. What is the minimum price a bride can get a special dress from House of Bunor? It is N250, 000, because what we are doing here is couture. It is not like you are buying off the rack. If you come here, we consult and discuss with you, to try and let you know the kind that will fit you most. Are there any challenge involved in doing that? The main challenge we face is with some brides who have a particular picture of dress on their minds and most times do not match the statistics. And it takes a lot of convincing before they see what you are saying and stick to your point of view. Some people come here with the Cinderella style on their mind while their statistics are not just right for the style. As the President of Professional Models Association of Nigeria, how would you rate the modelling industry in the country? The modelling industry is presently in a position where a re-birth is taking place. During my time, modelling was very interesting. I was better known as a model than the designer that I am. That is one of the reasons my label is not as sociable as my name. I was celebrated more as a model in Nigeria. After our set phased out, so many things went wrong. Designers couldn’t do shows. Models were not really working. Advertising agencies were having problems with being paid by their clients, so they were equally having problems paying the models. So, a lot of jobs started going abroad. They shoot a lot of adverts in South Africa now. So, the industry was going down. The other problem is that some people are also beginning to run their own model management in-house, which is not for the industry. At a point, anybody could be a model. But things are turning around for good now. The industry was going down and some people in the industry were beginning to run their own

•Frank Osodi

bottom management business, and this is not really good. We had a lot of challenges. The industry was dying at a point, and anybody could be a model. Now things have turned around. Professional Models Association has come on board. It is duly registered. We have professional models as members; models who have modelled in the past and present; models who pay taxes. And we will ultimately meet with APCON, for them to appreciate us and know that we are here to stay. We are working on a few things, hoping that in a few months from now, we will get a step further, which is agreeing on fees and fixing it. There was an event held recently by APCON and I was invited to make our case. We got a lot of support from there. That is a very good step forward for PROMAN. After fixing the fees, we want to ensure that they probably cut down on jobs being taken abroad, so that they can appreciate our models here. So many model searches come out just for the fun it. At the end of the day, winners don’t even get what they are promised. What is your association doing to bring sanity into this? We are still working on the situation where the government will get to listen to us as the authority in the industry, so that we can tell them how things are done. We have to be able to educate them that before anybody does any model search or pageant, there must be some things in place. There must be an arm in government that will monitor such events, so that whoever promises a car as the gift for the winner, the car is ready before the grand finale. The body must ensure that all the prizes being promised are available before they give the goahead to anybody to organise a pageant of any sort. If the person does it without getting things ready properly, there must be a penalty for it. Isn’t the National Tourism and Development Corporation (NTDC) supposed to be in charge of this monitoring? Well, it beats my imagination that all these things are still happening and nobody is being checkmated. Everybody is giving out awards to models. Everybody is doing one form of competition or the other with young boys and girls, which you media know about. The boys and girls are crying, but the NTDC is not doing anything about it. It beats my imagination if the body is doing anything about it. I can’t see anything that they are doing in that light.

Has your organisation tried to reach out to the NTDC? Well, we have not got to that point yet. We have so many problems to sort out, especially getting fees fixed for models who are really working. You also described designers not having shows again as a problem in the industry. What do you think is responsible for this? It is the economy. A lot of organisations will rather prefer to put their money in football or music now than any fashion show. Designers are rather to look for their own money to host their shows, and you and I know that the economy is not really buoyant enough for that. You have a lot to do to run a successful business; like running the generator for the whole day. That takes a lot from you as a designer. That is why most designers cannot afford to do a small show to showcase their new designs to a select audience, using professional models. During our own time, we used to do shows every month or quarterly, and this helped. We have been trying to host the West Africa Fashion Week for some time, which I think is going to bring a big boost to Nigeria’s economy. Up till now, we’ve not been able to do it. I was going into that. What is responsible for your inability to host a fashion week here in Nigeria so far? It’s the economy. People believe more in supporting football and musical shows. It is just the necessary support that we lack. Can you put a figure to the number of people you’ve trained as fashion designers? I’ve trained quiet a number; say like 10-15 serious ones. Some of them are seriously working from home because of lack of funds to open a big shop. But they have to start somewhere. I started from somewhere, so they in order. I know they will get there. Some have a small shop somewhere. I also know that some left because they couldn’t handle the pressure. They keep asking me how I cope. My answer usually is that they were part of the system when they were in training, so they should know how to handle it. It’s a tough business but it’s rewarding at the end. But you have to be able to work late nights, long hours, and take tough decisions to get what you want. You have to get the satisfaction of your customers. Your customers are the glamour and you a resource person. You can’t be contesting with them. If you understand it from that point of view, you’ll not be having problems. As someone who has been in the industry for more than two decades, would you say the industry is where it should be? It is not, because we have a peculiar market in Nigeria. People don’t like buying from the store. Everybody likes the uniqueness of what they wear. So, even when they see a Princess Diana dress, you get to a designer and you want a twist to it. These cannot be got off the shelf. This aso-ebi culture is also making it difficult for people to patronise shops. Otherwise, we probably will be mass producing and putting them in shops for people to go and buy. Nigerians don’t believe in it. They want everybody to be buying the same thing. That makes it difficult for us to mass produce. Every designer is doing haute couture. Another thing is that we are not exporting.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011 Nobody is buying bulk from local designers. We are still busy producing for local content. We don’t have the capacity to export. And even if we do, who would buy from us? That image problem is there. I don’t know what they are doing about that. The government is not also giving the designers support enough to showcase their designs internationally. We need international exposure. It doesn’t come cheap. A few designers like Remi Lagos, DAKOVA, Deola Sagoe, Jimi Delaja, Tiffany Amber and I have been able to use our money to showcase abroad. But how far can it go? How long can we keep doing this? These are monies we worked for that we could turn around for something else. But what can we do? We are here in Nigeria and we know things are happening abroad, but we may not be able to attend always. We also have few Nigerians who are giving the country a bad image so that nobody wants to do business with us, especially via the Internet. It’s that bad. So, I would say we are not really there, but we are working hard. We can produce. We are good in what we are doing, but we need to be encouraged by the government by giving us the right visibility out there and giving us the right business platform like our international counterparts. What would be your advice for any young guy who wants to go into fashion business? I don’t like it when people see this business as a last resort or they come into it because they like fashion. You have to really be sure that this is what you want to do. That you like fashion does not have anything to do with cutting, sewing and taking care of customers. Some young guys find it difficult to deal with customers. They see clients as insulting them despite the fact that they (designers) have money. A customer is a customer. You must be able to draw the line. You should be able to look at a customer and know what will suit him or her. You should know what to flatter and what to play down. You also must know the right colour that suits a particular complexion. What event is the person attending and at what time of the day? All these are necessary to cater for a client. And you have to be able to assimilate these all the time and put them into play every time you have to attend to a client. Once NEPA strikes, what are you going to do to make sure that deadlines are met? Are you ready to pedal the machine if the generator is not working on a day like this? Can you iron with charcoal iron and not get clothes burnt? You have to be able to go through all this. You can’t just open an outlet, employ tailors and think you are into fashion business. You must know about the business. You should cut fabrics for your tailors and tell them how you want it sewn. If you have not got to that level, then don’t fool yourself. But you can still work for a fashion outfit. You can be a consultant for them if you like that aspect of fashion. You can learn how to market clothes and then work with a designer. Help them sell their clothes. There are other aspects of fashion that one can work with Are you thinking of starting something to educate people on these other aspects you have mentioned? Yes, I look forward to setting up an academy with time. Fashion is not only about making the clothes. You can just be a designer. You may just take identify other aspects that you are good at. Every fashion house needs all these aspects. Sometimes, I do need factory supervisors. You have to train to be a factory supervisor to be effective. You must have an idea about the volume and target. You should be able to arrange what must be done and put what has been done together. Then transport them to the next person whose

•Frank Osodi job is to call the customer to say his or her clothes are ready and all that. In your opinion, do we have tailors who can compete favourably with their counterparts outside Nigeria in terms of finishing? I’m particular about finishing. But like I was saying earlier, if you don’t know why you are in the business, you will never be able to get the best from your tailors. It all depends on the owner of the business. How much do you know about fashion? It is what you want them to give you that they will. If they don’t get it right, you tell them to do it again until you are satisfied. If you don’t know any better, they will give you what they know, which will necessarily not be the best. Look at our clothes, you can’t fault our finishing, because I know what it should look like and I can do anything to get it. Internationally, some people just sew the sleeve, some the collar and others the body. Not all tailors know about everything. So, you have to identify their area of strength and latch in on to it. Are we ever going to get to that point in Nigeria? Yes, we can. It is for you the owner to know what you are doing. We have tailors and designer tailors. Designer tailors have creative eyes. When you make a stroke, they understand where you are going. They have that inner eye. But there are tailors who just learnt how to sew straight line. If you employ those ones, you must know where to keep them. You know the kind of clothes to give them to sew; like shirts. Right now, I have about 10

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tailors with me and I trained them to suit my taste. You are known more as the King of Burstiers. Was it something you went all out to learn to do? I think over the years, I just learnt to work with the woman’s body and try to understand it. So I started to find out how to get it done well. I experimented a lot and found that for African women, we don’t have one size. We can have 10 different sizes in 10 different women before you. It’s either the boobs are bigger or the waist is bigger. Have you ever had issues with your clients in terms of them not truly liking a particular outfit? It has happened a couple of times. But it was not because we did not do our job. It was usually because they didn’t come for fitting and when they came back they had added weight. However, we always insist on fitting. How has being a designer affected your wardrobe? I’m not really one you can put in the best dressers category. I know what to wear and I try to wear them. If I find them too cumbersome, I take them off and I don’t go for the event. But I like my things simple and my colour well coordinated. I don’t like to wear something and people are telling me it is very good. Once I hear that, I feel like a Christmas tree. That makes me very uncomfortable. I dress down most of the times. How do you unwind or it is all work and no play?

She is not condemning or judgmental. For me, she must be domesticated. I really don’t like women who have their nose in the air and are always posing. I like naturally friendly women who don’t necessarily find faults in people

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Every little time I have, I try to enjoy my home and enjoy my DSTV subscription that I pay for monthly. What do you have most in your wardrobe? Obviously, I have suites in there. But I have most of my white T-shirts that I wear to work in there, and my knickers. They are comfortable for me to work with. I have about 20 pairs of white T-shirts, which I wear to work. I like fragrances too. Are you a label freak? Not really. Most of my perfumes are gifts. And when I use them and I like the smell of it, I’m stuck. I collect perfumes a lot. I’ve been stuck with Python for some time now. Perfumes are the only fad I have. Who are the three female style icons you admire? One of them is Ibidun Ighodalo. She is a beautiful woman. She is a muse for House of Bunor. She wears our clothes and it comes out very well on her body. I have a client, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nwamuma. She is not particularly a celebrity, but she is a wonderful dresser. She has a wonderful body. There is another woman who I would say that any time she comes out, you can’t fault her dressing. She is Nike Ogunlesi of Ruff and Tumble. She knows what to wear and what colours suit her personality. And that is what dressing is all about. It’s about knowing what to wear to suit your personality. I have a couple of other clients who are not really celebrities too. Another lady that might surprise you is Dame Abimbola Fashola. She wears what makes her comfortable, and I appreciate that in her as well. She is not competing with any other person. She is not trying to outdo any other person and she is not trying to dress as if she is a First Lady. She is comfortable with who she is. And when you consult with her, she puts that across to you. That, I appreciate a lot. The way you speak makes one wonder if you will ever retire as a designer. I can’t retire completely as a designer. But there will be a point where we will let younger people take over. And then we will diversify into running a fashion academy where we can be opportune to instil what we know in younger ones who aspire to be like us. And then maybe playing music at my older age... You mean you can sing? You’ll be shocked. I sing well. So, what album should we be looking forward to? Jazz, R&B, Soul and other rhythmic tunes. Is it for want of time that you’ve not explored that passion of yours? Yes, the time is not readily there. But I will soon do something. You must be someone who loves music. I love music and I love singing. I used to sing in the past. I used to be a backup singer. I did it for Yinka Davies at some point. I started out with Sunny Neji. But this business was on my mind and I think I’ve done my best. At some point, I will return to music. One high point that got many people look your way was when you designed the dress that ex-Miss World, Agbani Darego, wore at the finals. When are we going to have a repeat of that? Everybody makes reference to that, and I say by the grace of God, we will. I tell people that I didn’t feel it until I started receiving calls from everywhere in the world. I was already used to seeing my clothes on TV and in magazines. But when my friends started calling, I then knew this is about going international. However, we have done other remarkable things; some other shows outside Nigeria, on YouTube and CNN. We’ve done a lot in the past. There is however room to do a lot more. What’s your lowest point in this business? When the generator is down and you can’t work, and you have a client to deliver clothes to. You have worked with so many women that people are beginning to ask the question: when will Frank get married?’ That one, we will leave it. When I’m going to get married, you will get to know. Right now, I’m married to the clothes that I make and all our customers. Even I cannot wait to eat the rice and chop the cake and wear my wedding suite. I’ve made a lot for people; I want to wear my own. Who is your ideal woman? An ideal woman, for me, is someone who is ready to laugh and is happy to meet people. She is not condemning or judgmental. For me, she must be domesticated. I really don’t like women who have their nose in the air and are always posing. I like naturally friendly women who don’t necessarily find faults in people, so that even when I’m not there, I know I have someone reliable that I can entrust my friends and clients to.

Saturday

SPECIAL

THE NATION SATURDAY JUNE 11, 2011

With KAYODE OLANSHILE-ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08035733605

Femi Kuti gives troubled marriage the final blow

Ex-minister's daughter ditched

he daughter of former a minister has abandoned her marriage of three years. The marriage, which collapsed a few weeks ago on the grounds of the alleged infidelity and assault on the part of her husband, resulted in her decision to abandon her matrimonial home. Her estranged husband, an Abuja big boy, is currently getting set to take another woman's hands in a high octane event that promises to be the talk of the town in the months ahead. Many are of the opinion that the ex-minister's daughter did not play her cards well by moving out of her matrimonial home in the height of anger. The marriage, which produced four children in barely three years, appeared to have fallen short of the expectations of the Abuja big boy, and he wasted no time in pitching his tent with someone else at the first opportunity. The wedding, which is billed to take place today, has left many wondering if the last has been heard from her.

Between Toto Abuga's wife and family

t has been three years since the ultimate rocker's death, and the noise from the feud between Lookman Alade Olatunji's family and his widow, Biola Oredein, is still as deafening as ever. In fact, there are no obvious signs of settlement in the immediate future. At the centre of the acrimony is the late Toto Abuga's Magodo property, about the choicest of his many prized possessions. Lookman Alade Olatunji, popularly called Toto Abuga, was reputed as a man-abouttown in his life time. No party was said to be complete without his amiable presence. And everywhere he stepped, he was showered with accolades. Praise singers and music icons of the day were not left out, as many a record was waxed in his name. He was a top name on every party list, and no event organiser would have considered refusing him an entry, as he made things tick. It was, therefore, no surprise that at his demise, many wanted to be a part of his many beneficiaries, and this has resulted in a war of some sorts

emi Kuti, the talented heir of afrobeat genius, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has finally decided to sever ties with his legal wife of 16 years. The reason for his delayed decision after seven long years of separation, many believe, is as a result of the deep love he had for the University of Lagos graduate, Funke. Many who know the family of the late Abami Eda are aware of the rift that came between the two supposed love birds seven years ago, which eventually led to the parting of ways. Since then, news was expected of a form of reconciliation between the dancer and the renowned saxophonist. Alas, this was not to happen as Femi, the Positive Force band leader, has filed for divorce at the Ikeja High Court in order to begin proceedings that would ensure a final end to the troubled marriage. A stage icon, the two-time Grammy Award nominee has inadvertently produced several other babies through some other women since his marriage to Funke suffered a hiccup. His marriage, though fraught with trials and travails, cannot be said to be totally uneventful since it produced the music icon's heir, 16-year-old Omorinmade. As things now stand, the collapse of the marriage is a fate accomplished. However, a fresh gist reaching Happenstances revealed that love may be looking the way of the saxophonist again through the eyes of Bose Ajila, a sister to Funmi Ajila, the CEO of House of Regalia. Bose, who is the lead dancer in Femi's band at present, is the mother of Femi's youngest child, Tejumoluwa.

Top artiste, Omawumi, set to give birth

mawunmi Megbele is perhaps the most sought-after upcoming artiste in the entertainment industry. The Itsekiri-born diva stunned viewers of reality TV with her captivating voice and charisma during West Africa Idols 2007. Her performance secured her the first runner-up position. Not surprising, six months later, she stormed the music industry with two hit songs, In the Music and Miss My Baby, which along with others have been enjoying rave reviews by music pundits. In 2009, she won the HipHop World Awards for next rated, which attracted a brand new car. She remains one of those ladies whose presence illuminates the Lagos entertainment scene. That she is currently on a nine-month course is like reporting stale news. The latest gist in town is that the female music star will in a few weeks be delivered of her first love c h i l d i n Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. Omawunmi is expected to stay in the U.S until she has her baby.

Kafilat Oshobemekun celebrates bundle of joy

afilat Oshobemekun, the lady behind Osho Celebration CafĂŠ in Lagos, is bustling with joy, following the addition of a new baby boy to her immediate family. The renowned caterer, who must have won the hearts of many a man with her sumptuous meals, was delivered of a baby boy the previous week in the United States of America. The baby, whose naming ceremony was held in America, must have added fresh blessings to the life of his mother, as those who were opportune to see the bouncing boy with his loving mother observed that joy was written all over her face. Kafilat, who has carved a niche for herself in catering business, has catered for many A-list events and celebrity parties.

Dapo Abiodun, 'born again' socialite at 50

agos socialite, Dapo Abiodun, has turned a new leaf. The handsome dude, who was one of the highflying oil magnates in the country, has at the age of 50 begun a completely reupholstered life.

Saturday

THE NATION SATURDAY JUNE 11, 2011

SPECIAL

TEL:08035733605

Jumoke Fasuyi serenades on birthday Fiama Bridals boss, Jumoke Fasuyi, turned 40 last Sunday. To celebrate the day, her husband, Prince Fasuyi, friends and other prominent Nigerians gathered to honour her at the event where she spared no expense to give herself a befitting birthday bash at a popular event centre, 10 Degrees, situated in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Society bigwigs, top government functionaries, corporate players, fashion icons and celebrities made the party a convergence terminus. Everything that makes a party throb was in effusive supply. Jumoke Fasuyi, one of the leading lights in the fashion scene, was swathed in eulogies concerning her good deeds. As part of the highlights of the event, a fashion show was put up, displaying breath-taking wedding gowns that any bride would wish for. Since it was a wedding fashion show, the grooms' attire was supplied by Bobo's Clothing, which was a reflection of Fiama's enviable relationship with other clothiers of our time.

The chubby man about town, who at one time in his life could be called a party freak, turned 50 on the May 29, 2011. For this reason, the ultimate rocker turned Christian threw a bash like never before. Many who knew of the CEO of Heyden Petroleum's love for fun had expected a rehash of past parties, but they were shocked at the spectacle that confronted their eyes. The event was actually a thanksgiving service for the celebration of the repentant dude's life.

Top celebrities warm up for Ayo Balogun's Goodness

About four pastors were in attendance and preached sermons that reflected the new life of the birthday boy. Besides the sermons from various pastors, including Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Dapo's church's choir was on hand to deliver soul lifting music. For those who had earlier heard about his new life, the thanksgiving service did not come as a surprise. But not so for those who witnessed him in that mood for the first time. They were pleasantly surprised as Dapo regaled them with tales of his neardeath experience, which fuelled his decision to reevaluate his life and re-order his priorities.

Uju Murphy regains groove

he best thing to do for anyone who has been forced to a cul-de-sac in his or her journey of life is to ponder, look back and retrace his or her steps in order to find happiness. This must have been the inspiration behind Uju Murphy's newly found mindset. She goes about in a groovy and upbeat mood.

ollowing the completion of the recording of her latest album, music evangelist, Ayo Balogun, is counting her blessings. Titled Goodness, the album waxed by Ayo Balogun & the Harmonious Voices, is to be launched at a high octane event put up by City People on Sunday June 19, 2011. The event, which boasts of an enviable guest list, is to be held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Function Hall, and it is expected to be attended by icons of high society, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is billed to be the Grand Patron of the Day; Chief Molade OkoyaThomas, Father of the Day; Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Special Guest of Honour; HRH Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru, the Royal Host of the Day, among other reputable guests. Arrangements are being made to ensure that the event is devoid of any hitch. The management of City People is also said to be leaving no stone unturned to see that guests have a memorable day at the event, which has milk and chocolate as dress code.

