The Nation 16 June, 2012

Two k illed, p olice station set ablaz e ... as se curity agents , Hausa cla sh in Ibadan PAGE

5

Nigeria vs Rwanda:

Eagles gun for early goals Win for Dana crash victims, Jonathan charges PAGE

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL.07 N0. 2158

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

63

N150.00

Police comb Farouk Lawan’s home for $620,000 bribe cash $10,000 found International passport seized

PAGE

AGF directs ICPC to prosecute liable suspects

2

House kicks Rep out as probe panel chair Zenon, Synopsis returned to list of indicted oil firms

Reps’ action laughable -Otedola

3

Court cautions AGF, CBN over Islamic banking licence

PAGE

From left: Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Nnenna Ukeje; Solomon Adeola and Rotimi Makinde, after an emergency session on the bribery allegation levelled against the Chairman, House Adhoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Farouk Lawan in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Says: ‘Lawan couldn’t have acted alone’

2 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

South Africa looks to Nigeria, Angola to replace Iran oil

C

APE TOWN, June 15 (Reuters) –- South Africa is looking to source oil from Nigeria, Angola and Saudi Arabia to replace supplies from Iran, which is facing sanctions over its nuclear programme, a top energy official said yesterday.

South Africa used to import a quarter of its crude from Iran, but has come under Western pressure to cut the shipments as part of sanctions designed to halt Tehran’s suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons.

“We intend looking at other countries, specifically in Africa, mainly Angola and Nigeria,” Nelisiwe Magubane,

director general at the energy department told journalists.

“We also, of course, are going to continue to import from Saudi Arabia.”

South Africa’s crude oil imports from Iran fell 43 per cent to 286,072 tonnes in April from the previous month, while supplies from Saudi Arabia nearly doubled to 671,419 tonnes. The remaining 258,184 tonnes came from Nigeria.

The United States granted South Africa an exemption from financial sanctions after the cuts in Iranian imports.

Pretoria may still face problems because of sanctions from the European Union, which does not provide any waivers.

Magubane said she expected a “breakthrough” soon in talks with Brussels on the issue.

“The sanctions are not just going to impact the South African economy, but it is also going to impact that of our neighbours,” she said.

Any disruption to crude imports could hit fuel supplies in South Africa, which has suffered shortages in the last year because of strikes and refinery problems.

Refiners in South Africa include Shell, BP, Total, Chevron, petrochemicals group, Sasol, and Engen, which is majority-owned by Malaysian state oil group, Petronas.

From left: Chairman House of Reps Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Solomon Adeola; Chairman House Committee on Media, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and a member, Lanre Odubote, briefing newsmen after the emergency session on the bribery allegation against Hon. Farouk Lawan at the National Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi FAYESE

Police comb Farouk Lawan’s home for T $620,000 bribe cash HE police launched a search for the $62,0000 allegedly collected as bribe

by Represenative Farouk Lawan from oil magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola, yesterday.

For two hours, a team of policemen combed the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja residence of the suspended chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Ad hoc committee on Fuel Subsidy management, looking for the money which they intend to use as possible exhibit against him.

His lawyers, Mr. Israel Olorundare (SAN) and Mr. Sam Ologunorisa (SAN) were not allowed to witness the search.

Although it was evident that Lawan would spend the weekend in police custody, his lawyers remained hopeful of securing bail for him last night.

It was gathered that Lawan was taken to his house for the search for the bribe money and other evidence.

Only $10,000 was found during the search but it was not known whether it was part of the alleged bribe. Lawan is sticking to his resolve to make the money available only in court.

The police seized his international passport.

A reliable source said: “They brought the lawmaker from his detention cell in FCID in Area 10 to his residence in the morning for what they termed a‘comprehensive’ search.

“It was obvious that they were looking desperately for bribe sum, having screened Lawan’s accounts and discovered that it was not deposited in any bank.

“Throughout the interrogation, the lawmaker was adamant in not disclosing where the bribe sum was kept. He said since Otedola said it was a sting operation, the onus lies on those who conducted same to produce the bribe sum.”

This did not stop the STF coordinator, CP Ali Amodu and his team from continuing with their questioning of Lawan at the Force Headquarters.

A top police source said: “We are still investigating him; we are not in a hurry to release him on bail at all. He might be here till Monday or Tuesday when we would have finished our preliminary findings and submit a report to the IGP. “It is true we searched his house but we discovered that because of the time lag, he had taken time to clear his residence of vital evidence.

“But we are exploring other clues. That is why we are detaining him till next week. Our target is to locate the bribe sum and retrieve it.”

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

On the $10,000 found in the house, the police source said: “Even though we were looking for something bigger, like $1 million, we could only get $10,000 from his house.

“We could not achieve much in getting the bribe sum because he came on his own. We did not surprise him. Police record more success with surprise search.

“But we have seized his international passports. He cannot travel till we have concluded our investigation.”

His lead counsel, Mr. Olorundare (SAN) said: “It is true they retrieved $10,000 from

•$10000 found, international passport seized •AGF directs ICPC to prosecute liable suspects his house. And when Lawan was asked, he told the police ‘I travel a lot, even at short notice. You should expect me to have some money at home.’

“It was disappointing that the police told us at about 6 pm that they are not going to release him. They said they are still investigating the case.

“We are surprised that they

could do that. We hope that they will allow sanity to prevail.

“But if they detain him beyond what is legally allowed within the law of the land, we will certainly go to court to secure bail for him. We insist that the offence is ordinarily bailable.”

The lawmaker was returned to his cell at the Force CID Annex at Area 10 where some jour-

nalists were detained last year.

“Lawan is sharing cell with other criminals in Area 10 Annex until he secures bail. He was really given a rousing welcome on Thursday night by those he met in detention.

‘There are VIP, ECOMOG, ABUJA , and other types of cells in the annex.”

The Attorney-General of the

Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) was said to have written to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday to take over the case and the prosecution of those found culpable in the bribery saga.

The letter was delivered to the Chairman of ICPC, Barrister Nta Ekpo.

“The offence falls within the purview of the ICPC Act, that is why the case has been referred to the agency,” a source familiar with the matter said.

“The case file will certainly go to ICPC next week for prosecution of any suspect with prima facie case.”

... as House kicks out embattled Rep •To face Ethics/Privileges Committee •Ad hoc Committee Secretary, Boniface Emenalo, referred to NASS management for investigation and discipline •Synopsis, Zenon back on list of indicted companies •Tambuwal gets vote of confidence

E

MBATTLED Alhaji Lawan Farouk's 13-year sojourn in the House of Representatives hit an all time low yesterday.

His fellow Reps sent him on indefinite suspension even as he remained in Police custody for allegedly collecting $620,000 as bribe from oil baron, Femi Otedola.

He was also removed as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, which recently probed the disbursement of subsidy to oil marketers.

Farouk's place in the ad hoc committee was filled by Hon. John Enoh (PDP, Obubra, Cross

Victor OLUWASEGUN, Dele ANOFI, Abuja and Segun AJIBOYE River).

Besides, the House restored the names of Otedola's Synopsis Enterprises Ltd. and Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd to the list of oil importers that applied for foreign exchange but failed to import fuel for which purpose they got the forex allocation.

The decisions were the highlights of the conclusions reached yesterday by the House at an emergency session to discuss the sum of $620000 said to have been collected by Farouk from Mr. Otedola with a view to excluding the names of his companies

from the list of marketers believed to have failed to import fuel but collected subsidies from the Federal Government.

The Reps, at the session, also sanctioned the removal of Mr. Boniface Emenalo, the Clerk of the Ad Hoc Committee alleged to have been sent by Farouk to collect $120,000 from Otedola.

He was referred to NASS Management for investigation and discipline This was in addition to a clear message the Reps sent out that they had no intention to remove Speaker Aminu Tambuwal on account of the scandal. They absolved him of any direct or indirect involvement in the scam and proceeded to pass a vote of

confidence on him.

Turn out of Reps at the sitting was huge as if to dispel a rumour that each of them had been induced by some external forces to steer clear of the session.

Proceeding got underway at 11.10 am, soon after Speaker Tambuwal entered the chamber, said the opening prayer and asked the Chief Whip, Bawa Mohammed (PDP, Taraba) to move the first motion.

Mohammed launched straight into business and declared : "It is with serious concern that the House notes the recent allegation of bribery in the sum of N$620,000 levelled against the two by Chief Femi Otedola, an oil marketer as well as the vari-

Reps’ action laughable, says Otedola

O

IL magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola, hit back at the House of Representatives last night, dismissing as laughable its decision to include the name of his company, Zenon, among the oil marketers to refund money to the Federal Government for allegedly obtaining official foreign exchange allocation from the Central Bank and failing to import fuel.

The Reps’ action, according to him, amounted to a celebration of corruption.

The House suspended indefinitely the Chairman of its Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, Alhaji Farouk Lawan, for allegedly collecting a $620,000 bribe from Otedola

for the purpose of striking the names of his companies out of the list of oil marketers indicted by the committee.

The House also included in the list the name of Synopsis Enterprises Ltd, which it believed is owned by Otedola.

But in a statement moments after the emergency session of the House of Representatives, Otedola said he does not even have any relationship with Synopsis.

He was of the view that Lawan did not act alone in extorting money from him because, as he put it: “A tree does not make a forest.”

He said: “I have stated the facts

in my interview with Thisday newspaper and nothing but the facts. That Farouk Lawan demanded $3 million from me and because I refused to oblige him he included the name of Zenon among those who bought forex without importing petroleum products.

“He did this without even asking Zenon to produce a single document of the forex transaction. He clearly wanted to extort money for an offence I did not commit. That is why I went to report to the security agencies.

“If I had anything to hide, I wouldn’t have gone to the agencies. There is an old adage that says people who live in glass

houses should not throw stones.

“Moreover, it is not possible to purchase $232, 975,385.13 million from CBN without importing the product. The total figure is not even $232, 975,385.13 million as alleged but $372, 207, 990 million. They should go and amend the report to read $372, 207, 990 million, which is the correct figure.

“It is not possible to purchase this volume of forex from the CBN with first class banks such as Access bank, FCMB, GTB, UBA and an international bank, BNP Paribas, which is one of the biggest and most respected banks in the world.

“If people at my level who

ous media reports in the said allegation and the public concern generated by same.

"We are conscious of the resolve in the legislative Agenda of the 7th House of Representatives to maintain probity, accountability and transparency in the conduct of its business."

The allegation, he added, "will impugn the integrity of the ad hoc committee's report if not thoroughly investigated." He sought the removal of Farouk Lawan as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, as well as the removal of Emenalo as the Secretary of the ad hoc committee.

•Continued on Page 3 have worked hard to build their businesses can be blackmailed this way all in a bid to extort money from them, I pity people that are just starting out in business in this country.

“In all my business dealings, I have always been above board and the records are there to prove. As far as I know, Lawan could not have been working alone in this extortionist plot. A tree does not make a forest. Let me also state for the records that we are not in any way affiliated to the other company, Synopsis enterprises Ltd, also included in the report. Actions of today by the house is laughable; a mere celebration of corruption and a further indictment on their honorable member.”

News 3

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Edo 2012: ACN will not tolerate election riggers, says Tinubu Augustine AVWODE N a clear message of its zero tolerance for election rigging in the country, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Thursday night in Lagos reiterated its determination never to yield an inch to election riggers in Edo State . National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu drove the message home when he declared that the party is prepared to "fix the fixer".

He spoke at an interactive evening to raise funds in support of the reelection of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Tinubu, who was the chairman of the occasion, described the Comrade Governor as a "phenomenon in leadership who has reversed the 10 years of decay and retrogression by the previous administrations in the state by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and replace it with less than four years of dynamic leadership with focus, vision, determination and commitment".

Tinubu expressed happiness and joy at the performance of the ACN governors in their various states, saying: "As a party, we are set on an irreversible course in all our states with radical transformation; and the great dedication being shown by all our governors is a matter of pride to all of us".

Convinced that the party's candidate will win the July 14 gubernatorial election, he warned those who are planning to rig the election or steal the mandate of the people to perish the thought as he vowed that the party will stop such people from achieving their goals.

"We know that Adams Oshiomhole will win this election. What we are raising money for is by what margin; to defend the mandate because we are facing the experts in fixing. But we are ready to fix the fixer.

"When you are looking for the masters of the art of electoral malpractices, go to the PDP. But what we want to do is to stop that by paying our agents very well and make them ‘un-buyable.’

"I know you are here because you love Adams Oshiomhole, you love ACN and you are proud of what we are doing. We have been asking for free and fair elections and we are still asking for it in Edo State . We know they are desperate, we know they will out-spend us but we will out-class them", Tinubu declared.

The governors of the ACN that were present all expressed satisfaction with the job done so far by Comrade Oshiomhole and urged those present to support the return bid generously and also for the people of the state to vote the party and not waste them on another party.

First to speak was Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who in his short speech, described Edo electorate as very discerning set of people who know the best candidate for them.

'I have been very impressed with what my brother has been doing in Edo State. And I am happy because the people of Edo State love him.

They know those who did nothing in the state and the man who has been working for their best interest. They know those who love them and they know the pretenders in the state", he said.

In his speech, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), declared that Benin, the Edo State capital, played a very important role in his life having gone to the University of Benin where he read Law. He expressed joy that "after years of decay and neglect, the ancient city is once again bubbling with life, thanks to the efforts of Comrade Oshiomhole who has shown that governance is possible in Edo State".

On his part, Oshiomhole said the documentary which was shown to the guests eloquently testifies to what his administration has done and is doing.

"We have demonstrated focus, courageous leadership and will to creatively apply the resources of the state to return it to the path of sustainable development. In Edo State, we have restored self-confidence, that the state is ours. People had given up as at the time we came on board; their votes no longer count because some people impose their will on them. But today, we are happy to announce that they are now politically overcooked vegetables.

"They have conceded that they don't have what it takes to engage us, and that is why they are running to Abuja to seek external help, and that is why the election is important. We are here because there is still a lot to be done. If Lagos is working, there is no reason why Edo should not work", he declared.

The dignitaries who were present at the occasion included the National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande; governors of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti as well as the Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Mrs Laoye Tomori.

Others were: Chief Audu Ogbeh; Chief Tom Ikimi; National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Senator Chris Ngige; Prof Pat Utomi; Lagos State Chairman of the party, Chief Henry Ajomale; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Aremo Segun Osoba; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Chief Niyi Akintola SAN; Ricky Tafa SAN; Mrs Sola David-Borha; MD/CEO of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Apostle Hayford Alile; former DG Nigeria Stock Exchange, Tee Mac and commissioners from ACN’s controlled states, among others.

I

Presbyterian Church urges mission work despite Boko Haram

T

HE Calabar Synod of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has called on churches to strengthen their mission work in all parts of the country including the North is spite of the current onslaught by the Islamist sect,Boko Haram.

“The Boko Haram insurgency,” the Synod stated, “is a temptation aimed at deterring churches from carrying out their divine mandate of mission and evangelism. This will not work as it is obvious that God will not allow the gates of hell to prevail against the church,”the church said in a communiqué at the end of its 25th Annual Meeting at Atan Onoyom,Eburutu.

It decried the increasing rate of insecurity, incessant killings

and destruction of property, particularly by Boko Haram and asked government at all levels to give security the proper attention it deserves by allocating appropriate human and material resources to the fight terrorism.

In the communiqué, jointly signed by the Moderator of the Synod, the Rev. Okon Bassey Ekpenyong and the Clerk,the Rev. Etim Nyong Akpanika, the Synod commended the government of Cross River State for choosing the Presbyterian Church and its parishes in selected local government areas as centers for the state’s five-year programme of strengthening the Integrated Delivery of HIV/ AIDS services in the state.

Court warns AGF, CBN over Islamic banking licence T HE Attorney General of the Federation and justice Minister, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN) was yesterday told by a Federal High Court, Abuja, to enforce the guidelines on banking operation in the country.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole said any operation licence granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to any Islamic commercial jurisprudence bank under non-interest financial services is “unlawful, illegal, ultra vires, null and void”.

Justice Kolawole gave the warning while delivering judgment in a suit by an Abuja-based lawyer, Sunday Ogboji.

The plaintiff challenged the apex bank for issuing operation licence to JAIZ Islamic Bank.

The defendants were the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), its governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Adoke.

Justice Kolawole, however, struck out the case because Ogboji lacked the locus standi to initiate the action.

The court said if the plaintiff had locus standi,the licence granted JAIZ Islamic Bank by the

Kamarudeen OGUNDELE, Abuja

CBN would have been voided.

Curiously, he noted that the plaintiff did not help his case by not joining the bank as a defendant.

Justice Kolawole said the guidelines issued by the CBN upon which the Islamic Banking licence was granted had no statutory basis upon which its legality could be substantiated.

According to him, as at the time the licence was granted, there was no substantive Minister of Finance who was vested with the power for approval under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act CAP B2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Although he agreed that the CBN has power to issue banking licence, he declared that only the Finance Minister has the power of approval.

But the judge maintained that the reliefs sought could not succeed because the plaintiff failed

to convince the court on how the CBN’s action infringed on his civil rights and obligations or he has suffered greater damages than other thousands of legal practitioners.

He maintained that his claim of being a legal practitioner did not confer locus standi on him.

The judge, however, advised the AGF to ensure that the CBN and Sanusi act only within the powers vested in them, adding that he should put a machinery in place to check the trend.

The plaintiff had asked the court to stop the first and second defendants from issuing banking licence or guidelines in respect of any bank not listed in Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act CAP B2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, until same is legislated upon and created by the National Assembly.

He also asked the court to declare the purported guidelines for the regulation and supervision of institution offering non-

interest financial services in the country under Islamic commercial jurisprudence issued by the CBN unlawful, illegal, null and void.

“A declaration of court that any banking licence issued to anybody, person or institution pursuant to the purported regulation issued by the CBN in respect of non-interest financial services in Nigeria under the principle of Islamic commercial jurisprudence is unlawful, illegal, ultra vires, null and void.

“A declaration of court that only the National Assembly can lawfully and validly designate the other banks provided for, in the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) B2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to the exclusion of any other body or institution”, he stated.

A 12-paragrapgh affidavit in support of the motion and deposed to by the plaintiff himself said there is nothing like noninterest financial institution in both the CBN Act 2007 and the BOFIA ActCAP B2 L.F.N 2004 and as such, the CBN Governor has no power to unilaterally issue a banking lines.

•From left: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun; and Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Prince Suraj Adekunbi Isola at the one-year celebration of the the Seventh Legislature... yesterday.

Reps kick out Farouk Lawan as Committee chairman Continued from Page 2 He asked the House to rescind its resolution of Tuesday, April 24, 2012 on the recommendation (XX|X), items (5) and (6) of the ad hoc committee's report to delete Synopsis Enterprises Ltd. and Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the list of companies that obtained forex but did not import petroleum products.

The House had referred such firms to the relevant anti-corruption agencies to verify what they used the forex for.

In addition, the Chief Whip prayed to refer the bribery allegation to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to thoroughly investigate the allegation and report to the House within two weeks upon resumption from the current recess of the House.

He moved that the House should support and encourage the investigation being undertaken by relevant security and anti-corruption agencies and urged the President and all security and anti-graft agencies to proceed with the implementation of the House's resolutions on the fuel subsidy regime investigation report already communicated to them.

He sought the Reps' mandate for all relevant Standing Committees with jurisdiction on the petroleum sector, including the Committee on Legislative Compliance, to monitor and ensure

full implementation of the resolutions on the fuel subsidy regime report.

The lawmaker, however, sent the House into an uproar when he mistakenly called Elumelu in place of Emenalo.

Contributing to the debate, the Minority Whip, Samson Osagie (ACN, Edo) described the development as regrettable and said under no circumstance should it be swept under the carpet.

"If a member has committed an offence, it is not the National Assembly. It is time to warn ourselves and charge our individual members that for the period we stay, we must live above board," he said.

He said although a few people have enriched themselves and made their friends rich through the fuel subsidy regime, the report of the ad hoc committee remained solid.

He drew the attention of Nigerians to what he called a new style adopted by the executive arm of government, whereby credible public office holders are being brought into open ridicule and disrepute with the connivance of state security apparatus.

Speaker Tambuwal, who got a standing ovation, said in a speech at the opening of deliberation that the allegation against Farouk notwithstanding, "the resolutions of the House over the fuel subsidy regime remain valid.

"We must, as a country, learn

to separate institutions from individuals. And we must admit that in the present case, the alleged conduct of an individual cannot negate the conclusions of the whole House.

"Let me also reaffirm here that we have not been compromised and we shall never compromise our stance against corruption. The credibility of that report therefore remains inviolable and we stand by it."

Besides, the Speaker explained that the House is not ready to relinquish its powers to oversight the Executive.

“I have emphasised the constitutionality of the oversight function of the legislature because there lingers among many public officials, the notion that in holding public or investigative hearings, the legislature is overstepping its bounds and also neglecting its other functions.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

"The records of our performance for the first legislative year, which just ended on 6th June 2012, show that the performance in the area of legislation was equally impressive.

"I wish at this point to make this pledge that the House of Representatives shall continue to act responsibly by ensuring that all investigations are instituted only when absolutely necessary.

"Furthermore, we shall insist on probity and fairness on the part of our members conducting such

investigations; and we shall not hesitate to sanction anyone who in the course of these investigations overreaches himself or uses the process to intimidate anyone or engages in corruption," Tambuwal enjoined members to be resolute in the face of seeming shenanigans by the Executive.

"I call upon all of us to remain firm, resolute and committed to the execution of our constitutional mandate, whatever the hazards. We must never be cowed or intimidated by any form or colour of antics that may be fashioned with intent to dampen our spirits and/or break our resolve.

"It remains for me to say that when the army suffers causalities of a few officers and men at the battle front, it beats no retreat except it does not intend to win the battle. I am confident that men and women of integrity and character are in the overwhelming majority in our fold, and we do not lack the numbers to prosecute the battle.

"We shall be judged not only by our words but more so by our actions."

Synopsis Enterprises Ltd was alleged to have got $51,449,977.7 and Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd $232,975,385.13 foreign exchange but imported no fuel.

The Votes and Proceedings of yesterday's session were adopted after relevant House rules were suspended.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

4 News Dana Air re-affirms support for victims’ families, AIB Investigators

D

ANA Air has restated that the primary focus of the airline is to provide support and assistance to the families of those affected by the tragic accident of Sunday, June 3.

The airline also said it was committed to providing full assistance to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in determining the cause of the accident.

“At this time, all of the senior management team of Dana Air is focused on providing assistance to the families of the departed, and also full cooperation with the authorities carrying out the investigation.

“As yet, the cause of the accident remains unknown. Investigations are still on-going and it will not be right for anyone to speculate until the reports have been submitted,” said Jacky Hathiramani, Chief Executive Officer of the airline.

Dana Air, on Thursday, made fresh efforts to support families with their insurance claims. In a statement issued by the airline, the company called on relatives of the deceased, some of whom they have had difficulties reach-

Kelvin OSA-OKUNBOR ing out to, to please come forward with details of the next-of-kins for insurance purposes.

“The company fully realises how painful this is for the families and fully recognises the need to handle this process promptly and sensitively. We do not imagine that this will make up for the pains that you are going through, but the company will continue to make every possible effort to assist all those affected,” the statement read.

Since the incident on June 3, the Chairman, directors and top management staff of the company have been visiting the families of those affected, including the injured who have subsequently been discharged from the hospital.

Relief materials have also been arranged for the displaced Iju-Ishaga residents, and the airline is working closely with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to ensure that they are properly rehabilitated.

Man bags seven years imprisonment for duping secondary school students of N75,000 Eric IKHILAE

F

OR defrauding hundreds of secondary school students in Lagos State of money estimated at about N75,000, a 34year-old man, Adeleke Ajayi, was yesterday sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Chief Magistrate B.O. Sanmi of the Lagos Magistrate’s Court, Shomolu.

Ajayi was arraigned yesterday on a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing and impersonation. He was accused of acting with two others, including a woman, to defrauded students of Issa Williams Memorial High School, Rebecca Model College and Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School by misrepresenting themselves to the students. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Akinlabi Adegoke (an Assistant Superintendent of Police) told the court that Ajayi’s alleged accomplices, Adelaja Ayodele and Bimpe were at large. He said though Adelaja was apprehended with Ajayi by men of the Police attached to the Anthony Police Station, he was granted Police bail and he subsequently absconded. He said efforts were on to re-arrest him.

While reviewing the facts of the case, Adegoke told the court that Ajayi and the two others had conspired between May and June 2012 “to defraud, steal and impersonate staff of Goge Africa Foundation.”

He said, in committing their alleged offences, the convict and his alleged accomplices told the students of the three secondary schools that they were staff of a non-governmental organisation – Goge Africa Foundation - that was within the time planning for the seventh edition of its annual free Guidance and Counseling seminar for secondary school students.

The prosecution said the convict and his alleged accomplices printed separate posters and participation forms, claiming to be staff of Goge Africa and levied each intending participant N300. He added that when news got to the actual owners of Goge Africa Foundation, they informed the Police and a meeting was arranged, during which they were apprehended.

“Before they were arrested, they had in all, collected a total of N74,910 from all the students of three secondary schools whereas the event is organised free of charge annually by the actual owners of the foundation,” Adegoke said.

Although Ajayi, who was not represented by any lawyer, pleaded with the court to be lenient with him, Chief Magistrate Sanmi sentenced him to a cumulative imprisonment of seven years. For the count of conspiracy, he got one year; on the second count of fraud, he got two years; for stealing, contained in count three, he was sentenced to three years, and for the fourth count of impersonation, he got one year. The court ordered that the sentences should run concurrently.

•From left: The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; Guest Lecturer, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; his deputy, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka and Senator Babafemi Ojudu at the maiden edition of the state’s executive-legislative parley, held in Iloko, Osun State... on Friday.

Dana plane crash: Six Anyene family A members for burial July 13

lawyer, Onyeka Anyene, his wife and four children, who died in the Dana plane crash that occurred in Lagos penultimate Sunday, will be buried on July 13.

A family source, who spoke with The Nation in confidence yesterday, said a befitting church burial was being arranged for the deceased family members because the late 45-year-old legal practitioner was very religious like his late father.

Onyeka’s father, the late Benjamin Anyaene, The Nation learnt, functioned as an Anglican catechist (teacher) for more than 45 years in various communties within and outside Anambra State.

Already, the Anyene family in Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, has scheduled two commendation services for Lagos and Abuja.

The Abuja leg of the service will be held at St Matthew Anglican Church in Maitama district of Abuja on June 26 while the one in Lagos will take place at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square on June 28.

On June 30, a service of songs will be held in honour of the Late Onyeka and his family at his UBDC Estate, Lekki, Lagos residence at 4pm.

Sympathisers have continued to besiege the Ndiowu family house of the Anyenes since the plane crash that claimed more than 153 lives.

This, a family source said, was because the late lawyer was loved by all and sundry not just because of his personality but because of his benevolent nature.

He was said to have frequently dispensed gestures to widows and other less priviledged persons. It was also said that no fewer than 200 pupils and students were on his scholarship scheme at

• Commendation services to be held in Lagos, Abuja • Group calls for thorough investigation

...ATSSSAN cautions on unguarded comments by experts

A

IR Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ( ATSSSAN) yesterday cautioned experts in the aviation industry to be wary of comments that could plunge the industry into further crisis, as their comments on the supposed cause of the DANA Air crash has brought about a drastic decline in passenger traffic.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the National President of ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu, explained that since the June 3 crash of DANA Air, there had been a preponderance of comments among experts, which he said had combined to erode passengers’ confidence, even as he said most of the comments were a misrepresentation of developments in the industry.

Okewu explained that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), had done the best it could to ensure that the airspace was safe, saying there is nothing to suggest that the authority lacks adequate personnel to oversee the industry.

He also said there is no correlation between the age of an aircraft and its safety, adding

Nwanosike ONU, Awka the time he passed on.

Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Community Action for Popular Participation, has called on the Federal Government and members of the National Assembly to embark on a thorough investigation of the plane crash.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr. Kyauta

Olugbenga ADANIKIN, Abuja

that the calls for the ban of any brand of aircraft is uncalled for so long as the global regulator, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has not banned the aircraft from flying in any part of the world.

He explained that the comments making the rounds on the culpability of the crew in the crash was uncalled for, as it is unprofessional for any licensed personnel to mortgage his expertise and expose their lives and those of passengers to danger.

Okewu, however, cautioned airline operators who do not take seriously issues that border on the welfare of their personnel by not allowing them to belong to unions, saying it is a violation of the fundamental rights of their staff.

He, however, justified the setting up of a panel by the Federal Government to review the operations of DANA Air and other airlines. He said the existence of such a panel would not jeopardise the outcome of the on going investigations.

Giwa yesterday, the group urged the Federal Government to create legislations that would ensure that airlines make passengers’ safety their priority instead of economic benefit.

Giwa stated: “We believe that Nigeria has adequate extant laws and regulations to take care of this situation. If they could be enforced to ensure that airline operators do not place economic gains above the safety of passengers, then we will be on the

right track to sanitising the sector.”

He advised the government to make use of the findings to make appropriate modifications, adding that those found guilty should be prosecuted accordingly.

Speaking on the ongoing reforms in the aviation sector, he charged government to ensure that local and international airline operators comply with international aviation standards.

Crash victim’s family calls for prayers

T

HE Mutihir family in Rayfield Jos has asked all their well wishers across the country to help the family pray to God for the recovery of the body of their member, Istifanus Nutihir, who died in the ill-fated aircraft.

A statement issued by the eldest brother of the deceased, Wetkos Mutihir, reads: "The family is anxious to recover the remains of our brother for a befitting burial, but that has not been possible due to the technicalities involved in identifying the body.

Yusufu Aminu IDEGU, Jos "We have been invited to Lagos for DNA test. That has been carried out. We are patiently waiting for the outcome of the test. Which is why we are in prayers, asking God for positive search. And we are asking our well-wishers in the country to join us in praying.”

The family also seized the opportunity to correct a misin-

formation regarding the age of the late Istifanus.

Wekos said: "The Mutihir family wishes to correct the report on the age of our late brother, Istifanus Mutihir, a Deputy Director in the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) . The late Istifanus Mutihir was born on 10th June 1959 and was called to the Lord on 3rd June 2012. By this, he lived for 53 years, not 35 years as earlier reported in a publication. This is just to set the records straight.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Two killed, police station set ablaze …as security agents, Hausa clash in Ibadan

T

WO persons were killed yesterday at the popular Bodija Market in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State after some people attacked a police station at the market.

Their grievance was that the police refused to re-

Oseheye OKWUOFU, Ibadan

lease a suspect in their custody at the station.

A section of the police station was set ablaze, while some detainees were

said to have been set free .

Pandemonium broke out as news of the attack spread with buyers and sellers scampering for safety.

Many traders hurriedly

•The burnt police station

•People arrested after the clash

closed their shops and fled.

Some people were reportedly hit by stray bullets.

The attack was said to have been launched by some Hausa who were protesting the non-release of one of them detained by the police.

An eyewitness, Mr. Salaudeen Aina, said the Hausa attacked the station to avenge the death of one of them.

He said: “The incident paralysed commercial activities in the market as traders abandoned their wares and ran for safety.”

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, Mallam Tambari Yabo Muhammed, who confirmed the incident, said one person was killed.

He said six suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

The police chief, however, denied the allegation that some people were injured by police bullets.

One version of what happened is that two Hausa men clashed over an issue.

It was gathered that one stabbed the other. The culprit was subsequently arrested and detained in police custody.

Two other Hausa men, who went to the station in respect of the incident, were said to have challenged policemen on duty for not releasing the suspect to them.

One of the Hausa men reportedly attacked a policeman with a sword and was said to have been shot dead in return.

This, our correspondent gathered, drew the ire of the Hausa men that reportedly attacked the police station.

Lagos power generation: Court refuses to lift ban on PHCN’s accounts not convince the court that Lagos State High Court, their entire operations are

A

Igbosere yesterday re fused to set aside a mareva injunction barring the Power Holden Company of Nigeria (PHCN) from access to its two bank accounts.

It is over a Barge Power Purchase Agreement (BPPA) and a Contribution Agreement executed between it and the Lagos State Government.

Justice Doris Okuwobi had extended the injunction against the PHCN following an application by the government.

But the PHCN urged the court to vacate the order because its inability to access its money in the accounts had adversely affected its operations.

It said it had not been able to pay staff salaries, and that Lagos’ prayers were an abuse of court process.

Ruling yesterday, Justice Okuwobi said the order would subsist until the parties resolve the dispute at arbitration.

She said the order was only made to protect the assets of

Joseph JIBUEZE the PHCN from being dissipated, as that would render the judgment of the arbitration “empty” should it favour Lagos.

The judge said the claim that lack of access to the accounts would hamper PHCN’s operations is “hearsay”.

“The action is one for interim measures so that the applicant (Lagos) is not left with an empty judgment at arbitration should the assets be dissipated,” she said.

According to her, the court’s “attitude” in making the orders was to protect the applicant while the PHCN privatisation takes place.

The PHCN had accused Lagos of not disclosing all facts to the court, but the judge said: “What has been disclosed justifies the exparte orders made.

Therefore, I cannot dismiss the order on the basis of non-dis-

closure of facts.”

She added: “I find no merit in the first respondent’s claims of non-disclosure of facts by the applicant. The motion to set aside the order thereby fails and is dismissed.”

The PHCN had also claimed that the Federal Government had guaranteed that PHCN’s assets would not be tampered with and that the interest of Lagos would be protected.

To this, the judge held: “I have not been shown any such agreement between the Federal Government and the parties. I find the guarantee not really existent.

“I agree that the assets of the first respondent are at risk of being moved out of jurisdiction.”

Besides, the court held that the orders did not freeze all PHCN’s accounts in other banks, as it admitted having accounts in about four other banks apart from the two on which embargo was placed.

“The first respondent could

based on those two accounts.

The order is a security for judgment,” the judge said.

Justice Okuwobi went on: “The first respondent has not shown any evidence that its operations are hampered.

Non-payment of staff salary is not a direct result of the orders made by this court.”

Justice Okuwobi, on May 16, granted orders of interim injunction restraining the PHCN from dealing with the monies standing to its credit in the specified accounts with First Bank and Zenith Bank. It later extended the order.

In the intervening period, the PHCN filed an application seeking to discharge and set aside the orders of interim injunctions which was dismissed yesterday.

Meanwhile, an application for contempt proceedings against the PHCN and First Bank by Lagos is still pending.

Justice Okuwobi adjourned till July 9 for further hearing.

NEWS 5 Ajimobi inaugurates roads, promises better life for Oyo people

G

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday inaugurated some newly-reconstructed roads across all the five local government councils within the Ibadan metropolis, even as he promised that his administration would work assiduously to make life better for the people of the state.

Some of the newly-inaugurated roads included Ile Oke-Idi Omo-Oke Apon Road in the Ibadan North Local Government Area; Bisi Akande Road in the Ibadan South-West Council Area and Bere-Ayeye Road, among others.

The governor also inaugurated the new headquarters of the Ibadan South-West Local Government Council at Aleshinloye Area which had been abandoned for the past 21 years.

He explained that his administration would not compromise quality in the execution of development projects in the state, adding also that there would be no room for wasteful spending.

“We were elected to serve and I want to assure the people of Oyo State that we will use our tenure to better their lives and turn things around in this state,’’ he pledged.

The governor, while also speaking at a Town Hall Meeting at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, promised that all the major markets in the state capital would be rehabilitated, and that revolving loans would be made available for small scale entrepreneurs in the state.

He added that his administration had set aside a certain amount of money for distribution as community grants, warning, however, that all the council chairmen that would be saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the distribution would be made to account for the money distributed.

Ogun signs MoU with British varsity on education

E

FFORTS by the Ogun State government to raise the standard of education in the state received a boost at the weekend with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Northampton University, United Kingdom (UK).

The state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology signed on behalf of the state government. The agreement is to improve the quality of education in public schools in the state.

Essentially, the MoU is in the areas of exchange of teaching and research personnel, exchange of students, development of research activities and exploration at course levels.