Reality bites for Alao-Akala

The former banker and brains behind the defunct Lazer Graphix Company in

He further explained that the Lekki, Lagos might have decided to move on with her life and drop what ceremony was a celebration of happened to her a few months ago into the dustbin of history. It will be recalled that she was devastated sometime back when her marriage to God's mercies in his life, Murphy Uzohue crashed over some unpalatable allegations. which enabled him to reach th It was a story well celebrated in society journals, and it almost crashed his 50 birthday despite the the world of the Igbo-born Lagos big babe, who even granted an kind of life he lived in the interview to a cross section of the media on why her marriage crashed. past. Those who should know informed us that she is happy with herself now, The party boy was, and that she is not allowing the hoopla that followed her separation however, in flashes of his from the man who once meant the world to her to affect her elements, as guests, adversely. She has now returned to the social circle and is friends and well ready to hug the limelight again. wishers still had a swell time in the presence of God.

t is close to two weeks since the jolly good former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala, left office. In that short space of time, the colourful man must have realised how transient power is, particularly in politics where there is no permanent friend, but only permanent interests. th Last year, when he was in power, he celebrated his 60 birthday amidst pomp and ceremony. Akala was on top of the world in the Government House. Who wouldn't? With everything at his beck and call, unregulated access to limitless cash and raw power, he had a good time while the office lasted. No fewer than two of his daughters had high-octane weddings where they spent money as if it was going out of fashion. st He had his 61 birthday last week, and none of his hangers-on and so-called friends who normally placed adverts during his birthday did. Obviously, it has become a task to remember his birthday. Those who should know informed us that he has now moved to his Bodija, Ibadan mansion.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

We can disarm Boko Haram militants the way we did Ijaw fighters — Coordinator, Niger Delta militants’ rehabilitation Mr. Allen Onyema is the coordinator of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria, the organisation responsible for setting up the faculty that handles the re-integration programme organised for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta in Obubra, Cross River State. He spoke with some journalists, including KUNLE AKINRINADE, about the challenges involved in re-integrating more than 26,000 ex-militants and the success the amnesty programme has so far recorded. AN you review some of your recent activities concerning the ongoing rehabilitation of ex-militants in Obubra, Cross River State? For some time, the Presidential Committee on Amnesty shut down the Obubra Camp for many reasons. One of them was to allow the trainees to participate in the elections and vote for candidates of their choice. But we resumed again sometime in March, and we have done the 14th batch. Just like the other ones we did before that, it was a huge success. We discovered that some of these boys looked forward to coming to Obubra to engage in non-violent training programmes. They enjoy it. They like the message, which canvasses change. They like it because every violent person wants to get out of violence. No one is born violent, so every violent person wants to experience a new way of life. And if you see the joy on their graduation, a lot of them were highly elated because of the new experience. So, Obubra is still ongoing, and I am sure in the next few weeks, we shall be heading back to Obubra for another batch of training. We have just finished with Bayelsa State in the last batch. The next one is coming in the next few days. How many of these ex-militants have been rehabilitated so far by your NGO in the Obubra Camp? More than 16,000 of them have passed through our non-violent training programmes in the Obubra Camp. Specifically, what role has your NGO played in the search for peace in the Niger Delta? At times, I read and hear certain claims that make me feel so sad. We in FEHN don’t like to blow our trumpet, but I am sure someday, posterity will be on our side and history will come to be told the way it should be. I have to say that FEHN contributed immensely, let me say 40 per cent singularly, to the peace we are en-

•Onyema

done differently. Before FEHN brought non-violent agitation into the country, no other organisation and government had ever done that. It was FEHN that introduced formal non-violent education into the country. We brought in the best in the world. We brought in Dr. Bernard LaFeyette Jr, who is the Director of the Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Studies, University of Rhodes Island, USA and Chairman of the Global Non-Violent Board. You can’t have anything better. We brought them because we had seen where non-violent approach was adopted to transform countries. FEHN brought non-violent education, to which we added the training and transformation of the ex-militants. It was during this period that LaFeyetta called me and asked for the most powerful organisation in the Niger Delta that supported violence. I told him it was the

joying in the Niger Delta. The Federal Government responded to the challenges in the Niger Delta by using the military to address the issues of crime and violence in the region. Then in 2005, FEHN came up with the idea that using the military against these people, who are citizens of this country, will amount to a no-win situation at the end of the day. It would be all losers’ game at the end of the day using the military to quell the insurgency in the Niger Delta region. So, I led FEHN to bring non-violent education into the country for the first time. Why we did it was to change the mindset of those who were involved in the struggle and readdress their minds to use another method to achieve their aims. We are not saying they should stop the struggle. We are not saying they should stop the agitation. But it must be

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If you transform someone, the gun in his hand becomes useless... That is when we begin to make sense, because the violent culture is growing in leaps and bounds in this country. The Bokom Haram issue, we can handle it if FEHN has the support of the government. We can move into Borno State and handle the Boko Haram issue

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). In fact, their motto says ‘by any means necessary’. And the IYC is the political wing. The militants are like members of the military wing of the IYC. What happened next? He told me that if we could train the leadership of the IYC, we would start making progress in the Niger Delta, with the IYC charting a new course of action in the region. I asked him about the way forward and he said we had to change the leadership. He asked me how they got their leadership and I told him it would be through elections. You have to train people now to take over the leadership, and if possible, sponsor people into leadership positions of the group. That was how we got the former President of IYC, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Jonathan Lokpobiri and a whole lot of them. What we did was to train them, and I got SHELL to sponsor the training. It was a strategic move. I took them to Akodo in Lagos, we did a training for them: Non-violent Level 1. We took them to South Africa, where we did Level 2, and we took them to the United States, where we did the capacity building and nonviolent component. We brought them back and pushed them into the fray to contest the election and they won. As soon as they won, IYC started to talk about dialogue and non-violence. That young man (Ekiyor) faced a lot of stiff opposition at first. A lot of people even wanted to take him out because they saw him as a weakling. But he was steadfast. He had been trained on how to manage such issues. You would remember that at a point, the IYC contributed to making the mili-

ema

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011 tant camps to shut down for ceasefire. That was the first time. At a time, people like Timi Alaibe saw that the thing was working. Because he knew some of the militants we transformed. He even employed some of them to start working in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He later sent for FEHN to do the programme on a larger scale. He met with the then President, and he was granted permission. They sent 600 boys to us for training. We did levels 1 and 2 and the success story was there for everybody to see. People started calling for amnesty; that these people could be trained and transformed if they were granted amnesty. And mind you, when we were training those 600 in 2008, some of their leaders approached us, asking to be trained too because they didn’t want to be left behind by their boys. That was the beginning of success. And I think the then President Umaru Yar’Adua was met on the basis of the success of the training that earned them amnesty. Today, we are all feeling it. Today, if I say FEHN contributed between 40 and 50 percent to the peace in the Niger Delta and even to the economy of this country through the amnesty programme, we are not wrong. Even though we have not received a national award, we have received a global award. I received the 2007 Martin Luther King Global Award. It is a global award. I am the first African to receive it in recognition of what we have done in Nigeria. But in our country, nobody is recognising that. Is there anything the government can do to encourage FEHN in the search for enduring peace in the Niger Delta in particular and Nigeria as a whole? I want the Federal Government to support FEHN in our efforts to institutionalise non-violence and civil behaviour in this country. Every day you turn over newspapers, all that you see is armed robbery, violence, killings all over the country. If it is not an ethnic riot, it is a religious one. It is political murder and other forms of thuggery. We can overcome these like we have done in the Niger Delta region, using nonviolence education. I want the Federal Government to institutionalise non-violence in this country. I want non-violence training incorporated into the curricula of our schools. You can start from the primary to secondary schools. Even in the tertiary institutions, like they are doing all over the world now, it can be a compulsory course for everybody passing through the university. We can do that. We have the staff to post people all over the place. We trained over 10,000 people. In our stable, I have over 2,000 employees to do a whole lot. Like in a State of Florida now, everywhere, the government should introduce non-violence education in schools to fight the incidents of violence in Nigeria. The culture of violence in Nigeria is growing, and it is very scaring. I tell you, the amount and sophistication of arms in wrong hands in Nigeria could destabilise the whole of Africa. We work closely with these militants, so we know that. The government has to be careful. I am sure that the security agencies know this. They have to do something. It is not just shooting and killing. You wait until it happens before you will do something. We have to be pro-active. Nonviolence is pro-active. If you transform someone, the gun in his hand becomes useless. So, we need to put this in our school curricula. That is when we begin to make sense, because the violent culture is growing in leaps and bounds in this country. The Bokom Haram issue, we can handle it if FEHN has the support of the government. We can move into Borno State and handle the Boko Haram issue. Already, we want to go into what we call message to school programme, using these ex-combatants to go to school in the Niger Delta region to teach children in primary

•Onyema

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You know, Sogboma George belonged to one of the cult groups, and there was this suspicion that the rival cult group killed him. And we had these people right there in Obubra. So, there was serious tension. But luckily, it happened at a time we had already passed these boys through the nonviolence training programmes for two days

and secondary schools non-violence. It is powerful because they have known this name as a violent person, but all of a sudden, he is coming out to teach them in their classes every Thursday that they should not go into what he did. That is another mileage for Kingsley Kuku, which we are going to start soon, so that we can eradicate this violent culture totally. You nip it in the bud when you take it to the youths; when you take it to people in their infancy. So if FEHN has the support of the Federal Government, we can handle the Jos crisis. We can handle the Boko Haram issue and other crises in Nigeria. We know what to do. What are the challenges facing your NGO in handling the non-violence training for the ex-fighters in the Niger Delta? The challenges we face in the camps are enormous. But at the same time, they are all surmountable. And by the special grace of God, we have been facing them and getting results out of them. First of all, you have to manage the expectations of these boys, because a lot of them come to Obubra with a lot of expectations. Some come there with information, ranging from housing allowance to all manners of

allowances, complaints about their leaders. Most times, you are faced with dealing with issues that do not directly concern the non-violence training that brought them there. We have to manage these issues. Some of them come there with family issues, some of them come with bullet wounds and other kinds of issues. We have to manage a whole lot of issues concerning them, and you have to show compassion in whatever you are doing with them. And again, you have the challenges before the elections. We have the challenges of people instigating them into doing something very dangerous in the town, especially in the batches one to six. We were seriously on our toes because there were outside influences. They were trying to derail the programme then because most times, when they were told to do the wrong thing when they get transformed, they confess to you. Again on the night Sogboma George was killed, that was another day we faced a lot of challenges, because we had to manage the information properly. You know, Sogboma George belonged to one of the cult groups, and there was this suspicion that the rival cult group killed him. And we had these people

right there in Obubra. So, there was serious tension. But luckily, it happened at a time we had already passed these boys through the non-violence training programmes for two days. So, they were constantly reminded about what they had been taught, the six principles, and that held them down. They started to do investigations the way we taught them: the six steps of non-violence. Non-violence teaches you how to resolve issues of conflict, how to manage information or rumours. So they went into that and they discovered the facts. So, there was calm there. It was a dangerous period for us, I must confess. At first, there was this skepticism and doubts about the entire amnesty process. It was not easy to take off. But now, it is a smooth sail. Timi Alaibe did a very good job in handling the post-amnesty process, and Kingsley Kuku is now taking it to another height entirely. Kuku has made the amnesty programme to be attractive to the world. The phase of re-integration is also very difficult. But now, the amnesty programme is so attractive that even other parts of this country are now asking for amnesty. But then, I don’t have anything against them being given amnesty. But it must come from their states’ resources and not from the resources of the Federal Government. Why? There was a reason the Federal Government granted amnesty to the fighters in the Niger Delta region. You just don’t bastardise amnesty. You don’t make it an all-comer affair; that you can just instigate any crisis any day and expect to be rewarded. The Niger Delta has been marginalised over the years. Things have been happening. The region has not got its fair deal. The boys took to arms, thinking that was the only way to redress the anomalies. That was wrong, but this is not the time to condemn them. And the late President Umaru Yar’Adua thought it wise to engage them by granting them pardon and retraining them. When you retrain them, you can then make good use of them. And today, you have ex-militants in flying schools, and in the next few months, you would be flown by the so-called creek boys. In the next few months, you find some of them as underwater welders and other professions, courtesy of the amnesty programme. The amnesty programme is a huge success, and because of this, people want to key into that to bastardise amnesty. That is not right. In the Niger Delta, there is a reason for the amnesty. But when people go into criminality deliberately for no just cause and at the end of the day people are now clamouring for amnesty for such people from the Federal Government, I think it is not right. Yes, in their states they could be granted amnesty. Forgive them. But you must use the resources of your states. Is it not double standard if the resources of the Federal Government are used to fund amnesty in the Niger Delta but the same would not be done in other zones of the country? Is it because of the oil in the Niger Delta? It is not double standard. You don’t have to encourage crime. Do you know why it is not double standard? The Niger Delta issue is a problem that spans over 50 years, and they are cogent reasons. You cannot just wake up one morning and start doing armed robbery, engaging in serious crimes and you expect to be rewarded for that. In the Niger Delta, even though criminals went into the fray at a time, the basics were there. They had a reason for protesting. Even the international community would tell you that there is a reason for what was happening in the Niger Delta. It has spanned over 50 years now. It is not because of oil at all. Yes, because of the oil, the region has been polluted and all the waters are black in colour. What happened in America recently when BP polluted their waters? People were being paid millions of

dollars for the profit they were to get in years to come. But the waters of the Niger Delta are constantly being polluted. Who is giving them millions? They had a reason for protesting. For goodness sake, what is the reason for Boko Haram and what is the reason for kidnapping in Abia State? People just started kidnapping innocent people, kidnapping children and aged people, and you want to take money from the Federal Government to reward them. No, it is not double standard. If any state is clamouring for amnesty because the ex-fighters in the Niger Delta were given amnesty, let that state fund it from its resources and not the Federal Government. Do you think the renegade militant, John Togo and his lieutenants deserve another presidential reprieve, having reneged on the amnesty and went back to the creeks but are now saying that they are ready to surrender and embrace peace? The John Togo issue is a sensitive matter, because as you would remember, John Togo is one of the people who embraced amnesty and pardon in the first place but later reneged, and we are all aware that amnesty ended since on October 4, 2009. Thereafter, whoever does anything that is criminal, may faces the wrath of the law. Be that as it may, it is only the President of the country that can grant anybody amnesty; not even the Amnesty Committee. It is only the President that has the power to pardon them. Having said that, if the President feels that he could engage John and his group once more and give them that benefit of the doubt for the last chance, well that is good. And if the President feels that he has done a wrong thing and that the law must take its course, as I said, it is only the President that can decide that. Can you assess the Niger Delta of today against the one before the amnesty? There is a tremendous difference. The Niger Delta is now one of the safest places in the country because of the success of the amnesty programme. There is a lot of hope in the Niger Delta region now. The people have seen hope and they have seen light at the end of the tunnel, and they are gearing themselves up for positive improvement in their lives. There is a world of difference. Before now, crude oil production was below 700,000 barrels per day. But now, the production is 2.4 million barrels per day. The Federal Government of Nigeria has done well in this regard through the amnesty programme. President Goodluck Jonathan has really done a lot. As I tell people, the late President Yar’Adua granted the amnesty but President Jonathan saved the amnesty programme. As at the time he was taking over as Acting President, the amnesty programme was going moribund and people were losing hope. But when he took over, he saved the programme. Yes, Yar’Adua gave us the amnesty but President Jonathan saved it, especially through strategic appointments, by not looking at faces, not minding that you were my political foe before. And that is the hallmark of a true leader. And the appointment of Timi Alaibe brought him out as a true leader, because I knew that Timi Alaibe was not his man Friday, but he looked around and said who could do this job? And he gave him (Alaibe) the job. And when Alaibe left, he looked around again, and despite the pressures on him to appoint some big names, because the President wants the success of the programme, he picked a young man who has been part and parcel of the struggle up till this moment and made Kingsley Kuku the Special Adviser and Chief Executive Officer of the Amnesty Programme. And yet again, the whole world is witnessing the success being made out of it by Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

ARLY last week, I was driving through a very heavy traffic jam when a discussion on a popular pidgin-English speaking radio station arrested my attention. The anchor person who also encouraged callers to phone in, opined that every man has a mumu button. She said all women needed to do was to discover how to press that button and they could get a man to do their bidden. She reiterated by saying that it is called a man’s mumu button. As I listened to her, I completely forgot the heavy traffic and my mind wandered to a particular queen in the Bible, who got her husband, the king to offer her the half of his kingdom. This queen wanted to make a particular request from her husband, so she devised a strategy, after spiritually preparing herself, of course, she invited the king and his PA to a banquet. The king thereafter honoured her invitation. He ate and was filled. It was after the sumptuous meal that he told his queen, “Ask me what you will, even to the half of my kingdom”. I tell you readers, that is my favourite part. But you know what; the queen was not through, she had more up her sleeve. She invited him again the next day by saying; “If I have found favour in the heart of my king; I want you to come

Every man has a mumu button again the next day; honour me with your presence and come for another banquet.” The King was overwhelmed by his wife. Of course he honoured her invitation, ate and was filled. He summoned her again, only now he was more insistent. “Ask me what you will and I will give you even to the half of my kingdom.” It is obvious that his mumu button has been pressed. For those that are familiar with this story; you will recall that the king did not only answer her in the affirmative to her request, but he went further to kill her enemy . We have seen men who would say: “I give the credit of my success to my wife. Yes, the wife must have discovered his mumu button and he is pressing it well.

We have seen men that can pull down mountains, go to the end of the earth and back, just to ensure the happiness of the women in their lives. All men have their soft spot (mumu button), I tell you, if you know how to press, you will have the world at your feet and your man eating from the palm of your hand. The thing is this, to get a man to do your bidding, you must make him happy. Take the man in your life for instance; what is that thing he will give his proverbial right arm for? Do you know if he likes to watch football? Then you must love football. Does he love to listen to news, then include listening to news as one of your to-do list. Does he like ladies in braids, oh, then you must wear braids at least once in two months.

Do you know that the same king, I earlier wrote about, who offered his wife half of his kingdom has hitherto ex-communicated his first queen because she spited him? The same king, two different queens. One knew how to get him to do her bidding while the other was dethroned because she did not know how to make her man melt in front of her. She lacked the formula to clearly communicate her feelings and needs with her man in a way that will melt his heart, bring him close, and inspire him to make him happy. A woman who can make her man happy is in the real sense ‘a complete woman’ Never assume that if you come to know how to make your man happy in bed, then you have won the

battle. No, that is very wrong notion. You have to make your man happy inside and outside the bedroom. What a man needs is some respect from his life partner. And if you can not give him the respect he needs, then you will lose the respect he has for you in his heart. Meaning, you should give what you want in return. Devote sometime to your husband, to your relationship. And if you want to make your man happy in the real sense, then you will have to make certain changes in you. Next and more importantly is the looks department. A man always wants his women to look good and likeable. So what, if you are not born beautiful, at least you can wear good make-up

Re: The rivalry between mothers and daughters-in-law Dear Vera, The rivalry between mothers and daughters-in-law is a sour grape in the mouth because of its unpleasantness. A critical appraisal of the issue would reveal that most daughters-in-law initiate the rivalry and are also the first to cry blue

murder when they find the battle too hot to handle. A woman who frustrates her mother-in-law from paying her son visits is only orchestrating a move marking the beginning of her end as a wife. Also, no mother, even from her grave, would watch a woman

treat her son as a nobody no matter the circumstance. One can go on and on but this is not saying, however, that we do not have mothers in law who would want their sons tied to their apron strings for life. Hence, their resolve to give this “stranger” in their son’s life a hot fight. Which ever way beautiful Vera, it is the daughterin- law who should make a home for herself by living with all the over-bearing instincts of her “foster’ mother and by accepting her husband’s relatives as an extension of hers. Remi Adesina Dear Vera, You are too much. When my mother-in-law came to our house, I didn’t go out of my way. We took bread and tea in the morning as usual by 10am. She asked for food the son said that is how we manage. Then she asked him what he has been doing with his money. From Bodun, Abuja

• Archbishop of Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Sunday Ajayi with his wife, Funmilayo, during the 65th birthday of Archbishop Ajayi, at the All Seasons Plaza, Ikeja, Lagos.

Vera, When the man fails to take full charge and responsibility of the marriage, when mama is always invited by daughterin-law to mediate between her and the husband for a little misunderstanding, a couple that can’t keep marriage secrets will end up mortgaging the foundation to mama. I conclude by saying that 75% of rivalry between mothers and daughtersin-law are caused by the couples themselves. “Whosoever that break the hedge, the serpent will surely bite. Apostle G, DominionUrewuji, Nsukka

Dear Vera, I am compelled to respond to your write-up titled “The rivalry between brothers-inlaw… sorry, the situation is more complex than you seem to present. It’s a combination of both spiritual and physical forces and beyond Yinka Dear Vera, Women like to possess a man. It is this passion that transforms into rivalry between the wife and the mother in law. Bello Lukman, Unijos Dear Vera, I love this your write-up. It is what is happening in our society today, the onus lies on the man. It depends on how the man runs his home. There should be clear boundary between mothers and their daughters-in-law. There should be no precondition from the mothers-in-law for accepting their daughter-inlaw, but if the wife is the problem, he should just go and bring another woman and not to be a woman wrapper. Thank you and more of this write-up please Aliyu from Kano Dear Vera, The issue of strained relationship between mothers and their daughters-in-law cannot be overemphasized. Infact, so many ladies now prays to marry a husband who has no mother. Nevertheless mothers attitude are being triggered by the manners in which some wives runs their husband's home. Some welcomes only their

own relatives into their homes and discards their in-law. Mekks Ugwu, Obudu Hi vera, You are doing a great job. Please keep it up. Thank you and God bless you. Tyolumun Paul Iorwuese Vera, Lots of mothers-in-law have failed to dilute their involvements in their son's marriage affairs. A man's first priority is his wife, period. Ralph, Aba Vera Vera, A woman that has respect and humility should be able to take care of her mother-in-law. But the man should be able to protect the wife if he knows that his mother is the overbearing type. Don Ezeala, Port Hacourt Dear Vera, I just read "The rivalry between mothers and daughters in law" of Saturday June 4. There are worst cases between mothers-in-law and sons-in-law. Please research on this. I hard a very bad experience Ben, Lagos Dear Vera, The stain relationship between mothers and their daughters in-law has become a natural phenomenon, in fact, it’s dominant among educated mothers who tries by all means to be in total control of their sons’ affairs. However, these could be triggered by the harsh callous and selfish nature of some house wives. Ugwu Gregory Emeka, Obudu

and a nice outfit that looks great on you, your height, your complexion, your burst. This makes him realise how much you think of what he wants from you. There are some things that have to be shown and expressed, do not take it for granted that he knows that. No, you have to show how much you care for him, how much you love him and how much you need him. Make him feel special! He is your king, remember? Another major way in making your man happy is through his stomach. If you are blessed with a good cooking skill, then this should not be difficult for you. Make something special for your man at least over the weekend, when you have enough time to spend with each other. Prepare his favourite food or some new recipe containing his favourite ingredients. Even if you are not that good in the kitchen, do not panic. There are cooking books from bookstores or you can learn from the cooking programmes telecasted on television. Another critical way of pressing a man’s mumu button is for you to take initiative when he is around, in the bedroom or out of your bedroom. It makes you more entertaining and desirable in his eyes. He will love to be in your company. When outdoor, try to go where your man has always expressed his desire for even if you do not like it, you should try to think from his point of view. One step forward from your side means another one from him. Respect his likings and in return, you will get the same from him. When in the bedroom be fully expressive. Do what he likes, no restrictions, no boundaries, just love. Do not lie like a piece of furniture in front of your man, be active and try new ways to excite him. To be heard, you must speak his language. Don’t nag or complain. It is very important to be able to openly and honestly communicate in a relationship. A man wants to be with a woman who makes him feel like a man, and never disrespects him. Appreciate all his good qualities daily, and remember his good traits that attached you to him in the first place. To a man, failure is equal to death. Give him accolades for the things he accomplishes in life, even the little things are important. In conclusion, it is when you have made him happy that you have successfully pressed his mumu button and yes; he would give what you want even to the half of his kingdom.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

•Belly dancer

Arabian night with a belly dancer

XPERIENCING an Ara bian desert camp life was part of the treat offered on a half-day tour organised by Net Tour based in Dubai. They offer such to tourists for 250

• Sufi dancer entertaining tourists

OKORIE UGURU relates his experience of a night of entertainment at a camp while on a desert safari in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dirham, equivalent of about N10,000. We started the safari around 3:00 pm experiencing the thrill and excitement of the desert. As we neared the desert camp, we could see the gold colour late evening sun receding behind the tent. That was around 7:00pm. The camp was decent . It is not a concrete structure.It is made of wood. In front of the camp gate were about five camels. Before settling down to relax, we were still free to take a ride around the desert camp on the camels. I couldn’t do so because of the long queue of those waiting to ride the camels. In addition, I was still trying to recover from the bashing on the jeep while riding in the desert (see last week’s promenade). I just took pic-

tures standing beside the camel and made my way inside the camp.

The camp is built like a real Arab desert home. The entrance has two miniature towers built with wood. Before I entered the compound , I was offered tea as a welcome drink. There was also a bowl of date palm fruits. One could either take the English tea or the Arabian type. I chose the former just to stick to what I was already used to. The camp is

•Tourists about to embark on a camel ride

square shaped. On my right were the refreshment points. A lady was serving the welcome drink, while another one was serving soft drinks like soda and malt. There was alcoholic drink ,but tourists who want it would have to pay for it. Further down were two men preparing what turned to be an appetizer. In front of the first was kebab kiln loaded with chicken meat on the fire. By his side was also an unleavened bread oven. The kebab bread was also being baked. I made my way there, got a kebab stuffed full with vegetable and chicken. I finished the first. I made my way back for the second not minding that it was an appetizer to prepare tourists for the main course. Beside the kebab man was another worker frying balls of a strange brownish Arabian delicacy. Culinary adventure was a part of tourism, so I moved over to get some. The man simply scooped the delicacy from the fire into a bowl where the visitors would simply pick up serviette and help themselves. I took some and got a can of coke relax. The relaxation point was at the centre of the camp. It was simply a huge, round, wide stage constructed with heaps of stands and then covered with mats. Arabian rugs and cushions were arranged round the stage for people to eat and relax. After I finished the meal, I turned to some activities to while away the time. Behind where I was sitting was the place where one could take pictures wearing Arabian costumes. For the male,it was a flowing robe with a matching white head tie and a black head band to hold the tie. On the right was the hashish joint for those interested in smoking it. Hashish is a kind tobacco. It is common in Egypt and other Arab countries. Beside the hashish man is a falcon put on a stand with the two eyes covered. It also had a rope tied to one of the legs probably to prevent it from bolting away. I was not into tobacco, so I left the hashish and went for the falcon. I slipped on the arm band and then had the falcon placed on my left hand. The falcon stood with its talons clutching the hard hand holder. This falcon can definitely hear the ‘falconer.’ Further down, some white women were painting their hands and legs with henna. It was being done by an Arab woman covered in her bubka. There was then an announcement that dinner was ready. I made my way to the service point. It was a buffet with choice European and Arab food. I got some food and headed back for my seat. At the end of the meal, the announcer introduced our first entertainer for the night, a male Sufi dancer. Sufi dancing, though used as an entertainment, has its origin in religion. Sufi whirling is a physically active meditation Continued on Page 48

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Arabian night with a belly dancer

Continued from Page 47

which originated among Sufis, and it is still practised by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. It is a customary dance performed within the Sema, or worship ceremony, through which Dervishes aim to reach the source of all perfection. This is sought through abandoning one’s ego or personal desires, by listening to the music, focusing on God and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles which is seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the solar system orbiting the sun. The Sufi dancer, decked in very colourful regalia, spun round and round to the music. Intermittently the audience clapped in admiration at the dancer’s dexterity. At this stage, everywhere was dark. After sometime, the light in the camp was switched off, leaving on the small light points round the stage. The Sufi dancer started removing layers of the thick colourful robe he was wearing and switched on tiny lights sewn round his body. People hailed him.

He later rounded off his performance and left. Then the announcement came that the belly dancer was about to perform. There was a whoop from the group of tourists. The speakers exploded with fast tempo Arab music and the belly dancer, wearing a sky blue attire, entered the stage. She was clutching a silver colour foil-like material making her look as if she was not touching the ground.She seemed as somebody floating on the stage. I had heard and read about belly dancer. It was the opportunity to watch them perform live. The belly dancer did not disappoint. She twirled, twisted and caused body to some unimaginable rhythmic actions that left the tourists asking for more. As she danced, she glided round the big stage trying to carry along her captive audience through eye contacts and gesticulations. At times, some over excited tourists would try to jump on the stage to dance, but she would politely but firmly

ask them to go down and dance beside their seats. Those who managed to defy her were small girls of about three years who escaped the clutches of parents and dashed to the stage dancing and turning into a side attraction before she was carried from the stage. Occasionally the dancer would stop and do some unimaginable waist twisting that made the lower part of her body go into frenzied twisting like a phone put on strong vibration. Was there a kind of sexual under-current from the dance? May be for some, but it appealed to me more as an art than a provocative sexual stimulation. The belly dancer was on the stage for almost an hour. She was the main attraction for the night . Some tourists would give her a e Dirham or dollars. She would show her appreciation by once again doing the waist twisting. After her performance, the safari was over. It was time to head for Dubai. What an experience!

• A meal of kebab

• Tourists having a good time at the desert camp

Kehinde FALODE: 08023689894

Orange marmalade pecan bread

Foluke ADEMOLA

THIS Orange marmalade and pecans bread is a special brand of bread which gives you all the nutrient and nourishmnet you ever wanted to eat. Make a loaf for you and your family. Huh! Cant taste better. Ingredients: •1 navel orange •1/2 cup (8 Tablespoons or 1 stick) butter •1/2 cup orange marmalade •3 cups all-purpose flour •1/2 cup white granulated sugar •1 Tablespoon baking powder •1/2 teaspoon salt •1 cup chopped pecans (may substitute dried fruit or half fruit and half nuts) •2 large eggs •1/2 cup milk mixed with the juice of half of the orange •Optional Orange Glaze: •1 cup confectioners’ powdered sugar •1 to 2 Tablespoons orange juice

Preparation: •Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan with vegetable spray. •Use a fine grater to remove the skin from the orange. You should have about 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice from one half into the milk. Reserve the other half for the orange glaze, if using. •Place butter and orange marmalade in a heat-proof bowl and microwave on high for 45 to 60 seconds (or melt in a saucepan). Stir to combine and let cool. •Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Toss the pecans to coat with the flour. (This will help keep the nuts from sinking to the bottom.) Set aside. •Beat eggs with milk/orange juice mixture, using a dinner fork. •Add buttered marmalade, egg mixture, and orange zest to the flour mixture. Stir with a dinner fork until combined but do not over mix. Any lumps will smooth out in the baking. •Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature before slicing to serve. •Optional Orange Glaze: Whisk 1 to 2 Tablespoons of orange juice with 1 cup powdered sugar to a drizzling consistency. Spoon into a zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and seal. Snip off one small corner of the bag and use as a pastry bag to drizzle the cooled orange marmalade bread with the glaze. Note: Raisins, or other dried fruit such as cherries or cranberries, may be substituted for the pecans. Plump the dried fruit in hot water for 15 minutes, drain, and pat dry before substituting for the pecans.

Nutritional value of orange Oranges contain vitamin C, calcium, folate and also contain good amount of fiber and antioxidants. It’s a citrus fruit, considered to be a hybrid, of ancient cultivated origin, between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and tangerine (Citrus reticulata). Native to the countries of Southeast Asia, it is today cultivated in almost all the warm climate countries of the world. Its consumption is as popular in the raw, peeled form, as in the juice form. Even the rind of orange is used by people in recipes, either for flavoring or for garnishing purposes. Being a rich source of nutrients, orange has been associated with a number of health and nutrition benefits. With the information given below, explore more about the fruit. Let us now move on to the orange nutritional value in detail. •According to the orange nutritional information available, oranges contain calcium in high levels and thus, help in protecting and maintaining healthy bones. •Oranges also contain beta-carotene that is one of the most powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin B6 in oranges helps in maintaining the hemoglobin levels of blood. Also, you can maintain your blood pressure levels as magnesium helps keep it in check. The folic acid in oranges helps in brain development and potassium helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. •If you drink a glass of calcium fortified orange juice, it will be absorbed by the body better than calcium in a glass of milk. •An orange contains 50 mg vitamin C that is about 2/3 amount of daily vitamin C requirement. •Marmalades are made of bitter oranges that cannot be eaten raw. •Oranges are orange due to cold temperatures where they grow. However, in the tropical countries where oranges grow they have a green to green yellow color. •Being rich in calcium, oranges have

been associated with protection and maintenance of the health of bones. •Beta-carotene, a nutrient present in oranges, is a very powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from damage. •Consumption of oranges has been found to result in lesser outpouring of mucus secretions from the nose. •It is said that oranges are beneficial in maintaining the dental health of an individual. •Oranges, being rich in Vitamins B6, help support the production of hemoglobin in the body. •The folic acid present in oranges helps in proper brain development. •The high content of potassium in oranges helps maintain electrolyte balance in the cells and also aids the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system. •Consumption of oranges can help an individual in dealing with the following ailments: Alcohol Addiction, Arthritis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Constipation, Cough and Cold, Fever , Heart Diseases, Indigestion, Influenza, Measles ,Pimples and Acne, Pneumonia, Respiratory Problems, Rheumatism,Tuberculosis and Typhoid.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Stakeholders task Jonathan on tourism minister S TAKEHOLDERS in the tourism industry have called on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to appoint a technocrat as the next tourism and culture minister. According to them, it was‘ the only way that the industry, especially tourism, can make the desired impact on the economy of the nation. Mr. Jemi Alade, former African Travel Association, Nigeria chapter president, said: “The industry needs a technocrat. He has to be a technocrat. He must understand the rudiments and constraints of tourism in Nigeria. He must also be hospitable and open.” Asked to comment on the performance of the tourism ministers in the recent past in the light of the above qualities, Alade said: “They did not measure up. Their performances were not good enough for the industry. That is why we are where we are. They failed. Possibly, the president should get somebody from the private sector. Also tourism must be removed from the normal government bureaucracy. Tourism will only thrive where there is openness.” In his contribution, the publisher of the African Travel Quarterly (ATQ), Mr. Ikechi Ukoh, said : “We don’t need a beginner and we don’t need somebody who is cantankerous.We need a person who would come and continue some of the good policies of the past administrations and not a person who engage in fights. It must be somebody who knows what tourism is all about, not a politician looking for position. He must be

•Kabir

•Ikechi Uko

somebody whq understands the industry.” Mr. Charles Odunukwe, a member of the Federation of Tourism Associaitions of Nigeria (FTAN) board of trustees, wants the president to appoint

somebody that knows the in and out of the tourism industry, who has had experience in the industry. He said all over the world, tourism generated huge revenue but it had not been tapped in Africa,

more especially in Nigeria. He said the tourism industry could generate more revenue than oil for the country and that if handled well, it could surpass oil in revenue generation. Former NANTA President Malan Kabir also called on President Jonathan to appoint an experienced person.. He said: “For so long we have been hiring people that will come and learn on the job. Tourism should be seen and taken seriously to serve as a catalyst for rapid grassroots economic development. We must put a square peg in a square hole. Tourism is a global phenomenon which has the key to sustainable economic growth and development. We must find person that can translate our dreams to reality.”

Doha gets new international airport

ATAR Airways is lead iing the race in redeveloping the region’s future aviation hub, the New Doha International Airport. Situated approximately four kilometres east of the existing aiport, the new facility will be the world’s first airport to accommodate unrestricted operations by all commercial aircraft, including the A380, the largest passenger aircraft ever built. The 2,200-hectare airport site, more than half of which is built on reclaimed land

from the Arabian Gulf, combines both architectural panache and technologically advanced systems. Envisaged for maximum development from 2015 onwards, the airport project will be implemented in phases, starting with Phase One with a cost of US$14.5 billion at the opening day. Work began in January 2005 on Phase One which is scheduled to be completed from 2012 to handle an initial capacity of 24 million passengers a year, more than

doubling to approximately 50 million by the time the airport is fully operational beyond 2015 Both runways have been completed as has the dredging work on site with 60 per cent of the airport built on reclaimed land. The New Doha International will include a new Emiri (royal) Terminal complex for VIP flights with additional hardstands, cargo terminal buildings, aircraft hangars and associated airline and airport ancillary features

UNWTO supports tourism in Tunisia

HE UN World Tourism Organiza tion (UNWTO) and the Tunisian government have signed a partnership agreement under which the UNWTO will support the country’s tourism development. Policy guidance, marketing and training for the tourism workforce are among the planned areas of cooperation. The Minister of Tourism of Tunisia, Mehdi Houas, highlighted the importance of the support of the international community to Tunis and particularly to tourism in Tunisia at this time: “Tourism in Tunisia is fully operational and open for business, and we need the support of the international community to communicate this reality. This agreement is an important step towards the reinforcement of tourism in Tunisia in key areas such as marketing, quality and human resource development.” UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai said the partnership would contribute to help accelerate the return of international tourists to Tunisia in the short-term, where tourism represents nearly seven per cent of the country’s GDP and accounts for 450,000 jobs, and in the medium-term, would support the improved competitiveness of the destination. “International tourists are gradually returning to Tunisia,” said Mr. Rifai at the signing of the agreement. “As they do so, the UNWTO will be providing Tunisia

with technical support and assistance to sustainably reinforce this tourism recovery, one of the country’s principal sources of income, jobs and development,”he said. Under the agreement signed by Mr. Rifai and Mr. Houas, the UNWTO will provide Tunisia with up-to-date market intelligence on tourism movements and trends, as well as guidance on tourism policy. Local officials will be trained on the latest marketing tools and strategies available to reposition Tunisia among the world’s leading destinations.The UNWTO will also assess the country’s tourism education and training needs, linking Tunisian tourism institutions with UNWTO-certified universities around the world. The UNWTO and Tunisian government further agreed to organize a regional conference in Djerba on competitiveness and sustainability criteria for tourism destinations and a UNWTO training workshop on quality and classification systems of tourism accommodation units. In 2010, Tunisia received nearly seven million international tourist arrivals, generating nearly US$3 billion in export revenues. During the first three months of 2011, international tourist arrivals decreased by 44% and receipts by 43%.

Aero launches promo

•Salif Keita (second right), Otunba Wanle Akinboboye (right) and other guests during the Keita’s visit to the resort...recently

Akinboboye appointed envoy by World Council of Mayors

HE President of La Campagto ne Tropicana Beach Resorts Limited, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has been appointed Ambassador of Tourism in Africa by the World Council of Mayors. The letter of appointment was signed by the Vice President of the World Council of Mayors in charge of tourism, Mr. James L. Walls, who is the Mayor of

the City of City Heights in Maryland. His letter reads: “On behalf of the World Conference of Mayors, Inc. (WCM), I send this official notice of appointment as Ambassador of Tourism in Africa with our organization. I am interested in you sharing historic information and collaborating experiences to learn more about cultural opportunities for African Diaspora. It was signed by

one James L.Wall, Mayor of the Heights. Reacting to the appointment, Akinboboye said it was a thing of joy to be so recognised for his contribution to the developemnt of the African culture and tourism. He said he had accepted the position which he said meant more work for him.He promised to do his best in discharging the duties expected of him. Meanwhile,the Mali mu-

sic legend, Salif Keita, recently visited the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort. He was on a private visit to Nigeria. Keita ,who was received by Akinboboye, was treated to a dinner by the management of the resort. Keita expressed happiness with the reception and promised to make more visits to the resort in his future visits to Nigeria.

ERO, West Africa’s leading e-airline, has announced the launch of an exciting one way promotional fare of N26, 000 for Business Class travellers on all her domestic routes. This special offer, which provides huge savings and an added incentive to our customers, is only accessible when passengers book and pay online at www.flyaero.com. Ticket sales will commence on the June 8 for flights from June 20.This will enable passengers to purchase numerous business class seats for the duration of 60 days. Customers can book and purchase tickets online using cash cards or ATM cards. However, interested passengers without a debit card can book-on-hold via the website or call centre and pay at any bank nationwide. For bookings via the call centre, customers can dial 0700 359 2376 or 016284140 and follow the voice prompt. Announcing this exciting promotional fare, Aero’s Managing Director, Capt J. Akin George, said: “We are proud to offer this amazing fare to our customers. This fare exposes our passengers

to a wider opportunity to travel in Nigeria and in style. “We introduced this value for money fare on our Business Cabin to appreciate and to further encourage Nigerians to fly more often. With the reduction to N26, 000, which represents the best business class fare for a one-way domestic route ticket in the market, coupled with the online booking and payment options, more people will be able to fly more and pay less. This gesture demonstrates Aero’s commitment to its customers which is aimed at encouraging more people to experience Aero’s innovative products.” The airline has maintained a greater than 70per cent on-time scheduled performance and is attracting great compliments from customers over the last few months. The airline has established itself as a reliable and customer friendly airline with the outstanding dedication to quality services and the leading airline in offering fares to satisfy all the key segments of the Nigerian market.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

The home maker!

EAR Reader, Welcome to another edition of Family Forum. In the light of God’s Word, I will be sharing with you all through this month on the subject, The Home Maker. The woman is mainly the home maker. She attends to her husband, takes care of the children, oversees the household chores, relates with the in-laws, friends, etc. So, today, we will be examining the tool of submission in making your home a success. What is submission? Submis-

sion means willingly putting oneself under the authority of another. Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:21-24, communicates the mind of God concerning submission. In God’s divine order, submission from a wife to her husband is a necessary requirement for making her home a ‘dream-come-true’. That’s why God’s Word says: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). It is also a command from God (Gen. 3:16). From scriptures, we understand that God’s commandments are not grievous. Although sometimes submission

may appear as foolishness to the world, but to the believer, it is wisdom. Failure to embrace submission as a command from God has brought so much heartache into several homes. Pride has hindered so many women from submitting to their husbands, thereby causing chaos in the homes. A husband you are not ready to submit to, will also find it difficult to love you in return, and the outcome of such home is destruction. Like I earlier said, submission is a command from God. This explains why Sarah submitted so much to Abraham and called him lord. Whosoever wants to keep her home from destruction must determine to keep this commandment (Proverbs 19:16). Submission is also of the heart. Make your heart tender to the Word of God, that you may enjoy the thirty, sixty and a hundred-fold returns in your home (Luke 8:15). It is the state of your heart that determines the words of your mouth; rebellious thoughts lead to rebellion acts. Submission can be reflected in

the words you speak. By speaking right and gracious words, you will draw your husband closer. Words can be correctly used to bring you favour with your spouse. A sister said she had always encountered difficulty in her home because she could not control her tongue. She gave this testimony: “I had always encountered difficulties in my home because I could not control my tongue. I was so sharp-tongued that anytime my husband wanted to speak or correct me, I would end up quarreling with him. There was no humility in me and I knew it was the cause of so many problems in our home. Coming for the 1994 women convention, I decided I needed a practical solution. As the woman of God ministered, I desired the same spirit of humility and submission at work in her. I then decided that like the woman with the issue of blood, I would touch the woman of God and receive my heart’s desire. After the ministration, I went forward to the altar and embraced Mummy Oyedepo, and she said to me, ‘It is well’. That was it! All became well with my life, and my

tongue received a touch. My husband noticed that a new life had emerged in me.” Therefore, your submission must be in thought, word and action. It is wisdom for you to think good about your husband, wish him well in your thoughts, for that is where submission begins! Until you are born again, you cannot operate in the wisdom to totally submit to your husband, in making your home a loving abode. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again! Congratulations! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8; 07026385437. For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Understanding Motherhood, Raising Godly Children, and Success in Marriage.