The university is also to work with the state government to develop an employment focused vocational training programme involving some key players from industries with the support of the

two university technical colleges in Silverstone and Darenty, both in the UK. According to a statement by the Press Officer of the ministry, Kayode Oduyebo, state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Segun Odubela, who represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the event, called for total support for the educational reforms embarked upon by the state government.

Odubela, signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, while Professor Seu Allen signed for the UK university.

The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Dr Tunji Abimbola, and officials of the Education Support Initiative for Africa (ESIFA), a non-governmental organisation.

Amosun’s wife tasks doctors on quality health care

T

HE Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ogun State chapter, has been urged to make health care delivery more effective by providing high quality service that is humane, efficient and affordable to improve human life.

The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, said this during the formal inauguration of the association at the Valley View Auditorium, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta, noting that the inauguration was another call to service for female medical practitioners to contribute their quota towards the Mission to Rebuild Ogun State.

She appealed to members of the association to focus on intervention programmes like community-based health care and health awareness that could help reduce the need for some of the hospital bills, saying the state government would continue to map out strategies aimed at taking the health sector to the next level.

“As your motto indicates matris animo currant (healing with the spirit of mother), you should strive to accomplish your association’s mission of improving the health status of the entire society, especially as it concerns women and children, while encouraging the progress and relevance of female doctors,” she said.

Dana crash: LG boss commiserates with victims’ families

T

HE chairman of the Irepo Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association Local of Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON),oyo state Hon. Yekeen Popoola, has commiserated with families of victims of ill-fated Dana Air plane crash that claimed about 159 lives.

He prayed for the families of victims of the mishap. He

prayed for unseen hands of God to hold them in their grief.

The ALGON chief enjoined all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious inclinations, to desist from all sins that can make them incur the wrath of God. He appealed to all political office holders and those who are in position authority to come out and assist families of victims of the disaster.

6 NEWS

A

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Orji pledges support for Michael Okpara varsity

BIA State government has pledged to support the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to ensure a successful hosting of the first Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) technical meeting for 2012/

Ugochukwu EKE, Umuahia 2013 session in the South East zone.

Governor Theodore Orji gave the assurance at the Government House, Umuahia, when he received

Alleged N2b fraud: EFCC detains Sylva’s associates

the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof Hillary Edoga and the management team of the institute. He said it was an honor for the state to be chosen as the venue of the event.

Orji said that the state government, under his leadership, is ever willing to part-

ner with the Federal Government and its institutions established in the state to improve their services, stressing that it is one of the ways to develop the environment.

He assured that the state government will provide the necessary logistics to make the conference a success as

well as to grace the opening ceremony.

He said: “Our partnership with the Federal Government has impacted positively on the state”.

The governor said that his administration has high regard for the university and lauded the Vice Chancellor of

•Commission retrieves personal files of ex-governor, children’s passports

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday arrested and detained two associates of former Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, at its headquarters in Abuja.

The associates are Ashogwa Kelvin Iyke and Tommy Richie Imoh, who is also described as a brotherin-law to the ex-governor.

According to findings, the two associates were picked up in the early hours of yesterday at their mansions in Abuja.

A reliable source in the commission, who spoke in confidence said: “We effected the arrest of the two suspects after many weeks of trailing them.

“As for Asogwa Kelvin Iyke, who is a bosom friend of Sylva, we are suspecting that he has been allegedly serving as a front for the former governor since he was a Special Adviser to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“We raided his home in Maitama District and retrieved cash in hard currencies in dollars, pound sterling and Rands.

“We also succeeded in getting vital documents including those relating to some companies that we are investigating.”

“On Imoh, who is a brother–in-law to the ex-governor, we found in his house personal files of Sylva, the international passports of the children of the former governor, Certificates of Occupancy of several property in different names believed to be proxies, and shares certificates bearing different names.

“All the documents are with us pending the conclusion of investigation.”

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

He said: “They were arrested early in the morning on Friday. They have been detained and we are interrogating them.”

The EFCC had last Tuesday arraigned ex-Governor, Timipre Sylva before Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a six-count charge of fraud, criminal conversion, and conspiracy to commit crime to the tune of over N2 billion when he held sway as governor of the state.

Some of the charges against Sylva are: “That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October, 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, in-

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation cluding Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: conversion of properties and resources amounting to N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) belonging to Bayelsa State Government and derived from an illegal act, with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the said amount and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act), 2004 and punishable under Section 14(1) of the same Act. ”That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 22nd of January, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N380,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Eighty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a Bureau De Change Operator with Account No. 221433478108, in Fin Bank, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act.”

•Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State explaining a point to the Eurpoean Union Ambassador, Amb. David Mcrare, during a courtesy call on the governor in Government House, Uyo.

PHCCIMA chides NLNG for Bonny/ Rivers’ exclusion from scheme

T

HE Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has taken a swipe at the management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) for allegedly excluding the names of Bonny and Rivers indigenes in the recent NLNG 2012 Technicians Training and Employment Programme.

The PHCCIMA President, Dr Vincent Furo, expressed disappointment that an international company like NLNG could employ as many as 33 persons into its 2012 Technicians Training and Employment Programme without making provision for the host community.

He advised the management of the NLNG to ensure that Bonny people, being the host

Anambra gets first sports academy

A

LL is set for the commissioning of the multi-million naira City Sports Academy, in Oba, Idemili South Council Area of Anambra State.

The sports academy, which will be the first of its kind in the South East, will take off at its temporary site located at the Rojenny Games and Tourist Village, Addressing newsmen at an interactive section by the academy’s stakeholders, the

Okodili NDIDI, Onitsha acting rector of the institute, Dr. Molumba Obiajulu, noted that the initiative was conceived to assist the teeming youths develop their untapped potentials in sporting activities, thereby creating employment.

He noted that the academy will also run normal academic activities in line with conventional schools’ curriculum to

avail the students the opportunity of accessing quality education while they are trained by some of the best foreign sports instructors that have been engaged by the academy.

According to him, the academy which will commence full session by early August, will have hostel accommodation for the students, standard football pitch, lawn tennis court, olympic size swimming pool, among other facilities for indoor sports.

community and Rivers State indigenes are accommodated so as to reflect local content and catchments area arrangement.

“We are talking about a community that has sacrificed the health of its people on the platter of dangerous emission of gas. A community where life expectancy is constantly threatened while corrosion, acid rain and environmental degradation are now a way of life; however when it comes to accommodating the people in gainful employment and appointment, they are grossly denied,” Furo said.

He explained that the likes of the NLNG and other multinational companies have been told to support current efforts of the Federal Government to end youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region by offering training and employment opportunities to youths of the region. He described the deliberate exclusion of Bonny people as the height of insensitivity on the part of the company.

Isong lecture: Akpabio extols former CBN governor’s virtues

T

HE Governor of AkwaIbom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has described former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Clement Nyong Isong,as a man whose achievements in office laid the foundation for the financial and developmental strides in the country.

Governor Akpabio stated this in his key note address at the 4th Memorial Lecture of Dr. Clement Isong which took place at the Muson Centre, Lagos yesterady.

Akpabio, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Nsima Ekere at the

lecture, noted that Isong became the Central Bank Governor during the most trying period of the country and he was able to to manage the nation's resources and the country, throughout and even after the war, did not borrow from any financial institution, to either prosecute the war or rebuild the country.

According to Akpabio, "his ability to achieve that feat was indeed a clear indication that he was sincere, truthful and transparent in his handling of the nation's finance,adding, he was a very

good man, though he has been immortalised by the country, Isong would forever be immortalised in our hearts.

"To the nation, he was a good economist, to us in AkwaIbom State, he was more than agood economist, he was a good man. The nation has him immortalised on its currency, but in AkwaIbom he will forever be immortalised in our hearts," he stressed.

Speaking further, Akpabio fingered military dictatorship as " why despite our nation's enormous resources and huge potentials, Nigeria still remains grossly

underdeveloped.

Consequently, political instability, abject poverty,acute youth unemployment, hiegthened crime rate, poor health prospects, illiteracy and other shameful and retrogressive features have become our lot."

He noted that "democracy, no doubt, has become the most fashionable form of governance in the world. But the issue is not about democracy but good governance, stating that AkwaIbom State is a shinning example of development Model for Nigeria."

the university for the good job he is doing in the school, adding that the university has brought many things to the state since it was established.

Orji said that his administration enjoys a wonderful relationship with the university, even though it is a federal institution, even as he described the Vice Chancellor as focused and hardworking, who has brought a lot of ideas that have helped to improve the standard of the institution.

Earlier in his speech, Prof Edoga told the governor that his institution would be hosting the technical meeting of JAMB on the 26th of June, the first time a university in the South East would be doing so.

Prof Edoga stated that about 500 delegates are expected to attend the meeting and requested the governor to assist the institution with logistics including vehicles and the furnishing of their auditorium to make the conference a success.

He extolled the Governor Orji for his open door policy and for the cordial relationship between the state and federal establishments in the state and thanked the governor for his interest in the development of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Anambra ANPP condemns killing of Yobe’s Deputy Majority Leader Nwanosike ONU, Awka

T

HE All Nigeria peoples Party (ANPP) in Anambra State has condemned the killing of the deputy majority leader of Yobe State House of Assembly, Adamu Abubakar Degubi by unknown gunmen on Tuesday.

In a statement yesterday in Awka, the state Chairman of the party, Chief Patrick Orjiakor described the killing of the lawmaker as barbaric.

He described the late Deputy Majority Leader as an easy going person and a loyal party man, who according to him, could not hurt even a fly.

The party, therefore, implored the security agencies and the Yobe State governments to make sure that the culprits were fished out to face the full wrath of the law.

Similarly, Orjiakor condoled with the families of the Dana crash victims, describing the incident as a national calamity.

According to the statement, “Nigeria is facing its hardest period, the country is still battling the issue of criminal activities and the crash came and claimed more citizens of this country.”

“If the government at the centre has been up and doing, some of these things should be prevented, but it is unfortunate that the country will still live with this government for sometime, but we wish the families the fortitude to bear the loss,” Orjiakor wrote.

NEWS 7

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Boko Haram: Senator Ndume must face trial, court rules

A

Federal High Court j u d g e , Abuja,yesterday, warned the Federal Government against promoting anarchy through flagrant disregard of court order.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole stressed that no country could advance without respect for the rule of law.

He was ruling in a preliminary objection filed by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume against the fourcount criminal charge of

...JTF, Boko Haram in gun battle

...warns FG against anarchy From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja having link with the Islamist sect, Jamaatu Ahlil Sunna Lidawati wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram.

His counsel, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN) had complained to the court that Ndume was prevented from traveling on May 23 by security agencies at the airport, against the order of the court.

The visibly angry judge wondered why his order was flouted by the security

agencies even though they were shown a copy of the court order.

He said: “I regret to say this, anarchy will soon set in.

No country advances when there is no respect for the rule of law. All these cases of Boko Haram and the like are indices of anarchy embedded in the whole system.

How can I sit here and make an order on a contested application and somebody will choose to ignore it? I consider this as an affront. “...the matter was argued,

you opposed the application, I granted it. Nobody can be at the airport and say he has the power to sit as appeal court over my order.

Please convey my feeling to whoever is in charge, whether it is the Director of SSS, the Inspector-General of Police or the ComptrollerGeneral of Immigration that it is an affront. It does not lie in the hand of any civil servant, not even the President to disobey the order of a court.”

However, the court or-

dered Ndume to face trial to prove his innocence.

Dismissing the motion of preliminary objection, Justice Kolawole said it was still early to determine the culpability or not of the accused person as the accused could only prove his innocence during trial proper and not at the pre-trial stage.

He maintained that the charge has established link between the accused and some members of Boko Haram.

Besides, Justice Kolawole dismissed the claim that the present charge constituted an abuse of court process

•Four suspected sect members killed Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

he Kano Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday raided Garmawa Quarters on the outskirts of Kano, killing four suspected members of the Islamist sect,Boko Haram.

A woman was among those shot dead. She was hit while trying to jump over a fence with her child who was however rescued.

The raid was launched at about 3.30am and lasted about two hours with Boko Haram members firing back at the soldiers.

A statement issued by JTF in Kano yesterday on the raid said: “Following extensive intelligence build up as a result of information supplied by the good people of Kano State, a combined team of the JTF and SSS operatives conducted a dusk to dawn operation at Ungwara-Uku general area of Taurani local government area of Kano State. The hideout was suspected to0 be a major centre of the terrorist element operating in Kano State.

“During the encounter, four members of the terrorist element were killed. Items recovered include, one pistol, several rounds of assorted ammunition, one printer, over 1,000 copies of compact discs, 25 scanners, 12 lap tops, assorted computer cables and accessories, explosive materials, four civil police identity cards, uniform of securities agencies being used by the terrorist gangs were also recovered.”

The JTF also expressed gratitude to the members of the public for providing them with useful information and urged them to continue to do so.

•From left: Gov. Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi; Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Martins Uhomoibhi, and District Head of Koko, Alhaji Shehu Malami, during the confirment of traditional title of Dan Majen Koko District on Dr Uhomoibhi in Birnin Kebbi...Friday Photo: NAN

Demo-corruption, Nigeria’s form of government –Ali Monguno

E

lder statesman and former Minister of Petroleum, Dr Shettima Ali Monguno yesterday said that the type of government Nigeria is practicing is not democracy but “democorruption”, as the present administration is doing nothing to tackle the high level of corruption in the country.

The elder statesman made this remark at his residence when he led a delegation of Borno elders to appeal to the Jamatul ahlis Sunnah lid Daawa wal Jihad popularly known as Boko Haram to lay down their arms and come and embrace

Joseph ABIODUN, Maiduguri dialogue for the sake of the people of the state. “ On behalf of the Borno Elders Forum (BEF), we appeal to both members of the Jamatul Ahlis Sunnah lid Daawa wal jihad to consider the hardship people are going as a result of the on going insurgency and lay down their arms for peace to come back to Maiduguri and its environs,” Monguno said.

Elder Monguno said “God has ordained us to stay together and those trying to divide the

country are doing so to achieve their selfish interest. We should be more patriotic and work together towards achieving peace.

Government also should do justice to the people.”

They appealed to the sect members to lay down their arms, embrace peaceful approach to achieving their goals, even as they called on the government to cease fire and remove all blockages in and round the city and its environs and the presence of armed soldiers within the city should be drastically minimized.

“We have to speak out on behalf of our people to call the warring parties to cease fire and allow peace a chance in the interest of the generally of the people, irrespective of tribal, religious or political background,” he said.

The elder statesman also appealed to those who capitalize on the security challenges in the state to make money to desist, adding that it is unfortunate if an army general should tell elders to “shut up”, what do you expect of an ordinary soldier who is given a gun to do what he wants to do?

Certificate forgery: Suswam knows fate July 11

A

Federal High Court, Makurdi presided over by Justice Marcel Awokulehin yesterday fix judgement for July 11th, 2012, in a case of alleged certificate forgery brought against Governor Gabriel Suswam by Terver Kakih.

Terver Kakih contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries against incumbent Governor Suswam, but lost woefully.

He challenged Suswam, alleging that the

because the accused had earlier been arraigned at a Magistrate’s court.

According to him, it was his arraignment at the Magistrate’s court that could be said to be an abuse of court process because it is the Federal High Court that has exclusive power to try terrorism case.

He said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Muhammad Adoke (SAN) who signed the charge should not be expected to be neutral in a criminal charge.

“I have found no merit in the motion on notice, it is hereby dismissed,” he said.

Before adjourning the matter till July 3 and 10 for trial, Justice Kolawole assured the two parties of accelerated trial.

Ndume is accused of hoarding information on planned terror attacks and providing logistics to the convicted spokesman of the Boko Haram sect, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga (alias Usman AI- Zawahiri).

He is also charged with allegedly giving telephone numbers of certain public officers to Boko Haram for the purpose of communicating terrorist messages.

The alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 3(b), 4(1) (a) and 7(1) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011.

In his preliminary objection, Tarfa had argued that the proof of evidence filed by the prosecution failed to link Ndume with the alleged criminal charges.

He added that the charge is devoid of essential ingredients to suggest the commission of the alleged offences he is facing.

Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi primaries were doctored.

Since then, the case has suffered protracted litigation from Federal Highcourt, Makurdi to that of Abuja, Jos and back to Makurdi where it began.

At yesterday’s sitting, both parties (Suswam/Kakih) adopted their final addresses lasting for 20 minutes each.

In his oral submission, counsel to Suswam and

PDP, who are 1st and 4th defendant in the case, Jubrin Okutepa (SAN) asked the dismissal of the case for lacking merit, substance and evidence and urged the court to dismiss the entire argument of the plaintiff (Kikih) that they have a case.

Okutepa stressed that the burden of prove was on the person ( plaintiff) who alleged. “ My lord the plaintiff cannot shift a goal post and expect to score a goal in a litigation process. The wit-

nesses he called, according to him were PDP members but none proved before the court that primaries and ward congress did not hold,” said Okutepa.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and West African Examination Counsel(WAEC)E.P. Echo and G. Ebebeli ESQ, all aligned themselves with Suswam’s counsel and urged the court to dismiss the case as lacking in evidence.

But in his submission,

counsel to Terver Kakih (plaintiff), Sam Korgbo told the court that his evidence was not dislodged, contradicted or discredited by the defendants(PDP\ Suswam).

Barrister Korgba told the court that the issue of jurisdiction does not arise in the case at all and urged the court to enter judgement in favour of his client (Terver Kakih).

Justice Marcel Awokullehin fixed judgement for July,11th, 2012.

The forum called on the sect members to consider hardship people are facing, as many people cannot perform five obligatory prayer in congregation in mosque near their houses or even Friday prayers, adding that people have now become desolate as refuges in their own state.

The Forum said: “We are equally appealing to the government to release all detainees found innocent amongst the many of the sect presently in detention. A process of dialogue and reconciliation should immediately be embarked upon. Government should go extra mile to be magnanimous in embracing dialogue and acting positively to put all concerns of the people to rest.”

The members of the forum included Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Gaji Galtimare, Alhaji Kyari Sandabe, Brigdier Abba Kyari, Amb. Yusufari, Amb. Hamza Yerima, Alhaji Abubakar Ghide, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, Alhaji Modu Rijiya, Bukar Gana and Bulama Mali Gubio, among others.

8

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

9

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012 '

T

HE Good, the Bad and the Ugly 'is the title of an old film I watched a long time again.

Some events of the last few days and weeks simply reminded me of the title of the film even though I cannot remember clearly what the film was about now. As I watched the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Queen Elizabeth 11 on satellite TV and listened to the rendering of Psalm 96 by the famous Choir of St Paul's Cathedral my heart praised God and humanity for the leadership provided by the British Monarchy, in spite of its antiquity in a democratic setting, for the British people. About the same time this week the Church of England warned the British government not to legalise Gay Marriages in England and Wales as the proposition will make a mockery of the concept of marriage and will not be able to weather imminent and predictable legal challenge.

Coincidentally in far away Russia in the city of Petersburg the city council banned gay marriages and removed online messages targeted at children about gay parentage saying that they will not allow a practice they have banned to influence their youths as they are growing up. Many Russian cities are said to be lining up to take the same harsh action on gay marriages including Moscow which is notorious for beating up pro gay rights demonstrators. These three events are the good, the bad and ugly side of leadership in the UK and Russia today and I want to discuss them in the context of the leadership of both nations and the impact on their socio -economic environment.

In addition I want to discuss the civil war evolving in Syria and Russia's role in that, as well as the coming election in Greece which is like a referendum on the relevance of democracy in a non performing economy. I will round up with the events in our National Assembly especially the House of Representatives which reeks of bribery scandals which are really bad and ugly but which still have a silver lining in that at least the culture of transparency and openness is evolving, and that is why the revelations are coming out albeit, in a suffocating and unbelievable torrent, in the first instance. That to me is good for our democracy, as we call it, even though it is quite disruptive at present of our peace of mind and very dangerous for the venal, though minimal semblance of political stability and sanity we have managed to maintain so far.

Starting with the Queen again in England there is no doubt that the Monarchy represented by the Queen is the bedrock of British political stability. Britain has a robust and largely transparent democracy in spite of the Parliamentary malfeasance of MPs who defrauded on their entitlements and fringe benefits but did not escape the wrath of the law and the fury of the British electorate consequently.

But whilst governments go and come in British elections the monarchy oversees British democracy in an unobtrusive behind the scene manipulation of power that allows the British Royal family unbelievable pomp and pageantry in the open in delivering speeches from the throne which are no more than the policies of victorious British political parties at successive general elections. British approbation of its monarchical democracy have been well proven and displayed at the last royal wedding and the

Leadership credibility and the economy

60th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Queen Elizabeth in early May this year. 'With the Queen in Buckingham Palace every Briton sleeps well in his bed' is an old clichĂŠ by teachers of Political Science in the Ivory Towers of the world today and the love the British showed their monarchy on the two occasions simply confirmed the veracity of this famous teaching.

Yet a potent danger to British political stability lurks in the plan of the British Conservative Party and its coalition partner in government the Liberals to legalise gay marriage in England and Wales. The Arch bishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has already issued a warning and a correct one too in my view even though it appears belated. But it was the same Archbishop who vacillated and dithered when Episcopal Anglican Churches enthroned and consecrated gay bishops in the US and did not say a word. African Anglican bishops then, led by the former leader of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria Primate Peter Akinola said to the Archbishop of Canterbury then, the sort of things and warning he is now giving to the British government.

Sadly, the tenure of the same

Archbishop ends, as announced, this December as he is taking up a university appointment else where. But, really, his warning to the obstinate Cameron Administration that has blocked aid to African nations because they banned homosexuality and gay marriages, is like a warning to close the stables doors after the horses have bolted.

Also, coming at a time of spending cuts and austerity measures in the British economy which have created deep hostility towards the Cameron government; and followed closely by the lavish Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, the legalization of marriage as proposed in England and Wales, is another political ploy by the Cameron government to divert attention away from its apparent inability to pull the British economy out of the woods or doldrums. A public analyst in Greece once said, in apparent frustration, that austerity is a weapon of capitalism to destroy the welfare state.

Besides Greece no where in Europe is this more apparent than in Britain where virtually all sectors of the economy have embarked on or are planning to go on strike over the ruling coalition's economic policies. The

gay marriage legalization is therefore a diversion and a costly cultural one too that is bound to divide the very modern digital age society that Britain has become , in spite of its ancient but still popular monarchy.

Russia however in spite of its communist background is anti gay just like China which questions the moral integrity of Christian Europe in a largely disturbing way. In Russia both the Orthodox Catholic Church and the Putin administration are against gay tendencies which the Obama campaign in the US has endorsed like most EU nations. The pro gay rights activists in Europe and Russia have branded the Russian anti gay movement as uneducated. But is this a matter of education or civilization or culture?

Regardless of one's answer, the reaction to these unspoken world issues are affecting the fate of world economies and ultimately global peace.

In Syria, Russia is adamantly against anything the US says because it feels it needs no lesson from the US or the EU on the sanctity and quality of human life given well known western values on the same. Anyway the west can not exert any economic pressure on Russia because the west is enmeshed in economic mess stemming from economic mismanagement and does not now have the economic clout to push home its moral standards and unbridled liberalism in political management both in Europe and globally.

Whereas Russia is the world's largest exporter of oil and China, its partner in supporting the Assad regime in Syria, is the largest consumer in the world and between them they are building

the longest pipeline in the world which puts them in charge of the oil driven world economy the Europeans and US use to dominate while setting socio economic, political and moral standards in the process.

In effect then, the mismanagement of democratic governments in Europe have created credibility problems for the leadership of politicians and that has been compounded by moral decadence over the gay issue leading to the loss of entrenched leadership in the control of world affairs including global and regional diplomacy.

It is in this light therefore that I look at the bribery scandal in the House of Representatives which is an arm of the National Assembly (NASS) I say this advisedly because I know that some senators feel hurt when we lump representatives and senators together .But our NASS has lost credibility because of the fuel subsidy bribery and counter bribery scandal. From the recent revelations it appears the difference is clear between the Reps and senators in terms of probity and rectitude. It is clear which is the lower house especially in terms of probity. But the senate cannot fold it arms because the acronym NASS makes no distinction between the two Houses. The senate must show its hand and play a role in saving the face and integrity of our legislature. To do otherwise is to play the role of the infamous Roman Emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burnt.

History has never forgotten him since for that and our Senate will share his fate if it neglects its urgent and necessary role of cleaning the Augean stables of our National Assembly.

10 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Now, integrity gets ‘bombed’

I

am writing this with mixed emotions. It is one of those moments when laughter becomes a catharsis. You just can’t help having this feeling that this nation has gone past the probabilities of finding a redemptive track. You are forced to ask: will Nigeria ever stop this free slide down the ladder and take the first step forward? That is the kind of question that depresses the soul. These days, optimists are few among our knowledgeable citizens; scepticism pervades the Nigerian horizon. Many would tell you not to bother your head about the perennial systemic failures and concentrate on personal goals.

They say Nigeria is not worth anybody’s tears. And that when things get to a head, something will just have to give. Well, at the rate at which we are sliding, I doubt if this country has the capacity to absorb further pummeling before something gives.

No country has been scandalously raped and abused like Nigeria. That it is still alive today, even if shackled by truckloads of socio-political malaise, defies any logic.

Years ago, the gap-toothed general publicly wrung hands and told a news magazine that even those of them in the military government could not understand what really sustained, and still sustains, our economy. Analysts credit the general for institutionalising corruption through ‘settlement’.

Misgovernance and mass plundering of the public till under successive kleptocratic regimes have grown from strength to strength. Today, the drumbeats of government’s so-called anticorruption war deadens into eerie silence when billions are involved. But how much more can Nigeria take?

Sadly, those we rely on to kick-start a redemptive journey have turned out to be worse than the founding rapists. Bereft of any shade of shame, they have simply appropriated Nigeria as an extension of their private estate. In a country where over 70 per cent of its 150 million population swims with the tide of poverty, less than five per cent that constitutes our voracious ruling elite holds the treasury by the jugular. Nothing typifies the saying that a man’s wants are insatiable than the Nigerian elite. They just can’t help the endless grabbing and daylight robbery from the collective patrimony. At a point, we thought there were exceptions to the rule. I speak of those rare breed of human beings that will not soil their hardearned reputation with official graft and corrosive corruption. But hope is fading fast on getting such specie. Simply put, there are no heroes here. Or do you know of any up there in the power house?

Of course, we do have icons. But these icons are far removed from the sickening madness. They are too aloof to effect any positive change. With the rate at which our VIPs (or is it VITs - Very Important Thieves?) blindly loot the treasury, no one expects them to walk without some swag. And it is not any surprising that they wear an emblazoned pride on the collars. Most “big men” of today are, at best, thieves and robbers. Even former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who ought to know, confirmed it. And they are everywhere. We have them in the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. They are in the public and private sectors. Yet, there are also those that belong to the tiny minority who hold the torch on integrity——the men and women who struggle daily to drag us back to the path of sanity. Once in a while, these persons get battered by the system but they keep on pressing for a just and egalitarian society. They defer to their conscience, tell the truth

to power and damn the consequences.

If asked to pick one of these rare men from the crowd of ‘honourable’ members in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, my first choice would have been no other person than the diminutive lawmaker representing Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency, Hon. Farouk Lawan. Until some few days ago, I had never met Lawan one-on-one. But I could easily pick him out from a sea of heads. His reputation as an integrity-driven, nononsense lawmaker follows him wherever he goes. Here was a man who battled an unforgiving, sly and belligerent Obasanjo to a standstill. Here was a man who brought to an abrupt end the tenure of Hon. Olubunmi Etteh as the Speaker of the House of Representatives over N620m official residence renovation brouhaha. Insisting that the integrity of the House must not be sacrificed on the altar of primordial party sentiments, Lawan propelled the gang of lawmakers - the Integrity Group - that fought to install Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.

Though the jury is still out on how well Bankole observed the integrity mantra considering the monumental allegations of fraud brought against him and his deputy, it is by no means a great feat that Lawan had spent more than 13 years in the Green Chamber without tainting his name or getting embroiled in any major scandal bothering on corruption. This record, more than any other thing, must have accounted for his appointment as the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal. It was a fitting cap for a man many trusted to do a thorough job. It was clear to all Nigerians that it would take a heart of steel to confront the powerful cabal in the oil sector and address the rot. With his tough mien and the clinical questions posed to marketer after marketer during the probe, Lawan became the hope of some form of redemption in that sector. The reality of the enormous task placed on his lean shoulders was not lost on him. He promised that his committee would not only unravel the mystery behind the humongous figures being bandied around as subsidy funds but also to expose those behind the grand looting of our collective inheritance.

And did his committee deliver on those promises? With the stunning revelations in the report and directives that certain oil thieves should refund billions of naira to the government coffers as payouts for barrels of oil that were never imported into the country, everyone apart from the shady stakeholders , believed the members deserved more than a pat on the back. Lawan was singled out for commendation for standing up to the deadly antics of the cartel and ignoring their threats. We not only saluted his courage but waited eagerly for a swift response from the executive regarding the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report. We had thought corruption had been dealt a fatal blow by Mr. Integrity. If wishes were horses…Pity, we were dead wrong.

Today, Lawan, who was the hunter some few weeks back, is now embroiled in a scandalous bribery allegation that has the potential of rubbishing everything that had been put into the drafting of that report. When the news broke, I had thought and hoped that it was one of those rumours without any solid foundation. But with the revelations by the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, Mr. Femi Otedola, that he connived with operatives of the State Security Service to handover bribes totaling $620,000 to Lawan and the Secretary of the committee, Mr. Boniface

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 Emenalo, I suddenly developed goose pimples. The sordid details about how the bribes were offered in a sting operation and collected are in the public domain. Also well reported is Lawan’s account about why he collected the money as ‘exhibit’ to show that Otedola was trying to influence the report. Still hazy to fathom, in my understanding, is why Zenon’s name suddenly disappeared from the list of indicted oil firms when the report was eventually tabled and amended by the House. This particular amendment, I must point out, was based on Lawan’s recommendation. Curious also is Otedola’s claim that he was pestered to offer the bribes even when his company had nothing to do with the subsidy scam. If the purpose of the sting operation was to catch Lawan in the act, why was he allowed to go home with the ‘loot’ in two or three sting operations? And why did it take more than six weeks after the submission of the report for the scandal to be leaked to the press? Could it be that some powerful forces are bent on casting a pall of doubts on the report and therefore make it absolutely difficult to implement?

Whichever way this goes, it does not in any way portend a good omen for Nigeria. As the relevant authorities try to unravel the knotty details surrounding this latest scandal in the House of Representatives, I can only hope that this report will not go the way of many other reports that have been consigned to the dustbin of history. Such reports are too numerous to mention here. Even if it is proved that Lawan succumbed to greed, we must punish him on that score. It will, in the end, be a wicked injustice to the memories of those that died during the fuel subsidy strike for us to throw away the report just because one man decided to walk into the trap of those who never wished this country well.

In all honesty, I do not see Lawan dancing out of this entrapment with his reputation intact sans that fabled integrity. As far as this matter is concerned, integrity has been technically knocked out! But there is a lesson in this for all of u: be wary of smelling what you don’t want to taste! Blackmail is not just the stock-in-trade of cowards; it can be employed at the highest quarters to tame an unwanted customer. But should this journey to sanity in the oil sector end midstream like it did happen to the power probe report in the 6th National Assembly, then we are doomed as a nation. What it means is that we have thrown the stage open for the corporate thieves and robbers in our midst to up the ante of their shameless dance in the market square. Isn’t that what this is all about?

Oh, Nigeria! The more we look, the less we see. Real abracadabra country. I am still laughing, sorely so!

Re: Crashing planes, deadly roads and travellers' dilemma

vincentakanmode@yahoo.com

•Your style of writing induced some laughter even though my heart was in anguish. Leadership is in disarray in Nigeria. Those entrusted with our safety have been taken over by filthy lucre. These avoidable tragedies will continue for as long as the ruling elite remain self-serving. With the new culture of impunity now, it is a situation of every man for himself, God for us all Gbenga, FCE Pankshin, Plateau State.

•It is very unfortunate and painful that we witnessed an air mishap of such monumental proportion at a time we all thought the Jonathan government was making an inroad into the rehabilitation of the aviation industry. However, I think we can still find consolation in the fact that death remains a necessary end which comes when it must come, and with its employed agent. Otherwise, there could have been some form of miraculous escape from the unfortunate incident.

Or how else could it be explained that the pilot, who had earlier identified the fault in the plane and complained to his Indian employer would still embark on the suicide mission with 153 innocent Nigerians simply because his master had insisted he did so for monetary gains. If this was what actually happened, let Dana Air be banned from operating in Nigeria and the owner brought to book fro decreeing such heartless murder of innocent Nigerians.

Emmanuel Egwu, Enugu.

•Like we have always said, in Nigeria, indiscipline and massive corruption in all spheres and sectors, if not massively crushed, will continue to under-develop this country. Given that the crashed Dana plane had an A-check before the crash, according to The Nation of Saturday June 29, 2012, I am of the opinion that mechanical-technical-human error could develop at any time.

I am particularly bothered about safety measures and emergency response level. Without indiscipline and corruption, there would have been fire fighters and equipment as well as hospitals and clinics in most towns and villages such that at least 20 of the victims on ground might be alive today. But the rulers rather than leaders—National Assembly, Presidency, judiciary and the Airports—would not allow for provision of required infrastructure and safety measures.

Whoever does good, God dey. And whoever does evil, God dey. Death is end of our stories.

Quite unfortunate! May the souls of the dead rest in peace. Amen.

Lanre Oseni, Lagos.

•Vincent, the tragedies will continue until we are able to put a competent person at the helm of affairs. Jonathan and his team are incompetent. Obasanjo, the unsund old despot, and some PDP leaders knew about his shortcomings before they foisted him on us.

Alhaji Adeboye Lawal.

•Your piece revealed the whole truth that corruption is behind our misfortunes. I ask: how would corruption be eliminated when it is inherent in the neo-colonial capitalist economy which the capitalist world and its lackeys in power in Nigeria have imposed on the people.

Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna •Dear Vincent, even if one was stone-hearted,

the gory pictures of the plane crash and its victims in the air and on the ground, their plans and aspirations, would force tears out of one’s eyes. But can we blame God for our predicament in this country? No. All the problems that face the country are self-inflicted. They stemmed from self-centredness and corruption among our leaders, which, unfortunately, the followers too have imbibed.

Crashing planes, deadly roads, insecurity and so on are outcrops of inept and insensitive leadership. I pray that God will console the bereaved families. Howver, until Nigerians take their destinies in their own hands by asking questions from our leaders and holding them responsible for avoidable tragedies like the Dana air crash and auto accidents with their dire consequences (the Mubarak treatment), we will continue to gnash our teeth each time we face the consequences of our docility.

Adewuyi Adegbite, Ogbomoso.

•My people say men have eyes but only few see. I do not know whether you belong to the class of men with eyes and cannot see. I think those who have eyes will fault your lugubriously mendacious statement, which says: “Sadly, it is the same story with the allimportant Shagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway.”

Please go and run a check on that road, you will notice that the story is not the same. It took me about three hours to reach Lagos from Benin a few weeks ago.

EHIS •Your article on the plane crashes and bad roads made me to shed tears for this nation. We have come to glorify plane crashes. Ask the Federal Roads Safety Commission about the daily deaths on our roads due to the reasons you mentioned and you will be shocked. Yet nobody has ever declared a minute silence. May the souls of the victims rest in peace.

080526021..

•After reading your article, I got fed up with everything about this nasty nation called Nigeria. Reading your article drew tears into my eyes. Why is it that life here means absolutely nothing? And those that are ruling us make matters worse by not showing any sense of responsibility. By now, the so-called Minister of Aviation should have resigned in shame but no, not here. I weep for this country. I am totally ashamed to be called a Nigerian.

080330650..

Greed and selfishness drain the conscience of wicked people. As long as money, power and fame are involved, the demons that parade themselves as leaders in Nigeria don’t care a hoot even if a thousand souls perish in the twinkle of an eye.

To fool the people when man-made disasters like this occur, they simply enjoin them not to rush into conclusions until the outcome of their ostrich investigation, which usually lasts till eternity with nobody sanctioned. Who does not know that the trouble with Nigeria is Satan-inspired leadership, which epitomises hypocrisy, deceit and callousness?