How your medicine could be draining vital nutrients from your body

EDICATION can do much to alleviate the symptoms that make your life miserable. But in most cases they don’t actually tackle the cause. There is also the risk of side-effects. And as a new book suggests, they might be adding to your health woes by ‘stealing nutrients from your system or preventing their absorption’. As a result, you could end up feeling worse, or even being diagnosed with another condition. The book, Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body Of Essential Nutrients, has been written by leading U.S. pharmacist Suzy Cohen. ‘If you run low on even one vital nutrient, you can experience a cascade of uncomfortable side effects,’ she claims. These side effects — which she’s labelled ‘drug mugging symptoms’ — may not show up right away; some can occur months to years after taking a drug. So could we counteract this nutrient loss by eating more healthily? ‘Even if you eat fresh fruits and vegetables every hour, you still get only a fraction of the essential nutrients you need from these foods — and if your medication is depleting them, you’ll need even more,’ says Cohen. She suggests the solution is supplements, though you should take care. ‘Some can interact with your medication, other can interact with each other and some shouldn’t be taken at all, if you have kidney disease, for instance. ‘You must ask your doctor which nutrients are right for you. But when you’re given the go-ahead, it takes only a few weeks or months to replenish depleted nutrients.’ She advises that initially, supplements should be taken one at a time and, as far as dosages go, start low and go slow. ‘Then, if everything goes well, after a week or two bring in the next nutrient.’ Here, Cohen sets out the most common culprits, with supplements to counteract them. STATINS Statins do their work in the liver,

suppressing the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which produces cholesterol. But when you block that enzyme, you also block the production of CoQ10, say studies at Renmin Hospital in China. This is a nutrient involved in all aspects of energy production — including in the muscles. It’s also a powerful antioxidant which can penetrate every cell, including brain cells. Cholesterol is also required to synthesise vitamin D, which protects against cancer and helps keep bones strong. It also helps boost the immune system. RISK: Fatigue, weakness, memory loss, shortness of breath, leg cramps, frequent infections. PROTECTION PLAN: CoQ10 or its active form ubiquinol, 50mg to 200mg once or twice daily; vitamin D, 2,000 IU (international units) to 5,000 IU a day. ANTIBIOTICS These kill bad bacteria; some interrupt the chemical processes used to make bacterial cell walls, others stop them multiplying. But they also kill good bacteria that produce B vitamins. These are involved in maintaining muscles, bones and heart, as well as helping keep the ner-

vous system healthy. RISK: Heart disease, increased risk of cancer, leg cramps, low thyroid, bone loss. PROTECTION PLAN: Vitamin B7 (Biotin), 1,000 mcg to 5,000 mcg a day; probiotics, 10 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) to 40 billion CFU, one to three times a day, four hours before or after taking the antibiotics. Side effects: Pills like ibuprofen can stop pain hut also have health drawbacks PAINKILLERS Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen and aspirin and work by tackling prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation, pain and fever. Prostaglandins also protect the lining of the stomach from damaging effects of acid. They raise the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding — leading to a loss of iron. Another risk, says research by the University of Zagreb in Croatia, is that some NSAIDs (particularly ketoprofen, available as Orudis) latch on to and bind iron, rendering it useless.

Iron is essential in the making of haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen over the body. These painkillers have been shown to reduce the activity of folic acid, needed to reduce homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to heart disease. RISK: Heart disease, depression, diarrhoea, mouth sores, anaemia. PROTECTION PLAN: Folic acid, 400 mcg to 800 mcg, once or twice daily; iron, 20mg to 30mg iron daily for up to three months (no longer as it could have a toxic effect). BLOOD PRESSURE PILLS One treatment for high blood pressure is ACE inhibitors, drugs that dilate the blood vessels. Some of them — captopril (brand name, Capoten), enalapril, lisinopril (Zestril), quinapril (Accupro), ramipril (Tritace), fosinopril — attach themselves to the mineral zinc. But zinc in this ‘bound’ form is unable to replace the zinc the body needs for cell growth, utilising protein — important for hair growth — and boosting the immune system. It’s also essential in the manufacture of testosterone and has a protective effect on the prostate gland. RISK: Loss of sex drive, prostate problems, hair loss and slow wound healing. PROTECTION PLAN: Zinc, 15mg to 25mg a day. ANTIDEPRESSANTS The most common treatment is with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), thought to work by boosting levels of brain chemicals linked to mood. But these, such as paroxetine and fluoxetine (Prozac), may also lower the level of thyroid hormones vital for regulating metabolic rate, digestive functions and muscle control. They also help in mood and overall immune function. As hormone levels drop, the body needs more iodine, essential to their production. RISK: Hypothyroidism, depression, weight gain, lowered immunity. PROTECTION PLAN: Iodine, 12.5mg to 25mg a day.

•Side effects: Pills like ibuprofen can stop pain but also have health drawbacks

DIURETICS Often used for treating hypertension, heart failure and oedema (swelling) by increasing the amount of urine the kidneys produce. But you also lose plenty of minerals and nutrients.

One important vitamin is vitamin C, which boosts immunity and is essential for the healing of wounds. There’s also a loss of calcium which, along with being important for bones and teeth, helps you to burn fat more efficiently. RISK: Slow wound healing, depression, leg cramps, weight gain, brittle bones. PROTECTION PLAN: Vitamin C, 300mg to 2,000 mg (divided into two or three doses); calcium, 600mg a day with food. Risk: Women taking the contraceptive pill can be lacking in certain nutrients THE PILL AND HRT These work on hormone levels, but also indirectly, to destroy good bacteria in the gut that synthesises nutrients such as vitamin B6. Those taking oral contraceptives lack this nutrients, studies have shown. Vitamin B6 plays an integral role in heart health, sleep and mood. Zinc is also depleted. RISK: Insomnia, memory loss, irritability, heart disease, increased risk of cancer. PROTECTION PLAN: Probiotics, 10 billion CFU to 40 billion CFU, one to three times a day on an empty stomach, four hours before or after antibiotics; zinc, 15mg to 25mg a day; vitamin B6, 50mg, once or twice a day. DIABETES DRUGS This reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver, limits the amount of sugar absorbed from diet and makes insulin receptors more sensitive. But some types of medication — metformin (Glucophage), metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet), glipizide (Glibenese, Minodiab) — also reduce levels of haemoglobin, which can lead to low levels of vitamin B12, says one study. The drugs also appear to reduce levels of succinate dehydrogenase, and in turn, CoQ10. RISK: Anaemia, muscle cramps, fatigue, memory loss, irregular heartbeat. PROTECTION PLAN: CoQ10, 50mg to 200mg once or twice a day; Vitamin B12, 500 mcg to 1,000 mcg a day. Adapted from Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body Of Essential Nutrients by Suzy Cohen (Rodale Books, available from amazon.com)

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Coping with diseases

Your family health questions GOOD day Ma, I’m just lucky to read your column in the Nation’s newspaper where you discussed cardiovascular diseases and organs. Please Ma, I need your help and my problem goes thus: some three months ago I have an emotional shock that got my BP (160/100) high and since then I have been on one drug or the other, some one month ago I’m feeling pain on my chest and I was asked to do ECG and Chest X-ray. The result of the ECG showed inflammation on the left side of the heart but the chest X-ray says lung is ok and heart is at the normal position. I have been coughing for the past 2 weeks now and it used to be very much especially in the morning time. Some two days ago I started feeling itch on my body and there are some rashes, so also the chest pain is still there. Please I need your medical advise on how to receive proper attention for my predicament. When I met a doctor yesterday I was asked to go for another chest X-ray, ECG, and do cholesterol and FBS test which I will go for all tomorow, Monday. Moreover what could be the cause of the inflammation and how can I get it adequately treated before it leads to something else. Please help me. God will always attend to your own too. I will be glad to have your reply. Thank you T. A. laiman

will always be disappointments, losses, failures, difficulties, sorrows, adversaries, and negativities. Once you accept this fact, you are a healthy man because you will tend towards coping mechanisms. If you tend towards a psyche of denial, expecting everything to be beautiful and painless always, you will end up experiencing the shocks of reality and this translates into ill health on your physical body. Prevention is always better than cure. If you let your blood pressure shoot up, you have to take drugs, drugs have side effects, and maybe you compound the matter by taking harmful herbal medicines, and the story goes on. If you have a compounded health problem, you might need to “marry” your doctor. Both of you have to work at the problem for as long as it takes. Be trusting, be submissive, be faithful, follow instructions, and peacefully hope for positive developments. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor anything including side effects of treatments or let him or her know if you feel disappointed. Apply your body, mind, and spirit to the healing process and all will be well.

Dear Reader, First, you must learn to experience life peacefully. There

Dear Reader, Since your doctor has put

OU can feel better when you have heart failure by taking your medicines as directed, having a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding things that make heart failure worse. Taking medicines Take your medicines as directed. If you don’t, your heart failure may get worse, or you may get sudden heart failure. Avoiding Medicines that make symptoms worse. Take a low-dose aspirin every day if your doctor advises it to prevent a stroke or heart attack. But higher doses of aspirin may make your heart failure worse. So talk to your doctor first about how much to take. Having a healthy lifestyle. Limit sodium by eating Less Salt Low-Salt Diets: Eating Out Heart failure: Activity and exercise. Exercise regularly. If you aren’t already active, your doctor may want you to start exercising. You could do it in a program or on your own. Try to do activities that raise your heart rate. Aim for at least 2½ hours of moderate exercise a week. One way to do this is to be active at least 10 minutes three times a day, five days a week. You can start slowly if you haven’t exercised much before. Check your weight at the same time every day.

Good morning Madam, I saw your write up in The Nation paper. Please, I am suffering from dizziness, I have gone for test: PVC and WBC, typhoid, malaria. The Doctor says no problem. He gave me Astyfer. Please prescribe medicine for dizziness for me.

with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

An apple a day keeps the doctor away... as long as you eat the peel you through various tests and assures you there is no problem, you should examine your environment to see if there is something that makes you dizzy. For example, I know that aspartame, which is added to manufactured foods especially packaged drinks can cause dizziness. It is an artificial low calorie sweetener about 200 times sweeter than cane sugar. If you consume too many of such products at once, you can seriously suffer from dizziness. If it is not something in your diet, it may be something in your environment. You may be dehydrated from excessive exposure to the sun, excessive sweating, or because of diarrhea. If it is neither your diet nor your environment maybe you have a problem with your inner ear which is the organ responsible for our sense of balance or you may have blood pressure problems. Malnutrition and anemia could also be contributing factors. First study your symptoms, e.g. if you feel light headed and weak, if you feel like things are spinning around you (vertigo), if things get black and you black out. The major causes of dizziness are lack of blood supply to the brain or inner ear (sense of balance) disturbances. Secondly, examine your lifestyle for contributing factors. I don’t know if your dizziness is sudden and subsiding, chronic, severe, situational, etc. The more accurately you describe your

symptoms to your doctor and inform him/her about your lifestyle, the easier it is for the doctor to help you. You may have other health conditions such as migraine, allergy, heart condition and low blood pressure, or tumor that cause dizziness. You may be taking a medicine that produces dizziness as a side effect. The inner ear could be infected, for example through poor bathing water. Lack of balance or vertigo is generally a middle ear problem. You see that diagnosis is not always straight forward. Your doctor can help you best if you are already trying to help yourself and can give him or her necessary leads. The drug your doctor gave you, Astyfer® is for anemia. It helps to build up the blood. Therefore you may have malnutrition problems. You may continue to feel dizzy even after taking the drug because the drug does not work on its own. You still need to eat. The drug is a supplement to the food you eat. If you are a woman, you should also consider the effect of menstrual blood loss. Sometimes, better life is simply more sources of income to put more and better food on your table, not medicines. It would be professionally in correct for me to prescribe a medicine for you but I beg you to try to eat more and better. I am sure you can find a way to earn some more money for that purpose. Good luck and be strong.

Living with heart failure Try to lose weight if you are overweight. Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly will help you lose weight. Even a few pounds can make a difference. Stop smoking: Smoking increases your risk for heart disease and makes it harder to exercise. Avoid secondhand smoke too. Avoid too much alcohol: This means drinking no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Limit your fluids if needed. Oxygen treatment: Your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy to reduce your shortness of breath and increase your ability to exercise. Heart failure: Avoiding triggers for sudden heart failure. Avoid triggers, such as too much salt (sodium) and certain medicines that can cause sudden heart failure. Treating your sleep problems Many people with heart failure have trouble sleeping. Your doctor may be able to find out what is causing your sleep problems and help you get a good night’s sleep. Getting help for prob-

lems with sex Most people with heart failure can still have an active sex life. But sexual problems are common. Your interest may drop, or you may have shortness of breath or other symptoms that limit your ability to have sex. Men may have erection problems. Talk to your doctor. You can get help for erection problems or other sexual troubles. Other things you can do to take care of yourself Get help for depression and anxiety if you have them. Heart failure can be hard on your emotions. Many people with heart failure feel depressed or anxious. Try some tips for easier breathing Avoid respiratory infec-

tions. Stay up-to-date on vaccines for flu and pneumonia. Learn how to make activities like work, exercise, and travel easier. Work with your team of health professionals. Help for caregivers It can be rewarding to help a loved one with heart failure. But it’s also a lot of work. And it can be hard emotionally. If you are taking care of a loved one, make sure that you also take care of yourself. This can mean taking breaks by getting help from family or friends. You also may be able to use respite care. These services provide someone who will stay with your loved one while you get out of the house for a few hours.

N apple a day really could keep the doc tor away - as long as you don’t throw away the peel. The chemical behind the apple skin’s waxy shine has been credited with a host of health benefits from building muscle to keeping the lid on weight. Ursolic acid also keeps cholesterol and blood sugar under control, meaning an apple a day could do wonders for all-round health. Researcher Christopher Adams said: ‘Ursolic acid is an interesting natural compound. It’s part of a normal diet as a component of apple peels. ‘They always say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away…’ Dr Adams, a US expert in how hormones affect the body, set out to find a drug that stops muscles from wasting, keeping pensioners strong as they age and cutting their risk of painful falls and hard-to-heal fractures. He said: ‘Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and ageing. ‘It prolongs hospitalisation, delays recoveries and in some cases events people from going back home. ‘It isn’t well understood and there’s no medicine for it.’ In order to remedy the situation, Dr Adams, of the University of Iowa, studied the genetic changes that occur when muscles waste or atrophy. He checked a pool of 1,300 chemicals for one that would counter the changes – and hit on ursolic acid. The researcher then supplemented some mice’s normal diet with small amounts of the compound and subjected them to a battery of health tests. The creature’s muscles got bigger and their grip became stronger. And the benefits didn’t end there. The mice fed the apple peel chemical had lower levels of cholesterol and other blood fats blamed for clogging up the arteries and damaging the heart – and had around a

third less body fat. It is thought that ursolic acid enhances the effects of insulin and insulinlike growth factor 1, two hormones key to muscle growth. Ursolic acid is particularly concentrated in apple peel but is also found in cranberries and prunes and in basil, oregano and thyme. Dr Adams said: ‘We know that if you eat a balanced diet like mom told us to eat you get this material. People who eat junk food don’t get this.’ He added that this goal is to figure out if apple peel is as good for people as it is for mice – and work out how many apples people might need to help to make their muscles bulge and their waistlines shrink. If large amounts of ursolic acid are required, it is likely that people will have to take it in concentrated form, either as a supplement or a drug. Reporting his findings in the journal Cell Metabolism, Dr Adams said: ‘Given the current lack of therapies for muscle atrophy, we speculate that ursolic acid might be investigated as a potential therapy for illness-related and age-related muscle atrophy.’ Obesity and diabetes might also be in its grasp, he added. Other recent research has credited apple a day with keeping the undertaker away – at least in flies. Fruit flies given an apple extract live 10 per cent longer and found it easier to walk, climb and move about as they aged. The apple extract also cut levels of various biochemicals found in older fruit flies and linked to age-related deterioration and approaching death. And researchers who quizzed thousands of women about their diets found that those who regularly ate apples were around 20 per cent less likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

s e h c t a w y r u x u L e r a n e m o w h s i l sty crazy about D

O you know the fad among ladies when it come s to wrist accessories? It is no other than the masculine shaped wrist watches with wide straps! There are many famous brands; most of them are Swiss bands. Some are considered to be luxury watches which are made of gold or platinum or other costly materials. Wearing these

watches surely makes one stand out from the crowd. It stands to mention that the new trend is not likely to be liked by everyone because some critics are convinced that the new fad doesn’t look feminine. Well, tastes differ, and most of our leading fashionistas are rocking the look already for its status, elegant and handsome appearance. The new wrist watch fad looks quite nice.

•Michael Kors steel chronograph

•Nike OshinowoSoleye

•Monaco

Fashion News Household ware exhibition opens

dam & Eve, a one-stop shop for household equipment, has rebranded to cater for the needs of upwardly mobile and high class people with top of the range products. Adam & Eve Exotic Gallery Exhibition 2011 will hold next Friday at the flagship office in Ikeja. The name Adam and Eve evokes originality, authenticity, simplicity and exquisiteness being the first man and woman created by God in the Garden of Eden according to the Bible. So what would you expect to see in a 21st century piece of Adam & Eve? A visit to the homeware shop will thrill you as you’ll want to take something home from the different range of products in the dinning, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, leather, outdoor, gifts and children sections and hope to come again The owner, Mrs, Ogunlesi, said one thing at the bottom of her mind was for every Nigerian home to have a piece of Adam and Eve. “You might not be able to come in and buy everything you like here, but you can walk around and take a look at the products that can beautify your home. My desire is that anybody I see should have a piece of Adam & Eve shop in their homes.

Lagerfeld Champagne glass Karl Lagerfeld is designing a line of glassware. A Lagerfeld Champagne glass will cost over $130, naturally. •Karl

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Pocket square retro

pocket square or handkerchief makes suit/ jacket stand out from the rest of the outfits. It adds a bit of interest to one’s appearance without it looking like one is trying to be hard. A suit pocket handkerchief can be worn in both casual and formal settings. It all depends on the design and pattern

of the suit. It is important that the handkerchief be ironed However, men are once again rediscovering the art of first. sporting a pocket square. In the past, Nigerian men regarded the breast pocket And for the past three to four years, Nigerian men have on their suit as an extra place to store sunglasses or pens. regarded the pocket square as a fashion statement. Some men don’t even undo the stitching in the pocket Add a tie to the suit for added style. that comes with a new suit.

•Groom men’s lapel

•Tee A

•Jim Ovia

•Chidi Mokeme

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Heavyweights who will b as seventh National A For a number of reasons, the seventh Senate which was inaugurated on Monday will be missing no fewer than a dozen of some of the brightest minds that graced the hallowed chamber in the last session. The same applies to lower chamber, the House of Representatives. GBADE OGUNWALE and ONYEDI OJIABOR, both Assistant Editors, report.

The Senate

•Aminu

•Makarfi

•Ude

IBRIL Aminu (Adamawa Central):

Aminu was first elected into the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 fresh from his ambassadorial posting to the United States of America. He chaired the committee on Foreign Affairs between 2003 and 2007 and retained the position between 2007 and 2011 when he was re-elected into the upper legislative chamber. The highly respected professor of medicine attempted to return to the Senate once again in the 2011 elections but was effectively blocked by the power brokers in his na-

tive Adamawa State who felt they had had enough of him. Apparently pained by what he described as the manipulation that characterised the primary election in his district, Aminu went to town to denounce the Ademawa chapter of the PDP to the extent of warning his constituents against voting for the party. But his campaign did not yield the desired result, as former Deputy Governor of the state, Bello Tukur defeated him in the primary election. The much younger Tukur has since taken the professor’s seat. For the eight years he sojourned in the Senate, Aminu comported himself as a statesman. He demonstrated deep understanding of foreign policy issues and despite his advanced age, he was abreast of contemporary global issues, especially as they affect Nigeria. Tukur may not head the Foreign Affairs committee in the new dispensation but he has a great deal of work to do to fill the vacuum left by Aminu’s exit. The old man’s meticulous services will surely be missed in the seventh Senate.

Teslim Folarin (Oyo Central): The reticent former Senate Majority Leader spent eight consecutive years in the Senate where he sharpened his political instincts on the job. Despite his young age, Folarin was able to manage the enormous responsibilities heaped on his young shoulders by virtue of his position as leader of the majority party in the Senate. He was one of the few members who placed much premium on party loyalty and discipline. His humility and levelheadedness earned him the respect of many of his colleagues. He was instrumental to the stability in the leadership of the last Senate and was credited with working as a bridge between the executive and the legislature in harnessing the various bills that emanated from the two arms. Folarin lost out in the primary election in his Oyo central district and he only escaped a contrived murder rap by the skin of the teeth. In what could be described as tit-for-tat, Folarin was reported to have played a role in the defeat of the former Oyo Governor, Adebayo AlaoAkala, in the April 2011 governorship election. Critics of the former governor had been unwavering in their criticism of the flamboyant Akala who they accused of governing the state with policy blueprints brought in from the motor park. The Oyo central district seat has now been taken over by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ayo Adeseun of the Action Congress of Nigeria. Adeseun cannot replace Folarin as Senate Majority Leader, but he is coming in with a record of performance and legislative competence that will also be useful to the upper chamber. Bassey Ewa Henshaw (Cross River South): Henshaw was twice elected on the platform of the PDP from 2003 to 2007 and 2007 to 2011. Judging by his performance in the Senate, many were surprised that he did not scale the primary election in his district. Watching him in plenary and at committee assignments, Henshaw was one of the few senators that demonstrated deep intuition on contemporary issues. He is a man with probing analytical mind and his understanding of topical issues was commendable. He exhibited a great deal of insight when the Senate

investigated the activities of the Federal Capital Territory between 1999 and 2007. As a member of the committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Henshaw’s deep intuition and incisiveness got registered in the minds of many. As chairman of the Committee on Water Resources, Ewa Henshaw discharged his duties creditably and he courted no scandal throughout his eight-year sojourn in the Senate. He has been replaced by a fellow PDP man, Bassey Otu, an immediate past member of the House of Representatives. Though not a legislative neophyte, Otu has a job to do to match Henshaw’s sharp intellect.

Anyim Ude (Ebonyi North): He was elected to the Senate for the first time in 2007 and discharged his duties with dignity and respect. A no nonsense senator with very few friends, the period Ude chaired the Aviation Committee was a memorable one. A meticulous fellow with instincts for details, Ude piloted the affairs of the committee to the admiration of many Nigerians. He felt no qualms when he rightly ordered the arrest of two former ministers and foreign contractors right within the National Assembly complex when he chaired the investigation into contract scams in the aviation ministry running into several billions of naira. If his committee’s recommendations on the probe were to be implemented to the letter, the country would have been able to recover huge sums of taxpayers’ resources frittered away by top government officials and their collaborators. He was moved to the Committee on Works at the tail end of the session but could not do much there owing to time constraint. He was not known to be involved in any unwholesome practices that a few of his colleagues were known for. His replacement, Christopher Chukwuma, 69 who, is also coming in for the first time may need a hand over note from Ude to guide him.

•Folarin

•Henshaw

Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna North): Makarfi was one of the brightest minds in the upper legislative chamber. Though a first time senator, he handled his legislative duties like someone who had been there all his life. A shrewd professional accountant, the former Kaduna State governor knew his onions when it comes to finance-related issues. His inquisitive mind and sound reasoning became an asset in the performance of his job. He grilled former Central Bank Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in one of the occasions the ex-chief banker appeared before the Senate to shed light on the financial health of the nation’s banking sector at a time the banks were perceived to be undergoing some stress. Makarfi had told Soludo that he was being economical with the truth in his claim that Nigerian banks were so buoyant that they could withstand the rash of distress that swept through the industry across the industrialised world at the time. He had argued that if the banks in the US could be folding up, there was no way Soludo could give Nigerian banks such clean bill of health. Makarfi was proved right when Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who succeeded Soludo dug up the rot in the sector shortly after he assumed responsibility as CBN governor. Whichever way one looks at it, Makarfi proved himself a good lawmaker. Incidentally, his seat has been taken by Datti Baba Ahmed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Ahmed himself is not new on the job. He has

•Bajomo

just graduated from the House of Representatives to the Senate. Let him continue where Makarfi stopped.

Kola Bajomo (Ogun West): Felix Kola Bajomo will also be missed for his expertise in banking- related matters. As vice chairman of •Continued on page 58

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

l be missing in action l Assembly takes off House of Reps

N the House of Representatives, the four years was characterised by the good, the bad and the ugly. Some heavyweights of the sixth session of the lower chamber will however be missing in action as the seventh session of the Green Chamber takes off. They were the movers and shakers of the sixth session who fell by the way side. The names of some of them may not be forgotten in a hurry due to their action or inaction. While some of them kept the fire of the sixth session burning, others sustained the heat in the House to the discomfort of not a few.

Oladimeji Sabur Bankole (Abeokuta South Federal Constituency) First elected into the House in 2003 and reelected in 2007, Dimeji surprised bookmakers when he emerged Speaker on November 1, 2007 to replace Particia Etteh who was forced to step side. Until his election as speaker, Dimeji was not a regular face in the chamber. Rather than the chamber, he was a familiar face at a popular eatery close to the chamber. All that however changed when his level changed. With the election of the exArmy officer turned politician as speaker came determination, passion, eagerness and enthusiasm to make a mark. His first major task as speaker was how to rebuild camaraderie and confidence among members due to the turbulence that trailed his emergence. He attempted to weather the storm of initial opposition but did not quite succeed as those who felt fatally bruised in the House power game did not give him any breathing space. His temperament and disposition to issues did not help matters. Some said he lacked patience and tolerance. Others saw him as highhanded and unyielding. Yet others described him as arrogant. But he once said that what some saw as arrogance was actually confidence. But quite frankly, he had no time to listen while his tenure lasted. Some said he spoke to himself and listened to himself. That may explain why he failed to observe the landmines laid for him by the big toes he stepped on within and outside the chamber in the course of his duty. He fought many battles, some of them avoidable. What you cannot deny him though is his zeal to get the work done. He was always on the neck of committee chairmen to turn in their reports on committee activities. It is to his credit that under his leadership, over N1trillion was returned to government coffer as unspent funds by ministries, departments and agencies. That was the first time in the history of the country that such money, usually pocketed by some crafty civil servants, will be returned to government purse. But it is also true that his tenure was characterised by some of the worst controversies you can imagine though he was able to carry on till the end. Perhaps, he relied too much on his confidence hence he made some costly mistakes. But like he was wont to say, it is not so much about mistakes, but how one handles them afterwards. The mistakes may be part of what landed him into Economic and Financial Crimes Commission net on the eve of the inauguration of the seventh session of the House. He made attempt to return to the House but failed. He may still be wondering what went wrong. No doubt, he will be missed by those who admired his style of leadership.

Usman Bayero Nafada (Dukku/ Nafada Constituency) The Gombe State-born politician will be missing in action in the seventh House of Representatives. Nafada set his eyes on Gombe State Government House to succeed Governor Mohammed Danjuma Goje after his tenure as deputy speaker. It was a tall dream as Goje had a preferred candidate in the person of Ibrahim Dankwabo. Nafada was not even allowed to scale through the

•Bankole

•Nafada

•Etteh

•Akogun

who attempted to rock the boat. More often than not, Speaker Bankole relied on him to pilot the affairs of the House. He employed his sense of humour to lighten the weight of lawmaking to the admiration of most members of the House. But some members felt that he had a way to take some jokes too far. Nafada’s stabilising influence will be missing in the seventh House.

Patricia Olubunmi Etteh (Ayedaade/ Irewole/Isoka Constitueny) Another person that will be missing in the seventh House is Patricia Etteh. Mama Etteh was first elected into the House in 1999 and was in the chamber for 12 years. She was not very visible in her first four years in the parliament even as minority whip. She however built enormous confidence after the first four year stint in the parliament and was rewarded with the position of Deputy Chief Whip in 2003-2007. As if that was not enough, she also emerged the South West caucus leader and Chairman, Caucus of Female Parliamentarians of the National Assembly. The biggest was yet to come for the beautician turned politician. In 2007, she was elected Speaker although it was short-lived. Some said her election as speaker was made possible by powers from above. But her short tenure was dramatic as it was turbulent. Most members in the male dominated House saw her as an impostor. A particular member from the northern part of the country vowed never to bow in front of the authority of the House, the mess. To the member, bowing in front of the mess was as good as bowing to Etteh. It did not take long before a N628 million contract scam was slammed on her neck. The self-tagged Farouk Lawan Integrity Group spearheaded the allegation. Etteh did not wriggle out of the scandal until she was forced to throw in the towel on October 30, 2007. Though she was visibly bitter over the turn of events, she persevered while sitting on the popular side in the House. She was assigned a seat in the front row apparently to make her feel good. She made her contributions quite alright during debates but beneath the seeming all is well appearance was bitterness. Some said it is natural for one to feel bad if one felt unjustly injured. Etteh showed how bad she felt over the allegation of wrongful contract award when she opened up on the issue at the valedictory session of the House a forth night ago. “I want to put the record straight. I have not been indicted. I want the House to pass a resolution that I am not guilty. We have the right to educate Nigerians. I have never stolen a penny belonging to the House of Representatives or Nigeria. “Mr. Speaker, nobody under the sun is capable of tarnishing my image. I heeded the words of my advisers not to open my mouth to talk. There was no decision taken since 1999 till 2007 that I did not know about. I want to challenge the House and the House of Representatives Clerk who was the Legal Adviser of this National Assembly to release any records against me if there is any. The contract that I awarded has now been reawarded since. But for how much? If I have offended anybody since 1999, please forgive me. Contrary to what Nigerians have been told, I did not steal anything. In fact Nigerians should apologise to me,” Etteh thundered. The House promptly discharged and acquitted her of any wrong doing. Perhaps the only thing remaining is for the House to tell Nigerians why Etteh was removed as speaker having been washed clean.

Tunde Akogun (Akoko Edo Constituency)

•Melaye

•Obahiaghon

Peoples Democratic Party primary in the state. He was roundly defeated by forces loyal to Goje in the primary election. He retreated to continue his functions in the House. ‘Able Deputy Speaker,’ as he was fondly referred to by his colleagues, Nafada replaced reticent Babangida Nguroje as Deputy Speaker of the House on November 1, 2007. He gave his all in the service of the House as he was always there whenever his principal was away. More than any thing else, he brought his wealth of experience to bear during the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. As co-chairman (?) of the Constitution Re-

view Committee of the National Assembly, Nafada ensured that nothing went wrong with the constitution amendment. Even when the amendment suffered initial set back due to unnecessary rivalry over the chairmanship of the review committee, he helped in no small measure to put the review process on track. No doubt, when the history of the first successful constitution amendment will be written, Nafada’s name will be part of the footnote. Besides constitution amendment, he was also a loyal deputy. There was never a time he showed any sign of a second in command

Akogun, a retired military officer and former Minister of State, is another member of the sixth House that will be missing in the seventh House. He was first elected into the House in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. He emerged the House Leader to the discomfort of some members from Edo State particularly Ehiogie West Idahosa. Idahosa also wanted the same position. Akogun was mostly uninspiring as House Leader. He might have been contented with leading debates on government-sponsored bills and no more. Some described him as an armchair House Leader. He lacked spark and was mostly luke warm, neither hot nor cold. He might have been made House Leader on account of his age, unassuming conduct and to give wise counsel to the body of principal officers. But if he was chosen to lead House debates, he was not •Continued on Page 58

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Plateau: Still grappling to

HE last time Plateau State witnessed a major violent clash was in March 2011. There was no single incident of violence in the months of April and May when the general elections and the inauguration of the President, governors and other newly elected political office holders took place. It was only on Thursday, June 9, that a fresh attack by gunmen in Juwl village of the Riyon Local Government Area of the state left two people dead. Given the situation in the state in recent years, this was an unusually long period of peace, particularly because the 2011 elections in the state had been predicted by election monitors, security agencies, non-governmental organisations and political pundits in general to be bloody. But contrary to their predictions, the dreaded period turned out to be the most peaceful in the state during Gov. Jonah Jang’s four-year-old administration. There had been an outbreak of violence in the last two months of 2008, following the local government elections. But the state government was able to contain the tide of violence throughout 2009, as the state recorded no conflict. But while the state government was about to celebrate 12 months of uninterrupted peace in January 2010, a fresh crisis erupted and the state knew no peace throughout the year. As it turned out, the ugly trend persisted until the first quarter of 2011. But today, a new lease of life exists in the tin city of Jos. Life appears to have returned to normal and residents are going about their businesses unmolested. There seems to have been an end to the regimented lives of indigenes. There has been neither curfew nor the shoot-on-sight order. Unusually, the people are enjoying a life that is free for 24 hours of the day. Gone now seem the days when terrorists circulated text messages, declaring their plans to engage parts of the state in one form of reprisal attack or the other. There are no more rumours of “anfara!”the Hausa word that literally means “they have started”. For about two months now, residents of the city have been sleeping with their two eyes closed. But how did the violent conflicts that had claimed hundreds, if not thousands of lives, come to a sudden end? It is a question one could answer by taking a look at the efforts the stakeholders in the state made towards resolving the crises. These include the Hausa, the Berom, the state government, religious leaders and the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crises code named Operation Safe Haven. The STF was introduced into the crises by President Goodluck Jonathan while he was the Acting President of the country while his predecessor, the late President Yar’Adua, was undergoing medical treatment abroad. The introduction of the STF became imperative as the government was unable to stem the tide of violence consuming citizens on a high scale. But even with the presence of the STF, the killings in Jos did not abate as feuding parties refused to sheathe their sword and the blood of the innocence flowed on the streets. With the poor result of the STF, the Federal Government re-organised it by making it a command on its own, with the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division, BrigGen. Hassan Umaru becoming its first commander. But that strategy too failed to stop the outbreak of violence in the state. As at January 2011 when the STF was one year old, it could hardly point to anything except the flow of blood and the increased number of casualties and spate of attacks. It got to the extent that in 2010, women protested and called for the withdrawal of the task force. Students of

•Plateau women calling for peace.

•Air Marshal M.D Umar arriving Jos

Yusufu AMINU IDEGU, Jos the University of Jos and those of the state polytechnic joined in the clamour for its dissolution. Their lecturers under the auspices of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) later joined in the call. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was even more vociferous in its call on the STF to quit. The youths in the state went beyond protest. They physically attacked the members of the STF, chasing them from their beat and burning their tents out of frustration. In the face of these pressures and demands on the STF to perform or quit the state, the STF commander insisted that all hope was not lost in the efforts to achieve peace in the state. The commander said: “The attacks against us are misplaced and unwarranted. The issue is that everything that goes wrong in the state is blamed on us. It has been like that for long. People say we have to go. Another set of troops are coming in to replace the old one. We need to rotate them so as to achieve a good result in peace making. “We are not the cause of violence in the state. We are sent by the Federal Government to bring peace back to the state. We will not withdraw on our own until the Federal Government asks us to do so. And the government will not dissolve us based on mere media reports. “As a military officer, I’m not worried by such calls to remove us from Jos. It is normal. Let people have their say. It is their right to complain or express themselves. But I will advise that people should allow the Federal Government and those in authority to handle the issue appropriately.

•STF members discussing a strategy

“I have been talking to my men. A lot of other things have been confronting us because we have some indisciplined men we have to accommodate. But all I know is that a time will come when all what we are talking about now will become a thing of the past because one day, total peace will be restored here. That is what we want to achieve. That is our mandate. We are not leaving until we achieve that.” True to the words of the STF commander, in January 2011, the Federal Government effected a change of the troops and members of the STF. Not only did the the government change the troops, the number was also increased with a promise to provide logistics to enhance its operations. Shortly after that, new trucks and pickups as well as other equipment arrived. By the end of February 2011, the STF had received about 50 new patrol vehicles from the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. Before the April

2011 general elections, the STF had received all the 100 new patrol vans expected to enhance its operations. Prior to the arrival of the operational facilities, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, visited Jos to address the new troops. He urged them to bring results by being proactive in nipping crises in the bud before they exploded, so as to reduce the rate of human casualties. The Chief of Army Staff held a closed door meeting with Governor Jang. He later held another closed door meeting with the STF commander, as well as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Armoured Divison, Maj. Gen Sunday Idoko, before addressing the new troops. The COAS told men of the STF:”The job you are doing here is very important for the survival of Nigeria. This is why the government is determined to provide all the support you require.

We do not want you to wait until the conflict degenerates before you take action. As much as possible, what we expect is to nip problems in the bud. We don’t want to be reactive all the time. “This batch of soldiers has been trained to be of good behaviour to ensure that you obey and observe all the principles of internal security, such as impartiality in whatever you do, obedience to orders, use of minimum force and all the rest principles you have been told. “I have just concluded an interactive session with all the sector commanders, and we have exchanged ideas on the problems associated with this particular crisis. We have arrived at a number of decisions that will help to improve our performance. “Many more vehicles are coming so as to make your patrol effective. We are not going to leave you in Jos for too long. But for the period you are here, you have to do your job professionally. “I will not tolerate any form of religious or ethnic bias in carrying out your job. I am sure all these have been emphasised during the training. At this point, I want to tell you that we will monitor closely the activities of every one of you here to ensure that you meet high professional standards. Let me also tell you that failure to react to crisis situations or to distress calls is a serious offence and will be viewed seriously. “All officers must be very close to the soldiers to ensure the effective performance of this task. You are assured of the provision of all the logistics for effective performance.” Ihejirika also advised the people of the state thus: “Let me seize this opportunity to call on the good people of Plateau State and all Nigerians living in this state to cooperate with the military and other security agencies involved in this operation, to provide vital information that will help to prevent crises and to desist from raising false alarms. “We have witnessed enough bloodshed in Jos and its environs, and it should be the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that we do not have the continuous loss of lives in this state. I have warned them against failure. Sometimes, a false alarm can inflame the crisis. And there are some pronouncements from politicians which also instigate crises. I am hereby calling on Plateau people to shun violence.” The COAS denied that the outgoing troops had failed in their assignment in Jos. “The soldiers have fared well, else the situation in the state would have been different. There are numbers of terrible situations that have been saved, even within the past week. Soldiers have responded to attacks, and from the arms recovered, you will agree they have done well. They recovered several quantities of AK 47 in the past one week, and some other dangerous weapons being used by all the warring factions. “The management of civil internal security situation is civil-led. Just yesterday, we had a meeting of the National Security Council, chaired by the Vice President, Namandi Sambo, and was attended by the governor of Plateau State and other state governors. “A number of actions have been outlined. My training is to concentrate on the military aspect of the actions to be taken. This is why I called on the civilians to cooperate more with the military because the military will act on information available to them. “So, the more people cooperate, the more willing is the military to assist them. The change of guard is a routine one in our operation. We are not changing them because they have failed. They did their best and there is always room for improvement. We are pained each time somebody is

1, 2011

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

keep the peace

•STF spokesman, Captain Ekocha, showcasing their discovery to newsmen in Jos.

•The truck suspected to be carrying explosive devices.

•STF members

killed because if we are here to safeguard lives and properties and people are still being killed, we feel pains. But I want to tell you that the military cannot perform magic. From the briefing I got, killings are still going on in some parts of the state. These killings are being perpetrated by hoodlums from both sides. It is not the military that will stop the crises. The military will help to control it, but the people of the state must come together to resolve to stop the killings. “I have spoken with the governor of the state. I have also outlined measures aimed at involving the people themselves. So, the people will come together. My officers have done well to talk to all the stakeholders. But in the midst of all these, some politicians make certain statements that fuel the crises. My men have done well, but our goal is to do better than we have done before.” Obviously, a combination of the order of the COAS and the provision of operational facilities to the STF marked a turning point in their operations. This subsequently resulted in successes for the STF. One of its major successes was the arrest of a truck load of explosives. A truck with registration number Kano XH 379 KMC was loaded with 15,000kg of ammonium nitrate (25kg +600), 50,000kg of Cordex Fuse (500x100caton) and 5,000 pieces of electric detonator (100pcs x 5 cases). Other dangerous substances in the truck were 1,000 pieces of cord relays (25 mg 1 case), 80 electronic detonators and 775 kg of super power - 25 mm and 5 pieces of drilling rod. The STF revealed that with the 15, 000 ammonium nitrate alone, the substance could be used to produce at least 100 bombs. This truck of explosives was still being detained by the STF at press time Apart from the truck load of explosives, they discovered several other Jos-bound explosives, which if not discovered, would have been used for attacks. But since the STF commenced the arrest and detention of such explosives, the state had been saved from bomb explosions.

•Arms recovered from militants.

Close to the series of arrest of explosives supply to Jos, the STF discovered a bomb manufacturing firm in the town. This single discovery was a major check on potential bloodshed in the state. After raiding the secret firm located in a private residence at Millionaire’s Quarters, off British American Junction, Murtala Muhammed Way, Jos North Local Government of Plateau State, the STF arrested the suspected manufacturers and their equipment. Media officer of the STF, Captain Charles Ekeocha told newsmen while parading the suspects and the equipment: “We recovered 20 equipment suspected to be used in bomb making and arrested three people in connection with the equipment at the Millionaires’ Quarters area of Jos North Local Government Area.”