I collapsed with laughter when I saw the Minister of Aviation shed tears on the television. I think her immediate resignation will be a better way of showing remorse for this avoidable loss of promising lives. Did Diezani’s tears make any difference after all?

Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyichukwu, Abuja.

•The plane crash that occurred on June 3, 2012 is very unfortunate and sad. It is time the regulators of our aviation sector sit up to arrest these flying coffins called aircraft from our air space to avoid future tragedies.

•See more reactions on Page 56

Michael O’

me fall Mary Uranta in love’ actresss —Nollywood

THRILLER Family, / 20-21 school row over 23-year- old allegedly tortured to death by fellow students

In our time, no plane older than 10 years was imported

- Nigeria’s first

•Why we have not visited deceased's family —Rector

Aviation Minister Dara Amechi

INTERVIEW/ 15

SCREEN/ 21

The ‘It world will know doesn't when it is too take time for much me to get to make married

Weekend

PEOPLE THE NATION, Saturday, JUNE 16, 2012

My nomadic life, by 70-yrold landlady ruined by Dana plane crash

Relat io

nship

11

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

12 DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

I now live on charity —70-yr-old landladyturned-squatter

Gbenga ADERANTI

E

VEN a man with impaired sight would know that all was not well with 65-year-old Madam Grace Adekunle. She looked weary and sad. She hissed repeatedly as she tried to grind some pepper on a worn stone meant for that purpose. The relics of her belongings scattered in front of the building indicated that she could not have been very rich, but she must have been fairly comfortable.

If nothing else, she owned the house in which she lived until the plane crash that occurred penultimate Sunday turned her into a refugee. A cursory look at her skin suggests that life had been good to her before the tragic incident that left her homeless. Her dark skin glowed in sharp contrast with her countenance.

The landlady of No 7, Popoopla Street, IjuIshaga, Lagos’ house was one of the houses affected by the crash involving a Dana aircraft at Iju, a community on Lagos outskirts.

She muttered some inaudible words and pretended she did not hear the reporter when the latter requested a conversation with her.

Even when one of her children had drawn her attention to the reporter, she showed no interest and carried on with her task as she asked rhetorically: “What became of all we have been saying before now? I am tired of talking. I leave them to God’s judgment.”

The house in which she had lived for years had become uninhabitable. Those of her belongings that were not pilfered by hoodlums who had invaded the site of the crash for looting purposes had been destroyed by rains that also made the whole environment to look like a dumpsite.

“Rather than help me, they took me to one far place. The environment was not ideal for me. If I had stayed there, I would have died of boredom by now. But for somebody who has allowed me to stay in his house at nights for now, things would have been more difficult for me,” she lamented.

While a good Samaritan has offered her a respite, she still has to return to her dilapidated building every morning to cook and do other chores.

She lamented that only the names of the tenants in the collapsed building were forwarded to the government for assistance.

She appealed to government to come to her aid too.

The impact of the crash on her building was much. It would cost her a fortune to repair the damaged building.

“Right now, life is difficult. I used to sell things here, but I can’t sell anything again. I have to look up to other people to eat.”

The condition of the building is as bad as Madam Adekunle’s. It has become a shadow

‘

13

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

DANAAIR AIRPLANE PLANECRASH CRASH DANA

Snippets from crash site

•Stories and photos by Gbenga ADERANTI

Excursion Behind every cloud, they say, there is a silver lining. That seemed the case at the site of the Dana plane crash on Wednesday.

The pupils of Bizben Group of Schools, Obawole, Iju, were there on excursion.

Dressed in their neat, well-tailored uniform, the innocent pupils were seen discussing the crash. Some of them might have seen images of the site on TV, as some of their analyses were based on the footages.

The Nation gathered from people in the

•One of the damaged rooms at 7 Popoola Street

‘

Right now, life is difficult. I used to sell things here, but I can’t sell anything again. I have to look up to other people to eat...

My son has just packed some faeces from one of the rooms. Because of the crisis, some people have converted this building into toilet...

of itself. On account of its state o disrepair, some people have converted it into toilet. “My son has just packed some faeces from one of the rooms. Because of the crisis, some people have converted this building into toilet,” she lamented..

The Nation gathered there might not be an end in sight to the old woman’s plight. Nobody had come to ask how she was faring. Only her children are doing everything they can to give her some comfort.

There had been rumours of some strange noises in the neighbourhood of the accident scene at nights. But she said she had no such experience. “It is some people who say they hear the voices of ghosts, that ghosts would not allow them to rest; not me,” she said sarcastically. She told The Nation that she sleeps a stone’s throw away from the site of the crash but had not heard any such noise.

Her son, Adeleke, said Madam Adekunle’s mind would probably be in a better frame if somebody had made efforts to console her. “We cannot leave her here. That is why we always come here to take her to the temporary abode offered her by a friend at night. Imagine a landlord now living as a squatter in a boys quarters. That is the problem we have on our hands right now,” Adekunle said.

’ f

•The pupils at the crash site

neighbourhood that the children of Bizben were not the first set of pupils to visit the crash site on excursion.

Scavengers Scavengers were still having a field day more than one week after the crash. They combed the crash site for aluminum and metals. They struggled to outwit one another in the search for any item they could lay their hands on.

It was gathered that the debris at the site was supposed to be packed by Thursday. The scavengers therefore saw Wednesday as the last opportunity they had to get whatever they could from the site.

•Scavengers seraching through

the rubbles

PHCN at crash site The residents of the area would probably be happy right now as the Power Holding Corporation Nigeria (PHCN) is currently working on the power supply of the area.

They were seen on Wednesday climbing poles and replacing the electric wires with a better one. One hopes this will translate into regular power supply.

Road transport union visits Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were not left out of the visits to the crash site. About five of them were seen in their reflective jackets. They discussed the extent of the damage. It was obvious that they were visiting the site for the first time.

•The PHCN staff on duty... Wednesday

More houses deserted Unlike last week when the traffic of visitors to the crash site was high, it would seem that people are putting the plane crash incident behind them.

There was no crowd at the site on Wednesday, unlike what obtained last week.

More people also appeared to have deserted some of the buildings that were occupied days after the crash.

•The church that played host to many during the crisis

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

14 DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

Why do planes now crash on weekends?

•Experts speak

•Many travellers now opt for the road on weekends

• What remained of the ADC aircraft when it crashed in 2006

• The wreckage of Dana plane

A

FTER almost six years of respite from major air di sasters, last week’s Dana Air crash in Lagos was, no doubt, one bad news too many for Nigerians.

Still smarting from what has become a seemingly “routine” Sunday bombings of churches by the notorious Boko Haram sect, Nigerians were jolted by the sad news of the crash of the Dana Air Flight 992, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, carrying 146 passengers and six crew members in IjuIshaga, a suburb of Lagos, killing all on board and an estimated six more persons on the ground.

The news of the crash was particularly shocking to Nigerians who thought that the era of air crashes in the country, with most happening on weekends, had indeed become history.

With the last major crash happening on Sunday, October 29, 2006 when the ADC Airlines Flight 53, a Boeing 737-200, crashed near Abuja, killing 96 of the 105 people on board, Nigerians have good reasons to be optimistic.

Prior to that unfortunate inci-

Segun AJIBOYE dent, which claimed the lives of 98 of the 104 people on board, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhhamadu Maccido, the nation’s aviation industry was almost brought to its knees by two successive crashes within three months in 2005, killing more than 200 people.

The first was the Bellview Airlines Flight 210 which crashed on Saturday, October 22, 2005 shortly after take-off in Lisa, a village in Ogun State, killing all 117 people on board.

Even before the tears would dry from the faces of Nigerians mourning the huge loss of lives, another major crash happened on Sunday, December 10, 2006.That was the crash of the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 while attempting to land in Port Harcourt, killing 107 of the 110 people on board.

Coincidentally, all the major crashes were on weekends- two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Unfortunately, this has led to fears among air travellers in the country about the safety of the Nigerian air space on weekends.

However, some air travellers would not agree that the crashes are

coincidental. They fear that something more sinister may be at work.

This is the case with Mr. Chinedu Emina, a sports analyst and former aide to Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.

Emina would rather suffer the morethan-seven-hours rough journey to Abuja from Lagos than risk a one-hour trip by air.

He confessed that he stopped travelling by air long before the latest crash.

“I must confess that I stopped travelling by air long before now. Though the crashes happening on weekends may simply be coincidences, it is a risk I cannot afford to take.”

The case of Mr. Olu Omotosho, an Abuja-based businessman and contractor, is not different. Omotosho, who shuttles between the nation’s capital city and Lagos, said he had developed a phobia for flying on weekends. “I no longer travel by air on weekends.

Though it makes my job simple, I simply developed a serious phobia for flying on weekends that I’d rather travel by road on Saturday and Sunday.”

He, however, confessed that he could not explain the reason behind the sudden phobia for flying on weekends. “I still don’t know why I suddenly developed this phobia. But I

know it started when somebody drew my attention to the fact that these crashes happened on Saturdays and Sundays.”

However, in the view of Captain Dele Ore, President of the Aviation Round Table and former pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, the number of air crashes on weekends is more than mere coincidence.

The captain, a former presidential pilot, said he had long before now raised the alarm over the high incidence of plane crashes on weekends. “I have said this over and over again that something should be done about the rate of crashes on weekends”, he said.

He went on to explain that the supervision and inspection of aircraft play very vital roles in air traffic. “The industry is a non-stop 24-hour service operation. Inspectors who see to the conditions of the aircraft are very important to the day-to-day operation of airlines. But the question we should ask ourselves is whether these people play this role on weekends.

“For me, it is either the inspections of the aircraft are shoddily done on weekends or that they are simply non-existent. However, the coincidence of the crashes is too much for us to simply accept them as mere coincidences.”

Also speaking on the issue, Engineer Issac Balami of the Nigerian Association of Aircraft and Pilots (NAAPE) said the question should be posed to officials in the aviation industry.

According to him, he had been asked the same question many times before this time by concerned travellers. But on each occasion, he said he referred them to officials of the industry’s regulatory body.

“I have been asked this same question by people. But I always tell them that they should ask the people in the aviation industry.

But for all you care, this may simply be a case of coincidence. But it would be better if you ask them to explain,” Balami said.

Unexpectedly, however, no one within the airlines was willing to comment on the poser by press time.

All those we called refused to talk even on condition of anonymity.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

15

Eighty-three-year-old Dara Mbazuluike Amechi was Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation (1960 to 1964) and about the last man standing in the Zikist movement. He told NWANOSIKE ONU at his Ukpor, Anambra State country home after the Dana Air crash that occurred penultimate Sunday, that Nigeria needs to revise all its aviation policies. He also expressed gratitude to God for preventing his 13-year-old granddaughter from boarding the ill-fated plane. Excerpts:

In our time, no plane older than 10 years was imported —Nigeria’s first first Aviation Aviation —Nigeria’s Minister Dara Dara Amechi Amechi Minister •’How my 13-yr-old granddaughter escaped Dana crash’

P

ENULTIMATE Sunday, the entire country was thrown into mourning by the Dana plane crash that claimed more than 150 lives. How did you feel about the incident as the first Aviation Minister in Nigeria?

Honestly, I felt very sad and angry. I am in serious pains over the incident. I must first of all express my sympathy to the affected families. I also wish the dead God’s mercies. I sympathise with the President and the country as a whole. To me, what matters is how to prevent a re-occurrence of the incident in our country.

I was Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation for four years. I must say that in those four years, as far as I can remember, there was only one mishap, which did not involve loss of lives. When I consider what has happened in the last couple of years in the aviation industry in Nigeria, the number of accidents and the number of lives that were lost, I feel pained. I feel deeply pained.

Well, the government has announced that it has appointed an inquiry committee or so to find out what happened. I think it is a right step in the right direction. But I will advocate that the inquiry should go deeply into what happened.

First, the particular aircraft that was involved in this mishap, the inquiry should dig into its origin and how it was brought into the country.

In my own time, there were not many private airlines. But we ensured that no imported aircraft was more than 10 years old. Preferably, we insisted that they should be new aircraft. I understand that this particular aircraft, at the time it was acquired by its operators, was 22 years in the air.

It is true that an aircraft can work for so long provided the statutory

maintenance requirements are religiously carried out. For example, there are certain parts of an aeroplane you should change after it has spent some time. Is that done in Nigeria?

The commission must also dig deep into the licensing and certification of the aircraft. That is where the civil servants that upgraded the air worthiness of aircraft come into play. Was the aircraft truly air worthy when it was licensed? Did anybody compromise his position by being gratified by the owners of the aircraft?

Then, coming to this particular flight, there was an announcement by a particular employee of the airline on television that the ill-fated aircraft had a problem in Lagos before it left for Calabar, and at Calabar, the aircraft was handicapped. After emergency repairs, they asked that the aircraft should return to base, but the owners insisted that the handicapped plane should go to Abuja in order to carry passengers to Lagos, and this is where it has ended us. You see, this must be investigated(The management of Dana Air clarified, after this interview had been conducted, that the plane that had problem in Calabar was not the one that crashed).

And if people, out of greed, should take the lives of almost 200 Nigerians, including the innocent

•Dara Amechi

victims who were killed in their own houses, the government should find out if the IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulation, which says that if there is any aircraft that is handicapped and the pilot feels it is not safe to fly that aircraft, that he or she has every right to refuse to fly and the employers cannot discipline the pilot for his refusal; these are important things to put into consideration. Because if the pilot said no, I’m not going to fly this, his employers, under IATA regulation, can do nothing.

Finally, I understand that owners of the airline are Indians, I advise our security operatives to keep a close eye on them before they tell us they have escaped, because so many people have come to do some nonsense in this country and they bribe their ways out of the country through Customs and Immigration services. As a matter of fact, the owners of this aircraft should be held in custody before they escape, as the enquiry goes on.

What fundamental solution would you recommend to the authorities?

I think the government should revise the whole aviation policy of this country, improve on the safety of our air space and improve on the policies concerning owning and running airlines in this country. Air accidents are not like auto accidents. The people who fly are not the ordinary people we see on the streets every day. Look at the number of key public officials that were involved in the whole thing.

So, I advise that government should revise the entire aviation policy in this country.

While I express my sympathy for those who lost their lives and their families, I also want to use this medium to thank God that my granddaughter, 13-year-old Adaobi Tagbo Amechi, was pulled out of the flight by God Himself. She was booked to fly in that plane, but on Saturday evening, she returned to her mother and said, ‘Mummy, I do not want to fly on this 2.30pm schedule.’ The mother asked why, but she simply said, ‘I don’t know why. But I want to use the 9am flight.’ The mother said, ‘No, you have already been booked and your name has been fed into the

My granddaughter, 13-year-old Adaobi Tagbo Amechi, was pulled out of the flight by God Himself. She was booked to fly in that plane, but on Saturday evening, she returned to her mother and said, ‘Mummy, I do not want to fly on this 2.30pm schedule.’ The mother asked why, but she simply said, ‘I don’t know why. But I want to use the 9 am flight...

computer.’ But she said, ‘No, mummy, I do not want to fly in that 2.30 flight.’

So, the mother asked again, ’Which one do you prefer?’ She said, ‘There is another Dana flight for 9 am. That is the one I want to fly.’ The mother said, ‘If you want that time, what it means is that I will not be able to go for the morning service. And what that means is that I will take you to the airport as early as 7am.’ The little girl said, ‘So be it; that is what my mind has told me.’

So, the mother took her to the airport, she flew Dana in the morning and the incident occurred in the afternoon. So, I don’t know why God loves me so much. If she had consented to the earlier agreement, she would have been one of the people there. While I sympathise with the people involved in the mishap, I give thanks to God for pulling out my granddaughter from that flight.

Since you are talking about reversing the aviation policy, how do we go about it?

Well, I do not know how up to date their laws are and how effectively the laws on ground are being implemented. That is why I said the entire policy of the aviation industry should be revised.

But if the laws are not up to date, they should update them. Nigeria is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

It also belongs to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). I registered Nigeria with these organisations.

DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

16

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Why there must be age limit for aircraft — Ex-Nigeria Airways spokesman Chris Aligbe

Mr. Chris Aligbe is the chief executive officer of Belujane Konsult, a corporate affairs and aviation consulting outfit. He is also a former Public Relations Manager of the defunct Nigeria Airways. In this interview with OKORIE UGURU, he undertakes a review of the recent crash of Dana Air flight 0992 from Abuja to Lagos and examines safety issues concerning the aviation industry. Excerpts:

A

FTER the air tragedies of 2005 and the resultant reforms in the aviation industry, many thought we had seen the last of this kind of air mishap.

But here we are with the Dana plane crash. Are we back to that era?

I don’t think we are back to that era if you remember what happened then. I say this because the industry had been almost accident-free for five years. Not that it should happen, but that one accident again happened, we shouldn’t say we are back to the era. We know what happened in the past. There were more than three air mishaps—Bellview, ADC, Sosoliso. That was the kind of thing we had. So, I don’t think we are back to where we were before.

Having said that, it is saddening and unfortunate that this has to happen again.

It is something that we had thought would not happen again because so much has been done by the government to get our airspace safe. Today, I can beat my chest that our air space is safer than it had ever been. The combination of Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) have done so much to make flying safe. The regulatory authority started it by coming out with strong arm in the area of regulation and we got to the point where we were.

So, we got to this point where somebody was regulating very well. The airspace managers and the weather forecasters were up in their bits and government put down money to provide the necessary equipment.

So, people were not expecting this kind of thing to happen. But I thank God it has nothing to do with our airspace. But like I said, it is saddening. Look at the number of lives lost. Look at the dent it has brought on our image in the global aviation industry.

Talking about the global aviation industry, you remember that after some of these measures you said Nigeria put in place, the country’s international airport was ranked in Category 1 by the United States Civil Aviation Authority. With the latest crash, won’t we see a reversal of some of these gains?

I don’t think it is something that will affect our CAT 1 rating. But it is a dark spot on our image and achievements. But it is not such that will affect our CAT 1 except after the investigations, there is something very serious to call to question our ability to regulate the industry.

From the information that have emerged after the crash, there seems to be a kind of laxity on the part of the airline. Even a governor said he complained to the managing director of the airline on the state of the aircraft after a near mishap…

I know that governors are excellent politicians. Their competence in politics is unquestionable. But their competence in judging the state of aircraft is something I will not immediately swallow. The governor may have one reason or the other.

Don’t you think that after the complaint, the airline should have done a stocktaking?

If there were complaints, those complaints ought to have been looked into. But sometimes, it is a question of who is complaining. I am not saying that an executive governor is not somebody. What I am saying is that if an executive governor complains about the attitude of politicians or governance or whatever, you can straightaway say that this person is adept.

If a passenger says check this, it is necessary that you check. If a sitting executive governor had blown the whistle, it should be listened to.

What I am saying is that blowing the whistle is one thing, going on to say this is not good is another thing. We have had it in the past. That was how Fokker 27 was

•Aligbe

sold. One just had an accident and somebody in government said the aircraft were now unsafe. All of them were given out or sold out. Some were dashed away as the country’s good gesture to other African countries. Incidentally, more than 10 years after, the one that was sold to Libya, the then head of state, Gen. Babangida flew in it without knowing, and he was praising the aircraft. The crew told him it was the

aircraft they bought from Nigeria Airways.

That is what I am saying. If whistle was blown, the authorities should have listened to it. One can ask the question validly: ‘Did the authorities listen to it?’ But I saw a very annoying thing the previous day on the television. They were interviewing one legislator. What he said is just not something that should be put in public domain, because it makes you to know that

‘

First and foremost, age is usually not an issue when it comes to an aircraft, but having said that, it doesn’t mean that age does not weaken an aircraft. The frames of an aircraft, the structure of an aircraft could be weaker.

The structure of a 20 or 10-year-old aircraft is weaker than that of a new aircraft...

,

the man legislating does not know what he is legislating on. Somebody said the pilot should have known that the aircraft was not fit enough to fly. He said no, that the pilot could not know; that it was the engineer that should know.

That is crass ignorance, because the pilot is the last man on an aircraft. He walks into an aircraft, he looks at what is called Minimum Equipment List. He checks to make sure that this thing can go. If he checks it and it is not working fine, he takes his flight bag and comes down and says he is not flying. It is his prerogative and there is a law in NCAA Act that gives him that right.

And if an airline forces him or punishes him for leaving that flight, that airline is likely to lose its air operating license. That is the law.

So, the pilot is the last check on safety. If a pilot goes into an aircraft, checks it and takes it, what the pilot is saying is that this aircraft is fit enough to do this trip. Again, I listened to him saying what is the ministry doing? It means the ministry is not supervising the airlines. The ministry should have on their record all the technical things about the engine, including the aircraft. They couldn’t have done that. It is not the ministry; it is the regulatory authority that should have it. It is the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) that should have that. That is where the engineers are. That is where the technical people are; not in the ministry.

When people make comments on these things, those who were listening to the legislator didn’t know. They might say yes, he is making sense. But he is making no sense. That is why I say when people judge a situation, the first thing for you to say is, what is the technical competence of this person that is the comment?

So, people should restrict themselves to what they know, that is all that I am saying.

But whistle blowing is good. Like I fly sometimes; I see something that I don’t think is normal having flown other airlines, I can come back and tell NCAA, what I saw is not right, check it out. So, if whistle had been blown, the next thing to ask is, was any attention paid to it?

If an aircraft is on test having undergone some repairs, is it supposed to carry passengers on test flight?

No, an aircraft on test flight doesn’t carry any passengers. Ordinarily, it should not carry passengers.

Then if the aircraft decides to carry passengers, does it need any clearance from any authority?

It depends on the kind of test that it is undergoing, because every airline has the person in charge of flight operations, another in charge of maintenance; those are the people that the regulatory authorities would, first and foremost, certify, that these people who oversee the maintenance of these aircraft are qualified to sign off this aircraft. For example, in the Nigerian Airways, all the engineers had licences for various aircraft. There were those who were certified for Boeing 737; there were those certified for Airbus; some for DC 10, and some people had three certifications. So, after repairs, they go and look at it and append their signature, but such people must have been certified for that aircraft to be able to say, yes I certified that the maintenance of this aircraft is correct and there is no problem about it. But that mandate is derived from the fact that he has been certified.

So, if anything happens, he is the first person to answer for it. The regulatory authorities will ask: ‘Did you sign off that aircraft?’ They will find out if he is certified to sign off that aircraft, if he is certified to sign off the aircraft, he will then be asked what happened, to know whether he did •Continued on Page 17

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

C

OMMERCIAL airlines around the world now carry nearly 2.5 billion passengers a year, and despite the inherent dangers of rocketing through the sky miles above the Earth in a very heavy piece of metal, these travelers are amazingly safe.

In fact, the odds of dying on a commercial airline flight are as low as 9 million to 1!

That said, a lot can go wrong at 33,000 feet above the ground, and if you’re unlucky enough to be aboard when something does, the decisions you make could mean the difference between life and death. Keep in mind that about 95% of airplane crashes have survivors, so even if the worst does happen, your odds aren’t as bad as you might think 1.Wear long pants, a long-sleeve t-shirt, and sturdy, comfortable, lace-up shoes. Although you may want to be comfortable or professional-looking on a flight, sandals or high heels make it hard to move quickly within the wreckage. High heels are not allowed on the evacuation slides and you can cut your feet and toes on glass or get flammable liquids on or in your sandals if you wear them.

2.Wear long pants, a long-sleeve t-shirt, and sturdy, comfortable, lace-up shoes. Although you may want to be comfortable or professional-looking on a flight, sandals or high heels make it hard to move quickly within the wreckage. High heels are not allowed on the evacuation slides and you can cut your feet and toes on glass or get flammable liquids on or in your sandals if you wear them.

•Loose or elaborate clothing also poses a risk, as it can get snagged on obstacles in the close confines of a plane. If you know you’re going to be flying over cold areas, dress appropriately, and consider keeping a jacket on your lap. You’ll need to be able to stay warm if you survive the crash. Even if that is not a consideration, the more of your body is covered during impact, the less likely you are to receive serious injuries or burns. Cotton or wool clothing is also preferable as it is less flammable. Wool is preferable to cotton when flying over water, as wool does not lose its insulating properties to the degree cotton does when wet.

3.Book the right seats. Because the initial impact is most often survivable, the key to living to tell about a crash is frequently how quickly you can get out. To this end, it’s best to get seats as close as possible to an exit, and aisle seats are generally preferable. In addition, try to sit in the back of the plane.

Passengers in the tail of the aircraft have 40% higher survival rates than those in the first few rows. [1] 4.Read the safety information card and pay attention to the pre-flight safety speech. Yes, you’ve heard it all before, and you’ll probably never need it, but if you keep your headphones on during the pre-flight instructions

17

DANA AIR PLANE CRASH

How to survive a plane crash

•US Airways Flight 1549 plane-crash Hudson in New-York taken by JanisKrums

or ignore the safety card, you’ll be missing out on information that could be vital in the event of a crash. Don’t assume you know it all already, either. Every type of airplane has different safety instructions. If you’re sitting in an exit row, study the door and make sure you know how to open it if you need to. In normal circumstances the flight attendant will open the door, but if they are dead or injured, you’ll need to do it.

5.Make a plan. If the plane is going to crash, you almost always have several minutes to prepare before impact. Use this time to once again review where the exits are, and try to count the number of seats between your row and the exit row—that way you’ll know when you’ve reached the exit even if you can’t see it. Assess the situation as well as possible. Try to determine what surface the plane will land on so you can customize your preparations. If you’re going to be landing in water, for example, you’ll want to put your life vest on—don’t inflate it until you’re out of the plane—and if you’re going to be landing in cold weather, you should try to get a blanket or jacket to keep you warm once outside.

6.Keep your seat belt securely fastened at all times. If the plane crashes while you’re sleeping, you’ll be glad you kept your seat belt on. In any case, make sure it is placed around you snugly before impact. Every cen-

timeter of slack in your seat belt triples the GForce you’ll experience in the crash, so keep it snug! Also, push that snug seat belt down as low over your pelvis as possible. You should be able to feel the upper ridge of the pelvis above the upper edge of the belt. Why? The pelvis is a very strong structure that handles force well. However, if your belt slides up into your stomach, you have a greater chance of sustaining dangerous internal injuries. (Note: this also applies to car seat belts.)

7.Brace yourself for impact. If you know you’re going to crash, brace yourself. Return your seat back to its full upright position and assume one of two “brace positions.”

•If the seat or bulkhead in front of you is close enough to easily reach, place one hand palm-down on the back of that seat, cross the other hand palm-down over the first hand, and rest your forehead against your hands (don’t lace your fingers). It is also sometimes recommended to put your head directly against the seat in front of you and lace your fingers behind your head, tucking your upper arms against the sides of your head.

•If you don’t have a seat close in front of you, bend forward and put your chest on your thighs and your head between your knees.

Cross your wrists in front of your lower calves, and grab your ankles. In either position, your feet should be flat on the floor and further back than your knees to reduce injuries to your feet

and legs, which you will need in order to successfully exit the craft after impact. Place your legs as far under the seat as possible to avoid breaking your shin bones.

8. Remain calm. It can be easy to get swept up in the pandemonium immediately preceding and following a crash. Keep a cool head, though, and you’re more likely to get out alive.

Remember that even in the worst wrecks, you do have a chance of survival. You’ll need to be able to think methodically and rationally to maximize that chance.

9. Put your oxygen mask on before assisting others. You’ve probably heard this on every commercial flight you’ve been on, but it’s worth repeating. If the integrity of the cabin is compromised, you have only about 15 seconds (often less if you’re a smoker or have circulatory or respiratory problems) to start breathing through your oxygen mask before you are rendered unconscious.

•While you may feel an impulse to first help your children or the elderly passenger sitting next to you, you’ll be no good to anyone if you don’t remain conscious.

•You can put somebody else’s oxygen mask on even if they’re unconscious.

10. Protect yourself from smoke. Fire and, more commonly, smoke is responsible for a large percentage of crash fatalities. The smoke in an airplane fire can be very thick and highly toxic, so cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to avoid breathing it in. If possible, moisten the cloth to provide extra protection.

11. Get out of the airplane as quickly as possible. It’s critical to get out of the aircraft without delay—if fire or smoke is present, you will generally have less than two minutes to safely exit the plane.

•Obey the flight attendants’ post-crash instructions. Flight attendants undergo rigorous training to make sure they know what to do in the event of a crash. If a flight attendant is able to instruct or assist you—sometimes they won’t be able to do so after a crash—listen to him or her, and cooperate to increase everyone’s chances of survival.

•Don’t try to rescue your belongings. It’s common sense, but still some people don’t seem to get it. Leave everything behind. It will only slow you down.

• Make sure the exit you choose is safe. Look through the window to determine if there is fire or some other hazard outside of an exit. If there is, try the exit across the plane, or proceed to another set of exits.

12.Get at least 500 feet upwind from the aircraft. If you’re stranded in a remote area, the best thing to do usually is to stay close to the aircraft to await rescuers. You don’t want to be too close, though. Fire or explosion can happen at any time after a crash, so put some distance between you and the plane. If the crash is in open-water, swim as far away from the plane wreckage as possible •Source: Wiki how.com

‘Why there must be age limit for our aircraft’ •Continued from Page 16 his job well or not. It could be internal. But if it is a maintenance directed by the regulatory authorities, because NCAA sometimes grounds an aircraft and says sorry, we cannot give approval to fly until you do 1, 2, 3 checks. When they finish that, they will have to refer to the regulatory authority that grounded that aircraft and tell them that we have finished and the regulatory authorities will now come in to check whether those things that they asked them to do have been done. When they check and they have been done, they will certify you that you can fly. So, it can be internal and it can be external.

This question is based on the fact that there are allegations that the aircraft that crashed was supposed to be on test flight…?

Let me tell you, when things of this nature happen, there is so much speculative analysis. I am not taking this hook line and sinker. I don’t want to give a speculative answer. I want the actual authority, which is NCAA, not only NCAA, it has passed on to Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). It is when this comes out that I would comment on that. I won’t engage in any speculative analysis.

We know the local airline operators had complained about the cost of running airline business in the country and they got a lifeline from the government...?

They did not have any lifeline. People make that mistake. The money that the Central

Bank governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi Lamido, released, he released it because he saw that the airlines were owing the banks, so he released it to help the airline refinance their debts to the banks. He released it to keep the banks healthy via the airlines. It was not for the interest of the airlines. He will tell you that if they pay back, they will have access to funds, it was a direct finance for the airlines; it was an indirect provision for the banks. So, let’s not make that mistake.

The point of that money was to make sure the banks were paid their debts.

That brings us to the question of airline business in Nigeria. Many operators complain that the operational climate in terms of finance is very unhealthy for the airlines making them to cut corners?

I don’t know whether airlines cut corners or not. All that I know is that right after the calamity of 2005, we have had a very strong and effective regulatory regime. That was what was put in place after those calamities and for five years, this country was virtually accident free. Whether airlines have started cutting corners, I don’t know. People will tell you airlines are cutting corners but I won’t get to say until the people who can really confirm, confirms that, and that is the regulatory authorities and they have a right to ground any airline.

What do you think should be done so that we don’t experience this again?

I think it has jolted everybody. If anybody was sleeping before, I’m sure by now, he would have been wild awake. What should be done is a complete total technical audit

•Aligbe

of the airlines and see what they have been doing and what they have not been doing, and then, the regulatory authorities should look inward. Look at themselves and say what have done that we shouldn’t have done or what should we have done that we

didn’t do?

That is what I think because in the final analysis, it is not the airspace, our airspace is as safe as ever. This is a mechanical problem, so they should go back and do a thorough audit and become as stringent as ever if they have weakened a little bit and for them to know that an accident can happen at anytime but if everything had been put in place to make sure that it doesn’t happen, one at least would say sorry, it is not the fault of anybody. So, they should go back and subject airlines to technical audit.

The must also conduct an operation audit.

Do you think there should be a limit for the age of aircraft brought into the country?

First and foremost, age is usually not an issue when it comes to an aircraft, but having said that, it doesn’t mean that age does not weaken an aircraft. The frames of an aircraft, the structure of an aircraft could be weaker. The structure of a 20 or 10-yearold aircraft is weaker than that of a new aircraft. And so, the question of age limit or no age limit, I believe there must be an age limit to be placed, otherwise, we will keep having junks that we were having before.

The problem of such aircraft is that the spares, you don’t find them, you begin to seek what to do in order to keep them flying, but if you have aircraft that the ages are new, the spares will be there and it will be cost effective. It will also be more fuel efficient than older aircraft. It is just like a vehicle, if you buy a brand new vehicle, two years, three years, the spares will be there and it will be cost effective.

18

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

•A vandalised house

•The late Arinze

P

EACE has become a scarce commodity in Ikenga Ogidi, Idemmili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, and the prospect of early respite appears bleak.

Although the Anambra community has experienced intracommunal and inter-communal threats for ages, the latest appears a cause for serious concern.

Already, innocent lives have been consumed.

A 26-year-old boy, Arinze Ajaekwu of the Obodoekwe Ikenga Ogidi family in Idemmili North, Anambra State, is the latest victim in the community’s protracted boundary dispute with Umusiome people of Nkpor, also in Idemmili North Local Government Area, since 1926.

Many lives and property worth millions of naira have been lost.

In 1987, judgment was delivered by the Supreme Court in favour of Ikenga Ogidi, following which the National Boundary Commission stepped in. The Ikenga Ogidi community thought the dispute had been laid to rest, but that was not to be.

Penultimate weekend, some youths numbering more 1,000 destroyed property worth millions of naira as they protested the alleged death of Arinze in the hands of the opposition to the Ikenga Ogidi leadership.

Irate youths took Arinze’s body

Odogwu Emeka ODOGWU, Nnewi to the compound of their National President, Dr Emmanuel Obianagha. But the otherwise peaceful protest turned violent when a storey building belonging to one of the alleged arrowheads of the people accused of killing Arinze was torched and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

When The Nation visited the compound, destroyed brand new washing machines, air conditioners and refrigerators, among other valuables, were seen outside the storey building whose glasses were also shattered. There was no one to speak with because the house in question was deserted. Some inhabitants of the community who volunteered comments confirmed

Tension heightens as crisis in Anambra community claims 26-year-old the incident but pleaded that their names should not be mentioned.

But for the intervention of Obianagha, more lives would have been lost. The irate youths were said to have marched with Arinze’s corpse to the Ogidi Divisional Police Station to show the police what their alleged complicity had caused the villagers.

Arinze, according to the President General of Ikenga Ogidi, was shot at the contentious Ani Owelle farm land when the Umusiome Village, Nkpor, also in Idemmili North, allegedly connived with Ogidi people to wield dangerous weapons against their kinsmen.

Obianagha raised the alarm that his life and those of his family and executive members were under threat. He said he had surrendered his life and those of his

family and executive members to the law enforcement agents.

He alleged that his complaints and the more than 20 petitions he had written were discarded by the police in the state, wondering why the police would dispatch three ALGON vans, fully loaded with armed policemen, to guard people who were opposing the legitimate leadership of the community freely, fairly and transparently elected.

He said the alleged gang up between the opposition, the Nkpor people and the Nigeria Police to create tension in the community was aimed at nothing else but to unseat him and foist an unpopular leadership on the community.

He said: “I emerged victorious on December 20, 2008 in an Option A4 (open ballot) election with the highest number of votes as the President General of Ikenga Ogidi, but they could not

‘

I emerged victorious on December 20, 2008 in an Option A4 (open ballot) election with the highest number of votes as the President General of Ikenga Ogidi, but they could not take it. Since then, they have been fighting me, opposing my leadership. But because my people are supporting me with all their hearts, I have carried on...

,

•Dr. Obianagha

take it. Since then, they have been fighting me, opposing my leadership. But because my people are supporting me with all their hearts, I have carried on.

“The constitution says two terms of four years each, but I have not even finished one tenure. They are fighting me, trying to make the community ungov•Continued on Page 19

19

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

How victim’s ATM card exposed robbery suspect Ebele BONIFACE

H

E was a member of a six-man gang of suspected armed robbers that had operated successfully in a beer parlour situated at Shomolu, a Lagos suburb. But luck ran out on him as he attempted to withdraw money with the automated teller machine (ATM) card the gang had snatched from the owner of the beer parlour.