•STF commander, Hassan Umaru

According to Capt. Ekeocha, “The equipment recovered included detonating cords, 33 electric detonators, PH meter to monitor temperature, a brief case containing PH meters, a handy lab and conical flask. Others are, two tronic machines, electrode, ERSA (Test tube), a small brief case containing injection-like tubes for bomb-making, pamphlet for instructions on bomb making, HAMEG counter for timing. “The others recovered also include telescopes, four axis oster, two extension wires, two battery chargers, Imasol cleaning oil for cleaning telescope, accessories, measuring wheel for lamp cord, a carton of dynamite, theodolite, safety fuse and 27 detonators.” One other aspect of crises the STF was able to overcome was the spate

of silent killings in Jos. But since the STF got hold of one of the suspects of silent killing, the criminal acts stopped. It was a practice that people poisoned food sources or water sources to avenge the death of loved ones in the series of crises. A suspect was sighted at about 8 am by a lady, trying to poison a public well with chemical. Close to that was the discovery by the STF of killing fields or zones hidden at strategic hideouts within the Jos city centre. There was a case when the STF had to exhume the corpse of a commercial motorcyclist lured and killed at one of the notorious zones in Jos. The suspects are currently facing trial. The STF confirmed that the case of silent killing had become frequent in the city and that the outfit had been looking out for perpetrators of such acts until this last incident. Above all, the STF had to devise a solution to night and guerilla attacks, like the one at Dogo Nahawa and numerous other Berom villages. In this light, the STF introduced the aerial surveillance with an Air Force helicopter. The constant aerial patrol discouraged the incidents of guerilla attacks in the state. In all, the desire of the Plateau State Government to restore permanent peace in the state cannot be over emphasised. Even before the commencement of conflicts in the state in 2008, Gov. Jang had made peace and security the first items on his 10-point agenda. The governor was aware of the antecedent of crises and the fragile security situation he inherited from his predecessor. This informed his decision to give security in the state the topmost priority. At a point, Jang had to sell the idea of an internal security arrangement to the Federal Government to enhance the effectiveness of the STF. The proposal was convincing enough that the government of President Jonathan did not hesitate to give approval to the Operation Safe Haven. The idea behind the setting up of the local security outfit was to engage the youths

of each community in the security of their environment and to work with the STF. The Director of Press to Gov. Jang, Mr. James Manok, described the initiative of the Operation Rainbow as “a security structure that is community-based and will remain a permanent security structure in the state. This is part of the state government’s long term plan on the crises in the state.” Manok added: “The current prevailing peace in the state was a result of government’s desire to achieve peace. It is a result consistent dialogue with stakeholders in the conflicts. In fact, Gov. Jang had to establish a special research office on peace and conflict resolution headed by a director general. “The achievement of peace also has to do with the resolve of the citizens of the state to live in peace with one another through the signing of peace agreements.” This belief was also corroborated by the spokesman of the STF, Captain Ekeocha, who said: “The most important thing is that people have agreed not to fight anymore. And that is what we have been preaching to them. You know we are not only here to enforce peace; we also appeal to the stakeholders to stop fighting, and I think they have heed our appeal and everybody is happy as life is going on normally. That is our overall target.” However, the warring factions are still waiting on government to redeem its promises to compensate victims of the crises. During the last northern governors’ meeting in Government House, Rayfield, Jos, a communiqué was issued. In it, the chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu, promised that the 19 northern governors had made it a point of duty to compensate the victims of the Jos crises. Gov. Babangida said then: “By compensation, we do not mean that the government is going to provide victims with all they lost in the crises. But we will provide a little that can help victims pick up their lives again.” This promise made within the last quarter of 2010 had raised the hope of the victims of the crises and translated into the people mounting pressure on the Plateau State Government with demands for compensation. The Fulani Cattle Breeders’ Association, under the auspices of Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association, has computed the cost of their lost cows to more than N40 million. Their national secretary, Alhaji Saleh Bayeri, said his people deserved compensation for their lost economic base. Saleh said: “I am happy peace is fast returning to the state, and I hope the Plateau State Government will be responsible enough to make it sustainable by doing the right thing.” The Forum of People of Southern Nigeria in Jos, consisting of the Yoruba, Igbo and South-South people, is also commending the federal and state governments for their combined efforts in restoring peace to the state. The president, Pa Ogunsuyi, and the co-ordinator, Elder Tunde Oladapo, are of the opinion that government will do more in sustaining the prevailing peace by compensating the victims of the crises. The forum is particularly requesting the Federal Government to channel the proceeds of the fund-raisers in respect of the victims of Jos crises and victims of Haiti flood disaster in 2009 to us. According to Elder Tunde Oladapo, “The Federal Government launched an appeal in 2009 for Nigerians to donate generous cash which would be used to compensate the victims of Jos crises and the Haiti flood disaster. We are aware that a lot of Nigerians responded to this appeal and billions of naira was collected. But up till now, nothing has got to the victims.” Oladapo asked President Jonathan to investigate the handling of the appeal funds with the aim of channelling them to the victims who are still trying to recover from their huge economic losses.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Heavyweights who will be missing in action as seventh National Assembly takes off The Senate high profile players in the financial sector before he got elected to the Senate in 2007 on the platform of the PDP. Many had held the belief that the committee would have done far better if Bajomo had chaired it for the reason that the achievement of any of the committees depends largely on the competence of its chairman. Bajomo proved a competent hand beyond doubts. For obvious reasons, he did not re-contest the April election. His seat has been taken by Akin Odunsi Babalola of the ACN. There is no doubt that Mr. Babalola will give a good account of himself. •Bello

•Mamora

•Continued from Page 54 the Committee on Banking, Insurance & other Financial Institutions, he displayed a good knowledge of the sector at every committee assignment. It could be fascinating listening to him as he reeled out facts and figures and predicting the outcome and consequences of certain vital decisions in the various financial institutions. His must have drawn positively from his background as a chartered accountant and he left no one in doubt that he was one of the •Continued from Page 55 there at all. He was at all times proestablishment.

Dino Daniel Melaye ( Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Constituency) Dino remained a recurring factor in the House until the last day. The former student union activist was first elected into the House in 2007. While in the House, he was a lawmaker with so many colours. While some liked to love him, others hated to love. But in whichever side you may be, Dino remained a factor that the leadership of the House could not ignore. Some described him as a rebel others saw him as a lawmaker with a nuisance value. But should every society not have its critics? Beginning with his failed attempt to frustrate the removal of Patricia Etteh as speaker of the House, Dino became uncontrollable. He kept the leadership of the House on its toes. He extended his radicalism to the activities of the Executive arm of government. A member described him as a “one man riot squad” for his knack in digging out controversial issues. Perhaps without him, most of the investigative probes the House launched could have been glossed over. Take for instance the N63 billion contract for resurfacing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway. Dino brought the issue to the attention of

Kanti Bello (Katsina North):

The political war horse and immediate past Chief Whip of the Senate was no doubt an experienced legislator. Bold and outspoken, the stormy Kanti Bello had remained a political gladiator over a period of time. His experience in legislative matters dates back to the Second Republic where he was elected a member of the federal legislature. A man less given to euphemism, Kanti Bello would never invent another name for a spade no matter the status of the character under scrutiny. Brash and intimidating, the Katsina-born politician brought colour to legislative business in his own way. Not one to run from a fight, the boisterous lawmaker earned the respect of many of his constituents through his legislative activism. His last four years in the upper legislative chamber could be adjudged productive if taken in the light of his trademark penetrative approach during the screening of the President’s nominees for the various offices. He will surely be missed by many of his colleagues that got re-elected. He recontested the seat in the last election but was roundly defeated by one Abdu Yandoma of the CPC.

Olorunnimbe Mamora (Lagos East): He was a legislator par excellence, an orator and clear headed thinker. Coming in after his tenure as Speaker of the Lagos State

Assembly, his first term from 2003 to 2007 was quite remarkable. He was about the most colourful legislator with sound and convincing arguments any time he made contributions on the floor. He chaired the Committee on Ethics and Privileges between 2003 and 2007 and became the Deputy Minority Leader in the 2007-2011 session. Suave and urbane, Mamora would remain one of the most articulate lawmakers to have passed through the Nigerian Senate for a long time to come. Deep, erudite and insightful, he held his audience spellbound each time he had the floor. This medical doctor turned politician was never caught flat footed in occasions requiring high quality thinking. His understanding of legislative business and rule application was outstanding just as his analysis of topical issues was enchanting. This moustached Lagos man of many letters was noted for his people-oriented disposition. Mamora did not re-contest the last election as he was reported to have voluntarily yielded the ticket to his friend and associate, Gbenga Ashafa also of the ACN. It is expected that Ashafa would rise to the occasion, having distinguished himself as a civil servant in the Lagos State service.

Effiong Bob (Akwa Ibom North East): This is one senator

majority of his returnee colleagues are going to miss for his candour and objectivity. He was a second-term senator whose humility and dedication to duty stood him out among the crowd. As chairman of the Senate Services Committee, he never soiled his hands despite the temptations from many quarters. This Akwa Ibom-born lawmaker was one of the senators who gave their best in championing the interests of their various constituencies. With a number of personally initiated constituency projects to his credit, Bob was recently adjudged the most responsive lawmaker in Akwa Ibom State by his people. His intellectual inclination came to the fore in 2010 when he authored and launched a book

House of Reps the House under a motion of national urgent importance. He did not relent until the contract cost was substantially reviewed downwards. But he was dazed when he led a group of other members to accuse the leadership of the House of misappropriating N9 billion capital vote of the House. If you thought that he would be deterred by the humiliating beating and subsequent suspension he received in the hand of his colleague, you missed it. He went to court in company with others who suffered the same fate with him. The court declared the suspension null and void and of no effect and asked the House to reinstate Dino and his suspended colleagues. The no love lost attitude between him and Speaker Bankole continued even on valedictory day. It will be difficult to predict the colour and character of the seventh House without Dino. While the new House leadership will prefer a House without Dino, members who valued his dexterity will greatly miss him.

Patrick Obahiagbon (Oredo Constituency) Patrick Obahiagbo, the ebullient word’s smith, was elected into the House Representatives in 2007 after serving as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly in 1999 to 2007. Fondly called Igodomigodo, Obahiagbon was another House

•Agoda

member you cannot afford to ignore. Speaker Bankole looked out for him at every sitting. Armed with extraordinary capacity to coin words, he dished out new words with reckless abandon to the amazement of his colleagues. It was a special gift and he knew it. Whenever tension was high in the House, he came in handy with his mesmerizing grammar. Bankole recognised his worth and used him effectively for his wisdom and knowledge as well as for his jovial disposition to issues. Through his captivating word creation, Obahiagbon was one of the stabilising forces the House

entitled, Independence of the Legislature in Nigeria: Matters Arising. The book was a classic and Bob, through the publication, was able to showcase his intellectual prowess and his thirst for academic excellence. The lawyer cum politician has since relocated to his chambers and perhaps looking forward to handling election petition briefs for some of his former colleagues. He may even combine writing with his legal practice for maximum effect. He was reported to have been tactically edged out of the Senate race apparently to check his rising political profile in Akwa Ibom State. His position in the Senate has been taken by one Ita Enang from the House of Representatives.

Anthony Manzo (Taraba North): This was another brilliant

member who was elected for the first time in 2007 with a PDP ticket. His four-year stay in the Senate was eventful and his contributions were quite inspiring. A medical doctor of many years and former ambassador, Manzo had a witty way of putting his message across. Very logical in his analysis of issues, he towered far above the other two senators from Taraba State. He was one of the members that did not make a habit of lobbying for positions or favours from the Senate leadership. He was not much in the public glare as he kept a low profile as vice chairman of the Committee on Information and Media. He did not get a return ticket to the Senate and his seat is presently being occupied by a female politician, Aisha Alhassan, also of the PDP.

Gbenga Ogunniya (Ondo Central): Apparently, this was one

of the few senators who did not catch the attention of many people owing to the fact that they operated mainly in the background. Ogunniya may not have been a plenary man but he was very active at the committee level. He was elected into the Senate for three terms of 12 years at a stretch. He is known to have contributed immensely to the development of his immediate constituency in terms of had. He was known to have calmed frayed nerves in the chamber whenever he had the opportunity to speak. However, his mastery and use of the English language almost earned him suspension once but for the deft steps Bankole took to save the day. Remember the “unreserved apologia” he tendered when members of the House accused him of breaching their privilege by referring to the attempt to amend the Electoral Act to make federal legislators automatic members of National Executive Committee (NEC) of political parties as “legislative rascality”. He attempted to justify the use of the phrase “legislative rascality” by explaining that engaging in something unethical amounted to rascality. But his colleagues would have none of that. To pacify them he said, “If members feel offended, I have unreserved apologia for them.” No doubt, Obahiagbon was a legislators’ legislator who would be immensely missed in the new House.

Cyril Dennis Maduabum (Nnewi North/Nnewi South/ Ekwusigo Constituency) Maduabum was first elected into the House in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. He became Chairman House Committee on Public Petitions, a committee most members of the House did not want to touch with a pole. The legal practitioner turned politician transformed and turned

•Bob

•Ogunniya

youth empowerment and skill acquisition. He was first elected in 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) but had defected to the PDP in 2003 where he re-contested the seat and won. He won the seat again with the PDP ticket in 2007. He was chairman of the Health Committee between 2003 and 2007 and chaired the Police Affairs Committee for a better part of the 20072011 session. He was moved to the Committee on Interior late last year. Ogunniya contested the last election but was defeated by Ayo Akinyelure of the Labour Party (LP) the committee around. In the last count, over 400 petitions were treated by the committee. Maduabum was also one member of the House whose views on issues were respected by the presiding officers and members alike. He used relevant sections of the constitution to reinforce his argument. He is definitely another member of the sixth House whose services will be missed.

John Halims Ochuko Agoda (Ethiope East/Ethiope West Constituency) Agoda was first elected into the House in 1999. He was a member of the House for 12 years. Perhaps he would have returned to the House but for his attempt to move higher by going to the Senate. The dream was cut short by other forces in Delta State as he failed to scale through PDP party primary. Agoda saw the parliament as a home to him. He debated issues with captivating passion. Always armed with his knowledge of the constitution, he spiced his contributions with quotations from relevant sections of the constitution. Like Maduabum, Agoda led the House to craft the Doctrine of Necessity which saw the then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, assume the position of Acting President and subsequently President at the demise of President Umaru Yar’Adua.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

CAPITAL MARKET

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-06-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 2 10 13

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50 7.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 8,000 4,000.00 200 100.00 217,350 1,709,131.90 225,550 1,713,231.90

Quotation(N) 2.42 8.61

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 19,523 49,588.42 276,461 2,360,474.76 295,984 2,410,063.18

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.41

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 54,246 27,123.00 35,449 85,579.96 89,695 112,702.96

Quotation(N) 7.30 1.09 5.57 3.70 7.50 2.62 13.41 0.54 15.90 10.22 0.93 1.20 0.84 8.20 0.91 1.79 6.25 2.07 0.80 0.98 15.05

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12,489,054 91,763,617.54 6,907,634 7,529,321.06 2,756,394 15,612,753.13 115,200 412,784.00 4,840,756 36,264,763.79 6,258,109 16,337,335.04 16,250,048 219,436,944.65 5,121,571 2,626,388.18 13,419,549 214,464,513.09 2,453,040 25,032,227.59 4,944,756 4,603,523.84 23,553,218 28,263,861.60 2,337,796 1,963,748.64 5,014,263 40,272,532.57 101,204 92,095.64 1,292,580 2,305,350.19 4,180,236 26,084,527.68 5,058,585 10,471,270.95 3,336,526 2,669,220.80 3,497,758 3,479,483.35 30,848,292 464,392,177.65 154,776,569 1,214,078,440.98

Quotation(N) 4.05 245.00 6.42 93.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 800 3,080.00 306,544 75,135,171.17 438,057 2,725,626.79 302,926 27,915,870.68 1,048,327 105,779,748.64

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 41 43 AUTOMOBILE & TYRE

Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 8 10

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 194 26 75 10 50 67 510 80 489 67 54 173 43 79 2 24 164 70 48 42 249 2,516

BANKING

BREWERIES Company Name CHAMPION BREWERIES PLC GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 45 22 91 159

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 55 38 19 30 142

Quotation(N) 23.52 10.40 132.00 47.27

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 319,934 7,529,294.15 1,090,362 11,448,393.84 738,322 97,443,849.34 188,173 8,917,246.25 2,336,791 125,338,783.58

Quotation(N) 3.16 10.97 30.96 1.52 10.93

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 3,010.00 30,121 314,162.03 58,038 1,886,235.00 465 674.25 9,469 103,442.17 99,093 2,307,523.45

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name AFRICAN PAINTS (NIG.) PLC BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 5 9 2 2 19

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 6 20

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.91

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 555,692 277,846.00 141,683 413,500.57 697,375 691,346.57

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 6.27

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 300 1,881.00 300 1,881.00

Stock market declines further ARKET activities remained sluggish yesterday with moderate transactions bounded by sell pressure from traders as well as individual investors. The records yesterday revealed significant increase in numbers of stocks that dropped but they were more in the region of low and mid capitalised stocks. Most valued and defensive stocks closed flat and did not provide serious momentum in terms of volume to the market. At the end of trade, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) ASI shed 63.26 points representing 0.25 per cent to close lower at 25,696.46. Likewise, the Market Capitalisation of 194 First-Tier listed equities loss N20.23 billion to close lower at N8.216 trillion. Total volume of transaction marginally increased to 330.13 million valued at N1.93 billion in 4,271 deals against 311.07 million worth N1.75 billion in 4,969 deals posted on Thursday. Growth in volume represents 6.13 per

By Tonia Osundolire

cent while value slide represent 10.29 per cent. Despite the drop recorded by the banking stocks, the sector remains the toast of investors with the highest volume of 154.777 million shares worth N1.214 trillion in 2,516 deals. This was followed by the media sector with 114.080 million shares worth N57.040 million in just five deals. Also the insurance recorded a high turnout with a distance figure of 33.065 million shares worth N74.217 mil-

‘Despite the drop recorded by the banking stocks, the sector remains the toast of investors with the highest volume of 154.777 million shares worth N1.214 trillion in 2,516 deals’

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-06-11 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

30 2 1 11 2 1 1 1 3 23 202

Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 5

No of Deals 4 38 47 38 50 177

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 75 75

Quotation(N) 2.20 36.11 0.90 39.99 28.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 25,500 53,295.00 205,525 7,418,699.30 6,063,074 5,411,872.82 114,436 4,557,331.36 403,901 11,308,321.16 6,812,436 28,749,519.64

Quotation(N) 3.86 56.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 209,600 809,056.00 69,144 3,906,211.00 278,744 4,715,267.00

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 8 17

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 4 5

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 3 10

Quotation(N) 2.05 0.73

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 81,150 167,476.50 6,173 4,561.10 87,323 172,037.60

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 44 68 80 62 24 54 14 34 8 8 410

Quotation(N) 46.00 19.10 17.54 14.00 90.00 4.55 6.49 41.08 400.49 0.50 0.66

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 17,623 797,973.48 305,940 5,851,623.44 228,936 3,996,514.35 974,015 13,643,287.15 746,143 67,153,361.50 274,508 1,234,288.61 617,656 4,044,007.58 118,465 4,866,542.20 38,270 15,390,364.57 1,102,000 551,000.00 40,144 25,680.72 4,463,700 117,554,643.60

Quotation(N) 2.07 28.35 4.00 1.87

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,087,446 2,253,551.68 500 13,470.00 74,362 283,245.60 13,266 23,613.48 1,175,574 2,573,880.76

Quotation(N) 1.35 4.53

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 343,540 469,733.00 500 2,155.00 344,040 471,888.00

HEALTHCARE Company Name FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 10 1 11 3 25

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 17 1 18 No of Deals 1 4 1 11 17 No of Deals 1 12 13

Quotation(N) 7.75 8.20 0.54 6.00

Quotation(N) 1.30

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 13,282 16,469.68 13,282 16,469.68

Quotation(N) 1.20

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,443,822 2,967,421.39 2,443,822 2,967,421.39

Quotation(N) 0.51 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,500 1,275.00 114,077,123 57,038,561.50 114,079,623 57,039,836.50

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 10 13

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.56

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.88 1.10 0.50 2.95 0.50 0.50 1.67 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.55 0.50 0.50

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.51

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 85,000 42,500.00 689,361 354,175.51 774,361 396,675.51

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 4 8 15

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.16 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 126,499 63,249.50 14,405 15,989.55 126,000 63,000.00 266,904 142,239.05

Quotation(N) 2.50 12.71 4.01 1.27 13.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 656,138 1,641,508.64 250 3,020.00 97,267 385,298.05 20,000 25,400.00 200 2,656.00 773,855 2,057,882.69

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC BETA GLASS CO. PLC NAMPAK NIGERIA PLC POLY PRODUCTS (NIGERIA) PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 33 1 7 1 1 43

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name AFRICAN PETROLEUM PLC. BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 29 4 5 29 16 13 124 5 225

Quotation(N) 21.35 0.50 72.00 40.00 4.48 163.49 50.50 195.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 172,219 3,606,452.74 168,073 84,036.50 2,283 164,376.00 302,362 12,095,039.15 263,992 1,205,057.91 8,867 1,384,412.43 3,166,757 160,020,541.02 2,066 406,893.32 4,086,619 178,966,809.07

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,000 15,500.00 20,210 165,722.00 20,000 10,400.00 329,600 1,971,525.00 371,810 2,163,147.00

Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 3 26 30

Quotation(N) 3.50 6.60 5.51

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,333 4,438.89 5,500 36,135.00 411,450 2,254,240.00 418,283 2,294,813.89

Quotation(N) 18.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 142,692 2,568,407.76 142,692 2,568,407.76

REAL ESTATE Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 100,000 50,000.00 522,100 292,376.00 622,100 342,376.00

INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC 1 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 51 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 6 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. 4 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 20 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC 8 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 5 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 5 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 3 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 8 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 12 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 2 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 1

1,435,039.58 69,160.00 1,020.50 971,780.95 15,467.50 1,000.00 650.00 500.00 28,689.00 257,867.42 74,216,821.40

MEDIA

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

2,802,558 98,800 2,041 555,278 30,935 2,000 1,300 1,000 57,378 496,944 33,064,876

MARITIME

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name ALUMACO PLC B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

0.51 0.70 0.50 1.80 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

LEASING

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

lion in 202 deals. ‘DAAR Communication was the most active traded stock with 114.08 million shares valued at N57.04 million in 4 deals. Zenith Bank, Oceanic Bank, Custodian & Allied and First Bank were other major volume pullers. Market breath closed weaker with 21 stocks on advanced list against 23 posted yesterday while decliners swelled up to 33 from 25 it recorded on Thursday. NAHCO top the gainers’ log in percentage term with maximum five per cent at a close price of N8.61. NBC, International Breweries, Prestige Assurance and Intercontinental Wapic were other major gainers. Gains here were boosted by market related forces. On the losers table, Costain W/A led the chart with 4.93 per cent having shed 20 kobo to close at N3.86. Eterna Oil, Diamond Bank, Japaul Oil and ABC Transport added up for top five losers. Value dropped on above stocks was due to reaction on market forces.