Recalling the events that culminated in his arrest, Sodiq Suleiman (28), a native of Ibadan, Oyo State and resident of No. 21, Fetuga Street, Bariga, Lagos, said he was a cobbler and hawker of ice cream in Obalende area of Lagos before he joined the robbery gang.

“The idea to rob came to my mind one Sunday when I met Johnson (a fellow suspect), who took me to an Indian hemp smoking joint and persuaded me to start smoking but failed.

“I got annoyed with Johnson, I stopped going to that joint from that day but the friends I had made at the joint kept coming to me at P and T where I was selling yoghourt. I did not know that they were targeting my money. One day, they stole my money and all efforts to trace them failed.

“Devastated by the loss of my money, I stopped selling yoghourt. I could not even continue with shoe mending. It got to the point that I could no longer afford food to keep my body and soul together. It was

in this mood that they were able to convince me to join them in armed robbery.

“Initially, they exempted me from their operations on the grounds that I was still a ‘baby’ and they would not want to risk the trouble a novice like me usually caused a gang during or after a robbery operation.

“At about 10pm on Monday May 21, 2012, we carried out operations at two beer parlours in Bariga area.

The six of us got about N40,000. We also collected the ATM card of a woman who operated one of the beer parlours. We had monitored her and knew that she used to go to the bank frequently to deposit money.

We commanded her to give us the pin number of the ATM card to enable us to withdraw money from her account.

“After we had shared the money we collected from the beer parlour and other night crawlers, we deliberated on what to do with the ATM card. Some of us saw it as a risky venture to go to the bank to withdraw money from the account of a robbery victim. So, they opted out of it.

“Those who supported the idea encouraged me to go to the bank.

They said I should take half of the money if I succeeded. But they also said I should not mention their names if the venture failed.

•A customer using an ATM device

“On Monday May 22, I told my colleagues that I was going to Pakoto in Yaba to see one of my friends. On getting to Yaba, I trekked to Sabo area where I saw a new generation bank and went in to withdraw money with the woman’s ATM card.

“I inserted the ATM card but it did not work. I tried to bring it out but it

would not come out. I decided to go into the banking hall to lodge a complaint. I told the bank’s officials that my ATM card was trapped in their machine. They took my name and discovered that it was different from the name with which the card was registered.

“They later called one of the bank’s security men to take me outside for

questioning. The security man used the questioning session to delay me until the policemen the bank had called arrived and arrested me. I was taken to Shomolu Police Station and later to SARS’ building.”

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imaru Manko, confirmed Sodiq’s arrest, warning criminals to relocate from Lagos, which he says now has zero tolerance for crime.

Tension heightens in Anambra community •Continued from Page 17 ernable.

“My worry is that the Police appear to be conniving with them on the issue, because a former police chief, in spite their ungodly influences, refused to yield to their demand. He bluntly told them it was a constitutional matter already in court. But since the new one came, it has been one act of molestation after the other.

Why would the Police want to remove me in a community I was elected to administer for four years and I have the right to contest for a second term?

“Last weekend, they came with three full loads of policemen in their ALGON jeeps, two from Awka and one from Ogidi, to unseat me. I have petitioned the Area Command more than 20 times on this issue but they have not done anything. Now Arinze has been killed. ‘’I am not safe here. Before I was elected, there were three different leaderships operating here. I was able to harmonise the three and now we have one united government of Ikenga Ogidi family union, of which I am the elected National President.

The Nation gathered that it took

‘

There is no reason why the police should get involved, not to talk of taking sides. If there had been police presence as alleged, it would not be to take sides but to give protection. The PG (President General) should come to Awka to complain if he feels that the DPO is taking sides with his so-called opposition.

If not, he has no case...

,

the intervention of the elders of the community, youths and women who dared the heavily armed policemen who came in three vehicles, as they resisted the plan to use the community hall to hold a meeting to unseat the executive.

But the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Emeka Chukwuemeka, while admitting that the command was aware of the crisis, denied the allegation that the Police were taking sides.

He denied any knowledge of Arinze’s death, insisting that the matter had not reached the point of losing lives. He also challenged the President General of Ikenga Ogidi to go to the headquarters of the police command in Awka to make complaints if he had lost confidence in the

Area Command.

“Chukwuemeka said: “There is no reason why the Police should get involved, not to talk of taking sides. If there had been police presence as alleged, it would not be to take sides but to give protection. The PG (President General) should come to Awka to complain if he feels that the DPO is taking sides with his so-called opposition. If not, he has no case.

“I know that there is crisis there and I know that the Police moved in to maintain peace. You know that the major problems in Anambra State are those of okada (commercial motorcycle) and land dispute. But I must say that it has not reached the stage of taking somebody’s life. I am not aware of that.”

In a petition to the Inspector

General of Police, the solicitors of the Ikenga Ogidi family Union, Dr Emenike Ezeagba and Associates, appealed to the police boss to use his good offices to checkmate the activities of 25 persons listed in the petition to avoid more lives being lost.

The petition reads in part: “The aforementioned persons invaded the Ani Owelle Ikenga Ogidi belonging to my clients on May 16, 2012, armed with AK47 rifles, other guns and ammunition, pistols, machetes and other dangerous weapons, attacked the Ikenga Ogidi People, raped their women and fired several gun shots at Ikenga Ogidi people. In the process, one Arinze Ajaekwu was hit by bullets, which eventually led to his death...”

It noted that the Police in Anambra State appeared helpless in curtailing the menace and that Ikenga Ogidi would not know peace until the suspects were dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The aforementioned 25 persons are holding clandestine meetings after the incident and they have vowed to terminate the lives of Rev. (Dr) Emma Obianagha, the National President of Ikenga Ogidi Family Union, his executive and other prominent indigenes of Ikenga Ogidi. ‘’My client’s community is calling for justice for the blood of the slain young man.

“If the activities of the aforementioned persons are not checkmated, they will continue to cause more insecurity to Ikenga Ogidi Community, Anambra State and the society at large. We pray that you use your good offices to arrest the dwindling insecurity in Ogidi as a result of the dastardly acts of the aforementioned.”

At press time, a detachment of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) from the office of the Inspector General of Police were already in the state on an interventionist action.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

20

Family, school row over 23-yearold allegedly tortured to death by fellow students •Why we have not visited deceased's family —Rector A •The late Adeola

reverend gentleman, Rev. Balogun Arogunyo Adekunle was looking forward to the day his 23year-old son would graduate from the polytechnic, but his dream was cut short with the death his promising child in controversial circumstances.

The grieving father was still deeply in mourning mood when our correspondent visited on Sunday and he poured out his heart. He had just returned from the Sunday service and was decked in an all-white. While many would expect him to show obvious signs of being dispirited, he chose to accept the death of his first son, Adeola Peter Balogun, a 23-year-old ND 2 student of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, with equanimity. Adeola was allegedly murdered by cadets of the polytechnic.

According to the clergyman, Adeola, who was allegedly beaten to death on May 19, 2012, was neither a cult member nor a violent child. “He was a gentle, obedient and promising child for that matter. He was my first son. He was my lover; somebody I had thought would be an asset to this country. But now, he is dead,” Balogun lamented.

If he was sad because of his son’s death, the authorities of Osun State Polytechnic had also made him angry. Explaining the genesis of the incident that culminated in his son’s death, he said: “I was not there when the incident occurred, but I understand that some people called Vanguard Cadet apprehended one boy, a new student in the school.”

He said the arrest of the ND 1 student later resulted in the death of his son because the ND1 student in question identified Adeola as a member of a cult group, following which he was arrested and allegedly tortured to death. The clergyman insisted that there was no way his son would have been a cult member because he had been sternly warned from home to

‘

Gbenga ADERANTI

shun anything that had to do with violence and bad company.

The clergyman is particularly angry that the authorities of the polytechnic had not deemed it fit to commiserate with his family.

“The school’s authorities have not approached me. The day I learnt about this case, somebody assisted me in getting across to the Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, but the man said he was not aware of the incident, saying that we should call back. He later called back and said I should go to Iragbiji Police Station,” he said.

After looking everywhere for the body of his son without any success, he was left with no choice but to approach the Rector of the school, who advised him to approach the State CID in Osogbo, saying he had heard that something happened to a student in the school. “Along the line, somebody called me from Iragbiji while I was trying to board a bus to Osogbo and advised me to go and check the State Hospital mortuary at Ikirun,” he said.

His journey to Ikirun was futile as nobody could help him to locate the body of the deceased student. He again headed for Osogbo, hoping that the news of his son’s death would turn out to be a mere rumour since the body was not found where it ought to be. His hope was, however, short-lived as he got another call asking him to check the morgue of Ladoke Akintola University of

He is not happy that he has not heard anything from the authorities of the school. “None of the members of the school’s authorities has deemed it fit to call me to discuss with me or console me.

’

21

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

•The entrance to the polytechnic

•Rev. Balogun with the late Adeola

•From right: Tunde, Seun and Timi.. siblings of the deceased

‘

It is not as if the management is insensitive. It is an issue that does not concern the management of the institution because of the circumstances surrounding the whole episode. If an individual has gone ahead to take the law into his hand, how would the school come in?

Technology (LAUTECH).

He went to the state CID, because he needed to go with the police to the hospital. It was at the CID office that the reality of the incident dawned on him. “The policeman asked me who I was and I told him that I was Rev. Balogun. He said, ‘Okay, the father of the deceased? That was when it dawned on me that the story I had heard was true; my son was truly dead.”

He said if the authorities of the school had taken the necessary precaution, the death of his son would have been averted. “I heard that the cadet was proscribed. I think that was medicine after death. I believe that it was the negligence of the school’s authorities that

’

caused the problem. I was told that cadets were registered in school and had a cell where they used to detain people.

“The power of arrest by a private individual is only possible if the person arrested is handed over to the police within a reasonable time. But a situation where you subject somebody suspected to have committed a crime to what you call trial by ordeal, you know it is uncalled for ,” Balogun fumed.

He is not happy that he has not heard anything from the authorities of the school.

“None of the members of the school’s authorities has deemed it fit to call me to discuss with me or console me.”

The body of the deceased was still at the LAUTECH mortuary at press time.

The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Jacob Agboola, said there was no cell in the school as was being claimed in certain quarters.

“We couldn’t have been insensitive. First and foremost, we are parents. Forget about whatever might have happened. We have our own children. Some of them have passed out from higher institutions; some of them are still there. We have to put ourselves in the position of the parents. Nobody will pray for that to happen.

“Apart from the fact that we are parents, we are the custodians of these children. We have to take adequate care of the security and protection of these children. That is our primary objective for being there, whether as a Rector or whatever you are,” he said.

Describing the death of the ND 2 student as a “sad development,” he explained that the school was not in session when the unfortunate incident occurred. According to him, those who participated in the incident did that on their own accord. “If you are in the school cadet or paramilitary, you have a code of conduct approved by the institution.

And ordinarily, one would expect members of the paramilitary group to be people that are very sensitive, and are able to provide security for the lives and property of the people in that area.”

He said he did not expect students to still be around since they were supposed to have gone on break. “Anybody who stayed behind must have had an ulterior motive for staying behind,” the Rector said.

Not minding the fact that the school was on vacation, the Rector said it was the school that invited the police.

On the allegation that the school was slow in responding to the incident, Agboola insisted that the school couldn’t have done anything to the contrary because it had to determine whether the people involved in the whole incident were actually students.

“We could not determine whether they were students or not until we got the police report.

It was then we went into our records to know

whether they were students or not,” he argued.

He said the first reaction of the authorities to students’ involved in cult activities is to place such students on suspension until the case is determined and he is expelled or rusticated. “That was what we did to the paramilitary boys.

They were first placed on suspension. The police took up the matter because it was a criminal case.”

He explained that the school didn’t want to be involved in the matter because “those who perpetrated the act were not representing the institution. They did that on their own. How could we have come in? If we come in, in favour of who?”

He denied ever giving the paramilitary body any power to assault anybody, not to talk of taking lives. He also said the authorities of the polytechnic had hesitated in visiting the parents of the deceased because they were waiting for the police to conclude their investigations.

“If we had visited the parent and it was later discovered that the deceased was a cult member, are we encouraging cult members in this institution? Let the police do their investigations.”

He said the outcome of police investigations would determine the next step the authorities of the school would take.

Agboola said: “It is not as if the management is insensitive. It is an issue that does not concern the management of the institution because of the circumstances surrounding the whole episode. If an individual has gone ahead to take the law into his hand, how would the school come in?” he asked.

The Rector also disclosed that the activities of the para-military group had been suspended long before the death of Adeola. “Their activities had been anulled,” he told The Nation.

22 I thought we were only involved in oil bunkering. But the way they attacked sailors and collected their money and other personal belongings in the ship, the torturing of crews and what they did before they pumped diesel into our more than 80 drums told me that we had delved into armed robbery. But it was too late to back out. Worse still, I needed money badly

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

A

ROBBERY suspect arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command has claimed that he joined a 10-man gang of armed robbers because he thought they were only carrying out illegal bunkering. To his surprise, he said, their trip to the high sea turned out to be a robbery operation.

Christopher Okhe said he did not realise that he was involving himself in a robbery operation until the gang attacked the crew of a ship and hijacked it with Ak47, pump action rifles and jack knives, dispossessing the hapless crew members of their money and other valuable items. At that point, he said, he had no choice but to play along with the gang, particularly because it could be an opportunity for him to solve his pressing financial problems.

Twenty-eight-year-old Okhe, a native of Auchi, Edo State, who narrated his role in the sea piracy gang in a chat with our correspondent, said: “I live with my mother at No. 23, Olubaka Street, Kirikiri, Lagos.

I have participated in piracy on the high sea twice. Before then, I was helping my mother to sell fruits on the street so that our family could get some money for feeding.

“One day, a man I had never met before saw me and sympathised with me when he saw me selling fruits with my mother in the scorching sun. He asked whether I could work in a factory and I said yes. He helped me to secure an employment in a Lebanese factory behind Kirkiri town. The factory produces bathroom slippers.

“With the little money they paid me monthly, I was able to help my mother in her fruit business and in taking care of the family’s feeding.

Unfortunately, the factory folded up in 2009. This made me to go back to help my mother in selling fruits.

“My problem began when I met a friend called Apase at the birthday party of a girl whose boyfriend was a big boy in Ajegunle (Lagos). He threw the birthday party for the girl.

Apase had purposely taken me to the party so that I could meet some big boys and make friends with one or two to show me the way to wealth.

“He told me that majority of the big boys were into drug pushing, oil bunkering, importation of cars and exportation of local products to West African countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Liberia.

He told me that the choice as to the way forward depended on me. I told him that I liked oil bunkering and he linked me with a guy called Job. “After some days, Job asked me whether I could go to the sea with him. I was excited about the prospect of becoming an oil magnate and was ready to follow him any time he wanted.

“Three days later, he called me on the phone to meet him somewhere at Badagry area. When I got there, I saw about five guys already prepared to follow him to the high sea.

I joined them. On getting to the high sea, we saw a ship carrying diesel.

We moved near it and before I knew it, they were inside water, pumping diesel and crude oil from the ship into the jerry cans in our boat. Three of our members were armed with AK 47 rifles and they so positioned themselves that anybody who dared to threaten interfere from the ship would consider himself dead.

“It was a hitch-free operation because it was night and the sailors were asleep. At the end of the day, I was given my own share of the loot in dollars and Job helped me to change it to naira. It was N500,000 for me as water board boy, bailing out water.

“I thought we were only involved in oil bunkering. But the way they attacked sailors and collected their money and other personal belongings in the ship, the torturing of crews and what they did before they

‘

,

•The engine of the boat used in the operation

•The arms recovered from the suspects

I thought my friend was helping me to become an oil magnate —Robbery suspect Ebele BONIFACE pumped diesel into our more than 80 drums told me that we had delved into armed robbery. But it was too late to back out. Worse still, I needed money badly.”

Asked how he was arrested, he said: “It was my second journey that nailed me. On May 20, 2012, Job called Kayode (another suspect) and I on the phone to go to the front of Ibese beach and wait for him for a job.

“I asked him the kind of job he had for us and he said we would be going to the high sea to carry oil and rob some white people. He said we should all be clever, saying the white people in the high sea, according to the information he had, were carrying a lot of dollars.

“We went to the beach as he di-

rected. When he arrived with seven others in a boat, he beckoned on us to come and drag the boat to the land area at the beach. Job said they were coming from Ondo and that there was no more fuel in the boat they had sailed in.

“He said we should go and buy fuel. Unfortunately, the natives who were at the beach saw them and gathered where the boat was. As they were asking them who they were

and where they were coming from, some of the vigilance men among the natives looked into the boat, saw three AK47 rifles and screamed: ‘They are armed robbers!

Catch them now before they open fire on us!’

“How Job and seven others escaped is still a mystery to us because only two of us were arrested and taken to the Oba’s palace.

“When the Oba (traditional ruler) saw us and the four rifles, he did not waste time in alerting the police. I think it was the operatives of SARS that the oba called, because I saw the OC/SARS, SP Abba Kyari, who asked me the whereabouts of the other seven members and I told him that the people were beating me and I could not look to know where they ran to. I was beaten into coma by the vigilance men. Therefore, I could not have known how the others escaped.”

The second suspect, Kayode Owowumi, (23), a native of Obiogbaru village, Ilaje, Ondo State, said he was an ex-convict.

He said: “My father is a fisher man and I work with him. I am married with three lovely kids. I have two wives. I had two children from the first wife. When my mother’s business was no longer fine and she was no longer having enough money to give for my wife’s maintenance, she ran away. She used to spend thousands of naira on bleaching cream, powder, lipsticks, perfume and small stout. She ran away and abandoned my two kids with my mother.

“My second wife had only one kid for me. She later travelled abroad when I was sent to prison. It was her mother’s sister that took her along when she travelled.

“I was residing in Ituagan area on Snake Island happily with my family until my mother’s business collapsed and my going to prison worsened things.”

Asked why he went to prison, he said: “In January last year, one Shola hired a boat from Makoko in Ebute Metta. The owner of the boat he hired was one Wilson. He asked Wilson to look for a driver and he hired one boy as the driver. I don’t know the name of the driver. He later asked for an engineer and he came and picked me as a boat engineer.

“Shola gave Wilson money to buy fuel. When we reached Igbokoda town in Ondo State at about 7 pm, Wilson called Shola and told him that he had reached Igbokoda. They went there with one long stick and a big black bag, which was not opened in our presence.

“We later entered sea, and as we were sailing, Shola opened the bag and I saw three long guns. He then announced that what we had just

seen were the tools for the job and that from that point on the high sea, we should be taking orders from him.

“Five minutes later, we saw a trawler with six crew members and our driver crossed it while Shola shot in the air and ordered the trawler’s driver to take us to Cotonou side, but they pleaded that they had no papers to ply Cotonou waters and it would be dangerous to patrol their waters without permission.

“Fortunately, we saw a ship entering Nigerian territory and we jumped into it with that long stick we had come with. When we sighted naval people, we ordered the trawler’s driver to move far into the high sea. We later robbed the ship and escaped to Igbokoda. There the militants pursued and arrested us while Shola escaped with our money.

“The villagers gathered and combed the place and arrested nine of us, namely Monawara, Omonisa, Timi, Laja, Ore, Wilson, Oriade, the owner of the boat whose name I don’t know, and my humble self.

“We were later charged to court and were awaiting trial for alleged robbery. I was in prison when I got Job’s mobile phone number. I spent only six months awaiting trial before the families of the other eight arrested with me contributed money and gave our lawyer to fight for our bail or acquittal.

“The lawyer said it would cost each accused person N150,000 to fight for acquittal. I was not able to contribute a kobo because I had nothing.

But luckily, the eight others shared mine and added to what their families contributed. The whole money contributed for our release was N1.35 million.”

Asked why he preferred their case to go to court, he said: “The court is the place where we can have rest of mind. We prefer the courts because that is where we have an opportunity to defend ourselves. Our lawyers are afraid of SARS, and the little attempt they made, they were asked to go to court and wait. Armed robbers have no right in SARS; you are either innocent or confirmed. After investigation, if you are found innocent, they will even apologise to you and arrange for a vehicle to take you home with respect. But if you are confirmed guilty, the only thing your lawyer will do is to shift to the court. Our relatives know about it and are making preparations; like which lawyers will represent us and the role they are supposed to play.

“I know that I am heading for court again and God who I worship in spirit and truth will see me through in the court.”

Ogun State Police Command Distress Call numbers The police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ogun State Police Command Mr. Adejobi Olumuyiwa has said that the Command had decided to keep their crime fighting strategic secret for security reasons but implored the public to make use of these few

numbers in time of distress for the time being.

The distress calls numbers are: 08037168147 for PPRO; 08081771717 for OC QRS; 08081770416 for Control; 080123822910 Please when you are making dis-

tress call try and describe the robbery spot vividly to enable police trace the spot without much difficulty and should be kindly not after operation but before or during operation to enable police catch the hoodlums on the spot

23

LOCATION

BACKSTAGE

SNAPSHOT

REEL NEWS

MUSIC

SCREEN

Edited by: VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 08077408676

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012, 2012

The world will know when it is time for me to get married esss r t c a d o o w y l l 窶年o

a t n a r U y r Ma

SEE PAGES 28 - 37

24

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

STANDh BY! Wit

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

I

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 th factors ther success of o Eric .— s civilisation rt Reine

SNAPSHOTS Rukky Sanda's new look

N

OLLYWOOD actress cum producer, Rukky Sanda is undeniably one of the finest faces in the movie industry.

Although, her fame may not soar within the acting arena, Rukky's name sure resonates more on the social scene perhaps than any other actress you can think off.

Known for her glitzy sense of style, the actress, a few days ago posted on her twitter page a new picture of her rocking a new look, a blond weave, “@Rukkysanda: Rocking D Blonde for D Next 3months*”.

Beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder, but one wonders how long it will take this socialite to get it right. The blond is a beautiful colour but not with the kind of make-up she has on.

A new role for the Nollywood stakeholder

F you wish to support Nollywood and help the industry grow to develop her potentials, then you should shoot all the stakeholders.

To the extent that the Nollywood stakeholder has become a barrier against progress and a means to accentuate dereliction, crass opportunism and elevation of mediocrity to the status of an art form, then we should shoot them. At every forum, at every event and in consort with all manner of persons especially when entertainment is the issue, the Nollywood stakeholders have been a hindrance rather than help. So, please let's shoot them all.

There have been numerous schemes and projects designed to develop Nollywood into a profitable industry. Many didn't leave the paper on which they were written.

Others were sabotaged by the very same people who designed them, often for their own selfish interests. Worse still, the industry is so fragmented, disorganized and barely regulated such that calling it an industry appears like an aberration. For some, flippancy is acquired disposition but for Nollywood, it seems genetic.

According to a report by BusinessDay, the Nigerian government through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) proposed to invest N75 Billion funding facility to stakeholders in Nollywood to revamp the entertainment industry. The fund in November 2011 was set to be ready for disbursement, over six months later, it is still getting ready.

So much have been written about the $200 million largess President Jonathan announced for the entertainment industry that it seems trite to even mention it here. But needless to say, the fund, like a freight train that has gone off course, is heading nowhere.

It is instructive to note that Nollywood stakeholders have been blamed in all these schemes that hit the rocks. For the purpose of this report, let's clarify the Nollywood stakeholder. A stakeholder is a person, group, organization, member or system who affects or can be affected by an organization's actions.

Invariably, we are all

Writes Isaac ANYAOGU

Nollywood.

It is instructive to note that, this dispensation actually marks the first time serious overtures is being made to develop the framework for a real industry for Nollywood.

There are emerging structures for script conferencing and consultations, agencies are into artiste management and guilds and associations within Nollywood are asserting their right to be taken seriously.

What is more, credit agencies are making serious overtures at Nollywood as can be seen in the moves by NEXIM and Bank of Industry. What then can Nollywood do to take advantage of these opportunities?

For one, any serious organization that wishes to take a loan conducts market Nollywood stakeholders; the research; writes a business producer and his crew, the plan and show how the loan government and regulating can be repaid. They often hire agencies, the gang of Alaba consultants, accountants and marketers and pirates, the other professionals with expert cinema operators and the opinions. Many Nollywood distribution agencies, the stakeholders have whined in community of Nollywood the media that the overtures by audience and critics alike, yes the credit agencies are as even Aki and Paw paw. But difficult to assess as a camel those within the industry, passing through a needle's eye especially those who enjoy but the sore question has media attention don the toga always been, have you done all rather too zealously. that you should do?

While stakeholders play a crucial role in achieving the Nollywood guilds were objectives of the industry, but a created to solve a problem but common problem that arise more often than not, they have from having so much become the problem. The stakeholders in an enterprise Actors Guild for example does or industry is that there may be more acting on the pages of the a conflict of interests- and egos. newspaper than on the screen.

Precisely, that seems to be a Beyond the grandstanding and major problem with intractable conflict they are reputed for, the guilds can actually become more useful by creating structures to access the funds the credit agencies are making available. They can also proactively secure their members interests rather than only being content in collecting registration fees and subscription dues. They should have a strong presence with regulating agencies so that their interests can be protected.

The scriptwriters guild ought to be affiliated with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Association of Movie Producers should have a strong rapport with the Nigerian Film Corporation, only then can the Nollywood stakeholder be seen as living up to his name.

To the extent that the Nollywood stakeholder has become a barrier against progress and a means to accentuate dereliction, crass opportunism and elevation of mediocrity to the status of an art form, then we should shoot them

While stakeholders play a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the industry, but a common problem that arise from having so much stakeholders in an enterprise or industry is that there may be a conflict of interests- and egos

Fathia Balogun lends voice on air travel

N

OT everybody knows that Popular Yoruba actress, Fathia Balogun has her political side. Like most of her colleagues, the actress recently lend her voice to the Dana Air crash which occurred on June 3, 2012.

But unlike other thespians', Fathia via her twitter page made a clarion call to Nigerians on the need to hold government responsible for air travel mishaps.

“I believe we need to hold Govt responsible to make Air travel safer and also invest in Emergency services, 153 people just like that,” she wondered at the number of casualties recorded by the crash.

Fathia has continued to prove that she's at the top of her game as far as Yoruba Nollywood section is concerned. The actress who has been accused of playing more 'street roles' in recent time ranks among A-list in the Yoruba genre •Fathia of Nollywood.

y a m s r e t e P n a s u S join league N of rappers

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

•Susan Peters

OLLYWOOD actress, Susan Peters who recently celebrated her birthday at the Auto Lounge is one of those actresses whose talent remains untapped.

Although she's made the clichéd lists of industry pundits as one of those actresses to watch out for in 2012, fans are yet to see the actress on the big screen.

However, a visit to her twitter page recently reveals that the actress may have been hiding her poetic prowess. If what she tweeted is anything to go by Susan will make a good career in Rap or poetry.

She tweeted, “because we are humble and hate to fumble, we will not stumble nor grumble.

The Lord will double the troubles of our adversaries because it is our turn to bubble IJN Amen! My twitter peeps una too gbasky!

One love! Duchess,”.

With a rhyme so on point, perhaps the actress needs to look within to see if music is her real calling.

25

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

RE ELNEW S

Akin Shuga records tribute song for MKO •Igwe Gabosky

•Madu

T

•Alex Eyengho

ANCOP leads Nollywood to China

N

IGERIAN filmmakers and members of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Alex Eyengho, Madu C. Chikwendu and Gabriel O. Okoye (Igwe Gabosky) are among a 20-man delegation of the International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (FIAPF) that will be attending the forthcoming Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances, taking place in Beijing, China.

The event which holds from June 20 to 26, 2012 is aimed at effecting the signing of the

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Audiovisual Performances treaty.

Alex Eyengho who is the President of ANCOP, said in a press statement that Nigeria's presence at the conference is one of the many benefits of the country's membership of FIAPF. He noted that the Nollywood brand would be further deepened at the global level as a result of its participation in the event.

“Nollywood is no doubt a major factor at the global level today as far as film producing is

concerned. The Nollywood brand has been further boosted with Nigeria's membership of FIAPF. Created in 1933, FIAPF is the only existing global trade organization dedicated to the defense and promotion of the legal, economic and creative interests of film producers throughout the world. FIAPF is to film producing at global level what FIFA is to the game of football at global level. It is a good omen that Nollywood's presence and impute would be felt at this all-important conference in Beijing,” Eyengho said.

•Moshood Abiola

Awards pour in for Tango with Me

C

ELEBRATED filmmaker, Mahmood Ali-Balogun is basking in the euphoria of harvests, as his latest work, Tango with Me, bagged six laurels at the maiden edition of Nollywood Movies Award which held in Lagos last weekend.

The movie beat Mirror Boy, Anchor Baby, Private Storm, Memories of the Heart as well as Kiss and Tell to clinch the Best Movie award.

Joseph Benjamin who starred in the flick also went away with the Best Actor in a Leading Role category.

Mahmood Ali-Balogun also bagged the Best Director's award. The efforts put in by the film crew paid off as it also won the Best Cinematography and Best Sound and Editing/Design awards. It wrapped up its award haul

with Genevieve Nnaji bagging the Best Viewers' Choice Award.

Said Balogun at the ceremony: “Since this is just the beginning of a long journey; because there are more awards to come surely, I will just say, let's keep our fingers crossed."

It would be recalled that just last week, we reported that a UK-based distribution company, Talking Drum Entertainment will in August, be distributing Tango with Me in all the major UK and Ireland cinema chains in the first phase before proceeding on to other European Countries. The film stars Genevieve Nnaji and Joseph Benjamin as a couple facing a complexities as they battle with trials and tribulations within their young marriage.

HE founder of Shuga band, Akinloye Tofowomo has released a tribute song in honour of the late pillar of sport and business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), the presumed winner of the presidential elections on June 12, 1993.

Akin Shuga, as he is fondly called, is an admirer of the late philanthropist and encountered the late publisher of the defunct Concord Newspapers several times while he was alive, his admiration, relationship and exceptional human qualities inspired him to go to the studio and record a song which many are already touting to be a classic.

Garland for Okiki Films

L-R: Director of the award winning movie: Isese, Yemi Amodu, Producer, Moji Olaiya and the Chairman of Okiki Films, Esan Sunday

P

OPULAR entertainment outfit, Okiki Films and Music Productions is still basking in the Euphoria of two laurels it won at the maiden edition of the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA), penultimate weekend. The awards; 'Best Yoruba Cultural Movie of the Year 2011', and 'Best Musician in an Acting Role' categories came through Isese (Tradition), a flick produced by sultry actress, Moji Olaiya and directed by renowned film director, Yemi Amodu.

Isese beat other films like Kujenra, Kolo Kolo, Akuko Oran and Irawo Oke, all of which were nominated in that category.

Popular juju artiste, Saheed Osupa, who played one of the lead roles in the award winning film, also won the Best Musician In an Acting Role Award based on his exceptional performance in the Isese.

Other actors who bagged •L-R:Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Joseph with Genevieve onset of Tango with Me award at the colourful event held

at the June 12 Cultrural Centre Abeokuta included Odunlade Adekola, Best Actor in a leading role; Funke Akindele, aka Jennifer, Best Actress in a leading role; Adebayo Salami, Best Actor in a supporting role; Peju Ogunmola, Best Actress in a supporting role; and Afeez Oyetoro, Best Comedy Actor, while Kelvin Ikeduba and Rykardo Agbor jointly won the Best Cross-Over Actor category.

Organizers of the event described Isese as a movie which is deep in meaning and reflects conk Yoruba culture which brought to the fore salient issues on tradition and norms of the Yoruba race.

According to Tunde Oshinibosi (Laface), the founder of YMAA: “Isese is deep, very deep. It shows the beauty of the Yoruba culture and race. It is highly didactic, it celebrates Yoruba culture, heritage and all that the race stands for and it is a movie, surely like no others.”

The director of Isese, Yemi Amodu, expressed gratitude to God for the award. He said the movie came about as a result of a thorough research and that the award is just a clarion call on him and his crew not to rest on their oars, but to do more and produce better films to win more awards.

For the producer, Moji Olaiya, “this award is so precious to me.

I give thanks to God and all my fans. I promise to do more and reach more people through my productions. I am already working on another job that I am sure will win another award next year” she said In the same vein, the Chairman of Okiki Films, Mr. Esan Sunday dedicated the two awards to the distributors, customers, and fans of the actors and actresses of all Yoruba films, assuring them of more quality jobs from the stable of his company.

“I am happy that Okiki has come to stay. We have won an award as the best Yoruba film marketer before by the Chartered Institute of Marketers of Nigeria, now, winning two awards in a night is very gladdening. It shows that people appreciate the efforts we put into planning and eventual production.

“We will do more, produce better films and in no time, Okiki's production will be at par with the very best in Hollywood.”

26

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Lovely Joy Osomiache Onumajuru is the Queen of Aso, 2011. The first in a family of six children, she is currently studying Computer Science in Imo State University, Owerri. In this interview with BUKOLA AMUSAN, Joy, who also works as a model alongside running her final year programme, speaks on the challenges of being a queen, her dreams and future aspirations

D

ID you see yourself winning this competition being that it was tough?

I have always seen myself as a beauty queen, because since I was born, my mother always tells me that I am a queen. In primary school, I was miss 5th Avenue Primary School, Festac Town Lagos. In secondary school, I participated in a beauty pageant in Senior Secondary School, but I did not win. I was a runner up. Now, here I am as Queen of Aso. So I would answer yes to the question, because if I didn't see myself winning, I wouldn't have gone for the contest coupled with the fact that I put in my best at the camp and even on stage. But I must tell you the truth, I was tense most of the time because all the contestants were equally beautiful, I won because it was just my time.

Your emergence as a queen was controversial; some people are of the opinion that you didn't merit it I would like to say that destiny has a way of running its course. If God says this is my time; there's nothing anybody can do about it. This is because God has the final say and not man.

How did you cope with your reign as a queen and your studies at the same time My mum has taught me a lot about how to balance things in my life. So concerning school and my project as a queen, it is all about balancing. I will just work harder so that none suffers. It will not be easy but I am determined to do it. I can't leave school because I attach much importance to education, and moreover, I will soon graduate.

Is this your first attempt or have you always been involved in pageantry This is not my first. I have contested earlier this year at the Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja contest in which I wasn't favoured What motivated you into participating in pageantries The country has lots of queens, and all of them are unique in their own ways.

When I looked at some of them and compared them with myself, I was motivated to come out to contest. I said to myself, if they can do it, I can also do it because I am equally beautiful.

For you as a person, what excites you about pageantry The most exciting thing about pageantry is the part where you sit down and the crown is put on your head and you hear “this is your queen”.

That is the most exciting for me. The moment I was crowned queen, was the happiest day of my life since I was born.

What would you say is your most cherished asset as a model Seriously, my most cherished assets are

I've not been involved in any serious relationship —Joy Onumajuru, Queen of Aso my lower region; my hips, waist and knowledge I got from the camp. legs.

What challenges have you faced so far in the industry Do you intend to take on modeling I won't really say I have come across as a full time career challenges but I will rather say that When I am done with my first degree, I every move I made and anything that I want to do my Masters and then Ph.D, faced were stepping stones. They were because I actually want to be a lecturer. life experiences that teach you how to There is a certain age I feel you get to be strong and move ahead instead of that you cannot take modeling as a staying at a spot. So stepping stones, career anymore, so when I get to that yes! Challenges, no! age, I am going to take up lecturing full time and also try to be a role model to How do you intend to influence the society with your new status many young girls-someone they can I have so many things I want to do, but look up to. I will not take on modeling until I sit and look into my options, as an only career; I will juggle between then I can pick the one I am sure I will both modeling and my profession. But be very good at doing. like I said, a time would I definitely want to come when I would I am single but But do something that relates leave one and continue not searching at to women the other. empowerment. I want to What was your parent's the moment. I see how I can change the reaction when you took have not really lives of women who are to modeling as a career?