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 50 25.00 844,846 743,565.98 138,839 153,989.68 119,821 59,910.50 20,392,359 60,664,141.10 419,276 209,638.00 1,029,287 514,643.50 5,148,883 8,598,724.61 1,200 600.00 25,743 12,871.50 152,526 76,263.00 723,227 390,981.08 12,585 6,292.50 8,000 4,000.00

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 9

Company Name UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 204,492 122,695.20 204,492 122,695.20

Quotation(N) 0.62

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 54 31.86 54 31.86

TEXTILES

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 23 23

Quotation(N) 15.78

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 46,011 710,728.74 46,011 710,728.74

4,263

330,040,285

1,930,677,314.60

Foreign

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

Yemen protesters demand wounded leader’s ouster

EARLY 100,000 Yemenis protested yes terday in a main square of the capital, demanding the president’s ouster in the biggest rally since Ali Abdullah Saleh left for Saudi Arabia after he was wounded in an attack on his palace. Saleh’s evacuation for medical treatment has thrown Yemen into a dangerous political standoff, with opponents insisting he now be pushed completely out of power and his allies seeking to preserve his rule. Saleh was wounded in a blast that hit a mosque where he was praying in his presidential palace on June 3. Badly burned, Saleh was rushed to Saudi Arabia for treatment along with a number of top officials from his regime who also were wounded in the blast. But the president’s allies say he could return within days and have been resisting U.S. and Saudi pressure to start now on a handover of power. Saleh, who has ruled for nearly 33 years, has held out against a wave of daily protests since late January demanding his removal, throwing the country into turmoil. Before he was wounded, opposition tribesmen rose up and battled for two weeks with government forces in fighting that shook the capital. The United States fears that the impoverished country’s power vacuum will give even freer rein to al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen, which Washington believes is the terror network’s most active franchise. Already, Islamic militants — some suspected of ties to al-Qaida — have taken control of at least two areas in the restive south, a provincial capital Zinjibar

and a nearby town Jaar. Yesterday morning, warplanes hit militant positions north of Jaar, witnesses and security officials said. They said there were casualties but the number was not known. The night before, troops shelled other militant positions near the town with artillery, killing at least six militants, according to medical officials. The medical and security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press. In Sanaa’s Taghyeer, or “Change,” Square on Friday, the crowds of protesters demanded that the vice president — who is acting leader in Saleh’s absence — allow the creation of a new government. “The people want a transitional government,” they chanted. The opposition tribesmen marched through the square with the bodies of 41 of their fighters they say were killed a week ago when troops bombarded the Sanaa home of one of their leaders. The tribe’s chief, Sheik Sadeq al-Ahmar, led the march of around 10,000 people from the square to a cemetery in the capital, as protesters chanted, “The people want the butcher put on trial,” referring to Saleh. In another part of the city, about three miles (five kilometers) away, several thousand Saleh supporters held a rally outside his presidential palace. No friction between the two sides was reported. Similar anti-Saleh protests were held in cities around the country, including in Taiz, Yemen’s second largest city, where tribesmen have moved in to protect protesters who

came under attack last week in a fierce crackdown by government troops. In recent days, government forces and tribesmen have been fighting in the city, trading gunfire and shelling. Since Saleh’s evacuation, Sanaa has been under a fragile cease-fire, with government troops still deployed in the streets where they once battled al-Ahmar’s tribal fighters. The situation has raised fears of a new explosion of violence if a political solution is not found soon — or if the president does indeed return. The United States and Saudi Arabia are pressing Saleh’s ruling party to move ahead with a Gulf Arab-mediated agreement under which he would formally leave power in exchange for immunity, a new unity government would be formed between the ruling party and opposition parties and new elections would be held within two months. But youth activists leading the street protests reject the deal, saying it would allow elements of Saleh’s regime to remain in power. They demand the creation of a transitional government made up of technocrats. In Abu Dhabi, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday called on all sides to honor a cease-fire. She said Washington was pushing for an “immediate, orderly and peaceful transition” in Yemen. The upheaval of the past months has left Saleh too preoccupied to focus on the fight against al-Qaida, and the United States has stepped up its covert operations in Yemen.

•Armed Yemeni dissident tribesmen patrol a damaged neighbourhood in Sanaa

•For Hong Kong children and their parents, the race to get ahead in life is intense

Hong Kong’s ‘tiger parents’ face pressure

INCE Amy Chua pub lished her “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” it has dominated school-gate conversation in Hong Kong, with parents soul-searching over how much they demand of their children. The American mother’s account of her Chinese-influenced, high-pressure parenting sounded more than a little familiar in the fiercely competitive city, where parents say they are also pushed to perform. Jachinson Chan’s daughters, aged 11 and 13, are ferried to an extracurricular activity every day of the week — from Spanish to guitar, tennis and extra mathematics. “People think we’re crazy,” he said — but not because his children are too busy. “We’re a joke among our friends because we don’t have that many activities.” And not just any activity is good enough. “Piano is no longer considered a big deal,” said Chan. “If your kid is in primary school and he or she can play the piano really well, the schools will yawn. “You need trombone, for example — something that not many people want to play. Parents are encouraging their kids to play the oboe.” OECD rankings generally place Hong Kong above the international average in education standards, and often near the top worldwide, but local universities only take 18 percent of school students. So as parents climb the ladder in one of the world’s most

competitive economies, they and their children must also contend with the academic equivalent. The results? A survey by retail group Plaza Hollywood in April said more than two-thirds of Hong Kong parents placed a higher premium on their child’s grades than their health — though the survey was unclear about its methods. Media reports have said that children as young as three are being taught for 10 hours a day at some kindergartens. Local charity the KELY support group, which works with young people and parents across the social classes, has launched a campaign simply to encourage parents to spend more time with their children. Executive director Chang Tung said that the charity’s clients face unprecedented stresses, not confined to those in poverty. “Parents are really struggling. They work very long hours,” he said. “The majority of parents we speak to love their children. They really want to do the best for them but it’s hard for them to find that middle way.” Maria Leung said that when her son, now 14, was in primary school, “I was feeling quite pressured. They have to work really hard so as to guarantee places at secondary school. “I know that affected him, but sometimes I can’t control myself. As a parent I think, somehow, you have to walk very carefully.” But she points out that the

ferociously competitive education system is only part of the story. Another is China’s Confucian parenting values, which place a high value on the roles of parents and children within the community. “Hong Kong children have a very unique style — they may be overpowered by their ‘helicopter parents’,” Leung said. She admits she sometimes hovers, helicopter-like, around her son — but says that this, for Chinese parents, means “really taking care of the child”. Leung recalled taking her son to a playground favoured by expats when he was a young child. “I can see that the Westerners, they like to let the child fall himself. But I am the one who chases him — on the monkey bars, on the swing. This is a very different attitude,” she said. Professor Qian Wang of Hong Kong’s Chinese University, who has studied differences between Chinese and Western parenting styles, says that “what’s special about Chinese culture in terms of parenting is parents assume a lot of responsibility to make sure their children succeed in the future. “In the west it is — let a child be free, have autonomy and feel good about him or herself no matter what. “In Chinese culture we think parental love is to really care for the child and make sure the child will succeed in the future in society... (but) in Western culture that could be viewed as intrusive.”

Security challenges facing Kaduna Governor Yakowa •Continued from Page 12 violence in the state. While this category of youths have continued to pose grave danger to the society and the state at large, nothing tangible has been done either by security agents or the government to call them to order or check their activities. However, analysts believe that job creation will go a long way in addressing some of the security challenges confronting the state. Even though Yakowa has

stressed the need for the people of the state to take their destiny in their own hands and resolve to say no to instigators of violence, the state must create an environment that will allow new seeds of unity to grow from the ashes of the victims of violence. At the moment, the state is diametrically divided into two, with the Muslims not comfortable doing business or spending the night in Christian-dominated southern part of the

metropolis and vice versa. Even though the government has further relaxed the curfew imposed on the state, there is no clear assurance that those secretly plotting evil have refrained from their plots. The recent twin explosions in Zaria in which four persons, including two children, were injured is clear indication that more needs to be done in the area of security across the state. There have been text messages threatening mayhem

in parts of the state by those who claimed to belong to the Boko Haram group. But the police believe that those planning the evil are just trying to divert attention to the Boko Haram sect. A highly placed source within the force told our correspondent that they were convinced that those behind the text messages are not members of the sect, going by their known method of operation. Residents of the state are still at a loss over past bomb

Sudan: SPLA accuses Khartoum

explosions and what has happened to those arrested in connection with the arrest. As at the time of this report, it was not clear whether any of those arrested for attempting to plant explosions or were involved in the plot have been charged to court. In one of the explosions, five of the six persons arrested were citizens of Niger Republic. But their whereabouts could not be ascertained at press time. Also, no statement has

come from the police on the discovery of a house where explosives were being manufactured and the number of arrests so far made. The revelation that some of those arrested at the bomb factory site were apprentices sent jitters down the spines of residents of the state. But how many people have so far been trained in the act of bomb making at the factory? This is one major issue that Yakowa must find an answer to in the coming days.

THE NATION, SATURDAY,JUNE 11, 2011

Foreign

Kadhafi ordered sex drugs for Libya rapes

NVESTIGATORS have evi dence that Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi ordered mass rapes and bought containers of sex drugs to encourage troops to attack women, the chief ICC prosecutor said. Luis Moreno-Ocampo said he may ask for a new charge of mass rape to be made against Kadhafi following the new evidence. The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor is expecting a decision from judges within days on his request for charges of crimes against humanity to be laid against the Libyan leader, one of his sons and his intelligence chief. ”Now we are getting some information that Kadhafi himself decided to rape and this is new,” Moreno-Ocampo told reporters.

... forces shell Libya’s Misrata, kill 10 FORCES loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi shelled the rebel-controlled town of Misrata on Friday, killing at least 10 people. An agency reporter said he saw the bodies at the hospital in the besieged port city and heard the barrage strike. Pressing ahead with a campaign to help end Gaddafi’s rule, NATO warplanes pummeled a town west of the capital Tripoli despite unmet calls from the United States and Britain for more allies to share the logistical burden of the bombing missions. Russia, which has voiced misgivings over the use of foreign military force and has extensive commercial interests in Libya, wants to mediate reconciliation between Tripoli and the rebels. The latter, struggling against Gaddafi’s fighters, were promised more than $1.1 billion in aid on Thursday by Western and Arab powers convened in Abu Dhabi — though the donors also demanded details on how a post-Gaddafi government might work. In already war-ravaged Misrata, a Reuters journalist counted 10 bodies in a hospital following heavy shelling by Libyan troops to the west. At least 10 other people were wounded. The artillery barrage came close to the hospital, though the building is far from the front lines. Rebels said pro-Gaddafi forces had also shelled their positions in the Western Mountains region on Thursday night, and accused NATO of not doing enough to stop them. “They (Gaddafi forces) are shelling Zintan with Grad missiles,” said rebel spokesman Abdulrahman, referring to a town 160 km (100 miles) southwest of Tripoli. “There have been no NATO air strikes for a week.” A second rebel spokesman, Juma Ibrahim, said the towns of Yafran and Nalut had also been struck and that Gaddafi’s forces were massing near the Tunisian border to try to retake the Wazin crossing from the rebels. A Reuters journalist in Tripoli heard a loud explosion in the capital just after midnight, a common time for NATO strikes, but there were no further blasts later on yesterday morning.

He said there were reports of hundreds of women attacked in some areas of Libya, which is in the grip of a months-long internal rebellion. There was evidence the Libyan authorities bought “Viagra-type” medicines and gave them to troops as part of the official rape policy, Moreno-Ocampo said. ”They were buying containers to enhance the possibility to rape women,” he said. ”It was never the pattern he used to control the population. The rape is a new aspect of the repression. That is why we had doubts at the beginning, but now we are more convinced that he decided to punish using rape,” the prosecutor said. ”It was very bad — beyond the limits, I would say.”

Kadhafi’s regime had not previously been known for using rape as a weapon against political opponents and Moreno-Ocampo said he had to find evidence that the Libyan leader had given the order. In March, a Libyan woman made international headlines when she entered a Tripoli hotel and said she had been raped by Kadhafi troops. Iman al-Obeidi was detained but managed to escape from Libya. She ended up in Qatar but was deported back from there to rebel-held Libya. She is now resting at a refugee centre in Romania. Moreno-Ocampo issued arrest warrants last month against Kadhafi, his son Seif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Sanussi. ICC judges are to announce in days whether they agree to the charges.

Libyan-American women demonstrate at the White House in support of Iman al-Obeidi who made headlines around the world when she burst into a hotel in Libya and told foreign correspondents she had been raped by soldiers loyal to Moamer Kadhafi’s regime. PHOTO:AFP

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

Next season will be tougher for Osaze, says Di Matteo F

ORMER ALBION boss Roberto Di Matteo has claimed top scorer Peter Odemwingie faces a “tough” challenge to repeat his stunning debut Premier League season. The Italian, who was boss when Odemwingie arrived at the Hawthorns for £2million,

believes the Nigeria international has his work cut out to repeat last season’s 15goal haul. Odemwingie is in talks over an extended contract, after his performances played a major part in the 11th-place finish. That was aided by some good early-season displays under Di

•Osaze

SUDOKU Welcome to SUDOKU, the captivating and engrossing numbers logic puzzle popularised by the Japanese. The idea of the puzzle is to fill the grid of 81 cells divided into nine 3 x 3 boxes, such that every box, every row, and every column contains the numbers 1-9, each number appearing only once in each box, row and column. 1ST STEP IN SOLVING PUZZLE 307 : Look at the 3 middle vertical (def) 3X3 boxes. The top box has 5 in cell Ad, while the bottom box has its 5 in cell If. The middle box must, therefore, have its own 5 in column e, where there are 2 vacant spaces-cells De and Fe. But, since row F already has a 5-in cell Fg, the only space available to accomodate 5 in the middle box is cell De. Readsoning along these lines, try and fill in all the other vacant cells. SOLUTION TOMORROW. HAPPY PUZZLING!

Matteo, who was placed on gardening leave in February following a dismal run of results. He said: “Peter Odemwingie was one of the main reasons they’ve done so well. “We found him in Russia at Lokomotiv Moscow and it was one of those where you get a DVD, like a player, do some research and it works out. It was credit to our scouting network. “I think he has had a great season and obviously we saw all the goals he scored. It will be difficult to top that. “He is a great player, he works very hard for the team, is always in the top three for distance covered and works for everybody. “I hope he can do it again because he’s a great personality, a great character and enthusiastic but it will tough for him.” Di Matteo has hardly spoken

since issuing a statement the day after leaving the club to express his disappointment at the board’s decision. But today the 41-year-old thanked the Baggies for giving him the job in 2009 and, after winning promotion from the Championship in his only full season at the helm, insisted he could still have led them to safety. He said: “I’ve been very grateful to the club. They gave me an opportunity, a chance. The players were magnificent and very good to me. “We had a good season and were still in the running to retain our status in the Premier League. “But when decisions are made you have to accept them. We had some good results but that’s life, that’s football. “We were very confident that we had the players to stay up.”

NPL comes down hard on Kwara Utd

HE Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has decided to come down hard on two clubs in the league for acts capable of bringing the game into disrepute in the country. In a statement from the office of the league body in Abuja, the three clubs will face various forms of punishment for not adhering to the rules governing the game. The doctor attached to Kwara United is warned and will miss two matches starting from this weekend game. He will also pay a fine of N100,000. The team doctor took the laws into his hands in the week 25 match against Heartland of Owerri when he poured water on the referee of the match, Paul Umuago. The doctor was subsequently expelled from the bench in the 83rd minute of the match. Zamfara United to play their next three home matches behind closed doors for its supporters unruly and unsporting conducts during the team's match with Enugu Rangers in Gusau last weekend. The punishment takes effect

•Zamfara, 3SC to play behind closed doors from this weekend home game against Gombe United. Shooting Stars supporters are enjoined to be of good behavior but the team will also play two home games from this weekend without fans for the show of shame during the interval in the week 25 match against Enyimba of Aba play at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

QUEENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Tsonga ends Nadal's winning run WORLD No. 19 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga came from behind to end Rafael Nadal’s eight-match unbeaten run with a 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-1 victory in the quarter-finals of the AEGON Championships on Friday evening at The Queen’s Club. Just two points into their seventh meeting, the players were forced off court due to a brief rain shower. On their return, Nadal claimed the first set on a tie-break after squandering a 0/40 opportunity on Tsonga’s serve in the 11th game. Breaks were exchanged at the beginning of the second set before Tsonga broke decisively in the ninth game to level the match. With Nadal clearly tiring, the Frenchman raced away with the third set, breaking twice to clinch victory in just over two hours. It was just his second win over Nadal, and his first since beating the Spaniard in the 2008 Australian Open semi-finals. World No. 1 Nadal arrived in LondononMondayeveningstraight from winning his 10th Roland Garros crown on Sunday (d. Federer). The Mallorcan was bidding to regain the title he won at

A VETERAN taekwondo coach, Itua Moses has stated that Nigerian sports men and women are amongst the most vulnerable set of people prone to contract the dreaded infection and deadly epidemics because of there ignorance, wrong orientation and lackadaisical attitudes toward safe sex. Speaking at the just concluded Martial Art Health Care Seminar held at Ventures Alagado Lagos last weekend the organiser said: “ During international engagements we see there wayward immoralities. At night at sports camping they mess around with girls disgustingly. Let me tell you, you don’t have to rush, don’t be ignorant, be calm and if you must ‘do’ use a condom.” Using the seminar to create awareness of the spread of the fearful epidemics among martial

By Paul Oluwakoya artists in Nigeria, lectures were held on sex, safe sex, healthy living and active life. However, the Itua teakwando academy coach used the forum to share a life-giftassurance packages otherwise known as condom among the large turn-out sportsmen in attendance to propagate it as the only safe measure against sexual infections Furthermore, an open demonstration was made to practically lecture on the correct way to use a condom before, during and after intercourse without the risk of sexual infections and when asked about what really informed the seminar. He said.“ I chose the topic because it is such a vital issue that can either save or ruin the strengths of Nigerian sportsmen.

Bukola Babes recall Bashir for Sharks

IGERIA Premier League debutant, Bukola Babes has recalled the club’s leading goalscorer, Abdulrahaman Bashir from the National Under 20 camp for Sunday’s crucial game against Sharks, scheduled for Kwara State Stadium. The Saraki Boys have been in poor form since the resumption of the second stanza of the

•Targets win over JUTH

The Queen’s Club in 2008. "I didn't play badly at the beginning," reflected Nadal. "He was serving really well. [In the] second set I had my chances, in my opinion. Probably after losing [the] second set mentally I lost my concentration. First game [of the third set] mentally [I was] a little bit tired. [I have played] a lot of matches in a row. And after that with the break in the third [set] it was a mountain for me to come back into the match.”

Sports men more prone to HIV –Itua Moses

By Akeem Lawal league, a situation which led to the suspension of its technical adviser, Festus Allen. It would be recalled that Allen was handed a three-match ultimatum by Bukola beginning with the away game at champions Enyimba and followed by a home game against Plateau United before

Not yet Uhuru, Esu warns Crown OACH of Crown FC of Ogbomosho, Godfrey Esu has warned his players not to get carried away with their victory over Heartland last Thursday, but concentrate on this weekend’s game against fellow relegation-threatened JUTH at the Rwang Pam stadium, Jos. Esu, whose team could only thank Heartland goalkeeper Akpan Bassey’s blunder for the only goal of the game, said that the victory is a strong indication that they will surely swim out of the trouble water at the end of the season. Bassey who got a back pass from his defender and chose to dribble instead of clearing the ball and in the ensuing tussle with Crown forward committed a foul and the centre referee did not waste time

•Tsonga

By Akeem Lawal in awarding the spot kick. Taofeek Akanbi stepped out and punished the veteran goalkeeper further by burying the ball beyond his reach. “The victory is a good omen, though it is not yet uhuru, we are still struggling but the beauty of it is that we will not give up hope until we escape the drop zone. “The game could have ended in a draw except the goalkeeper of Heartland’s blunder, but it is fine with us, at least, we have full points in our kitty which is a boost for us in our next game against JUTH in Jos.” Esu who lamented that their being a fresher in the elite league is taking its toll on them pleaded with the referees to show more fairness to all the team.