My parents are so been involved in victims of gender supportive of my inequality. I want to start any serious decision to do modeling. from the northern For instance, the night of woman which is the relationship, the contest, they didn't I represented maybe because I region go to bed until the during the contest, and results were announced. have not met from there, I will move And they were equally to other parts of the someone that suits happy that I emerged the country. queen. They have always my taste in men. I Who is your role model? advised me that My role model is the am not talking whatever you do, make 2009 Queen of Aso, Miss about money; I am Jennifer Uju Igwegbe. I sure you do your best and that was what I did. look up to her always talking about They always made me she is doing well; other things like and understand the she just won another importance of education, crown recently. compatibility, so I don't joke with it. do you see respect, fun and Where yourself in the next five The experience I got years? so many other from the other contest I see myself as an exwas what I used in things queen in the next five addition to the

years, working as an international model and lecturing in one of the universities in the country. I also see myself happily married.

What is your present relationship status I am single but not searching at the moment.

I have not really been involved in any serious relationship, maybe because I have not met someone that suits my taste in men. I am not talking about money; I am talking about other things like compatibility, respect, fun and so many other things.

What are your Hobbies I love interacting like I am doing right now, also because I believe I am a motivational speaker. I love to strengthen people with words when they are down and it helps the people in my life (at least that is what they tell me). I also love to cook.

What would you tell other young women who aspire to be beauty queens I would love every young woman aspiring to be a beauty queen not to give up, always remain true to yourself and your time will surely come, because I believe every woman is beautiful in her own way. Your own season will definitely come just as mine did.

When you emerged the winner, you were given a car and some amount of money, is this true?

I would say a car but I don't know about lot of money. I was supposed to have a $10,000 modeling contract which they are still working on till today. It is a foreign company in the UK, and a pharmaceutical company here in Nigeria.

How do you cope with your studies?

I am studying Computer Science and my grade has not changed from before I started modeling and now. This is because I have my manager, and a Personal Assistant working for me and I come from school anytime I needed to make presentation. It has not affected my studies in any way.

When are you completing your studies?

I am finishing by the end of this year.

I hope to see myself in the next three years as a bigger beauty in the international scene.

Do you see yourself as Miss World one day?

I don't know, I can't say, it is a big dream you know, but I see myself as something close to Miss World if not miss world in the next two to three years.

Most times when queens drop their crowns, they tend to be hardly seen or noticed, what actually happened I don't know about other people, but for me, whether I drop my crown or not, I have some companies that have managed to endorse me and I will keep working with them on that particular project until I get something bigger because I intend to go for more pageant. Modeling is not something I choose as a career but because when I finish, there won't be really something to do, I intend to be going for more international pageant. I intend to set up an NGO after handing over to work more on my project.

By

Harry Iwuala

DESERVES VICTORY OVER DENMARK,

SAYS PEPE

SZCZESNY VOWS TO WIN BACK POLAND

PLACE

FIXTURES Sat 16 Jun Malawi V Chad Cameroon V Guinea.B Uganda V Congo CV Islands V Madagascar Sierra Leone V Sao Tome Namibia V Liberia

Inside The

Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Hearts With Adeola Agoro

E-mail: libranadeola@yahoo.co.uk

39 My old boyfriend is childish and does not practise my faith Dear Aunty Adeola, I’m in a relationship with this guy whom I’m 2years older than. We both love each other but he loves me more.

He was the one who defiled me and we’ve been dating for 4 years now. He is a great guy I must say

but we have some obstacles before us; we have different faiths (religion) and also from different places of origin. Our parents are against us, but he wants us to shove our parents’ advice and stick together. I travelled home recently

How do I know that this aspiring musician loves me?

I’m 20 and in relationship with a guy.

Please tell me how I will know that he loves me because guys of nowadays are cunning. Please I need your help because he wants to be a musician and I always believe musicians are harlots – NG. Dear NG, personally, I don’t trust musicians as far as relationships are concerned. If a musician were my brother, I’d still say the same thing.

It is not really their fault that they have many women in their lives, women actually run after them and the temptation to ‘sample’ is always high. Well, this your guy is an aspiring musician, so you still have enough time to pray so that when he begins to sing and maybe get popular, he would keep to your side and your side alone. You may also veer him toward gospel music so that he would want to practise what he preaches.

Here are 10 signs to look out for to know if he loves you: Check whether your relationship will stand the test of time.

1. He Looks Into Your Eyes When You Talk This sign is all about the body language. If he looks into your eyes when you talk, you know he is paying full attention to you. Obviously, this is not always practical for every conversation, especially if you are driving somewhere. However, whenever you really want to have a heart to heart discussion, he gives you his full attention, by turning his body towards you, and watching the expression on your face. This is a sign he wants to know what you are really thinking.

2. He Wants To Know About You If your boyfriend asks about your past, your dreams, your desires (not just sexual), your wants, your needs, how you feel inspired, what you love, or anything about you that relates to your thoughts intimately as an individual, you can be very sure that he wants what is best for you. This is a very good indication he loves you.

3. He Gives You Cuddles and Caresses While touch is more important to some people than others, casual touches that are not necessarily sexual in nature are definitely signs he is letting you know that he loves you.

If he wants to hold your hand when you walk anywhere together, you can be sure he is saying with his body language that he wants to be with

you.

4. He Can Comfort You When You Have a Bad Day This is one of the most important indicators of a relationship that will stand the test of time. If you feel you can automatically turn to him when ‘times are tuff’, and he is able to give you comfort and help you to feel better, not worse, you have a guy who really loves you. If he gets uncomfortable when you are upset, or doesn’t know what will comfort you, he is not really putting you first in the relationship. If he at least tries to comfort you, there is hope for the future.

5. He Gives You the Best Presents Presents do not have to be expensive to be heartfelt. A present can be as simple as an email, a homemade card, or a wildflower picked from the roadside. The essence of this sign is that whenever he does give you a present, whether it is for a special event such as a birthday, or if it is just an off the cuff small gift, it is a gift that means something to you personally. He shows he cares about you by the depth of thought that goes into what you will like and he delights in giving you gifts that you just love.

6. He Makes You Feel Special Giving you compliments about how beautiful you look is one way he will make you to feel special. It may just be that simple phone call, an email, or even a formal love letter. Whatever he does, he wants to give you pleasure and to build you up as a person. He wants to make you feel like you are the most wonderful woman in the world.

7. He Wants You to Meet His Friends and Wants to Meet Yours Meeting friends is about wanting to be a part of each other’s lives. If he wants to meet your friends, and spends time getting to know the people who are important in your life, he really does love you. If he enjoys being with your friends, and makes you feel comfortable and a part of the group when you are with his friends, you can be sure he wants to be in your life for a long time.

8. He Makes You Laugh and Enjoy Life You actually look forward to spending time with him, because you know you will have fun. Being able to laugh together and have fun

is part of every good relationship. If he cannot share the joy of life with you easily, he won’t be able to cope with the hard times that will inevitably come your way too. Even in the difficult times, he somehow can make you smile, through your tears. This is because he loves you and wants you to be happy. He gets a joy from seeing the excitement and pleasure in your expression, so he works to make you laugh.

9. He Loves Spending Time with You He treats you as his best friend. He can be quite happy spending time with just the two of you, and doesn’t have to have a million other people around all the time. He makes excuses to see you, and just thoroughly enjoys being around you. He tells you his own thoughts, dreams, and is able to share ideas with you comfortably.

He also turns to you when he is sad, or needs comfort too.

10. He Says He Loves You Okay, it can be very easy to say those three words “I love you”, but if he says it when you are not expecting it, or if he says it first, he wants to tell you that he really cares about you. If he only says I love you when he wants to be physically intimate with you, or if you always say it first, and he only says it in reply, because that is what you expect, he may not really care deeply. He may not even need to say the words, because he knows you know how he feels about you, but just has to say it anyway.

If you see evidence of these ten signs in your relationship, and you know the signs are done without purpose or gain, your relationship is built on the foundation of true love. You can be sure of your relationship when he truly wants to please you, and honestly shows that he enjoys being with you in many ways.

Guide on how to make my marriage successful Please madam, my name is Veronica. I need a guide on how to make my marriage successful. Thank you – Favour.

Never threaten divorce or leaving.

Words can cut deep wounds and each time you threaten divorce that wound grows until eventually the wound cannot be healed. Decide in your mind (and discuss with your spouse) that

your marriage is forever, till death do you part.

Share the discipline of children.

Never say, “Just wait till your dad gets home. You will be in trouble.”

That is not fair to your husband or the child that requires discipline.

Deal with the discipline, but remember to share the problem and solution with your spouse.

Don’t argue over money. Money is a major stress issue in many marriages. Whole marriages have collapsed over disagreements on money. Decide who will be the bookkeeper and set a budget.

Never go to bed angry at each other and always try to go to bed at the same time. Clear the air before going to sleep, maybe you are too tired to hash out the whole disagreement, but just an ‘I’m sorry babe and I love you. Let’s figure this out tomorrow.

Give your spouse down time.

Most men need about thirty minutes to chill when they first get home from work. When he walks through the door give each other a kiss and hug and discuss how your days went. Let him disappear for about thirty minutes to shower, make a phone call, etc. At dinner you can discuss any parenting issues that need to be taken care of, and by the end of the dinner everyone has worked through their issues and you will enjoy the rest of our evening (hopefully) stress free.

Don’t put down each other’s family, or each other. Your marriage has brought together two different upbringings and many different personalities. Words can hurt, especially when they are about someone we dearly love. Keep your opinions about your spouse’s family limited only to praise and admiration. Now to your spouse, men can deal with almost anything that comes their way if they know they have your support. If your husband makes a huge mistake, don’t put him down.

Give him a hug and remind him that you love him. Soon, he will be coming to you for advice before making some decisions and together you can decide which way to go. Show your husband respect and in return he will show you love. Name calling is for school children, chose respect and admiration instead.

and my mom introduced me to someone, I find him more matured and we share the same faith. This new guy has no job yet but I believe he has a promising future. I definitely have no feelings towards him yet though and I told him about my guy and he was understanding and matured enough to tell me he would be patient with me to sort things out with my guy.

My religion has a significant role to play in my lifestyle and more so age is not on my side, i will be clocking 28 by October. Aunty i want to give in to the new guy, but i don’t know how to relate it to my guy without breaking his heart because he truly loves me. Honestly, I really don’t want to hurt him...

Please advise me how to go about it. - Zee. Dear Zee, I understand how you feel about this new guy. You’re at that stage when you’re getting to know somebody and your heart is still thumbing and flowing with gentle love. He too is at that stage when he will be sending those love messages and you head is swimming in paradise. Maybe you will wake up now if you cast your mind back to when you started with Mr. Old-Boyfriend and he too was declaring unending love. Luckily for you, four years down the line, this guy is still in love with you.

As far as I’m concerned, all men are childish. Women too are childish. Are you not childish yourself?

Everybody has that child-like part about us. Is it even now after meeting that guy that you are realizing that? Do not make the mistake of your life by dumping the old guy for the new.

I have treated this issue of different religious faiths in relationships many times on this page. So, I decided to go in search of answers from others sources. Maybe they can say it better than me. Here below is what I got for you: Just a question, would you allow major religious differences to cause you to not be with someone that you love? Or such differences wouldn’t matter to you personally? It can cause quite a headache, but if my partner is absolutely open-minded about my beliefs and doesn’t try to convert me, then I am fine with the differences - a female’s perspective.

I am fine as long as my partner doesn’t convert me or bother me about it. I want my children to follow what I believe so I will try to find a girl who believes in the same ideas as I do or doesn’t mind her children following me - a male’s perspective.

I believe that everyone is free to have their own religion/belief so I wouldn’t try to convert my partner as well. If he respects my beliefs, then we can progress further I guess – from another female’s perspective.

These guys want me just for sex Hi Aunty, I’m a 25-year-old girl in love with two guys who are also claiming to love me but I suspect they’re saying it just for them to have want they want. But the one I love isn’t showing care to me. What do I do; to forget them or face one of them?

Thanks. – Ada. Dear Ada, I want to assume you love yourself. If you do then I wonder why you would even consider dating any of the guys at all since you said they may just be after what they want from you – sex. The moment a woman gets to know that the primary reason a man id after her is not basically for her heart but for the inside of her pants, then she should give him a chance at all.

An expert on relationship said, “If a guy really likes you then he will still likely want sex...but the difference is that he will wait patiently. He will still date you, wait patiently and not try to get it from somewhere else. It’s hard to find guys like

that...even harder to make yourself wait when you think you’re ready for it with someone. I’ve fallen for it a few rounds myself. It’s something majority of girls will do multiple times before actually learning anything from their mistakes. Look back on those guys and guys that you know are only after that. Are there some common personality characteristics there? The answer is yes. Guys who only want sex (and are getting it) are generally more cocky and loud than guys who are in it for more than just that. They are the loud ones who go around whistling at every ass they see go past. They are the ones who you see around corners and behind buildings trying to flirt their way into someone’s pants.

Some are more subtle though...they’ll get to know you, try to get some and when you say no, they’ll throw the equivalent of a fit and threaten to leave you and stuff.

Bottom line: if the guy is pushing you even when you’ve said no more than once...drop him. No means no and he needs to learn that.

The new couple, Mr and Mrs Seyi Ogundele flanked by their parents during their wedding

40

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

B

EFORE the strange lady be gan speaking, my aunt dismissed everyone from the room except my younger sister, Tonia who sat beside me.

The woman told us that she had been serving as a youth corper in Mack’s office when they started dating. “He told me he was single, that he was looking for a decent lady that he could settle down with. I took him seriously, that’s why I agreed to date him,” she stated quietly.

She said they had been together for nearly six months when she found out she was pregnant but on informing Mack about it, he had told her to abort it, that he was not ready to have children yet.

She said she refused to have the abortion and went on to have the baby. It was after the baby was born that Mack grudgingly accepted responsibility. “He came with his father and some relatives to see my father and he promised to take care of my baby’s upkeep and education.”

Later, they returned with wine and some other items for an introduction, before the proper marriage rites. For by then, she said Mack had agreed to marry her and promised, ‘they would have a wedding later.’

As she spoke, I could feel a massive headache coming upon me and I became dizzy as if I was going to faint or have a heart attack. What was this I was hearing? How could this be happening a day before my wedding? Was this a dream or what? Maybe I will wake up and realise it’s all been a bad dream.

But the lady’s next words brought me back to reality.

“At the beginning, he lived up to his promise and really took care of me and the baby.

But it didn’t last. For the past six months or so, he has not sent me a kobo for my son’s upkeep.

I don’t have a job and it’s my parents who have been taking care of both of us.”

“I’m not here to disrupt your wedding. All I want is for him to live up to his responsibilities towards his son. And for you to know the truth about him as I’m sure he has not told you about me. I’ve been calling and sending him letters but he has not replied any. He doesn’t even take my calls anymore.”

At that point my parents came home and they took charge of the situation. After they had grilled the lady more and concluded that she had no ulterior motives, she was allowed to go.

But her visit had put the wedding plans in disarray.

I became really incensed with Mack, for keeping such

The enemy beside me (2) important info from me and threatened to call off the wedding. When he came to the house later, I was so mad at him, I refused to see him. He pleaded for a long time and begged my parents and I for forgiveness.

With my parents’ encouragement and the counselling of the pastor of our church, I finally calmed down and the wedding took place the following day.

The early days of our married life was blissful enough.

Mack was loving and caring, perhaps to make up for not informing me about his love child earlier. I also tried to do my duties as a wife. A little over a year after our wedding, I had my daughter Annabelle.

It was a happy time in our home as Mack doted on me and the baby. Motherhood made me fulfilled as a woman and I was very happy. But it wasn’t long before the bubble of happiness burst.

“You are looking very pretty tonight, honey,” Mack said one evening. I had just taken my bath and was sitting at the dressing table brushing my hair. I looked at him suspiciously in the mirror and sighed when I saw the determined look on his face. I knew where this was heading to and my heart fell.

We had been through this before. I had had some stitches done on me while giving birth to my daughter. The doctor had advised that we should abstain from sex till I was fully healed which would take about three months.

Initially, Mack had agreed to wait since it was for the sake of my health but in the past few weeks, he had been growing restless. He had been complaining about the long wait and how it was becoming difficult for him to cope.

I sighed and left the table. I was heading to the other side of the bedroom when he grabbed my hand.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“I want to check on the baby,” I stated, trying to shake his hand off.

But he held it firmly and placed it on the front of his pyjamas trousers, ensuring I felt the bulge there.

“Forget the baby. She’s fine.

It’s me you need to check on,” he said drawing me towards the bed.

“Stop it, Mack! Remember what the doctor said,” I protested.

“Forget the doctor! Who’s he to tell me when I can sleep with my own wife,” he stated, his hand slipping inside my nightie to fondle my breasts.

I tried wriggling out of his grasp, but it was no use. I was no match for him. You see, I’m not very tall with a slim figure, whereas, my husband is a tall guy with a well-built body.

That night, he had his way and I just laid there thinking how inconsiderate and selfish he was, allowing his desires to take precedence over my health...

The street affair But worse was to come. A few months later, I was at home on a weekend when one of my neighbours whom I will call Mrs G came to see me. I was alone in the house as Mack had gone out and I had sent the maid on an errand.

Mrs G said she had come to tell me something very important which she felt I needed to know for the sake of my marriage.

I stared curiously at her, wondering what it was all about.

She then told me how my husband had been having an affair with a woman who lived on our street, just a few houses away from ours.

“It’s been going on for some time now; I think since last year.

Everyone on the street knows and they’ve been talking about it.” Then she added: “I feel it’s right you should know what’s going on so you can do something because that woman is dangerous.”

I was shocked at her words and I could feel myself growing angrier as she spoke. How could Mack do this to me, I fumed quietly. Even if he had to have an affair, why should it be with someone on our street?

I felt humiliated and bitterness welled up in me at the thought

of my husband with the woman.

I knew the woman in question. She was quite pretty with a fair complexion that looked like it had been enhanced with cosmetics. She had three children but was said to be separated from her husband due to what Mrs G said, ‘her wild ways.’

“We heard her husband threw her out because of her wayward behaviour, that she was having affairs with different men,” she noted.

Obviously, she was still up to her old ways and worse, had sunk her claws into my husband.

If it had been any other person, I would have dismissed her words as those of an idle gossip with little else to do. But Mrs G was a serious-minded and reliable person, not an idle prattler. A former banker, she had resigned from her wellpaid job to take care of her children for as she said, ‘combining work and the home front was becoming a nightmare and it was affecting my marriage too.’

I decided to confront Mack with what I had heard when he returned home. It was late at night when he got back, smelling heavily of alcohol.

“So, how was your day?” I asked quietly placing his food on the dining-table.

“Fine,” he said. He pulled off his shoes, stretched out on the sofa and put the TV on.

When I told him his food was ready, he replied that he was not hungry.

I gazed at him silently for a while then said: “I’m not surprised. I bet you must have eaten at her house,” I said.

He looked up at me then.

“What are you talking

about, woman?” he asked.

“Stop pretending, Mack.

Your secret is out. How could you do this to me?” I queried in an angry tone.

“What secret? Look, stop speaking in riddles. I’ve had a long day and I’m tired.”

“Why won’t you be tired after spending all your energy on your mistress!” I retorted.

He sat up then.

“Are you crazy or something? Who told you I have a mistress? So, you now listen to idle gossips, isn’t it?”

“Everyone knows about it, Mack! It’s bad enough keeping another woman outside your matrimonial home but on the same street? How could you?

I’ve become the talk of the street all this while and I didn’t even know!”

“You know what, I don’t have time for all this now. I’m going to bed,” he stated and headed for the bedroom. But I blocked his way and held him by his shirt.

“You are going nowhere until this matter is resolved,” I shouted. He flung my hand away but I held on. A scuffle ensued and he hit me so hard, I fell on the ground. He came after me and repeatedly hit and even kicked me. I screamed but he kept punching me and even the maid who had come to my rescue.

I thought he was going to kill me but he finally left me when I stopped struggling. I lay there, bruised and bleeding from my mouth and in great pain.

From bad to worse Things deteriorated between my husband and I after that fight. Though he later apologised for the beating and I forgave him, I could not forget what had caused the quarrel in the first place: his affair. I gave him an ultimatum, that he had to end the affair (which he had grudgingly admitted to) or I might be forced to do something about it.

It was the worst thing I could have said for he angrily told me off.

“How dare you tell me what to do? You are my wife, not my father!”

“Being your wife gives me certain rights. And not sharing you with another woman is one of them!” I fired back. I could see another fight coming but I didn’t care. I was angry and bitter at his treatment of me. If he had any love and respect for me, he would not be going after other women, I thought.

He did not reply but quickly took his car keys and left the house. That night, he did not return home. In fact, he stayed away for nearly a week.

My mother came over for a visit during this tensed period and I told her what was going on between Mack and I. “Mum, I’m really sick of Mack’s behaviour. He hardly stays home. He spends most of his time with this other woman. Even when he’s around, he does nothing but beat me all the time. How long should I continue like this?”

My mum advised me to be patient, that he would soon come back to his senses.

“What Mack is doing is not new. I’ve seen many cases like that. But most of the time, the

If all the women with unfaithful husbands leave their matrimonial homes, will there be any marriages left in this country? Just endure and be prayerful

men always return to their wives. Be patient, my daughter.”

“For how long, mum? If things continue like this, I might move out of this house.

Is this what marriage is all about? I’m not enjoying this marriage at all!”

“Move where?” asked my mum angrily. “You are going nowhere! This is your home.

That is the problem with you young women of today. No patience! You run away at the slightest hint of trouble. Marriage is not easy and I should know, being married to your father who is not the easiest person to live with.

“If all the women with unfaithful husbands leave their matrimonial homes, will there be any marriages left in this country? Just endure and be prayerful.”

I took my mum’s advice and became more tolerant with Mack. I no longer harassed him over the other woman outside and kept my cool even when he came home most nights very late and often drunk. But all my efforts towards keeping peace in our home was to no avail as Mack’s behaviour grew worse.

I grew sad and depressed and hardly smiled anymore.

The only times I was happy was when I was with friends especially Diane. She was aware of all the troubles I was going through at home. But like my mum, she advised me to be patient and remain loving towards my husband.

There was also Jeri who had kept in touch even after my marriage. After I had my baby, he had called to wish me well and had stayed in touch ever since. I began to look forwards to his calls as chatting with him helped brighten my day and relieve the heavy burden in my heart caused by Mack’s behaviour.

He had called one weekend and we had spoken for a long time. He said he was on location shooting a movie and hoped to wrap up in a few days’ time. We chatted about other things then hung up.

Unknown to me, Mack had entered the bedroom quietly and had been listening to our conversation.

“Who’s Jeri?” he inquired.

“Just a friend,” I said indifferently, opening the wardrobe to hang a blouse.

“Just a friend? Have you forgotten you are a married woman? Why should you be keeping male friends?”

I tried explaining to him it was someone I knew before we married but he caught me off.

“Now, I see. So, you have started seeing your old boyfriends again just to get back at me for having an affair!”

“It’s not true. There’s nothing going on between Jeri and I...” I said. He was behaving irrationally and getting angry over nothing.

“Liar! Useless woman! So you are sleeping with another man behind my back! You slut!” he shouted at me. This was followed with a quick slap.

He picked up a belt lying on the bed and began to flog me with it, shouting all the while: “I will kill you today!”

I screamed and tried to protect myself. He let go of me then and stormed out of the room. I thought he had gone out but to my shock, he returned a short while later, brandishing one of my sharp kitchen knives which he aimed menacingly at my head...

To be continued Don’t miss next week’s edition of Eva’s story in the Nation on Saturday!

&

LIFE

Society Profile

THE NATION, Saturday, JUNE 16, 2012

STYLE Gossip Interviews

41

s i o h w n a m o w ‘A n a m a n i d e t s e r e t in r e h m o r shows f ’ e g a u g n a l y d o b

44

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

A Port Harcourt, Rivers State-based international mediator, Richard Anthony, is a legal practitioner and a Fellow of the Certified Institute of Shipping, with a Master’s degree in International Business Law from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law from the then Edo State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University). He is also a researcher, the Managing Partner of R. Anthony and Co. Law Firms in Port Harcourt and Ughelli, Delta State as well as the Group Managing Consultant, Global Mediation Services Limited. In this interview with BISI OLANIYI, Anthony, who hails from Ezebiri in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, speaks on a variety of national and personal issues. Excerpts:

‘How I resisted temptation from a single female lawyer who knew I was married’ •Richard Anthony

W

ERE things very rosy or tough at the beginning?

It is normal in life that when you are starting a thing, it may not be very rosy. Everything that starts small ends big when it is committed unto God’s hands.

At the beginning, it was not rosy but by the grace of God, we are getting bigger.

I am from a family where I am the first son with five girls after me before we had a boy. My parents were not very rich, but they were very industrious. We were pampered. We had good food to eat and good clothes to wear. My mother was a business woman and she was taking good care of us, just like my father. As a matter

of fact, we did not know much of lack.

As the first son, my mum was more fond of me than my dad. My dad too was always taking me out then in Warri, Delta State, but my mum pampered me more than my dad. He died in 1992. My mum is still alive. When my father died, I actually grew up with my mother.

That is why my curriculum vitae bears Bomadi and Warri SouthWest LGAs. My dad was the only child of his parents.

I attended Ogoeze Primary and Secondary Schools in Bomadi LGA, Delta state. I also attended Edo State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University), where I read law and I graduated

in 1997. I did special executive Master’s programme in International Business Law at the University of Huddersfield, England. I am currently doing another programme, LLM, in Global Practice/Corporate Governance at the University of Huddersfield.

When we graduated, that was the time the Law School started a campus in Abuja. Because of capacity,

‘

some of us decided to go for national youth service in 1998. In 1999/2000, I went to Law School.

I later did some practice with my friends in Warri, especially with my very good friend, who is late now, Ebi Ukuli. He died in 2005. I had to set up my law firm, then at Ughelli, Delta state.

I also attended a course organised by the Consensus Building Institute in the US in 2007, where I got involved in conflict management. In 2007, I was an Associate of the Certified Institute of Shipping. In 2009, I became a fellow. In 2011, I was accredited as an international mediator by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution in the United Kingdom.

While practising in Ughelli, I was always having communities’ briefs and I was also part of the Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMoU) processes between the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and communities in Bayelsa State. I was actually the lead negotiator for the communities in the GMoU processes in Bayelsa state. Because of our terrain, we have very few Ijaw lawyers. So, the people of the communities felt they needed to patronise their sons and they were always coming for us. I was also part of

I will not be scared to fly, having put my trust in God Almighty. He will continue to be protecting me, members of my family and others

,

the GMoU drafting committee between SPDC and Bayelsa communities. I also represented some Escravos crude line communities in Delta state.

People from some communities in Bayelsa State actually came to my law firm and briefed me that the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) was planning to acquire their land. So, in the process of representing them, Agip was able to acquire the land. The Community Relations Manager of Agip saw that I did a very good job and sought to obtain my services and I became a consultant to Agip on community matters, between 2007 and 2009.

When I became a consultant to Agip, I was moving from Ughelli to Port Harcourt every week. I felt I was leaving my family too much and I moved my family from Ughelli to Port Harcourt. I am still maintaining my law firm in Ughelli, with lawyers running the chambers.

You have just mentioned your family. How did you meet your wife?

I met my wife when I was living at Ughelli. We were staying in the same street. That was in 2002.

What was the attraction?

She is a pretty lady. That time I was single, staying alone and doing well, by God’s grace and with a good car, driving around. She was living on the street with her parents and I proposed to her, telling her that I liked the way she had been conducting herself. Although, she initially proved difficult, before she later accepted the proposal. We got married in 2004. We

45

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

‘In spite of the Dana crash, I won’t stop flying because I’ve put my trust in God’ have three boys.

Did you experience pressure from your wife to have female children?

No pressure. She understands.

Do you want any of your children to study Law? If I have my way, I will like all my children to read Law. Don’t you feel that it is always better for parents to allow the children to choose their professions?

After studying Law, they can move to other professions they want to move to.

In spite of being a worker at the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), have you ever been tempted by desperate ladies who are aware that you are happily married and will still want to force themselves on you?

In the society we are now, a lot of things happen. It also depends on your personal morals and your personal belief system. A lady may like you because you are a sociable and likable person or probably feel that you have some money and coming closer to you, to get something from you. I always let them know that I am happily married.

Such things can happen in one’s personal engagements or day to day jobs. I attended a conference on Victoria Island, Lagos in 2010 and by God’s grace, I was able to resist the temptation from a single female lawyer whose name I will not mention. She also attended the conference and we stayed in the same hotel. I was already married then and I made my marital status known to her. I also told her that the friendship should be on professional basis. Later in the evening of the same day, we went downstairs and I told her about my family and church, Winners Chapel, where I am a worker. By my Christian belief, I told her that I would not be able to do that. So far, we have maintained professional relationship. The young ladies when they are interested in men, their body languages are very clear.

You aspired last year to represent Bomadi/Patani constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives, but you could not make it. What went wrong?

Obviously, we have strong political affiliations in Delta State.

Originally, I was a strong supporter of the then Alliance for Democracy (AD). I belonged to the progressives. I was not in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During the 2003 elections, I supported Chief Great Ogboru. In 2007, in the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), I was the Legal Adviser of the party in Delta State, before political associates and friends advised me to move to the PDP because of the nature of politics in Delta State.

I contested the primaries under Chief E. K. Clark’s parallel group and I was declared the candidate of the group. Our names were sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). At the time of the general elections, INEC accepted the candidate of the other group, Nicholas Mutu, who is close to the parallel Chairman of the PDP in the state, Peter Nwabuochsi (current Delta chairman of the PDP) and now in the House of Representatives. I have not given 2015 a thought, but the

National Assembly needs more vibrant lawmakers to move Nigeria forward.

President Goodluck Jonathan is your Niger Delta kinsman, is he doing well, especially with epileptic power supply, bad roads throughout the country and the Boko Haram suicide bombings in the North, among others?

President Jonathan has good intentions for Nigeria. We have had a bad system in the country over the years. The President has done well on electoral reforms. He needs to do more in the area of power and infrastructure. A major setback is the Boko Haram issue troubling the nation. Globally, there are crises everywhere. Dialogue is the way out. The challenge of Niger Delta militancy was tackled through dialogue and today, there is relative peace in the region.

Is President Jonathan sincere about the development of the Niger Delta, especially with the slow pace of work on the dualisation of the East-West Road

by Setraco Construction Company and the inability of the Federal Government to commence work on the East-West Coastal Road?

The East-West Road and the East-West Coastal Road are very troubling. When the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was established, we thought it was going to aggressively tackle the developmental needs of the Niger Delta, but the people are beginning to express doubt. Nothing seems to be happening in the ministry, despite the fact that the Minister, Chief Godsday Orubebe, is a Niger Deltan. The minister recently complained of inadequate funding for the projects, but he must be up and doing, as well as show commitment to the transformation of the region. There should also be Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach, involving the multinational oil companies operating on the Niger Delta to ensure commensurate development of the region.

I will not say President Jonathan and Chief Orubebe have failed on the development of Niger Delta, but they need to do more. They are yet to meet the expectations of the people.

Who is performing better, between the governor of your state, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, where you are based?

I live in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and I am very regular in Delta State. There are more developmental projects in Rivers State, despite the swampy terrain, which has always been the excuse of some leaders in the Niger Delta.

Contractors work in Rivers State during the rainy season. The roads in GRA (Government Reservation

pellate court. As a lawyer, I belong to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has also called for the unconditional reinstatement of Justice Salami.

You have just returned to Nigeria from overseas trip. How will you describe the Dana Air plane crash at Iju, Lagos on June 3, with the 153 persons on board and many residents killed?

Very sad, tragic, shocking and pathetic incident. It was later disclosed that the two faulty engines of the Dana aircraft caused the unfortunate crash. Drastic steps must be taken by the Federal Government to sanitise the aviation industry and ensure airlines operators’ compliance with the rules and regulations. There is need for code of practice in the aviation industry. If found culpable, after thorough investigations, Dana and other airlines with rickety aircraft should be sanctioned.

I will not be scared to fly, having put my trust in God Almighty. He will continue to be protecting me, members of my family and others.

•Richard Anthony

Area), Port Harcourt, where I live and D-Line (Direct Main Line) in Port Harcourt, where I have my office and other parts of the state, are being properly constructed.

Governor Amaechi is doing great in Rivers State. In the next three years, we are expecting bigger projects from Governor Amaechi.

Most people of Delta State are saying that Governor Uduaghan has not done enough to develop and transform the state. He needs

to do more, for Deltans to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The National Judicial Council recommended that Justice Ayo Salami be reinstated as the President of the Court of Appeal but yet to be effected by President Jonathan. How do you react to this?

With NJC’s recommendation, President Jonathan should, without further delay, reinstate Justice Salami as the President of the ap-

‘

By God’s grace, I was able to resist the temptation from a single female lawyer whose name I will not mention. She also attended the conference and we stayed in the same hotel. I was already married then and I made my marital status known to her...By my Christian belief, I told her that I would not be able to do that...

,

Do you support the view that President Jonathan’s Democracy Day broadcast, through which he renamed the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as Moshood Abiola University, is a strategy to penetrate the South-West ahead of the 2015 elections?

The world is dynamic and leaders do negotiate. PDP can take practical steps to make incursion into Lagos State and other parts of the South-West, through proper negotiation. Lagos is very important in Nigeria, as the business hub of the country, while Lagos is Nigeria’s former capital and UNILAG is more prestigious than the University of Abuja. Let us bear in mind that UNILAG is a Federal Government’s university. Late Chief Abiola lived in Lagos and contributed more to the economy and development of Lagos State, in spite of hailing from Abeokuta in Ogun State. Honouring Chief Abiola is a step in the right direction. Nothing fundamentally has changed about the university besides the name change. Let the protests over renaming of UNILAG stop.

Ghanaians are now enjoying uninterrupted power supply, while Nigerians are struggling with generators. Are the leaders sincere?

The power issue must be tackled head on by the Federal Government. I am aware that there are many ongoing power projects in Nigeria. The contractors should be more serious because the power issue increases the cost of running businesses and production. With steady power supply, the artisans will be better engaged, while robbery, kidnapping and other vices will be drastically reduced, as the youths will be involved in productive ventures and will not have time for crime.

With regular power supply, investors and entrepreneurs will be encouraged to invest in Nigeria.

We have delayed so much on the power issue and the Federal Government must take drastic measures on the embarrassing situation. The administration of President Jonathan should also take the nation’s economy seriously.

46

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Wedge extreme

Wedge shoes have captured the imagination of fashion buffs this season. There are three varieties of wedge that are hotly in vogue now: the wedge sandals, wedge shoes and wedge slippers. Wedge shoes are guaranteed to make you look chic. But never buy them without trying them out very well and making sure them fit at the store. Today’s wedges are more stylish and are usually worn over skirts, trousers and knee-length dresses.

Certain basic things are essential while wearing wedge shoes such as taking care of your feet and sometimes painting your nails, since your feet will get quite some attention when wearing these artistic foot wear.

•Christian Louboutin Almeria wedges sandals

•Wande Olu Omoniyi

•Wedding wedge shoes

•Wild diva wedges

•CL brown wedge slippers •Ugonna Omeruo

•Magege Love

•Damola Avaoye

47

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Smile, it’s polka dot Omowumi OGUNTUASE

P

REVIOUSLY associated with little children, polka dot designs are worn by adults now.And they are in many colours. They are absolutely cool. They can come in tops, skirts, gowns, trousers or even scarves, bags and shoes. With complementing colours, they will work for you, anytime and anywhere.

They are playful, classy and trendy and would put a smile on your face. They just will not go out of season. They attract attention depending on the colours you wear, and, contrary to the belief of most people, they do not necessarily need spaces between the dots. They can be muddled together and would still be polka dots and they are mostly in chiffon material which would dance around your body.

Break out of the norm of white dots and go for two-coloured designs like blue and pink, green and red or even purple and black.

Tips on how to pair it •Carol Arhere

Pair the tops or shirts with plain skirts or trousers and you can tuck it in for a chic look For the shoes or bags, do not use them with patterned clothes. Pair with another polka dot item and a plain one in your outfit.

Gowns, either short or maxi, would look

good with high-heeled shoes or flats.

Any kind of accessories would do as long as the colours do not contradict that of the outfit.

Polka dot scarves can go on anything and tying the middle bow style would bring out the beauty of the design.

•Black Polka Dot Smocked Waist Maxi Skirt*

•Red Polka Dot Handbag

•Asua

•Polka dot platform shoes

Royallux Classic in market

Christopher Kane named Scottish Designer of the Year He took the top honour over Louise Gray, Holly Fulton, and two-time winner Jonathan Saunders at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in association with Pandora at Berkeley Square Gardens, hosted by Alexa Chung in Glasgow.

Kane told the crowd, “I think that Scotland has such a wealth of great fashion talent from design through to production and the heritage is something that we should all be proud of.”

Stella Tennant was inducted into the Hall of Fame and Tali Lennox came away with Model of the Year.

Christopher Kane named Scottish Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards

The manufacturer of the indigenous and popular Royallux cleansing astringent, Hardis & Dromedas, has hit the market with a new product-Royallux Classic.

The company, which is based in Enugu, played host to a group of journalists when it introduced its latest innovation to them.

The Royallux brand has been in existence for over ten years, and it has remained the most popular astringent among young and notso-young ladies.

ng cake

48

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 16 , 2012

‘There is nothing as being godly because everybody including a bishop can be tempted ’ Bishop Duke Akamisoko takes charge of thousands of the flock at the Kubwa Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Abuja. In a no holds barred interview with our Abuja Bureau Chief, YOMI ODUNUGA and Correspondent, JOHN OFIKHENUA, he spoke on the challenges posed by the threat of terrorism and the failure of governance to address key societal malaise. Excerpts:

H

OW prepared is the Diocese for its forth coming synod?

We are preparing. The synod will be held in St. Peters Anglican Church, Karu.

All arrangements for the success of the synod are on and we are expecting one of the best synods.

Nowadays, if you look at the situation in the Christendom, there are so many challenges, you will discover that some people will rather stay at home than going to church because of the security challenges posed. In what way do you think this issue can be tackled?

The security situation has actually gone from bad to worse. It is terrible in the sense that when we had Democracy Day service in Abuja recently, the kind of security that was staged was so much. Now people suspect one another, you can’t trust anybody. What I will say is that if our government and the security cannot solve the problem, and they have not shown that they can, there are countries that have had worst situations than this and they have curtailed it. Here I speak of countries like Israel, USA, Germany, and the world today is a global village. If they don’t have the capacity, there is no problem in telling countries that have consistently overcome it. I will advise our government to seek assistance which is possible, and there are some who are ready to help if we extend our hands and say ‘please we are in a terrible mess and we need help.’

Take for instance, when I was in United Kingdom recently, a young man who wanted to bomb the whole place was arrested by the security men and nobody got to hear anything about it. So there are countries that are professional, who have got the equipment and networking. The situation where you see security offices barricading everywhere, even the Army is afraid, you don’t get to see this anywhere in the world. You don’t arrest terrorism by blocking the road.

This year, N1.3 trillion was voted for security according to the budget. I don’t know what they are doing with that kind of money.

So, my candid advice for the government is if they

want to solve it, they should seek for advice, there is no pride about it. When I went to the UK, I was discussing with some people and they are ready to help. Many nations love this country. Half of the pilgrims who go to Israel are Nigerians. This is not about making big announcement over the radio that you want to invite somebody, it is a quiet work and they will come here and do their job. The church has been doing a lot by praying.

When you talk about security, the government has 100% role to play because they control the security apparatus. The churches cannot buy arms. Fighting terrorism is a not a private enterprise activity. It is solely the responsibility of the government. The role of the church is to advise the members to give the security operatives information. The church members cannot be armed.

Let’s talk about the church in molding the society, there is corruption everywhere, will you say the church has played important role in molding the society?

If you talk about terrorism, it is a global issue and it has nothing to do with corruption. The people who are funding terrorism are not poor. They are not looking for food, it is not hunger.

The money they invest in this can feed their families. I did a lot of study on the issue of terrorism, the people behind it are just against the society, and they have their own ideology. For example, the Boko Haram people are not talking about employment; they are saying that Sharia Law should be implemented in this country.

So, it is not about corruption but about people who have their own different ideology. So, in terms of church molding the society, if you listen to our sermons, they are the types that help the society because there are some sermons that don’t help the society. As a Bishop, I can’t force my members to take some certain decisions.

We preach on pulpit on Sundays on morality, good life, and sincerity. The government is not helping matters by not punishing those who flout the law. In this country, people disobey the law with impunity. The case of the former Governor of Delta State, Jame Ibori, is very clear. This is a man who

Bishop Akamisoko

embezzled money and was not able to be jailed in this country. All our courts freed him, he went to UK and he was jailed. If that is done in this country, people will sit up. China of 1.6 billion people, they don’t talk to God or pray, but if you commit a crime, you will be brought to book. There is a crime you commit and they cut your hand and kill you.

If you take drugs, they will kill you, so if you want to take drug, you think twice.

You see honesty and sincerity on display; even if you put your car key on the road and somebody takes it, the person will be caught, tried immediately and jailed.

Even if you keep on preaching, people will still disobey but the church doesn’t have that power to jail anybody but it is the responsibility of

the government.

People say if godly people are in government, it pays the society more, so what advice would you give people that are not tainted by corruption?

There is nothing as saying that somebody is godly, everybody can be tempted even as a bishop and people can yield to the temptation of money. The only advice I have is this—whether you are godly or not, if you steal, you should be punished and the government should make it very open, then everybody will know that we are a serious country.

What system of government do you think we should adopt in Nigeria?

All the systems you called are political jargons – whether parliamentary, fed-

‘

There is nothing as saying that somebody is godly, everybody can be tempted even as a bishop and people can yield to the temptation of money. The only advice I have is this—whether you are godly or not, if you steal, you should be punished and the government should make it very open, then everybody will know that we are a serious country...

’

eral and so on is not the issue, it is the operators. The parliamentary system of government of the British that we changed is still working for them till today. The presidential system we are practising is working in the USA. When you talk of democracy, it is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Did we truly elect those in our government today? They don’t care; they know they will get there by all means. There is a politician in the North here whose response to his people’s request to see him was: “See me for what? What do they want to see me for?

Whether I see you or not, I will be there” and truly, he was there.

So, it is not the terminology or concept that is our problem. We are not just sincere to ourselves. This system we are practising is working in several parts of the world. In France, the people didn’t want Nicolas Sarcozy again and they voted him out. If it was in Nigeria, would it be possible? So, there is no alternative to democracy as far as the world is concerned, but do we allow it to operate?

Tell us more about the theme of the synod which says “To obey is better than sacrifice”, can you tell us more about that?

If you look at the saying, Saul was given specific instruction by God and he refused to obey God, rather he did some things to sacrifice to God but God said He did not desire sacrifice from him but obedience. If you look at this country, I think the National Assembly is in Port Harcourt to review the constitution, which is not what we need. The laws we have are not obeyed. The rate at which we make laws in this country, the US doesn’t make laws that way. We have every law that can move a country forward but we don’t obey them. What we are trying to say is that we should obey constituted laws which are better than all kinds of ceremonies; God is not interested in ceremonies when you don’t obey His simple laws.

For example, the Bible says love your wife, but you have beaten your wife and you want to pray; God will not hear your prayer. Right from the top of the government, we are a country that is lawless, nobody obeys the law and no country makes progress that way. Recently, I was reading an interview in the paper, a governor decided to run the government from his house, he renovated the house to the taste of a Government House, he was living there and later they say there is a security problem and he had to leave that place for the proper Government House. Some people were criticising, they said it is political, and then one of his colleagues said no, a governor has the right to run the government from anywhere, is that the law?

The commissioner of that

man said the opposition are just making noise that the governor of a state has the right to run the government anywhere he likes, is that what the constitution says?

What saddens me in this country is that, when you begin to talk properly, they say you are opposition.

Some people think they are more Nigerian than us. We are all stakeholders in this country. The fact that your party won does not mean that Nigeria becomes the property of your party. The fact that I don’t belong to your party does not mean I am not interested in this country. Nigeria has some of the finest brains in the world, some of them are here and some located abroad. If you talk, they will say which party does he belong to? It is not done in the US. I was in the parliament of Israel, they said if they are going to make you Minister of Communication, they look for the best brain in Israel to put there in all ramifications, and so on. Why do we surrender the life of a nation to a party that will fade away?

What is your dream for Nigeria?

The dream for Nigeria, if you have travelled outside of this country, Nigeria has the chance to rule the world, the potentials are there. We also have some of the best brains in the church also. I pray that we will have the right direction to rule. We have the land, weather, resources and everything that can make a country great.

Your church is known for subsidising education even when other churches have denied the poor who contributed in building the institution of benefitting or being admitted to the institution. How do you do it?

It is true that education is expensive and the Federal Government has a lot of role to play, to grant scholarship to people. When I did my secondary school not long ago, we did not pay school fees from form 1 to form 5. It is the role of the government to subsidise education. Instead of subsidising oil, they should subsidise education so that everybody will be educated. Education is the entitlement of every citizen and that is why we started it.

We make sure we don’t increase school fees arbitrarily despite the fact that we don’t have support from anywhere.

What they allow the missionary do in UK is to administer the school but the government pays their teachers. People take their children to missionary school because they know the content, discipline, morality would be emphasized.

But here, the school in Kpeyegi, we have to take water there, take road there and also light, pay the teachers and when you put all this together, it is at enormous cost. The government should see education as number one and to make sure that everybody in this country has access to education.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012 Bi aba l’owo, ka jeun to dara sinu, ka f’owo m’ore, katun fi m’ebi loto. B’onitoun o soro, Eda re a fohun; iyen lorin, t’oba Oluwa mi mo, alubarika l’opol’opo a tun wole. — Haruna Ishola in the 70s.

S

INCE Baba Okeowo attained the ripe old age of 90years 10years ago, I have been tasking my mind on what and what to write about him, if I was asked to summarise his life in a tribute. That golden opportunity has now presented itself on the occasion of his 100years on planet earth. But embedded in this golden opportunity is a dilemma. I always imagined I would write about Baba Okeowo in the past, but here I am, writing about him in the present.

Praise be to Almighty God. Baba is alive and very much at alert at 100years of age! How do you then begin to assemble facts and stories that can fill a booklet into a two-page contribution inside of a church programme?After some days of numbness in my spirit as to what and what to write, the Holy Spirit opted to come to my rescue, and the Haruna Ishola’s philosophical rendition began to continuously occupy my mind and later began to escape through my lips! Eureka! Eureka!

Eureka! I have found it!

For, come to think of it, that Haruna Ishola’s rendition of 40years ago is an approximate description and summation of Baba Okeowo’s philosophy of life and attitude towards every human being that has come across him so far. For those who do not understand the Yoruba language, what Haruna Ishola was saying is this: When we are blessed by Almighty God, we should take care of ourselves to the maximum and eat good food always, as well as ensure that we use our wealth and substance and belongings to care for our family, friends and relations, our community and so on. He concluded

READERS’ VIEWS

49

Baba Okeowo: 100 years of selfless love and devotion to Ogbogbo community Olumuyiwa RUNSEWE that reaching out that way is the only language and sweet songs of music understood by and acceptable to God our Creator. The reward, according to him, is plenty of “alubarika”, plenty of bountiful blessings.

Please, come along with me, as I take you down memory lane. My first encounter with “Broda ATG” as my late father, “Baba J.O”, often fondly referred to him, was in January 1956, on our way from Ogbogbo, back to school in Ibadan, when my father’s car got stranded, due to two burst tyres at the entrance to Ibadan, exactly opposite “Guru Maharaji”. Almost immediately after, a Vauxhaul car (the car of the rich men of those days) parked in front of our own car, and from it emerged a big man dressed in “danshiki damask”, looking radiant, confident and well fed. Even as an 8year-old at that time, I didn’t need to be told that a rich and successful man was approaching us.

Surprise! Surprise! Do you know what Baba Okeowo did? He flunged off his symbol of opulence, his damask, remaining his singlet and “sokoto”, walked back to his Vauxhaul car, and brought out his own jack and extra tyre from the boot, and without any prompting, joined his younger cousin ,“Baba J.O”, in replacing the two burst tyres.

Trust my inquisitive eyes and imagination. I was gazing in awe, at this rare selflessness and sacrifice by this big man. From that moment of my life, I began to look for every opportunity to see Baba even from a distance.

As I began to grow up through the

‘

Baba Okeowo is a rare phenomenon who, despite his huge success as a businessman and foremost road construction contractor in Nigeria, feels a lot happier, when he is in the midst of his people in Ogbogbo...

,

years, and get closer and closer to him, I began to notice that assisting, guiding and promoting the interests of Ogbogbo community, Ogbogbo men, women and youths have been for Baba a life-long passion. Baba Okeowo is a rare phenomenon who, despite his huge success as a businessman and foremost road construction contractor in Nigeria, feels a lot happier, when he is in the midst of his people in Ogbogbo. When Ogbogbo people are happy, Baba Okeowo is always at his happiest.

When challenges of life overwhelm any individual or family, Baba Okeowo is always at their doorsteps to cheer them up and offer them either money, if that is the solution, or words of wisdom, guidance and counselling, if that is the way out.

Why must we celebrate Baba Okeowo at 100years of age? Number one, we must celebrate him because attaining the 100-year mark is a rare feat in the Nigeria of today where the average life span for men is 54years. Number two, we must celebrate him because he is a good man and the Bible enjoins us to cel-

ebrate goodness at all times. Number three, we must celebrate peace in his family and the manysuccessful children he has brought forth, many of who are adding real value to corporate Nigeria, having been injected with the anointing for success and relevance in society by Baba Okeowo. Number four, we must celebrate him for his great sense of communal responsibility. Have you ever heard of Ogbogbo Baptist Grammar School? Baba Okeowo, along with his younger relation, the late Daddy Amos Oreoluwa Runsewe, were the principal promoters, but he never for once objected to its being named “Baptist” despite his being an Anglican.

In fact, it is on record tha Baba Okeowo once initiated moves to merge Ogbogbo Baptist Church with Ogbogbo Anglican Church so that there will be greater communal cohesion. It was when he found this task too much an uphill task that he opted to ask God to give him the enablement to elevate the status of the Anglican Church in Ogbogbo to a higher diocessan level. You don’t need a clairvoyant to convince you

that he considers the building of that St Luke’s Anglican Church as the highlight and greatest achievement of his life, and, having achieved that, what more to strive for and achieve, other than to relocate to the Redemption Camp at Shagamu for a closer and more fulfilling relationship with his Creator.

Our father, community leader, Baba Okeowo, congratulations sir, on your rare attainment of 100 years on planet earth, having survived all those many and complex challenges that came your way. You are a “proverb unto many” as the Book of Psalms describes great and wonderful men like you, and a great inspiration to we, your children, coming from behind. You captured the captivity of poverty by dint of hardwork, diligence and the conviction that there is no mountain of success that is too high for an Ogbogbo man to climb and settle down on top of.

Once you acquired wealth and achieved success, you made yourself available to everybody, especially to your people from Ogbogbo. You followed that Haruna Ishola’s philosophical rendition to the letter. When the Lord blessed you with success and comfort, you ate well and enjoyed the fruits of your labour, and extended and shared your wealth with family, friends and your kith and kin, both in Ijebu Ode, where you proudly trace your maternal ancestory and in Ogbogbo off to Erigo and Erunwon. “Nooooo…..

Wwwonderrr…..!”, your 100 years are dotted with plentiful dosages of “alubarika” – God’s abundant blessings. Happy birthday, our father, counsellor, community leader and above all my own beloved father, confidant, favourite story teller and friend.

•Chief Runsewe wrote in from The White House, Ogbogbo-Ijebu, Ogun State.

Osun: Restoring abundant life to rural communities

T

HE distinctive factor of developed nations across the world is the entrenchment of equity in the structure of their society, making it truly egalitarian. This they accomplished through the provision of infrastructure in both the rural and urban areas. On the contrary in Africa, the inequality in our system is skewed in favour of urban areas where government concentrates developmental projects. This consequently yields to a number of societal problems leading to ugly trend of rural urban migration.

Thus, youths in their prime abandoned rural areas with its attendant effect of neglecting the development of vital sector of the economy, that is, agriculture.

It has to be placed on record that rural area has its appeal in the past, especially during the eras of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, when agriculture was a major focus of government for economic and social development. It is, however, unfortunate that this trend of development was truncated due to a number of reasons.

In its quest to return Osun State to a path of true development by adopting wider spectrum rather than creating a narrow succour for the citizenry, the administration, led by Mr. Rauf Aregbesola took the bull by the horn to change the face of not only the urban but the rural dwellers.

Identifying the needs to stimulate development bottom up, create genuine wealth and make a difference, as enshrined in its six-point integral action plan, Aregbesola upbeat its focus on rural development through effective engagement of offices of Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources and a newly created Office of Rural and Community Development.

In order to give a bite to its policy

‘

Oyintiloye OLATUNBOSUN for rural development, it designed a document, called Participatory Rural Appraisal, through which each community will identify and priotise their needs and the government will fund them according to their expectations.

In the last one year, all the 30 local government council areas and Modakeke Area Office in the state had enjoyed one form of assistance or the other. For instance, a sum of N15 million was given out to 61 communities across the council under a programme called UNICEF Replication Programme. The communities utilized the money in line with their requests and as contained in the terms of the Participatory Rural Appraisal documents.

Besides, about 45 yet-to-be commissioned skill acquisition centres have been built across all the councils, while one of the centres has been commissioned at Fapo village in the Iwo Local Government Area. The target is to train men and women on skill acquisition, and, in line with this, not less than 610 beneficiaries have been trained by the government in the area of tailoring, adire-making, soap-making (liquid and solid), shampoo-making, weaving, beadmaking, decoration, catering, pomade production, detergent production, face powder and many others.

Over N6 million interest free loans was subsequently given to the trained women to start their own trades. Government has also asked women to group themselves into cooperatives, so that they could be further empowered with resources to pursue their trades.

In addition, young men, especially those in the rural areas, were also trained in borehole repair after which they would be given interest-free loan and two borehole repair kits

On rural electrification, the present administration has spent about N300 million to complete all the ongoing electrification projects that were abandoned by the last administration and the projects are expected to be completed in the next two months...

,

•Gov. Aregbesola

each. The idea was to use the trainees to repair thousands of boreholes across the state that had been abandoned due to poor maintenance. Interestingly, the trainees have now been repairing the boreholes and putting them to use.

As at now, over 100 boreholes have been repaired and now supplying water for the use of the people in the communities. All the local government council areas have also been directed to employ the trainees to repair the boreholes in their council

areas. Through this, hundreds of jobs have also been created for the teeming youths, thus adding value to the communities.

These 61 communities across all the local government areas have benefited from the provision of two boreholes per community running to over N300 million. The borehole projects which were about to be completed were implemented by the Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA) .

On rural electrification, the present administration has spent about N300 million to complete all the ongoing electrification projects that were abandoned by the last administration and the projects are expected to be completed in the next two months. About 80 new transformers have been procured and will soon be delivered to the benefiting communities. Efforts have also been put in place to procure more transformers to touch more communities..

Besides, there is an office under the Rural and Community Development called the Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) through which the present administration is partnering the World Bank with N404 million, while the bank is augmenting it with $2 million (N320 million) for the construction of rural roads. Also, the World Bank, in conjunction with the French Devel-

opment Agency, has offered to assist the government of the state by offering a credit portfolio of $79 million (N12.6 billion) to the government for the construction and maintenance of 500 kilometres rural roads in the state. Also, the state has accessed a sum of N2billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme for RAMP for the construction of some other rural roads across the state.

Rural roads of 64 kilometres in Ago-Owu, Iwo, Esa-Oke, Pataara and Mokore and another 11 kilometres of feeder roads in four farm settlements, among others, are ongoing with a view to opening up farmlands where government targets to explore its agricultural potential for the development of its economy.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural and Community Development, Mr Adekunle Ige said that though the governor is determined to ensure that the rural areas are developed to encourage farmers to be more productive and discourage rural-urban drift among the youths, there is a serious financial challenge.

•Olatunbosun is the Assistant Director (Community Forum), Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Governor’s office, Osun State.

INTERVIEW

50

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

JUNE 12 exposed the military —Frank Kokori Frank Kokori, trade unionist and former secretary- general of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, studied at the University of Ibadan and the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, Netherlands. He was a former member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former vice-president, African Federation Petroleum Committee of the International Labour Organization (ILO). He spoke with OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE on democracy and other sundry national issues. Excerpts: Those of us who were in the vanguard of the struggle thought Nigeria would be a better place after the exit of the military. I also believe that the politicians have learnt their lessons. I will tell you that I am terribly disillusioned with what is happening in Nigeria. In the first few years, we thought we were learning the ropes. But after 19 years, nobody will tell me we are still learning the ropes.

Unfortunately, we do not have good and selfless leaders. If we had good leaders, most of the corruption going on would have been checked.

Corruption has become the albatross on the neck of the Nigerian people. The police are corrupt, the judiciary is corrupt and our leaders are rotten. In a situation like this, it is very difficult to have progress or development. Corruption can be tackled if we have a strong special leader, a man that is above board. My prayer is for children yet unborn to take this country out of the hands of inept politicians and set it on the right track.

W

In what way do you think we can deepen democracy in Nigeria?

When I talk about corruption, I mean it has eaten into every facet of our life. It is evident in the electoral process. All the elections we have had over the years have grown progressively worse. Only the South-West in the last election had a modicum of free and fair elections. During the NRC and SDP days, when I was active in politics, elections were close. But in the South/South where I come from, electoral malpractices are rampant. But we can deepen democracy if we begin to create strong institutions, rebuild the police, the judiciary and the legislature.

•Kokori

,

HAT is the relevance of June12 to the achievement of this democratic dispensation?

June 12, as you know, happened 19 years ago. Nigeria was granted independence by Great Britain on October 1, 1960. That independence was won by our founding fathers, namely, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Peter Enaahoro and a host of other nationalists. The struggle for independence was not achieved militarily like in some African countries and other parts of the world where they had freedom fighters.

During negotiations with the British, there was no unanimity amongst our leaders. It is on record that some of our leaders opted for independence, while others wanted independence delayed. But we got independence through compromise. And because of that, agitation for independence did not evolve through a culture of political violence.

And because of this, it was easy for the military adventurers to seize and abuse power.

This, no doubt, had encouraged military adventurism which fostered unprecedented corruption in the nation.

For every civil upsurge, the military found a reason to take over power. Since 1960, the nation has moved one step forward and three steps backwards. June 12, 1993 is important because that was the first time, after so many years of military dictatorship, that the people rose to vote with one accord. They went to the polls which had been adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the annals of elections in Nigeria and someone emerged with the mandate of the people.

That election was won by Chief Moshood Abiola. But somehow, the military, with contempt and disdain, annulled it. That was the first time Nigerians came out united to fight the impudence of the military. The struggle was very severe. Many civil society groups, including organised labour, stood up against the tyranny of the military. The organized labour, especially the oil unions (NUPENG), led the first charge.

We decided to break away from the tepid central labour union. I was fortunate to be leading a more nationalistic labour movement, the NUPENG, and our sister group, the PENGASSAN. We took the battle to tell the military dictatorship that enough is enough!

Nigerians felt this was an affront that must be challenged. Many innocent people lost their lives, many more suffered imprisonment and involuntary exile. The civil group and the Nigerian masses told the military that notwithstanding its huge military arsenal, it could not ride over the will of the people all the time. The military authorities could not believe it was being issued an ultimatum. June 12 was a watershed in the history of the country. It is relevant today because it showed the folly of clinging on to power. Today, I still believe that it is that lesson that the military has carried with it until this moment. That is why they have not

That election was won by Chief Moshood Abiola. But somehow, the military, with contempt and disdain, annulled it. That was the first time Nigerians came out united to fight the impudence of the military. The struggle was very severe. Many civil society groups, including organised labour, stood up against the tyranny of the military...

,

dabbled into politics under any pretext. In a way, they were humiliated out of power by the masses.

Can we safely say the ghost of military intervention in national politics has been finally rested?

I want to believe that, if not on any other occasion, during this period with the insecurity and terrorism, they may have since staged a return. Since 1999 till date, this has been the longest time the military

has been out of power in the history of this country. They have refrained from dabbling into politics, having lost face due to the June 12 battle and the lesson learnt from the battle. The June 12 struggle also taught Nigerians that they can fight to assert their rights when it becomes necessary. And that the military is not invincible.

What is your assessment of the present democratic dispensation?

What role would you have civil society groups play in our democracy?

After fighting the military dictators, one would think they will play a prominent role in moulding democracy. But the greedy politicians will not allow them.

How many of those enjoying the fruits of political offices today are prepared to lay down their lives for democracy, apart from a few people in the South-West.

Great men like Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Wole Soyinka and others in the oil unions who made great sacrifices. But don’t forget that the battle was fought by the oil workers. And that is why some of us spent 5-6 years in some of the worst prisons in the land.

How do you think Nigeria can get out of the political quagmire?

Many say leadership is difficult. But I say leadership is not difficult. You must open clean hands to your people. You do not cheat them; you call your constituents for consultation. There must be proper representation of the people. It is not a situation where the most unpopular candidate in a community wins an election because of money and connections. Take a look at democracy in action in some African nations like Ghana and Senegal. Look at how democracy works in Europe.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Last Tuesday June 12, Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at the large compound of Late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of 1993 Nigerian presidential election, under the auspices of June 12 Project in collaboration with The Kudirat Abiola Initiative for Democracy and Change Agents of Nigeria, to host the commemoration and celebration of the mandate.

Jamiu Abiola,s one of the sons of Chief MKO Abiola, was on hand at the event to represent the Abiola family and spoke to PAUL UKPABIO, on the recent controversial renaming of the University of Lagos after his father.

He also spoke on what June 12 means to him and why he stands on June 12 rather than May 29.

Excerpts:

N

INETEEN years after the death of your father Chief MKO Abiola, how has the struggle been?

I am very happy about the stage that the struggle is right now. Unlike before, the Federal Government could not recognise him. But right now, they have. So one way or another, we have something to be thankful for. It is good to know that we have a reasonable president who has come up to recognise him. But whether it is perfect in the eyes of the people or not, is a different thing. You know, some people have criticised it, but the fact that he has been recognised is the most important thing.

From my own point of view, I don’t think that Mr. President actually took the action to score a cheap point, as some people

INTERVIEW

51

If MKO had been president...

— Jamiu Abiola

•Jamiu

have argued. No, I do not see it in that perspective.

The renaming of the University of Lagos on Democracy Day by President Goodluck Jonathan, resulted in major protest, especially from the students of the school. What is your position on this as a member of the family?

Well, it came as a shock to me, because one minute I saw the president speaking about my late father, saying that Chief MKO Abiola rose up and fought for democracy and that he is responsible for the present democracy that we enjoy, and I was indeed

happy about it, happy to hear those words. But all of a sudden, in less than 30 minutes, I saw the students protesting. It was a rude shock to me. There is nothing wrong in the students protesting, but what I think was wrong is what they didn’t say.

In my own mind, I think that the students should have said that they love MKO Abiola, but this is not exactly what they wanted from the Federal Government. Not that they would be protesting and even go as far as insulting the person of Late Chief MKO Abiola, who they have

claimed at all times to love and who they are also always seen to be fighting for. So to me, that was the painful aspect of the protest.

Does that mean that you don’t condemn their protest?

No, I don’t support their protest but people are free to express themselves. That is what democracy is all about. No, I cannot tell the students not to say this or not to say that. However, I do not support the idea that the renaming of the university will change what the university stands for. No, it will not change it and the students will not lose anything. But what I don’t like is the fact that because they are angry, they now have cause to say all kinds of illthings about Abiola, when they know the man died for democracy that they are now enjoying.

During the Democracy Day speech, the president referred to the late Chief MKO Abiola as the presumed winner of the 1993 election presidential election and pundits have reacted to that statement. Considering that some groups are clamouring for his official declaration as a past president of the country, what is your view on that?

They say that the president said ‘presumed winner’. So he did. But at the end of the day, if we want to be fair, unless the Federal Government officially presents the results of that election and formally declares the late Chief MKO Abiola winner of the election, there is no way that the president will say that he was the winner.

But to me, I think the president is already taking the step to do just that. To start with, everybody knows the circumstances under which Chief MKO Abiola died.

We all know the mischief that accompanied that particular time.

Everybody also knows that a lot of people were scared about giving recognition to him. But all of a sudden, right from nowhere, the incumbent president has done just that, giving recognition to Chief MKO Abiola. It actually took an IJaw man to recognise and honour my father.

So definitely before a baby can walk, he has to first of all crawl.

Let’s assume that this is the crawling aspect of the journey, so why rush? Why can’t we go to a restaurant, get the appetiser, get the lunch and then the dessert?Why rush? Why get the dessert first before the appetiser? Let the president do the right thing as it comes.

Between May 29 and June 12, which one do you acknowledge as the true Democracy Day? I acknowledge that June 12 is the true democracy day, but one thing that we have to understand is that there is a difference between theory and practical. And those that are wise do not just

Yes, Nigeria would have been better than what we have today because what happened was that, when MKO was not allowed to rule, a lot of good things, which were on course to happen, did not happen. There were people who meant well and were ready to do good things and change things...

jump from one to the other. June 12 is the day that made it possible for May 29 to exist. The president has actually acknowledged that.

It may take him some time. But if we now say that all these should be resolved in one day, then we could sound like Oliver Twist.

People who came from the same state and town with Chief MKO Abiola, and were in position of power to honour him, did not do so. And this man has now risen up to recognise him and some people are shouting. I repeat it took an Ijaw man to recognise and honour my late father. The man is from Niger Delta, he probably did not even have any direct contact with Chief MKO Abiola when he was alive, yet he was honourable enough to do what he has done. God will bless him for that.

Nineteen years after, if your father had been president, what change do you consider would have taken place?

Yes, Nigeria would have been better than what we have today because what happened was that, when MKO was not allowed to rule, a lot of good things, which were on course to happen, did not happen. There were people who meant well and were ready to do good things and change things.

But the person who then came up was Abacha. They have really done a lot of damage to this country. MKO Abiola would have been better but I thank God that democracy has come now. Although, democracy is not moving as fast as one would have loved it to be, if you look at the extent of damage that has been done, you will agree with me that we are even lucky that the country has not fallen apart.

Your father is considered to have done more in terms of sports development in the country than education. Therefore, he is seen to merit the Abuja stadium being named after him.

What is your take on that?

That argument I will say is interesting and comical. It’s like taking a look at a businessman and asking him why he is in the construction business instead of the hospitality business. Or telling him that because he knows a lot about cars, that he should leave his oil and gas business and go and start an automobile business.

And the businessman replies, I know that today I am doing construction business but today, I will also do hospitality business after I must have stabilised the other business. So what is wrong, I ask, in the Federal Government renaming the University of Lagos after him, and also renaming Abuja stadium too after him? So that is not really a good argument.

What does June 12 mean to you?

June 12 means a lot to me but the more I see people making all kinds of comments about it, I start wondering if June 12 was worth it.

When the students went on strike, I was very upset. But now, I have come to terms with it, though initially, I was discouraged. For instance, when it’s June 12, some people will go and hide, but after the day passes by, they come out and start talking about the struggle.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

52

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

COMMITMENT: Backbone of successful

D

EAR Reader, You are most welcomed again to another great week. Last week, i taught on the first and one of the levels of commitment, which i said it is commitment to god.

This week, i will be teaching on the second level of commitment - commitment to your spouse!

Commitment has more to do with making marriages work than anything save common values. It's not just about saying marriage vows or signing a piece of paper that says "marriage licence." Commitment is highly important, when you know that your future is tied together to that of your spouse. Commitment to your spouse means you've prom-

ised to stay and work it through, not just today but forever.

A successful marriage also requires commitment to your spouse. Without this, no amount of prayer, fasting, and "sleeping" in church can prevent your home from falling apart. Nothing can take the place of commitment in the building of a successful marriage.

Marriage is not a temporary arrangement, but a commitment for life. If this is true, you may wonder why the divorce rate is so high, even among christians.

The reason is that many people are not committed to one another.

Commitment, i believe, is a choice to give up choices. Although this might at first sound limiting, it actually brings great freedom and depth to the part-

ners involved. Once committed, all effort goes into making that commitment work. No longer are other possibilities a distraction.

Commitment is the framework on which a marriage is built. A man and his wife must, therefore, be totally committed to each other spiritually, physically, emotionally and otherwise.

Commitment in turn brings security.

A successful marriage must be exclusive, involving no other. It is a one-man and one-woman affair, in one lifetime relationship! Each spouse must be committed to "forsake all others". For example, a woman must be so committed to her husband that no amount of money any other man offers her to have illicit sex with her will be strong enough to make her give it a second thought. So also, a man must be so committed to his wife that if his wife and mother were both in a state of emergency and needed rescue, he will naturally rescue his wife first, before his mother.

Commitment on the woman's part also demands that she respects her husband. I am yet to find a man who hates to be respected! Lack of respect for the husband is what makes some

marriages (3) men engage in physical combat with their wives (although this is not to justify such action). The way some women address their husbands, show they lack an understanding of family government as ordained by god.

Woman, respect is reciprocal; it's give and take. If you give respect, you will earn respect. For instance, some wives are too "modern" to greet their husbands. He wakes up in the morning, and she's staring at him with no word of greetings. But she greets everyone else outside, with a smile for that matter. First, get committed to the success of your marriage, and then you will get god committed.

The two levels of commitment we have discussed so far, can be compared to the hub of a bicycle, which holds all the spokes of the wheel together. However, no matter how effective the spokes may be, without the hub, the bicycle is going nowhere. Therefore, without commitment, no matter what else is in place, that family is going nowhere.

In case you are reading this article today, and you are not born again, there is no way you can

be committed to your spouse without surrendering your life totally to jesus to take over the lordship of it.

Surrendering your life to jesus implies confessing your sins and consciously accepting jesus as your lord and personal saviour.

If you are ready for this new birth experience, you need to say this prayer of faith and be committed to it: 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! Till i come your way again next week, call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: Faithdavid@yahoo.com tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8; 07026385437, 07094254102 For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the dominion bookstores in all the living faith churches, and other leading christian bookstores: Marriage covenant, making marriage work, and building a successful family.

Avoiding food poisoning What is Food Poisoning?

The term “food poisoning” does not refer to a single specific illness, but to any malady acquired through consuming contaminated food.

Food poisoning is caused by ingesting bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, or viruses residing in food products.

Food poisoning can also be caused by toxins and chemicals to which food products have been exposed.

Common Causes of Food Poisoning •E. coli: a bacteria that can lead to

Improve brain health THERE are many different disorders and diseases that can affect the brain, but many of them share risk factors. Here are several ways to keep your brain healthy: Quit Smoking Tobacco use is linked to stroke, brain aneurysm, and dementia. After you stop smoking, your stroke risk will drop to that of someone who never smoked within five to 15 years of quitting.

To get help quitting today, visit the Smoking Cessation Learning Center.

Drink in Moderation Studies have shown that one drink per day for women and two for men (especially red wine) can protect against dementia. However, heavy alcohol use and binge drinking can cause dementia, stroke, and brain aneurysm.

Control Your Numbers Those include levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels and poorly controlled diabetes are all associated with Alzheimer’s disease, brain aneurysm, and stroke. One way to lower blood pressure and cholesterol is to reduce the amount of sodium and increased the amount of fiber in your diet.

Learn how to eat right for a healthy heart.

Get Screened for Heart Disease Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is associated with stroke, brain aneurysm, and dementia.

diarrhea and kidney failure that is found in meat and dairy products •Salmonella: a bacteria found in dairy products, recently in the news due to egg contamination •Listeria: a bacteria found in unpasteurized milk and cheese, and uncooked vegetables •Hepatitis A: a potentially deadly disease found in water contaminated by fecal matter •Cyclospora: a protozoan found in water and food contaminated by fecal matter Symptoms Because food poisoning can result from many different causes, the symptoms for food poisoning are also fairly broad.

Generally, symptoms include a combination of upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps.

Most food poisoning is not cause for particular concern. Healthy adults usually process food poisoning within a day or two of being exposed. However there are cases where food poisoning is severe and requires treatment.

Food poisoning generally affects the digestive system, and limits the body’s ability to retain liquids.

Dehydration commonly results from food poisoning due to vomiting and diarrhea. If symptoms of food poisoning persist over a period of more than 24 hours, or if a patient is already in a weakened state a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Children and the elderly should take extra precautions if they are exposed to food poisoning.