“We play good football that is not the reason we are down the table, at times things do not go well with us and I must confess that referees have not been fair to us mostly in our away games. Perhaps, those are the prices we are paying as new comers to the premier league, we only hope thing will be better,” he said.

•Esu

the match against Rangers in Enugu. His team could only draw one of the games and he was subsequently told to give way to assistant, Kabir Sulaiman. After hovering around the top five spots in the first round of the season, Bukola are now 11th on the table with 35 points from 26 matches. Sensing the importance of tomorrow’s home game against Sharks, the management of the Ilorin based club were left with no option other than to recall their best striker in their quest for a continental ticket. Bashir has been in superb form for the team scoring 8 goals so far. In a chat with NationSport, Team Manager of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka believes Bashir’s inclusion will further boost the attacking options of the team. “We are set for Sharks and the boys are moving into final closed camping. We have also recalled Abdulrahaman Bashir from Flying Eagles that are in camp in Port Harcourt because of the crucial nature of the match, you know we missed his service against Rangers. So because of the nature of this match, it’s a must-win game and that is why we have to recall him. So far so good, the boys know the challenges ahead and we have told them to buckle up”, he told NationSport.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

SPORT EXTRA AFRICAN BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

Beach Eagles will do Nigeria proud –Team captain •Team leaves for Casablanca today

UPER BEACH Eagles team has assured Nigerians of victory as they depart Lagos for Casablanca today aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight for the African Beach Soccer Championship holding in Casablanca, Morocco from 15th – 19th June. In a chat with NationSport, team captain, Isiaka Olawale noted that with the kind of experienced players that abound in the team, Nigerians should expect nothing short of victory and one of the two tickets to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup set for Italy in September. “What we want from Nigerians are prayers and that they should continue to believe in us that anytime and any day, we always do the country proud,”

By Akeem Lawal explained the Kwara United midfielder. “On our part, we have been preparing well since Casablanca is a new place and we are promising that we shall retain the trophy. The spirit in camp is high and I believe that with the caliber of experienced players in our midst, we shall come out victorious”, he said. Olawale and 11 other players are expected to do the country proud in Casablanca. They are, Abdul Isa, Ogbonnaya Okemiri, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, John Gaadi, Victor Tale, Maijama’a Shehu, Nelson Onyekachi, Zabi Emmanuel, Babatunde Ariyo, Musa Najere and Azeez Abu. The Nigeria team is

coached by Adamu Audu. Nigeria won the African Beach Soccer Championship in 2007 and 2009 but could not defend the title in 2010 as the competition was not held because the FIFA 2010

World Cup hosted by South Africa. Nigeria has also played in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Brazil in 2006 and 2007, and in the United Arab Emirate in 2009.

Aberdeen invites Dream Team V star Uchechi for trials

BERDEEN have invited Nigerian Under-23 international Daniel Uchechi for a pre-season trial. The former Charlton and West Ham forward will link up with the Dons later this month in the hope of winning a longer term deal. Speaking to the Evening Express, agent Dapo Kujore-Olowu confirmed that "Daniel will come to Aberdeen for pre-season training". The 21-year-old started his career at Charlton Athletic, but turned down a move to Wigan to sign for West Ham in 2009. After leaving London he moved back to Nigerian football with FC Dender before a loan spell with

Russian club partners Frenage FC

OOTBALL potentials in Nigeria has attracted interest from Russian especially Belarusian Clubs as the country’s top club-side, FC Belcard has partnered an Ibadan based club FC Frenage for easy access to Nigerian players. NationSport learnt from sources in Ibadan that, the proprietor of Frenage FC, Oluwole Ololade who had just returned from Belarus disclosed that most Russian clubs are now obsessed with Nigerian players, making them to become hotcake in the region. He however, disclosed that FC Belcard situated in Grodno city of Belarus had signed a memorandum of understanding with his academy for securing the services of talented Nigerian players. Frenage boss disclosed that skillful, energetic and enterprising style of play of Nigerian footballers endeared them to the Russian soccer fans, “hence most of their club want Nigerians in their team”.

Leicester City last term. Uchechi was the first player to win Soccer Am's skill school, and won man-of-the-match as Nigeria won the Intercontinental Cup in a final against Australia in 2008. He also played three times during Nigeria's Olympic games campaign.

•Isiaka Olawale of Nigeria (r) vies with Benjamin (l) of Brazil during their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup match in Dubai

AHEAD 17TH NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Torch of Unity arrives Ibadan Monday

N keeping faith with the tradition of the National Sports Festival, the Torch of Unity moves around all the states of the federation before the commencement of the games slated for Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, as Oyo State seems set to receive the torch on Monday. As this year’s edition tagged “Garden City Games 2011” gets underway from 27th of June to 9th of July 2011, the various states in the country are set for the sporting fiesta. The President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan flagged off the Torch of Unity in Abuja on the 10th of May 2011, and has been moving around the country since then in order to create awareness and sanitise the public on the Biannual National Sports fiesta. NationSport gathered that the torch will consequently arrive Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Oyo State Capital, Ibadan on the 13th of June 2011 at 8:00am according to a release signed by the Zonal Coordinator of National Sports Commission, Southwest zone one, Mr. Steve Olarinoye and will move round the City where the Governor of Oyo State Senator Abiola Ajimobi will be at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium to receive the torch from the athletes. Thereafter, it will be passed on for onward movement to Abeokuta, Ogun State on the 14th June 2011, and from there it moves to Lagos State on the 15th June, which completes the movement of the torch within

By Innocent Amomoh South-west Zone 1. Olarinoye, however, reiterated that apart from the use of Torch of Unity to sensitize the public on the commencement of the National Sports Festival, it is

also a sign of peace and harmony. The Sports administrator therefore charged the general public to turn out en masse to appreciate the torch and cheer their athletes who will carry the Torch of Unity from one location to another in the Southwest States.

Don’t go Papilo! •Continued from back page responsible for the poor outing where they got it wrong. Unfortunately, the wrong people have been accused. For some, the Super Eagles’ arrival in Ethiopia was responsible for the uneventful draw with NFF chiefs as the culprits. Those in this school of thought must be told that the Guineans arrived in Ethiopia on match day. Yet they trounced the Ethiopians 4-1. They also didn’t have the luxury of hitting Addis Ababa in a chartered flight like the Super Eagles. For others, especially the team’s chief coach, the players messed up with their mediocre show. Those in this school must ask the chief coach why he didn’t parade the starting line-up against Argentina. Are we also to blame the players for scoring first and not being able to secure a winning result? Whose duty is it to fashion out the strategies to ward off the Ethiopians during the game? It appears to me that Samson Siasia is fail-safe. Nobody questions his decisions. His word is law. Any discerning view is seen as a taboo. It must not be discussed. So, it doesn’t matter if we barely made the 2-2 draw against Ethiopia, days after we humiliated almighty Argentina. When the team plays well, it is Siasia’s magic. When it totters, the players get the knocks. But you ask, who selected those who did well in the first game and those who wobbled in the other? I no know book! Only a poor workman grumbles with his tools. Is it until we fail to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (God forbid) that we can fault Siasia’s team lists among other outlandish things that he has done? But we must watch it. Another coach could have secured the victory against the Ethiopians in Addis Ababa with very good tactics and better choice of players. After all, the Belgian coach who managed Ethiopia home-based stars to shock our armada of foreign players joined the team ten days to the match. Why did Siasia invite Isaac Promise ahead of Sochaux FC of France’s jewel Brown Ideye? Promise sat on the bench in the Eagles’ last two matches. He wasn’t introduced as a substitute against Argentina in Abuja. This was what Siasia did with Okoronkwo, who he gave a few minutes to show his rustiness. Is this what other countries do with their coaches on the altar of giving them free hand to work? Siasia wants to be worshipped. He wants to be the centre focus of the Eagles, not the players. To achieve this, all the players must surrender. He feels that only his boys who went to Holland in 2005 and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games can worship him. That is okay. But, unfortunately, most of them have lost the form of yore, making it imperative for new boys to be introduced. If Siasia is not careful, he would destroy his records by insisting that things are done his way. Already, he has blamed the boys for the poor show in Addis Ababa. The civilised thing Siasia would have done was to ascribe the dismal performance to the long European season, like most of the fumbling European coaches have said about their players. I warned Siasia about hinging his decision to sack Osaze Odemwingie on a purported threat of protest from his mates. My mind is firm that the boys are slowly plotting his exit, beginning with their poor show in Addis Ababa. I pity Siasia because some of the players would dodge the September 3 tie in Antananarivo on flimsy ground that they are busy fighting for shirts for the 2011/2012 European season. Yobo’s cross Joseph Yobo must start to think about his future in the game. Returning to Everton could be a big minus for him, except he gets firm confirmation from the English side’s manager David Moyes that he would get regular first team shirt. Sitting on the bench won’t do Yobo any good. He needs regular matches to help his game at the national team level, especially as he is the team’s captain. Now that Fenerbache cannot afford Yobo’s transfer fees, he needs to sit with Moyes to re-negotiate a fresh loan deal. Yobo could also offer to lose some cash to seal the loan transfer because when it expires in 2012, he automatically becomes a free agent, who won’t need any link with Everton. Moyes has repeatedly said he doesn’t need Yobo. He wants to stick with the defenders that he has. This makes it absolutely easy for Yobo to walk away from Everton on mutual grounds. Ironically, Yobo was the first player that Moyes bought in his first year as Everton’s manager. And if he allowed the Nigerian to complete his loan transfer to Fenerbache, it simply means he won’t fit into his future plan. What I suspect Everton want to do by rejecting Fenerbache’s transfer fees, is to see if Yobo has regained his form. If he has, they would keep him otherwise; he goes on loan again in January 2012, like they did this last year. And it won’t be fair.

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Itodo, Azuka talk tough ahead of clash

UNSHINE Stars forward, Cletus Itodo has vowed to end Libyan Al-Ittihad’s ambition in this year’s Orange CAF Confederation Cup even as Nigeria born Al-lttihad striker, Izu Azuka plots to turn the table against the Nigerian campaigners. The Nigerian debutants will have a tough tussle with their North African foes in the one legged encounter billed for the Gateway International stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state on Sunday to decide who progresses to the next round of the annual competition. Itodo who is yet to hit the form that once earned him a Super Eagles invitation, told SuperSport.com that destiny has somehow provided Sunshine a rare opportunity to edge out their visitors with the one off format and that they will make a kill out of it. “We will forever blame ourselves if for any reason we

failed to advance to the next round of the competition. I think it is a rare opportunity to have the game decided here; we will not mess it up. “Although the one-legged thing makes it trickier because every attention will be here, that is why we are going for total victory. “So if you ask me I will simply say that Al-Ittihad have come to the end of the road as far as this competition is concerned.” Apparently aware that AlIttihad are wounded lions following their elimination from the CAF Champions League by Enyimba a couple of weeks back, Itodo hinted that his teammates have already steeled themselves for a tough duel. “Al-Ittihad will be tough, they are out of Champions League courtesy of a Nigerian club side, Enyimba, we know their mind set will be not to fall twice to a Nigerian team, they will soon find out that it is a wrong tree

they will be barking. “We have steeled their minds and are ready to face any hurdle to ensure we record resounding victory on Sunday, we are determined to achieve it,” he said. However, Azuka who was part of the Dream Team V squad that fell 1-0 to the VIjana Stars of Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam on Sunday in the 2012 Olympic Games qualifier told SuperSport.com that they cannot fall twice to a Nigerian team. “Let me say it boldly that we cannot lose twice to a Nigerian club side. Enyimba bundled us out of the CAF Champions League in Aba, Sunshine cannot stop us from progressing in the Confederation Cup. We will make Sunshine to pay for that loss to Enyimba.” The former Sharks player who admitted to his Nigerian blood stated that he will be too happy if his goals will send the Akure Gunners packing.

“On Sunday I will be wearing Al-lttihad colour and that will make the difference, I pray I score the goal that will end Sunshine’s ambition,” he said. The Nigerian premier league second place team who were in Abeokuta preparing for the crucial encounter have relocated to Ijebu Ode for the Sunday’s epic clash.

•Itodo

Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.5, NO. 1787

To expect that the federal government will just take a resolution to amend and move the 1999 Constitution in the direction of federalism is to not realistic

— Ropo Sekoni

HIS is without doubt a critical moment for the future fortunes and prospects of the Nigerian nation-state. Contemplating the contemporary Nigerian condition reminds one of the memorable opening lines of Charles Dickens epic novel of revolutionary France, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. According to the master novelist in that monumental creative work: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way…” Contemporary Nigeria is a study of sharp contrasts and contradictions. There is an ongoing grim struggle for the very soul of Nigeria between the forces of transformation and those of reaction and retrogression. At the centre of this epochal tug of war is that humble academic from a minority of ethnic minorities, President Goodluck Jonathan, on whose shoulders fortune has placed the destiny of his country at least for the next four years. The President is clearly aware of the historical challenge before him and the expectations of those who voted massively for him across ethnoregional boundaries in the April presidential elections. This is why fundamental national transformation in virtually all sectors – social services, critical infrastructure, social values etc – formed the major theme of his inaugural speech after taking his oath of office at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Sunday, May 29th, 2011. Many critics have dismissed the speech as entirely uninspiring and lacking in substance, intellectual solidity and the gravitas that ought to characterize a presidential speech at a critical historical moment in the life of a nation. These criticisms are not entirely out of place. However, I do not believe the inaugural speech was completely bereft of any redeeming elements. It soared occassionally to sublime heights of rhetorical idealism meant to inspire his fellow country men and women to look beyond current travails and envision the possibilites of a brighter, more secure and prosperous future. The greatest challenge before President Jonathan is transcending the vast chasm between his inspirational rhetoric and the unsavoury existential reality that is the lot of teeming millions of Nigerians. Can President Jonathan fulfill his promise of offering transformational leadership capable of setting the nation on the path of irreversible growth, collective prosperity and development? That will depend largely on his capacity to offer decisive leadership capable of transcending the various contradictions that constitute spoke in the wheel of national progress. Two weeks ago, for instance, I criticised the President’s approval of sums of between N830 million and N1.3 billion on activities to commemorate his inaugration. It is certainly contradictory to preach the gospel of national transformation while at the same time sustaining a culture of wasteful and frivolous public expenditure that add little or no value to the lives of poverty stricken Nigerians. We cannot continue on the same prodigal

SMS to

Season of contradictions ‘

•Jonathan path and expect a different outcome in terms of democracy dividends. An angry reader sent me a text message wondering what was the big deal about N1 billion, which he claimed is nothing but peanuts when converted to dollars. This reminded me of the great scientific genius, the late Professor Ayodele Awojobi who, during the second republic, lamented that Nigeria’s political elite had lost any sense of the value and magnitude of one million Naira. Were he to come back to life today, the professor would be astonished that the problem has worsened unimaginably. If a billion Naira is of microscopic value to our public office holders, it is not surprising that multiples of billions expended on diverse sectors over the last 12 years have yielded minuscle results and the country has slipped further down the slopes of underdevelopment. Had President Jonathan shown the requisite leadership by insisting on a simple, frugal and modest presidential inauguration, the 26 state governors who also took their oaths of office that day would have been

The great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, pledged over three decades ago that if elected President of Nigeria, no beverages would be served in any public office including his own except water. Nigeria, he forcefully asserted needed a shock treatment if she was to break the shackles of underdevelopment and actualize her potentials. Nigeria is even in worse shape today than when the sage spoke. Can President Jonathan rise up to the challenge of transformational leadership by giving Nigeria the shock therapy she needs?

’

forced to follow suit saving the country substantial sums that could have been more productively utilized. If he is truly to be an agent of positive national transformation, President Jonathan must be at the forefront of re-focussing and re-structuring public expenditure in such a way that the country gains maximum value for every Naira expended in terms of improvement in the quality of life for the ordinary citizen. I must confess, however, that I thoroughly enjoyed the presidential inauguration spectacle at the Eagle Square courtesy the power generating set that enabled me to watch the proceedings on television. I can only imagine the millions who had no such opportunity due to the paralysis of power supply that remains an intractable problem despite the expenditure of over $16 billion over the last 12 years. This is

why the country is in dire need of a leadership with the will to depart from business as usual and the courage to insist that we do things in cost-saving ways that reflect the reality of the multi-dimensional crisis in which Nigeria is immersed. In a number of ways, the presidential inauguration illustrated the crisis of contradictions confronting Nigeria. Let us take the military parade for instance. The detachments of the army, navy, air force and police put up a superlative performance. They were neat, smart, efficient and mentally alert. Their disciplined, rhythmic movements were a beauty to behold. It is certainly because of such qualities that Nigeria’s representatives have always excelled in international peace keeping assignments. But the sad reality is that the discipline and professionalism displayed by the military during the inauguration sharply contradicts the reality of the country’s supposedly disciplined forces. The latest example of this severe deficit of discipline and thorough professionalism was the recent clash between soldiers and policemen in Badagry area of Lagos. Reacting to the admittedly dastardly killing of a soldier at a police checkpoint, his colleagues went on rampage killing about five police men including senior officers. Beyond this, the discipline and professionalism demonstrated by the military during the inauguration ceremonies has not resulted in effective security of lives and property in the Nigerian polity. In fact, the Nigerian State has never been more insecure, fragile and unstable than at present with armed robbers, assassins, religious extemists, ethnic zealots and mindless anarchists successfully contesting the legitimate monopoly of the instruments and techniques of violence with the state. Another major highlight of the presidential inauguration was the scintillating calisthenics display by 150 school children who had obviously practiced hard for the occasion. But again, is there not a striking contradiction between the pathetic state of our public education system at all levels and the demonstration of excellence by these school kids at Eagle Square? Did the brilliant display of these kids reflect the sordid situation of milliions of Almajiri youths in the North, for instance, who are unable to benfit from western education? Does it reflect the humiliating fact that no Nigerian university is listed among the top 500 of such institutions globally? I cite these examples to show why President Goodluck Jonathan should fundamentally alter the pattern of our public expenditure as a country if he is to be a transformational leader. Every kobo matters if we are to genuinely transform Nigeria and we cannot continue with the tradition of frittering away public resources on frivolities. The great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, pledged over three decades ago that if elected President of Nigeria, no beverages would be served in any public office including his own except water. Nigeria, he forcefully asserted needed a shock treatment if she was to break the shackles of underdevelopment and actualize her potentials. Nigeria is even in worse shape today than when the sage spoke. Can President Jonathan rise up to the challenge of transformational leadership by giving Nigeria the shock therapy she needs? We can only pray that God grant him the wisdom and will to fulfill his historic mission to the Nigerian nation.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday

Don’t go Papilo!

MOTIONS will run high today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, as Nwankwo Kanu files out to play his testimonial game. The presence of some of the best players in the world for the game underscores Kanu’s achievements. He deserves whatever accolades being poured on him. And it would be very interesting to watch how he conducts himself today. Will Kanu shed tears? Would he find the voice to show his appreciation to the crowd at the stadium and millions of his admirers

around the world in their living rooms? Kanu’s valedictory speech would be the high point of the show. I cannot wait. However, I want to make a passionate plea to NFF, NSC and indeed the Nigerian government to please organise a befitting game. Kanu made his mark playing for Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan should ask the NSC chiefs to shop for a high profile game where Kanu would be celebrated like the national icon that he is. What we will witness today was packaged by Kanu. It shouldn’t be. Kanu must be made to file out with the Super Eagles in an international match in Abuja with President Jonathan as the guest of honour. It will be remarkable if President Jonathan confers on Kanu a bigger national award

deserving of his status as an international figure. It is true that he has an MON already. A bigger award on his testimonial day would be the best gift just as it would challenge other sportsmen and women to give their best for the country. A testimonial for Kanu with President Jonathan in attendance will open a new vista for sports in this country. Several sports greats have left the game with sour memories. We must stop this trend with a Kanu testimonial organised by Nigeria’s sports agencies. I have to stop this piece because my emotion is running high. Is it true that Kanu is quitting the game? Kanu, please don’t go. If you must, then Nigeria must find a role for him to play. Thank you Kanu, you made

football a beauty to watch and you lifted the hearts of many people with your silky skills. Thank God, you returned to the pitch after many had thought you wouldn’t make it when it was discovered that you had a weak aorta valve in your heart. Nothing can be more cheerful than the fact that you have decided that the proceeds of today’s game will be paid into the accounts of Kanu Heart Foundation. What a way to quit the game, Papilo. You surely have a heart of gold.

Going, going… They have started again. They spent the last five days buck-passing over the cause of the Super Eagles’ poor outing in Addis Ababa. Nigeria will qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations only if we can tell those

•Continued on Page 63

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