In order to aid treatment, keep track of what was eaten to pinpoint the cause of the food poisoning.

Knowing the cause of food poisoning is helpful information for a physician and may prove useful to alert the proper authorities of food contamination.

Causes There are approximately 250 different diseases that can be carried by food. Some of the most common foods associated with food poisoning include meat, poultry, or dairy that has come into contact with faeces.

Food poisoning can occur at restaurants where employees do not

wash their hands or keep kitchen utensils and surfaces properly clean.

Undercooked meats and shellfish, which carry bacteria that the human digestive system cannot process, are another leading cause of food poisoning.

Prevention Food poisoning is most easily prevented by three strategies: heat, refrigeration, and cleanliness. The more well done meat is, the less likely it is to carry harmful bacteria.

Refrigeration and freezing is another way to limit the possibility of food poisoning. Keeping the refrigerator at a cold 34 degrees helps stop the development of harmful bacteria and parasites.

Cleanliness is perhaps the most important aspect of avoiding food poisoning. Washing utensils, counters, and hands while cooking and handling raw meat prevents bacteria and viruses from spreading.

Make sure to keep contaminants out of the kitchen and always wash your hands before eating a meal.

•The best way to prevent food poisoning is to keep the food refrigerated and remove it as soon as the fridge has lost its coldness

Exercise and a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables extends life expectancy in women in their 70s

W

OMEN in their seventies who exercise and eat healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables have a longer life expectancy, according to research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Researchers at the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University studied 713 women aged 70 to 79 years who took part in the Women’s Health and Aging Studies. This study was designed to evaluate the causes and course of physical disability in older women living in the community.

“A number of studies have measured the positive impact of exercise and healthy eating on life expectancy, but what makes this study unique is that we looked at these two factors together,” explains lead author, Dr. Emily J Nicklett, from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Researchers found that the women who were most physically active and had the highest fruit and vegetable consumption were eight times more likely to survive the five-year follow-

up period than the women with the lowest rates.

To estimate the amount of fruits and vegetables the women ate, the researchers measured blood levels of carotenoids-beneficial plant pigments that the body turns into antioxidants, such as beta-carotene. The more fruits and vegetables consumed, the higher the levels of carotenoids in the bloodstream..

Study participants’ physical activity was measured through a questionnaire that asked the amount of time the spent doing various levels of physical activity, which was then converted to the number of calories expended.

The women were then followed up to establish the links between healthy eating, exercise and survival rates.

Key research findings included: •More than half of the 713 participants (53 percent) didn’t do any exercise, 21 percent were moderately active, and the remaining 26 percent were in the most active group at the

study’s outset.

•During the five-year follow up, 11.5 percent of the participants died.

Serum carotenoid levels were 12 percent higher in the women who survived and total physical activity was more than twice as high.

•Women in the most active group at baseline had a 71 percent lower fiveyear death rate than the women in the least active group.

•Women in the highest carotenoid group at baseline had a 46 percent lower five-year death rate than the women in the lowest carotenoid group.

•When taken together, physical activity levels and total serum carotenoids predicted better survival.

“Given the success in smoking cessation, it is likely that maintenance of a healthy diet and high levels of physical activity will become the strongest predictors of health and longevity. Programs and policies to promote longevity should include interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity in older adults,” said Dr. Nicklett.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Medical errors

R

ECENTLY, I watched a television documentary on medical mistakes on the Cable News Network television channel (CNN). I have long been an advocate of the principle: "before you go to your physician, go to your God". Generally, the medical staff members are wonderful people and we cannot imagine this world without them. The medical staff work long hours and often make sacrifices for their patients.

However, they are humans with limitation and are capable of making mistakes. Besides, modern medical care is teamwork including the doctor that diagnoses and treats, the laboratory technologists that do tests and carry out low tech and high tech procedures, nurses that care for patients closely, and a host of other workers that deal with information, records, supplies, management, etc.

The medical mistakes in the CNN documentary and those that are publicized on the Internet are not all related to doctors. Mistakes can come from any member of the medical team. Some mistakes are fatal. Others leave the victim with lifelong regrets. Patients are advised to be proactive in their own case and to ask questions and to double check that what is being done to them is correct and is meant for them.

Here we look at some well publicized medical mistakes.

These are to help us to wise up so that we collaborate well with our medical team to take good care of ourselves or our family members if the need ever arises. Looking realistically, if errors happen and are known, who pays for damages in law suits; who gets fired; whose license is suspended; who has to close shop, etc.? Human errors are very difficult to deal with and a victim patient and his or her proxy may end up facing a game of cover-ups, evasions, dodging, and frustration. Therefore it is better not to let those errors happen. The following errors are unbelievable but they have actually happened to people and some of them were in excellent health centres in developed countries.

•A patient's condition was misdiagnosed because the

doctor got incorrect information.

•Parents with a baby were not aware that the baby had flesh-eating-bacteria and were waiting for their turn for a long time in a waiting room during which time the disease progressed dangerously.

•A white couple ended up with a half-cast child because the father's sperm were mistakenly exchanged for another man's sperm during in vitro fertilization. A couple got the wrong embryo implanted from in vitro fertilization and had to hand over their baby to the right couple on delivery nine months later. The error was detected after implantation. They however had twins delivered for them using their own embryos and surrogate pregnancy.

•Organs (heart and lungs) that were not properly matched for the patient before transplant led to complications and death of the patient.

•A surgical instrument was left sealed up inside a patient. This is called a "surgical souvenir".

•A man's healthy right testicle was removed instead of the bad left testicle.

•A young woman went to surgery to have her two breasts cut off only to learn afterwards that the lab results given her belonged to another patient with a similar name and her own breasts had actually been healthy.

•A surgeon drilled into the right side of a woman's head instead of the left side.

•A child with a bad left eye got an operation on the good right eye leaving both eyes bad.

•A surgeon amputated the good leg of a patient instead of the bad leg.

•A healthy kidney was removed from a patient instead of the sick kidney.

•Open heart surgery was conducted on the wrong patient.

•Infections and infestations were spread from patient to patient by hospital staff who did not wash their hands after each patient.

•Inadequate anaesthesia made a patient unconscious and paralyzed but still able to feel pain (algesia). The patient was in agony but unresponsive during the cutting and manipulations of surgery. This is called "anaesthetic awareness". The patient was "awake" during a painful, major, invasive surgery. Such traumatic experience has lead patients to commit suicide shortly after the surgery.

•A cardiac surgeon bypassed the wrong blood vessel leading to complications.

•Errors occurred also with the use of drugs (e.g. a drug was given to the wrong patient or to the right patient at the wrong time) or with the combination of two drugs that should not be combined in the same patient.

Nigeria, Ghana, France meet on pneumonia vaccination

T

HE Federal and State government in Nige ria has been advised to include pneumococcal vaccine as one of the immunization routine in Nigeria.

This was the conclusion of stakeholders during a pneumococcal disease summit organized by Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region (NEAR) on Wednesday.

During the summit held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos State, child health, paediatrics and vaccine experts in various parts of the country and beyond, agreed that pneumonia, the leading cause of death in children, is preventable through vaccination.

Professor of paediatrics in the University of Paris in France, Professor Catherine Weil-Oliver in her presentation said there are several types of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV). She said, PCV 7, 10, 13 and 19A are the most commonly known vaccines for children. “It is left for a country to do proper research and chose the best one for vaccination.”

According to the medical director of Pfizer NEAR, Dr Kodjo Soroh, PCV 7 is already in the market but it is gradually being withdrawn for PCV 13 which has more serotypes and is

Risikat RAMONI better.

Dr Soroh noted that when a child is infected with the disease, many things were usually at stake. He said the child may not be able to go to school, the parent, especially the mother is absent at work and a huge sum of money is spent on hospitalization and drugs.

He therefore advise that until the government make it a national immunization programme, parents

Cross River Governor on public health, NGOs and special projects, Dr Regina Ejemot, said that not less than 1,000 people have been vaccinated in the State.

She added that immunization to prevent the child killer disease is included in the budget of the state.

“By the year 2020, we hope to have vaccinated all the under five children in Cross River State who are presently more than 400,000.

“For the first time in Nigeria, on a large scale, pneumonia vaccine was admin-

•Many Children could be saved from hospitalization and untimely death through vaccination should endeavour to im- istered to under-five children munize their children. He in Cross River State. I believe said the cost of the vaccine it is possible in other states is better and gives less too.” stress than allowing the Ghana was reported to child gets sick before treat- have started a national imment. munization on pneumonia The special adviser to

this year. This was said by Dr Kwame AmponsaAchiano, the representative of the Director General of Ghana health service, Dr Frank Nyonator.

“We have recently introduced PCV 13 on our national immunization schedule to reduce infant mortality.”

He stated that the PC Vaccine was administered along with diarrhoea vaccine, to reduce and further prevent the two leading causes of death in Ghana.

Dr Amponsa-Achiano urged Nigeria, the giant of Africa, to follow suit by making it one of the national immunization every child should take as soon as possible.

He however said they need to do preparations and massive awareness before the immunization commence.

He stressed that the immunization was possible through the help and support of a global alliance organization that assist poor countries with vaccination.

He said the international organization contributes about 90 to 95 percent of the vaccines operational cost.

“Before they assist any country with vaccination, there would have been an agreement that the government will take over, otherwise, it would not be possible.”

53 Coping with diseases with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

Hepatitis

H

EPATITIS is an inflammation of the liver.

Unless further qualified, the term is usually taken to refer to a virus infection of the liver; also known as "infectious hepatitis". Hepatitis is also (occasionally) a result of a bacterial, protozoan or other microbial infection. There is also Toxic hepatitis which is caused by poisoning of the liver with various chemicals (such as industrial solvents), drugs, or (very rarely) general anaesthetics.

Virus hepatitis occurs in two basic forms, one of which is called infectious hepatitis (or hepatitis A) and the other, serum hepatitis (or hepatitis B), which is also "infectious". It is fairly certain that these two conditions, although clinically similar, are caused by different viruses and the modes of transmission are different.

In Hepatitis B, transmission is mainly by the injection or transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products, or by accidental skin pricks or other injuries caused by contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Transmission also occurs from inadequately sterilized hypodermic needles, syringes, surgical and dental instruments, tattooing instruments and razors. Hepatitis B is also common among narcotic addicts and others who use unsterile syringes for drug injections.

The virus which causes hepatitis A, by contrast, is mostly transmitted in the faeces. Although it can be spread by blood transfusion, the main route is from infective faeces to the mouth via the hands or objects contaminated with the faeces.

The patient with hepatitis may notice little or nothing wrong, but in more severe cases, the patient will have fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, a severe loss of appetite and aching in the muscles. Then jaundice, caused by an accumulation of yellow bile pigment in the blood, appears after a few days or, in some cases, a week or two from the onset of the symptoms. The liver may become enlarged and tender and may develop cirrhosis. The conditions may lead to death from liver failure.

In Holistic Lifecare, hepatitis patients are strongly advised to have adequate bed rest, with proper care in the handling of infected excreta. Alcoholic beverages should be strictly avoided.

The holistic remedy being suggested for total cure of Hepatitis is a combination of natural extracts of Eugenia caryophylatta, Musa cavendichii, Citrus lemonis, Euphorbia unispina and Capsicum frutescens,.

For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan.

Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

54

M

Y trip to Egypt was to attend a seminar orga nized by the Union of African Journalists (UAJ) for a group of African journalists. For me, it turned out to be a treasured experience as I had the opportunity to tour and experience Egypt, its antique monuments and rich history.

After disembarking at the Cairo International Airport, I was not surprised with the aesthetic structure of the expansive airport because it was not my first time of being there. I went through Cairo on my way to Saudi

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Tajudeen ADEBANJO Arabia two years ago.

I was the third journalist to arrive that night (May 3).

With two others, Muhammed Laghrouss (Morocco) and Hawa Diallo (Guinea Conakry), we waited for the fourth person who turned out to be the CNN African Journalists Award nominee, Portia Solomon (Ghana).

Hawa can only communicate in French; Muhammed speaks Arabic, French and little English, leaving me and Portia to easily get

•One of the monuments in Cairo

along.

As the bus was conveying us to the hotel around 10am, I took keen interest in the roads linking various routes without potholes.

•Qaitbay citadel

Even at that time, the traffic was much. Our driver had to manoeuvre his way to beat traffic jam. This reminded me of Lagos danfo drivers, but the night life in the city interested me most.

As we entered our various rooms at Dar Madrasa Hotel in Nasr City, a military area,a big carton was brought to my room. The carton was full of various meals and drinks.

The following day, Friday, May 5, a free day, I and my roommate, Aly Fall, from Senegal, who arrived a day earlier, joined others to have his breakfast, after which a representative from the Ministry of Media, Abdul Aziz, came to address us.

“You are welcome. Today is a free day, but a bus will come to convey you tomorrow to the training centre.

Feel free to move around the

city. You will enjoy staying in Cairo,” Abdul Aziz told us.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, literally means “The Vanquisher” or “The Conqueror”. It is the largest city in the Arab world and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Located near the Nile Delta, it was founded in the year 969 A.D. Nicknamed “The City of a Thousand Minarets” for its preponderance of Islamic architectural designs, Cairo has long been a centre of the region’s political and cultural life. Egyptians today often refer to Cairo as Macr, the Arabic pronunciation of the name for Egypt itself, emphasising the city’s continued role in Egyptian influence. Cairo has the oldest and largest film and music industries in the Arab World.

Many international me-

dia, businesses and organisations have regional headquarters in the city, and the Arab League also has its headquarters in Cairo. It is the most populous Arab country with about 90 million people.

The city has always been attracting travellers, dating back over 10 centuries ago to the time of the Mamluks.

However, just like Lagos, the Nigerian former capital, the beautiful city is hectic and crowded. The traffic girdlock is like that of Lagos.

As long as you’re willing to loosen your senses and lose yourself to this majestic city, you can discover the sweetness of Cairo; the coziness of small cafes and the pleasure of strolling along narrow streets. It would be impossible to accurately describe Cairo fairly; it is truly one of a kind.

Tourism News

He said the hosting of the Nigeria to host African tourism ministers’ confab regional AERO adds Wakanow as sales ch tourism confab will

T

HE United Nations World Tourism Organization [UNWTO], has formally confirmed Nigeria as the host of its 53rd meeting of the Commission for Africa [CAF] summit, a regional meeting for African Tourism Ministers slated to take place in Calabar, Cross River State from June 25-27, 2012, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief, Edem Duke has revealed.

The summit with the theme; “Responsible Tourism: Opportunities for Women and Youth” is to be attended by all 54 African countries and territories that are affiliate members of the UNWTO. The Minister was in the Madrid headquarters of

UNWTO during the week to attend the executive council meeting of the global tourism organisation of which he is a member to brief the council of Nigeria’s preparation and readiness to host the summit The minister who was elated following UNWTO confirmation, said “the opportunity to host such an important, continental tourism ministers’ session will bring immense benefits not only for the industry but also for the country” According High Chief Duke, “the decision for Nigeria to host the meeting was taken last year in South Korea during the UNWTO General Assembly meeting”.

He disclosed that other countries that bided against

•High Chief Duke Nigeria hosting the meeting cited insecurity as a challenge but their argument failed to dissuade UNWTO which ratified its earlier decision which awarded the country the hosting rights of the .

afford the country the opportunity to redefine its image, showcase itself as a place for conferences and exhibitions with warm people and clean environment.

Apart from tourism ministers that are participating, top UNWTO officials, including its Secretary-General from its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, top government officials from the participating countries as well as state governors and stakeholders in Nigeria will also be in attendance.

Meanwhile, the Cross River State has accepted the request to host the event; with Governor Liyel Imoke saying that the UNWTO meeting is important to tourism development in the continent, and for Nigeria in particular

A

ERO, the leading eairline in West Africa has been added to Wakanow travel portal.

This is an additional distribution means, thus increasing the airline’s sales channels. This platform will enable Aero customers buy tickets directly on www.wakanow.com website.

The introduction of this platform is in addition to other sales,booking and payment options provided

by Aero for the customers’ convenience.

The travel portal allows the user to explore all travel options available. This has significantly simplified the purchasing process for Aero’s passengers. With a credit and/or debit card and

•Captain Akin-George, MD Aero Internet access, a passenger can now quickly and easily purchase an Aero ticket anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by providing only the necessary information over a secure

55

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

•Longest and highest bridge in Middle East

An amazing city, full of life and movement, and it is that way almost 24 hours a day, with the noisy honking of horns, children playing in the streets and merchants selling their wares and services.

Here, hardly will you find a bungalow; it’s full of high rise buildings.

The city is different at night. Its bustling nightlife has something for everyone - from a quiet, intimate night with a glass of wine and a loved one to wild night partying at some of the hottest clubs.

Cairo provides great culture, including art galleries and music halls, such as the Cairo Opera House, Sawy Culture Wheel, and Ahmed Shawky Museum. There are also ancient temples, tombs, churches, magnificent Muslim monuments and, of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, all within the city.

Save for language barrier, a city as lively as Cairo with diversity, culture and goodhearted people who are always willing to help, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Back to the seminar, the opening, as usual, featured speeches on the programme with a few eminent persons in attendance. Among these people were the UAJ Presi-

dent, Mr Mahfouz AlAnsary; former Egyptian ambassador to Kenya and now President, African Society, Ambassador Ahmed Haggag; and officials of the Ministry of Media and those of information.

The first week was jampacked with lectures on topical issues bordering on various problems confronting Africa and roles of media in projecting the positive image of the continent.

Some of the resource personnel included professors,

members of the diplomatic corps and respected senior journalists.

The second and third weeks dwelled more on visits to historical sites, tourist centres and relaxation joints within and outside the Cairo Governorate (state). Among the cities visited were Alexandria, former Egyptian capital and second largest city, Port Said and Ismailia.

The seminar was not just an eye opener on how the developed nations view Af-

rica, some of us were able to correct misconceptions about our countries and Africa in general during interactions with the representative of the United Nations.

A visit to Alexandria Library–Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Suez Canal, Al-Azhar Park, the Museum, Smart Village and Qaitbay Citadel established in 882 A.H showed the foresightedness of the Egyptians’ ancestors to make the country a great nation.

Nigerian leaders have much to learn from their Egyptian counterparts. Despite being under military rule for many years like ours, they have good infrastructure, stable electricity and good roads. Egypt Air, the country’s national carrier, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

The first round of the presidential election I witnessed was peaceful and fair. It was devoid of ballot box snatching, multiple thumb printings and fighting at polling units or collation centres, and no strange names on voters’ registers.

Men and women separately queued, casting their votes unmolested.

The Supreme Council for Armed Forces (SCAF) currently ruling the country did not sack all the police officers for daring to go on strike to protest poor remunerations.

War museum

Tourism News as sales channel connection.

An online ticket sales channel is a major component of the selling strategies of the world’s leading airlines. It is value added service for customers.

Pleased with the development, Managing Director of Aero, Captain Akin George, said:”The idea was to make travel a lot easier for Nigerians, especially in this CashLite policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). As Nigeria continues to enhance its Internet services and payment infrastructure, this type of sales channel will witness a growing demand and will soon become the leading source for ticket purchase.”

Aero leads West African aviation in e-services, introducing various booking and payment options to make air travel convenient for customers.

FTAN BoT chair commiserates with Fed Govt

T

HE chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Board of Trustees, Mr. Charles Odunukwe, has commiserated with President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian people on the recent air crash involving Dana Air flight 0992 from Abuja to Lagos.

He also prayed that God will give victims’ families the fortitude to bear the lost.

He commended the Federal Government on the achievement made in the aviation industry in the last seven years which has led to the certification of Nigerian airports as category one by the United States United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Aviation Safety

•Mr. Odunukwe Assessment (IASA).

Among the numerous benefits, he said, is that airlines from the United States (US) will fly directly into Nigeria unlike in the past when Nigerians had to travel to Europe before

getting connecting flights to the U.S. This, he said, has improved the tourism profile of the country for both inbound and outbound tourists.

He said: “We have seen in the last couple of years a safer, more reliable aviation industry. But with this current crash, if not thoroughly investigated and strong remedies put in place to forestall future occurrences, the little progress the tourism industry might have made in the last few years might just be lost.

“Our goal, like we always say, is to make tourism generate more income for the country than oil. This cannot be achieved unless we have a very safe and reliable civil aviation industry.”

•L-R: Otunba Segun Runsewe, DG, NTDC presenting a souvenir to the Venezuelan ambassador 's representative, Antonia Garua when the later recently paid a courtesy visit to the NTDC office.

NATOP, NANTA on crashed plane

T

HE National President of the NATOP and the Chief Executive of Remlord Tours, Nkereuwem Onung, has lamented the crash of the Dana flight in Lagos on June 3, describing it as a calamity for domestic tourism.

“Boko Haram has created huge image problems for tourism in Nigeria and the improved aviation records we have been touting globally in recent times have taken a huge bashing with this” he said.

Sympathising with the bereaved families and the nation on these sad incidents, he commended the international marketing efforts of the NTDC at the different travel markets. He told the DG of the NTDC, Otunba Runsewe, to take heart,adding that eventually his efforts would bear fruits soon.

Mr. Onung lamented that just as tour operators were putting together packaged tours for the seven wonders of Nigeria project, the crash had come to complicate things.

The NATOP President enjoined all practising tour operators to embrace the registration programme of the NTDC. Tour operators can register directly at any NTDC zonal office or through the NATOP. The NATOP is the National Association of Tour Operators in Nigeria, and it is at the forefront of promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria.

Recently the NATOP endorsed the result of the seven wonders project which was presented to members of the NATOP at its monthly meeting held in Lagos in February. The NATOP members were also presented with plaques as registered tour opereators.

Onung said:”As the NATOP is reorganizing by issuing certificates to registered and licensed tour operators and it is appropriate to use the seven wonders to

drive the domestic tourism agenda of the NATOP. According Onung, the NATOP members have built successful businesses selling foreign destinations and the seven wonders and its nine clusters offer them an opportunity to become masters of Nigeria tourism.

On the NATOP certificates, he said that from now onwards only registered tour operators will be allowed to operate in Nigeria as tour operators will receive two certificates from the NATOP and NTDC. He further enjoined tour operators operating in Nigeria to register both with the NTDC and NATOP as the emerging environment will not tolerate quacks.

10 tour operators have received the plaques , while five more will receive theirs at the next meeting.

The 10 are Tour Brokers International, Leisure Afrique, TTL Tours, Speedy Tours, Remlords Tours,ATQ Tours, Jethro Tours, Dvine Tour Brokers, Mactee Tours and Global Link Tours.

In a related development, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) has expressed hope that the recovery of the black box of the crashed Dana Air plane would lead to measures that would bring about safety in the nation’s aviation industry.

“We welcome the news of the recovery of the ‘black box’ and hope the root of the monumental tragedy will be established very soon”, said Mrs Ngozi Ngoka, Publicity Secretary of the association, in a release in Lagos yesterday.

“It is our prayer that the Nigerian aviation regulators see in this tragedy an opportunity to build new capabilities in the management of our airspace in order to give confidence to air travellers in Nigeria”, Mrs Ngoka advised, adding that urgent steps must be taken to guarantee the safety of all air travellers and ensure that we never witness this avoidable tragedy again.

56 •Segun! I wonder why some people will see nothing good in every decision Mr President takes. I want to believe that Mr. President didn”t just decide on his own to rename UNILAG to MKO Abiola university. He must have consulted or even pressured into doing it or should it have gone into referendums? If you ask me, Abiola deserves the best; he showed the haters of democracy that it is worth dying for and he died for it. I think we should be more concerned about the unity of the country that is being threatened by insecurity than the right thing Mr. President has done. God bless Nigeria.

Don Ezeala, 08064843000, Port Harcourt •Bro Segun, any student, teacher or alumni that protested against the change has no respect and regard towards the President. Tribal sentiment is bad and endangers democracy.

What is the difference between OAU, ABU, other institutions and UNILAG? Can they question it if it was a military leader? How I wish you live in upper North and understand, 08029754350 •Good day Segun, I am an avid reader of your column in The Nation newspaper. Keep it up. Your last piece on annulment was a masterpiece. I particularly like the austere, dignified and intellectual prose flavoured with objectivity, which makes it a monumental work •Sometimes, we make ourselves suspicious of our honesty and real commitment. Why must there be a protest at all by UNILAG students? It is unnecessary. We had been expecting that past governments would do us an honour and assuage our thirst by honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola who was murdered for democracy, but none came from Abdulsalami, Obasanjo and the late Yar’Adua.

Blame not Jonathan whichever way he made the renaming announcement. Southwesterners should learn to appreciate their own. But on promises, Jonathan is failing.

Lanre Oseni, Lagos.

•The renaming of UNILAG to immortalise Chief MKO Abiola is a welcome decision. It is always good to honour whoever honour is due.

But an Abuja-based institution would have been better than Lagos because he sacrificed his life for all Nigerians. He is the man behind the democracy some people are enjoying today. The government could even have built an institution to be named after him rather than changing UNILAG to MAULAG. Why not the University of Abuja or some other institutions in the federal capital?

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State •I am really depressed that the renaming of UNILAG as Moshood Abiola University, which ordinarily should have been a laudable idea, is now a subject of controversy. Inasmuch as I agree that the President’s action was suspicious and unconstitutional, the students’ protest was also an after-thought. The same students who called me, an alumnus of the school, to congratulate me for the renaming, suddenly went wild.

Their reasons were quite trivial—Abiola is not an academic. Was Bayero a lecturer? The new name will take away their sway. Were they admitted because of sway? The school is neglected by the government. This sounds logical, but they never complained.

Why I am aamazed is that the UNILAG of today, which isolates itself from others and refuses to join ASUU strikes has suddenly become volatile. A school that could not protest against the banning of their union is now protesting over a change of name. What an irony.

Great Akokites! Tread with caution.

Alao K.M. •I am at a loss the way UNILAG students and some prominent Nigerians have been reacting to the renaming of UNILAG as Moshood Abiola University. The Federal Government of Nigeria is the sole owner of the university while the students are mere tenants. How come the tenants are telling the landlord what to do with his house? I believe the students are acting a script prepared by someone else. I am sure some elements are behind the charade. If they continue, the Federal Government should close down the university for at least six months.

President Jonathan is the cause of all this nonsense. If he had sacked people like AllisonMadueke and be firm on those who have stolen our treasury blind through the subsidy saga, this kind of protest would never have occurred.

But this is a President who is not decisive on any matter even if it is critical to the well being of the people or the nation. Let someone tell him to be pragmatic and be decisive, and he may find his voice again. But the way things

Reactions to Illumination

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Re: Towards the final annulment? of art.

08067229014 •Your piece on towards the final annulment properly reflects the dilemma we find ourselves in this country and as long as we remain docile we will wake up one day and discover to the chagrin of a few that Nigeria has been annulled.

08023311081 •I agree with the piece that the final annulment is possible unless the people organize and take the country from pro-imperialists in power.

08039727512, Amos Ejimoye, Kaduna Segun, it is so sad and regrettable that a wimp on the throne is supervising the annulment of Nigeria. What does one expect from a pig but a grunt? Anyway, he will get his just deserts ultimately. Hmmm, we are reaping what we have sown .We chose sentimentally, emotionally and on ethnic basis while sacrificing integrity, track record and purposefulness. God help us to be wiser so we can be mercifully spared,.

08032844907, Tai, Kaduna •Late Maumer Ghaddafi of Libya is right.

Nothing will stop Nigeria from fragmenting into six nations , that is North West, North East, North Central, South West, South East and South South, 08038776916.

A.A. Enunjaye, Warri, Delta State •Mr Segun, I always love to read your illuminations. Please help us come to Apete to see what about 5 million residents are facing as a result of our bridge under repairs with no alternative routes. We are caged and the pedestrian bridge may collapse any time.

08035673884, Ile Akinyosoye •Thanks a million for today’s write up. May your pen never be annulled so that even if the current species of Nigerians were to be annulled, their next incarnations can encounter your enduring, nay immortal words. But I missed you last week, what happened?

07068194122 •My brother, Segun, you got it wrong! Where was Justice Musdapher when NJC advised GEJ to terminate Salami’s appointment? Surely, GEJ will not only salvage the judiciary but the soul of Nigeria.

08063993763, Bisong, Umuahia

Reactions to Sturday Flakes

Re: Not more than MKO deserves, but... are, he may continue to go down.

My advice to him is that he should sack Diezani Allison-Madueke and co; be firm with Hon. Farouk Lawan subsidy probe and fight corruption without fear. Trust Nigerians, they will queue behind him if he can fight these three cancerous monsters. Abiola was a great man. And as the President and visitor to UNILAG, Jonathan should not revert. He should stand firm and this will speak for him tomorrow.

M.G. Olokor.

•I urge all lovers of democracy to deprecate in strong terms the despicable show of ‘areaboyism’ and rascality by a few miseducated Akokites in view of the noble presidential gesture to immortalise the late Chief MKO Abiola. It is clear that most of those miscreants who went on protest arrived this godless world after after the epic drama of June 12, 1993. Therefore, we owe them a duty to educate them on the historic mystery of June 12.

Godfrey.

•I think it is sheer stupidity for students to protest against the renaming of their school.

Students go, students come but school remains.

How can someone fight for what does not belong to him?

08052042..

•Is it right for a man to be angry that he was given bread instead of bread and butter that he needed? Such is the mentality of Nigerians. The reasons adduced by the critics of the change of UNILAG’s name to Moshood Abiola University are doing greater damage. The major problem is the legal angle. Once the National Assembly ratifies the Act, it becomes a law.

‘

Apportioning blame when necessary and awarding credit where there is one can help him to improve or re-order his priorities in the interests of all of us. But imputing a sinister motive into everything he does, however well-intentioned, can be demoralising indeed

Bolu Adeniji, Lagos.

’

•Vincent, you are correct. Jonathan’s speech must have been prepared before the idea of naming UNILAG after Abiola occurred to him.

If not, he would not have referred to Abiola as the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan.

•“The President promised security but he has no answer to the killings by the Boko Haram sect and has literally conceded the North-East region to the militant group...” You guys at The Nation just parrot (band wagon) in condemnation without proferring any creative solution.

You have commented on the menace a thousand times, what is your solution dear Mr. Akanmode?

Rtd Captain Lakoju, Owan, Edo.

•Its only species of despicable homo sapiens that can liken renaming UNILAG to the annulment of June 12 election. The group of misguided Akokites and misdirected lecturers and staff of UNILAG who think that the institution will lose its reputation as M.U.G. should resign their studentship and services. We have capable Nigerians ready to take over their slot. God bless Nigeria.

08076623815, Godfrey Segun, annulment is the right word in vogue in Jonathan’s dictionary. Your piece actually captured what Nigeria is under him. Time will come when Jonathan will annul himself come 2015.

Ayo Apelogun, Ilesha, 08188810889 Hello Segun. I also remember Professor Tamuno’s quoting an Anglican hymn this way “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, Nigeria kills them all”. 07083144628 Segun, good day. I have just read your column. Like all previous ones, it is fantastic. This one is, however, special. It is an award winning piece. Congrats!

Anonymous.

•Jonathan has really performed below expectation, to the disappointment of many Nigerians. But even though the approach to the renaming of UNILAG after our great Abiola is defective, we should praise the President for the gesture. Blanket condemnation of every thing he does would not help matters. There is this patent determination by Jonathan to make things work, but that is being stalled by various forces.

Apportioning blame when necessary and awarding credit where there is one can help him to improve or re-order his priorities in the interests of all of us. But imputing a sinister motive into everything he does, however wellintentioned, can be demoralising indeed. It can make him to falter unavoidably. And if the nation fails as a consequence of that all of us would be deemed to have failed, not just Jonathan and his administration.

Emmanuel Egwu, Enugu • Your piece is thought-provoking. How many souls died? How much was spent on the Abiola saga? What the regime should do is to set up a panel to exhume the culprits for severe punishment and not to rename any institution.

Amos Ejinmoye, Kaduna.

• Good article. But it is not Ado Bayero University. It is Abdullahi Bayero University or Bayero University, Kano.

08094569942 •Renaming UNILAG and immortalising MKO is synonymous with taking a drop out of an ocean. The President should be proactive in improving the backward economy and arresting the ever increasing poverty that afflicts the citizenry. He should address the problems of industrial stagnation, epileptic power supply and seemingly insurmountable security challenges posed by the Boko Haram sect. It will be better for the country if the presidency shifts its focus from cosmetic leadership to peopleoriented governance.

A.J. Erinfolami, Lokoja

Re: New rates for darkness •Thank you, Vincent, for your fine piece on the ‘new rates for darkness’. It is really not yet clear what this government takes Nigerians for.

We are already impoverished by way of the government’s directionless policies and high acts of corrupt practices by the Jonathan administration. So many families in the country today are unable to take care of themselves and their families as a result of bad governance.

As if that is not enough, we are now to pay higher for electricty that is not provided. If the new high tariff is expedient for effective electricity service delivery, why can’t the government do the funding and recoup its investment from electricity users when the actual service is delivered? Nigerians should be the ones engaging the government in a showdown for nonperformance and not the government making us suffer or bear the brunt of its own incompetence.

Emmanuel Egwu, Enugu •The new tariff regime on electricity is simply annoying. Why are they jumping the gun?

Why can’t the Nigerian Energy Regulatory Commission ensure regular supply of electricity before thinking of hiking the rates? Yesterday, it was fuel. Today, it is electricity. Only

God knows their next line of action. Must we always pay for their ineptitude? The hardship in the country is unbearable.

Kola Alao, Lagos.

•It is only in Nigeria that people can be brazenly treated like this. This is pure 419. The citizens of this country must rise in unison to reject this wicked proposition. Most of our socalled ministers are more satanic than Satan himself. Hence, they must be stopped from their stupid actions.

It is the same reasons they give from time to time. No more stealing and cheating the masses for services not rendered. This is blatant corruption. No to any form of increase on unmerited services.

Pastor Odunmbaku •If Jonathan allows the PHCN to increase its tariffs by June, then everybody will know that God deliberately installed him as our president to punish us. If they go ahead, both the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress should review upwards the outdated N18,000 minimum wage.

Seye, Akure

•As I read your piece of Saturday May 19, two things came to my mind. The first is the Bible book of Ecclesiastes 4:1, which is having an ‘unalloyed’ and unique fulfillment on our contemporary society. The second is an album by the late Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister titled The Truth, which x-rayed our problems some 20 years ago. Your piece was excellent and allembracing about the ills that confront our society.

However, my worry is that too much is said but too little is done; a situation that has afflicted this country for decades, leaving it almost hopeless. For how long are we going to contend with this? I can’t wait to get an answer.

Oguntuase Dayo, Akure •I believe that people should have electricity and pay for it without tears. The problem is that many Nigerians are politically illiterate and see the country as the property of the rulers while they see themselves as strangers on the road to heaven. Yes, they have eyes, but they cannot see that they can organise and take Nigeria and make it a happy land.

Amos Ejinmoye, Kaduna.

Michael O’

NEWS 57

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

Bribery scandal: There won’t be sacred cows in the course of our functions — Tambuwal

Being text of remarks by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Cfr, , on the occasion of the special plenary session of the House on yesterday

I now formally welcome you to this Special Session of Plenary which has been summoned pursuant to Order 5(18)(2) of the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives. It is the Second Special Session since the 7th House of Representatives was inaugurated on the 6th June 2011.

The object of the Session, which you have just accomplished, is to deliberate on grave allegation of bribery brought against a member of this Hallowed Chambers, Hon. Farouk Lawan, by Mr. Femi Otedola, an oil marketer, in connection with the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime empanelled by the House for that purpose.

In accordance with our legislative agenda, we must continue to be not only sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians, but also proactive on all matters of urgent national importance. Therefore, while I apologise for the inconveniences caused to members by this sudden recall from the recess, I trust we all appreciate that this is a call to important civic duty for our dear country.

Honorable colleagues, when we elected to pursue the entrenchment of probity, accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business as a cardinal legislative agenda, we advised ourselves never to expect that it will be an easy task.

Accordingly, I have had cause to occasionally sound a note of warning and reminder that our constitutional task is inescapably hazardous, requiring total commitment, diligence, transparency, determination and sacrifice.

The Constitution has given the parliament three broad duties, which include law making, representation

and oversight. It is interesting to note that of these three, it is that last function, which gives legislature the powers to conduct oversight, that has tended to cause conflict between the legislature and the executive, and remains the most controversial. Yet. it would have been impossible to conduct the other two functions successfully if the Constitution had not given the parliament oversight powers: the single most potent weapon that makers of the Constitution put in place to check abuse by those who execute its law.

In full compliance with the Constitutional prescription in S 62(1) and (2) the House has always ensured that all Committees empanelled by it, be they ad-Hoc or standing, are given a clear mandate. I find it compelling to state for the umpteenth time that the constitutional power of investigation conferred on the legislature is for the purpose of law reform and for the exposure of corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it. In the exercise of this function, there shall be no sacred cows.

I have emphasised the constitutionality of the oversight function of the legislature because there lingers among many public officials, the notion that in holding public or investigative hearings, the legislature is over-stepping its bounds and also neglecting its other functions. Nothing can be further from the truth. The records of our performance for the first legislative year, which just ended on 6th June 2012, show that the performance in the area of legislation was equally impressive.

I wish at this point to make this pledge that the House of Representatives shall continue to act responsibly by ensuring that all investigations

•Tambuwal are instituted only when absolutely necessary. Furthermore, we shall insist on probity and fairness on the part of our members conducting such investigations; and we shall not hesitate to sanction anyone who in the course of these investigations overreaches himself or uses the process to intimidate anyone or engages in corruption.

The recent investigations into two sectors, namely Oil Subsidy Regime and Capital Market, were conducted in public. Evidence and testimonies were freely given and taken. And in the case of oil subsidy regime, monumental fraud was disclosed in the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee, which has since been passed by the House and referred to the executive for implementation by relevant agencies.

While we consider it preposterous and hasty to dismiss the current bribery allegations, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, including our in-house investigation just instituted, we reject in totality insinua-

tions being orchestrated in some media to the effect that the allegations have eroded the integrity of the resolutions of the House on the report and rendered same unworthy of implementation.

Let me reiterate that the resolutions of the House over the fuel subsidy regime remain valid despite this recent controversy. We must as a country learn to separate institutions from individuals and we must admit that in the present case, the alleged conduct of an individual cannot negate the conclusions of the whole House. Let me also reaffirm here that we have not been compromised and we shall never compromise our stand against corruption. The credibility of that report therefore remains inviolable and we stand by it.

May I, therefore, urge the Executive to match words with action in the implementation of these resolutions. As just resolved by motion, relevant Committees of the House must diligently monitor the implementation of the resolution by agencies under their supervisory jurisdiction and report back to the House within reasonable time.

My dear colleagues, the scope of our resolve for transparency in the conduct of government business includes all the arms of government; all public functionaries and all persons doing business with government or operating under Acts of the legislature. As members of parliament, we enjoy no immunity and we seek none.

Let us, therefore, remind ourselves constantly that we must live above board. We offer ourselves for public scrutiny at all times in our effort to build a better Nigeria. As humans, where we err and our attention is called, we shall be willing to make amends in the overall national interest.

I call upon all of us to remain firm, resolute and committed to the execution of our constitutional mandate whatever the hazards. We must NEVER, repeat, NEVER be cowed or intimidated by any form or colour of antics that may be fashioned with intent to dampen our spirits and or break our resolve. It remains for me to say that, when the army suffers causalities of a few officers and men at the battle front, it beats no retreat except it does not intend to win the battle. I am confident that men and women of integrity and character are in the overwhelming majority in our fold, and we do not lack the numbers to prosecute the battle. We shall be judged not only by our words but more so by our actions.

To the good people of Nigeria, we appeal for patience and understanding and wish to once more assure you of our sincerity of purpose and the determination to deliver the Nigeria of our dreams. The road may be rough and herculean, but victory is sure.

Now therefore is the time to double the pace of our performance, including the investigative hearings, given that from the monumental fraud uncovered through these investigations, we know that we are surely on course.

The current unfortunate bribery allegation, whatever the outcome of ongoing investigation, can only serve as impetus for us to do more in the quest for the entrenchment of probity in governance.

In addition to routine oversight, we shall investigate everything that needs to be investigated in the process of fashioning a better Nigeria. In this regard, we shall continue to seek synergy with the other arms of government so as not to work at cross purposes.

May the Almighty God grant us the courage and grace to do what is right at all times and in all situations.

Thank you all.

58

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

NEWS 59

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

O

Dankwambo’s one year: So much to munch

NE year has just gone by with Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo at the helm in Gombe State, but the goodies already delivered by his administration are many and these achievements have made many watchers of events conclude that it was a year full of many goodies to munch.

It still sounds loud and clear just as it rang the bell when Dankwambo, during his inauguration, pledged a dynamic leadership that would bring about changes in the whole gamut of approach, perception and government and people relationship. The astute governor on that occasion pinpointed some areas of concentration with a pledge to bring about an overall better life for the citizenry of The Jewel State.

That was scarcely over a year ago which makes it good enough a time to look back at the speed of journey so far and gauge what would be made out of the next three years.

It is more vivid than ever in today’s Nigeria that security of lives and property of the people is a critical responsibility in governance. Governor Dankwambo acknowledged this fact in his inaugural speech, hence he promised to lead a Gombe State where people would go about their activities without fear of molestation and retire to sleep with their two eyes closed.

To this end, he proscribed the dreaded Kalare group and immediately evoked the full weight of the law on those who failed to comply with the new order. And as a way of matching words with action three youths, within the age brackets of 15 to 18 years, were prosecuted.

But on realising youths were being thrown out of jobs, the governor, in accordance with the recommendations of a factfinding committee on youth empowerment and poverty alleviation, set up four vocational training centres across the three senatorial zones of the state. The 320 youths used in test-running the programme recently graduated in seven trades. This was immediately scaled up to accommodate 13 trades and 520 youths with plans to increase the intakes as time goes on.

I

READ the Vanguard newspaper of Monday, June 11 and I saw on Page10 the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolemenmen, attempting to rebut the claim of the Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to the effect that “Uromi – Amedokhian Road” does not exist.

The Governor was reacting to a news report monitored on AIT and Channels Television stations on Wednesday, June 6 to the effect that the Federal Executive Council has approved the construction of the “Uromi – Amedokhian Road” for over 2 billion naira. Amedokhian is a village in Uromi and so no road can lead to Amedokhian from Uromi. The only road to a neighbouring town from Uromi which has Amedokhian as the boundary village is the Uromi – Ugboha Road which the Edo State Government has just constructed awaiting commissioning.

In his feeble attempt to rename the project as “Ada - Okere – Ukoni – Amedokhian Old

M. L. Ismail But the big one was the recent submission of weapons by the dreaded Kalare boys in response to the government call for repentance. Thousands of youths responded to this call. But for a start, 1,200 of them were camped at the NYSC Orientation Camp for a three-week rehabilitation and reorientation with many youths still seeking enlistment.

The youths were grouped into three categories – Ward Marshals, Traffic Marshals and Environmental Marshals. They are to help in the areas of security, crowd / traffic management and sanitation, among others.

Tagged “Talba Youths Reorientation and Rehabilitation Programme”, the training did not just empower the youths, but it transformed agents of violence and destruction into agents of socio–economic development.

“This administration shall continue with this programme, skills acquisition training and many more that will come into operation until we are able to reduce restiveness, unemployment and poverty in our midst.

Our commitment shall not waver because we are aware that human development is the foundation of all development,” said Dankwambo during the passing out of the repentant youths from the camp.

Apart from the present general security situation in the country, the form of security challenge posed by these bloodthirsty Kalare boys knew no bounds.

But with the transformation of just these ones, the people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed.

Aside from security, one major challenge confronting the state is that of good roads where a lot is still left to be done. Accordingly, the Dankwambo administration, in an aggressive determination to open up the urban, semi-urban and rural areas, has embarked on the construction of 158.5 kilometres of roads and some bridges. These include 51.9 kilometres of urban roads and 106.6 kilometres of semi-urban and regional roads.

These are roads that are designed to last up to about 20 to 30 years with utmost consider-

•Dankwambo

ation for the densely populated areas of the state capital and the suburbs.

Educationally, the administration has been demonstrating dogged resolve to restore quality in the sector, using a holistic approach. At rudimentary and formative stages, work on the 15 model primary and 15 model secondary schools has commenced in earnest. Side-by-side with this is the renovation, reconstruction and construction of schools. Also, arrangements have been made with Islamic Development Bank for the funding of three bilingual English and Arabic schools in the state.

Without mincing words, the poverty-stricken and scavenging life of the almajiri had made them easy targets or ready fuel in times of crises. Having taken this into cognizance, Dankwambo decided to review the almajiri/Islamiyya school system with a view to finding a solution that would turn around the studying life of the almajiri.

And as part of the efforts to soften parents’ burden of send-

ing their wards to school, N 500 million has been spent on the procurement of instructional materials, namely, textbooks and notebooks.

Given that all the inputs in education revolve around the quality and availability of academic manpower, Gombe State has, within the last one year, placed an embargo on the recruitment of unqualified teachers. The state, which has the need for well over 3,000 teachers, has employed 1,000 qualified secondary school teachers.

A similar number of teachers will soon be engaged to beef up the quality of primary education.

While the School of Health Technology and the state School of Nursing and Midwifery are being revitalised for full accreditation, arrangements for the establishment of the state College of Education in Billiri town has begun in earnest and contractors will soon be mobilized to site.

Gombe State plans to be one of the five big economies in Nigeria in 2020, irrespective of the Federal Office of Statistics rating of the northeast as the poorest zone in the country. Agriculture and mineral development (which is still on the drawing board) have been earmarked as key drivers of this vision. Accordingly, the process of rehabilitating the state poultry production unit which has been abandoned in 2005 has begun, and it is expected to provide at least 500 jobs upon full take-off.

A similar attention is being given to the Dadin-Kowa Fish Hatchery Complex abandoned 15 years ago.

The Tractor Hiring Unit, which had just three functional machines, has been boosted with 35 new tractors, and 25 old ones were repaired. The Dankwabo administration has also ordered for the procurement of 200 units of tractors with the intention of making the implements available to farmers at rock-bottom price.

To ensure a timely supply of farm inputs, the newly revived state agricultural supply company, Gombe State Agricultural Company (GOSAC), has been listed as a dealer under the Federal Government Growth Enhancement Scheme.

With the progressive steady plans to complete the main canal of the left bank of Gongola River comes the reactivation of work at the Balanga Dam. N40 million has been released for the rehabilitation of the silted canals and repair of dam heads, gates and access roads.

On power, Gombe State government is planning to augment power and pipe borne water supply to four local government areas of the Gombe South Senatorial District and Akko Local Government Area in the Gombe Central. These will be made possible through a mini hydro-electric power plant and regional water supply scheme from Balanga Dam for which the preliminary designs and processes have been completed. 50 transformers have been distributed to supplement power supply in parts of the state just as government is waiting to take the delivery for another 55 transformers it has ordered for the same purpose.

With Dankwambo, Gombe State has been one project site, while lives are being touched with projects and policies too numerous to discuss. The June 2010 fuel tanker fire victims who had been abandoned to their fate were given N125 million to take care of their financial commitments. Also the state government has introduced a conditional cash transfer scheme to the less-privileged, elderly and physically-challenged people in the state, totalling 1,500.

The expansion work at the state Specialist Hospital has begun, and the construction of Women and Children’s Hospital and a new Snake-bite Hospital in Kaltungo have both started with contractors mobilised to site.

The establishment of the schools of remedial studies at Kumo and Dukku is ongoing, while 1,000 are at the University of Maiduguri for remedial studies.

From the foregoing, it needs no telling that the people of Gombe State have been having a good time under the leadership of Governor Dankwambo who has pledged that what the people have seen so far is just a tip of the iceberg compared to what his administration will do within the available financial resources.

Re: FG faults Oshiomhole’s claim on roads Anselm OJEZUA Road” the minister only confirmed the fact that there is, indeed, no road called the “Uromi – Amedokhian Road”. The minister wants us to believe that the Federal Executive Council has been hoodwinked by him to approve neighbourhood roads within hamlets in Uromi under the guise of a federal road project linking Uromi to another town called Amedokhian for the whopping sum in excess of 2 billion naira.

The truth of the matter, as I believe it, is that the minister contrived this ghost project in order to raise money which he planned to make available for his party to deploy for the July 14 gubernatorial election. Dropping names of tiny hamlets in Uromi is merely an afterthought arising from the timely alarm raised by the Comrade Governor to forestall a further leakage

•Oshiomhole

of the resources of the commonwealth at a time corruption in high places is said to have assumed unprecedented dimen-

sions.

One would, therefore, appeal to Mr. President, His Excellency (Dr.) Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to suspend all processes relating to this dubious project and order investigation to verify the location and quantities of the socalled project.

The minister also said that the Edo State Government under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has not rehabilitated any federal road within Edo State. Nothing can be more dishonest, even in the face of overwhelming evidence the man dares to make such an assertion? In Benin City alone, Akpakpava, Sapele and Siluko roads have all been converted from two lanes to six, each duly complemented with a median, streetlights and walkways. The road that runs from Urubi Street right down to Oluku on the way to Lagos is being converted from four to eight lanes, courtesy of Adams

Oshiomhole-led government of Edo State. They are all federal roads. Could the minister be so negligent that he does not know all these?

A word of advice for the minister. The Fiscal Responsibility Act is a law in force in Nigeria duly passed by the National Assembly to deal with public officers who defraud the nation by claiming to execute non-existent projects as was done in the past by one of his predecessors in office who claimed to have constructed the IguebenAgadaga-Ewohinmi Road which he did not. Again that road has been constructed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and is also awaiting commissioning. These days people could go to jail for that. One word is enough for the wise.

•Mr. Ojezua is Edo State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys & Housing.

60

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

Mr Adegbuyi Akintola late of Close 3, House 12, Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd August, 2007 at Lagos.

Abass Habeeb Abiola late of 15, Coast Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th August, 2011 at Lagos.

Miss. Oluchi Monica Nnolum late of Orumba South Local Government Arae, Anambra State who died intestate on the 23rd April, 2011 at Anambra State.

Ehuwa Hosea Adewale M. late of 7, New Aiyetoro Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th December, 2009 at Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Mrs. Margret Ogungbesan Adedoyin Known as Margret Ogungbesan late of 4/6, Oluwalobawase Street, Ejigbo, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th June, 2011 at Lagos.

Alli Lamidi Olanlawon late of 14, Ayinla Lawal, Bariga Lagos who died intestate on the 16th March, 2001 at Aiyepe.

Madam Adekunle Felicia Teluwo known as Teluwo Adekunle Adejoke Felicia late of 12, Odunlami Street, Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on the 8th February, 1998 at Lagos.

Samuel Mobolaji Fajaiyeyo known as Mr. Fajaiyeyo Samuel Mobolaji late of 31, Abiba Osborne Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos who died intestate on the 8th February, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Samson Bassey Ukpong known as Mr. S.B Ukpong late of 181, Railway line Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 14th July, 2010 at Lagos.

Chief Deacon Sunday Agboola Adepoju late of 7, Olukoko Road, Oke- Ado, Ogbomosho who died intestate on the 5th May, 2004 at Ogbomosho.

Igenegbale Sylvester late of Block 3, Flat 4, Jakande Estate, Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on the 24th January, 2012 at Lagos.

Olugbemle Philip late of 5, Simpson Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th July, 2010 at Lagos.

Iwuozo Basil Chukwuemeka known as Iwuozo Basil and Iwuozo B.C late of 41/45, Omotayo Soyemi Street, Mile 12 who died intestate on the 4th December, 2008 at Lagos.

Christian Emeka Awuzie late of 37, Omo Obata Street, Mile 12, Lagos who died intestate on the 3rd September, 2011 at India.

Opere Idris (Mr) late of 18, Majiwa Street, Iluba Ajangbadi, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th July, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Blessing Alabi Ihiengwu known as Alabi Blessing late of 9, Adedoyin Olatunji Street, Ijegun Road, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th July, 2011 at Ogun State.

Mr. Adenola Muraino Gbadebo late of 25, Ogidan Street, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd February, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Murisiku Adekunle Matti late of 16, Willoshby Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th November, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Anthony Okonkwo Aneke known as Aneke Anthony late of 48, Ezeagu Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th August, 2011 at Udi, Enugu State.

Mrs. Iyabo Bashorun Lawal known as Mrs. Lawal B. Iyabo late of 134 Tokunbo Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 10th May, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr. Kehinde Olabode Awosola known as Olakolu late of 18, Trust Avenue, Alli, Lagos who died intestate on the 12th October, 1997 .

Usman Ishola known as Ishola Usman late of No. 2b, Arusuka Street, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd October, 2009 at Lagos.

Felicia Osubor late of 1, Awofeso Street, Shomolu, Lagios who died intestate on the 20th November, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr. Ahmed Iyemitokhae late of 8, Jinadu Street, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 15th June, 2011 at Lagos.

Michael Muyiwa Akindele known as Akindele Michael late of 26, Fijabi Amukoko, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th January, 2010 at Lagos.

Ogbeide Festau late of Lekki Peninsular Garden Estate, Epe, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th February, 2011 at Lagos.

Stephen Chukwumezie Obi known as Obi Stephen late of 11, Giwa Street, Fadeyi, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th July, 2009 at Lagos.

Nimota Arinola Adeleye known as Adeleye Nimota late of 27, Market Street, Safejo Amukoko, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd May, 2009 at Ibadan.

Victor Segun Oseh late of 10, Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos who died intestate on the 17th February, 2011 at Lagos.

Oladipupo Lasisi late of 10A, Dakar Road, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th June, 2008 at Lagos.

Emmanuel Chibiko Abaraonye known as Abaraonye Emmanuel late of 5, John Okoh Street, Co-operative Villa, Unity Road, Maryland, Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on the 30th September, 2011 at Lagos.

Safaru Ajani Sunmonu known as Sunmonu Safaru late of 1, Aladesuru Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th February, 2000 at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mr. Aina Moshood late of 1, Aromire Street, Somolu, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd August, 2007 at Lagos.

Osunwa Pius Chukwukere known as Pius Chukwukere Osunwa late of 12, Lateef Rafiu Street, Zone 2, Ijegun Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th October, 2005 at Lagos.

Mr. Francis Ozululonye Okocha late of 90, Old Ewu Road, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th April, 2011 at Lagos.

Sunday Orieke Ukonu known as Mr. Ukonu Sunday Orieke late of 6, Adeosun Street, Abule Egba, Lagos who died intestate on the 2nd October, 2010 at Lagos.

Osakwe Emeka Lawrence known as Mr. Osakwe Emeka late of 28, Makurdi Street, Ebute Metta West, Lagos who die dintestate on the 25th October, 2011 at Lagos.

Anne Idadama Ojen Antia known as Anne Ojew Antia late of Federal Ministry of Defence , Abuja, who died intestate on the 7th May, 2011 at Abuja.

Mrs. Olufunmiso Onabule known as Onabule Funso late of 16, Obanikoro Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th March, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs. Regina Simisola Ajuyah late of 39, Ayodeji Dosunmu, G.R.A II, Ebute Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th August, 2010.

Joseph Titus late of 44, Akintan Street, Ketu, Lagos who died intestate on the 18th June, 2008 at Lagos.

Mr. Goodluck Charles Adudu late of Close 75, House 14, Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 14th November, 2005 at Lagos.

Rasaq Akande Jimoh late of 35, Owoyemi Street, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 8th April, 2011 at Lagos.

Sarumi Samsondeen Olusegun late of 15, Tapa Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th June, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Philip Eseigbe Udabor known as Mr. Udabor Philip late of 16, Transit Village, Victoria Island, Lagos who died intestate on the 31st January, 2007 at Lagos.

Philomena Abigail Edah late of 12, Taiwo Ishola Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 15th August, 2011 at Ghana.

Hilario Kayode Ramos known as Ramos Kayode late of 67, Igbosere Street, Lagos. Who died intestate on the 27th February, 2011 at Abeokuta.

Kamalu Moris Amaka late of 31, Shebiomo Street, Ajangbadi, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th January, 2006 at Lagos.

Ogbu Onyekachi late of 3B, Femi Shobowale Street, Anthony Village, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th December, 2009 at Lagos.

Oloye Nimota late of 6, Ajagun Court, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th September, 2010 at Lagos.

Mary Friday late of 4, Odunlade Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st July, 2008 at Lagos.

Lucky Odijie known as Odijie Lucky late of 20, Job Ogunbiyi Crescent, Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th November, 2007 at Lagos.

Roseline Obhere (Mrs) late of Block 34, Rabiu Thompson Crescent, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th December, 2009 at Lagos.

Ajagunna Momoh late of 6, Abeokuta Street, Anifowose, IKeja, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th July, 2011 at Lagos.

Awo Jones late of 13, Adebumoye Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 27th July, 2010 at Lagos.

Donald Eriuroro Usen late of Block 9, Flat 1, Games Village, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 13th July, 2009 at Lagos.

Dr. Francis Adekunle Olusegun Olapade known as Dr. Francis A.O Olopade late of 37, Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 26th February, 1997 at Lagos.

Mr. Michael Uche Nwokoro klnown as Mike U. Nwokoro and Nwokoro Michael late of Plot 435, NJC Quarters, F.C.D.A. Owner Occupier Kubwa, Abuja who died intestate on the 10th September, 2011 at Ibadan.

Julianah Mubo Babalola late of 1B, Awoyemi Close, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 26th August, 2001 at Lagos.

Mr. Phillip Ayodele Tayo known as Phillip Ayodele Ogunlari late of Block 463, Flat 1, Amuwo Odofin, Jakande Estate, Lagos who died intestate on the 27th May, 2006 at Lagos.

Richard Adetunji Adetule known as R.A Adetule and Richard Adetule late of House 4, Road 4, Ikota Villa Estate, Ikota, Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on 9th May, 2009 at Lagos.

Elder Johnson Ubaji Ikije Uleh late of 30, Oyebo Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 10th August, 2005 at Lagos.

Mr. Abdulraman Ibrahim Muhammed late of 7, Joseph Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th September, 2011 at Lagos.

Ajao Abiodun late of 42, Tapa Street, Ijesha, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st November, 2007 at Lagos.

Abdulahi Kolawole Abdul known as Abdulahi Kolawole Abdulkareem late of 17, Adebisi Omotola Street, Isolo, Lagos who died intestate on 23rd January, 2010 at Lagos.

Idowu Adeleye late of 13, Ijaiye Street, Sango Agege, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd June, 2010 at Lagos.

Pa. Joshua A. Dada known as Dada Joshua late of 19, Arorohunfayo Street, Mile 12, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th October, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Chinonso Reginald Ibeh known as Chinonso R. Ibe late of Plot 880, Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th October, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Nwachukwu Ndubueze Henry known as Henry Ndubueze Nwachukwu late of 134B, Mbah Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 30th April, 2011 at Lagos.

Raji Adegoke late of 15, Araromi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th September, 2009 at Ogbere IdiOsan, Ibadan.

Victor Mogbeyisheyije Enebatetseye known as Mr. Ene Victor late of 11, Sule Abereoje Street, Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate on the 22nd May, 2008 at Lagos.

Ms. Genevieve Uzoamaka Onyiuke known as G.C.M Onyiuke’s Chambers, G.U.E Peter Okoye and B.C.C Onyinke late of 1, Adeyemi Lawson Road, Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th March, 2011 at Lagos.

Abdul Rasaq Ademola Akinsanya known as Akinsanya Rasaq Ademola late of 92-94, Aina Street, Ojodu (Wilson’s place) who died intestate on 4th January, 2009 at Ijebu –Ode. Mr. Felix Anyatonwu late of 166, Alafia Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th November, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Gilbert B. Okafor late of St. Simon Anglican Church, Ichida who died intestate on the 9th June, 1999 at Onitsha.

Bogunrin Olasunkanmi late of 15, Sadiku Street, Sari Orile Iganmu, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th August, 2011 at Lagos.

Oluwanisola Olakunle Abdul late of 107b, Oyedeji Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, who died intestate on the 8th January, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr. Ayodele Olaide Adesanya known as Mr. Adesanya Ayodele and Sarafa late of 19, Amori Street, Mafoluku, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th April, 2005 at Lagos.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

G.A SAFARI (EQS.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajumoke Odesina and Mrs. Adebukola Adenuga both of 14, Adeola Adeneye Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Abass Balogun Akanni and Mrs. Rianatu Abass Both of 15, Coast Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Father and Mother of the said deceased.

Mr. Joseph Obiora Nnolum and Ndubuisi Emenike both of 5, Omowunmi Street, Ajegunle Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The younger Brother and Brother-in-law of the said deceased.

Kolawole B. Ehuwa and Oluwole J. Ehuwa both of New Aiyetoro Street, Ebute Metta East, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Kehinde Mati Taiwo Ogungbesan and Adewole Adeleile of 4/6, Oluwalobawase Street, Ejigbo and 131, Igbosere Road, Lagos Children of the said deceased.

Alli Lukman Olalekan and Alli Yahyah Olawale of 35, Inabere Street, Lagos Island and 12, Gbale Street, Ilakan Aiyepe.

The Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Ajibola Adekunle and Mr. Dele Teluwo both of 12, Odunlami Street, Shomolu, Lagos. The Son and Grand son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Victoria Titilayo Fajaiyeyo and Mrs. Motunrayo Fagbemi both of 31, Atiba Osborne Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.

The Widow and Daughter of the said deceased.

Miss. Helen Akpan, Hon. Peter Ebieta and Mrs. Stella Bassey Ukpong. The Widower. Father and Brother of the said deceased.

Mr. Silvanus Adegboyega Adepoju and Francis Adetayo Adepoju c/o Akinwunmi Kehinde & Co. 8/10, Coker Road, Ilupeju, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Joseph Igenegbale and Mr. Joel Igenegbale both of Block 3, Flat 4, Jakande Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The Brothers of the said deceased.

Victor Philip and Oluwole Philip both of 5, Simpson Street, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Uwuozo Jumoke and Uwuozo Eugene both of 41/45, Omotayo Soyemi Street, Mile 12, Lagos. The Widow and Younger brother of the said deceased.

Ifeoma Awuzie, Calistus Iwuchukwu and Ochoma Chidi Godstime all of 19, Folarin Street, Orile, Lagos. The Widow and brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs. Afusat Opere and Mr. Taofeek Opere both of 8, Mejiwa Street, Ilemba Ajangbadi, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Josephine A. Ihiengwu and MR. Christopher Osimen both of 9, Adedoyin Olatunji Street, Ijegun Road, Lagos. The Widow and Nephew of the said deceased.

Mr. Nurudeen M. Adenola, mIss Kehinde M. Adenola and Mrs. Toyin M. Adenola all of 25, Ogidan Street, Mushin, Lagos.

The Widow and Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Faosat Matti and Mr. Maruf Matti both of 9, Coker Street, Olosa, Mushin, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Blessing Anayo Aneke and Mr. Tochukwu Paul Aneke both of 48, Ezeagu Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Lookman Lawal and Ahmed Lawal both of 134, Tokunbo Street, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Awosola Omotayo, Awosola Olajide and Awosola Olanrewaju all of 18, Toost Avenue, Alli, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Aminat Ishola and Ibrahim Sadu both of 52, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos. One of the Children and Brother of the said deceased.

Azubuike Osubor and Emmanuel Nwaojei both of 1, Awofeso Street, Shomolu, Lagos. The Brother and Cousin of the said deceased.

Mrs. Sefiatu Ibili and Taibat Iyemtfokhae both of 8, Jinadu Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Olusola Eyitope Akindele and Olufunke Ojo of 26, Fijabi Amukoko, Lagos and 20, Taiwo Street, Orilowo , Ejigbo, Lagos. The Widow and Sister of the said deceased.

Ogbaide Esemude and Ogbeide Omoruwa both of Lekki Peninsullar Garden Estate, Epe, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Edna Nkemjika Obi and Chief Christian Obi of 11, Giwa Street, Fadeyi and 59, Brickfield Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos. The Widow and Brother of the said deceased.

Makanjuola R. Adeleye and Adunola Z. Adeleye both of 27, Market Street, Safejo Amukoko, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Eunice Oremeji Osah and Mr. Yekini Mayaki of 10, Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos and 31, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Widow and Uncle of the said deceased.

Oladipupo Wasiu Olabisi and Mrs. Aminu Feyisayo both of Ipose Estate Magbon Badagry Expressway, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Evelyn Adaku Abaraonye and Emmanuel Nnana Abaraonye both of 5, John Okoh Street, Co-operative Villa, Unity Road, Maryland, Ajah, Lagos. The Widow and Son of the said deceased.

Ekundayo Mujaid Sunmonu and Zodiru Abiola Sunmonu both of 1, Aladesuru Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Safiriu O. Aina and Muratu O. Ain both of 68, Bajulaiye Road, Shomolu, Lagos Siblings of the said deceased.

Chiedozie Osunwa and Sunday Osunwa both of 12, Lateef Rafiu Street, Zone 2, Ijegun Satellite Town, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ngozi Mary Okocha, Mr. Austin Awale Okocha and Mr. Patrick Chukwuke Okocha all of 90, Old Ewu Road, Mafoluku Oshodi, lagos. The Widow and Children of the said deceased.

Happiness Orieke Ukonu and Eye Kalu Ukonu of 6, Adeogun Street, Abule Egba, Lagos and 20, Ifelodun Street, Abule Egba, Lagos. The Widow and Brother of the said deceased.

Osakwe Isaac and Osakwe Charles both of 28, Makurdi Street, Ebute Metta West, Lagos. The Father and Brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Victoria Aghoghovbia and Mr. Jacob Ehema Ojen both of 5th Avenue, E 1, Close Block 2, Flat 13, Festac, Lagos. The Sister and Brother of the said deceased.

Babatunji Onabule and Babafemi Onabule both of 87, Epe Lane, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. Sons of the said deceased.

Kerry Ajuyah and Alex Ajuyah both of 59, Ayodeji Dosunmu Ebute Ikorodu, Lagos. The Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Rosemary Titus and Amaka Titus both of 44, Akintan Street, Ketu, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Susan Adudu and Miss. Patience Adudu both of Close 75, House 14, Satellite Town, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Tijani Olumide Ahmed and Jamiu Olatunji Jimoh both of 35, Owoyemi Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Sarumi Sheriff Olatunji and Sarumi Taibat Olasumbo both of 15, Tapa Street, Ebute, Metta East, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Edwina Enorese Udabor, Miss. Ivei Obaiwi Udabor and Ebosale Udabor all of 16, Transit Village, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Widow and Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Onome Desalu, Okeremute Edah and Ogheneovo Edah all of 12, Taiwo Ishola Street, Lagos. Three of the Children of the said deceased.

Adetokunbo Ramos and Ademuyiwa Ramos both of 5th Avenue, T Close, House 19, Festac Town, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Stella Maris Raji and George Nnadi of 75, Kirikiri Road, Olodi Apapa and 6, Akinsanya Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

The younger sister and brother of the said deceased.

Ogbonna Chinedu and Ogbu Chijioke both of 5, Adazienu Close, Alafia Orile. The Cousin and Brother of the said deceased.

Oloye Aurat Nike, Oloye Sodiq Oyebisi and Oloye Muheez Oyeyemi all of 4, Ajagun Court, Epetedo Area, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Angela Umanah, Victor K. Umamah and Isaac Umon Friday all of 8, Akinbido Street, Itire, Lagos. The Sister and Brothers of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Odijie and Alex Odijie both of 20, Job Ogunbiyi Street, Ojo, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Lucky Obhere and Enis Obhere both of 3, Oluwatoyin Street, Makoko, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Toyin Momoh Ajugunna and Funke Momoh Ajagunna both of 6, Abeokuta Street, Anifowose, Ikeja, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Esther Awo Jones and Mr. Imeh Etim both of 13, Adebumoye Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The Widow and Cousin of the said deceased.

Mrs. Elizabeth Eno Usen and Mr. Emmanuel O. Usen both of Flat 1, Games Village, Surulere, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Catherine Olopade, Mrs. Rebecca A. Adeola and Dr. Francis A. Olopade all of 37, Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos. The Widow and Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Patience Ndidi Nwokoro and Master Michael Nwapali Nwokoro both of Plot 45, NJC Quarters, FCDA Owners Occupier Kubwa, Abuja. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Stephen O. Babalola, Mrs. Olabimpe Kehinde, Olabode Babalola and Oluwasegun Babalola. The Widow and Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bosede E. Adeleke and Miss. Oluwatosin Tayo both of Block 463, Flat 1, Amuwo Odofin, low Cost Housing Estate.

The Daughters of the said deceased.

Rufus Oyelade Adetule and Mr. Femi Benson Adetule both of House 4, Road 4, Ikota Villa Estate, Ikota, Lekki, Lagos. The father and Brother of the said deceased.

Alexander Uleh and Augustine Chukwuemeka Uleh both of 30, Oyebo Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. One of the Children and Grandson of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ramotu Ibrahim Abdulraman and Mr. Isiaka Musa Abdulraman both of 2, Joseph Street, Lagos. The Widow and Brother of the said deceased.

Chioma Roberts and Blessing Abiodun of 3, Oyediran Street, Ijesha and 42, Tapa Street, Lagos. The Widow and Cousin of the said deceased.

Mrs. Kudirat Abdulkareem and Mrs. Olabisi Alabi both of 17, Adebisi Omotola Street, Isolo, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Kareem Adeleye and Mr. Tajudeen Ayilara both of 13, Ijaiye Street, Sango Agege, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Pastor Rufus Dada, Mr. Olanrewaju Dada and Mr. Oloruntoba Dada all of 19, Arorohuntayo Mile 12, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Chizoba Ibeh and Mr. Samuel Ogu both of Plot 880, Aboyade Colse Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Widow and Brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Nwachukwu Grace, Nwachukwu Tina and Nwachukwu Ifeanyi of 134 B, Mbah Street, Ajegunle, Apapa and 18, Odunjo Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos. The Widow, One of the Children and Sister of the said deceased.

Raji Mojeed Akinkunmi and Dare Samuel both of 15, Araromi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos. The one of the Children and Brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Rosemary Enebatetseye and Roli Iyonsi both of 11, Sule Abereoje Ikotun, Lagos. The Widow and Mother of the said deceased.

Dr. H.C.J Onyiuke and Mrs. Henrietta Onyiuke Azih both of 1, Adeyemi Lawson Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The brother and Sister of the said deceased.

Mrs. Titilola A. Akinsanya and Mr. Adedapo A. Akinsanya both of 92-94, Aina Street, Ojodu 9Wilson’s Place). The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bertha Anyatonwu and Blessing Ogbonna both of 166, Alafia Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Chukwuma D. Okafor and Obiageli C. Okafor both of 54, Offin Road, Lagos Island, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bogunrin Funmilayo and Bamidele Maryam Morenike both of 5, Perdo Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. The Widow and Sister of the said deceased.

Olakunle Azeez, Olakunle Ahmed and Olakunle Sarafa all of 107B, Oyedeji Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Roseline Oluremi Adesanya, Miss. Adeola O. Adesanya and Mr. Adetola Adesanya all of Amori Street, Mofoluku, Lagos.

The Widow and Two of the Children of the said deceased.

61

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

Mr. Enock O. Onabamiji late of 7, Pipeline Road, Ikotun, Lagos who died intestate on 20th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Samuel Akindele Faparusi Known as Samuel Faparusi late of 3, Adegbuyi Street, Ladylak Bariga- Akoka, Lagos who died intestate on 9th September, 2008 at Lagos.

Illoakanam John late of 17, Oluwole Baker Street, Ajah Lagos, who died intestate on 23rd day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Olujobi Shade Adepeju late of 10, Peaceland Street, Obale-Ero Lagos who died intestate on 3rd October, 2009 at Lagos.

Nkechi Oguejiofor (Nee Eze) known as Nkechi Eze late of 202 Road Block 6, Flat 22 Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 19th November, 2011 at Lagos.

Ekong Elizabeth Olayinka known as Pedro Ekong Elizabeth Olayinka and Olayinka Elizabeth Ekong late of 5, Ashafa Street, Olodi – Apapa Lagos who died intestate on 29th October, 2011 at Lagos.

Adigun Sunday Adebayo late of 18, Bankole Street, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd December, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr. Sunday Arthur known as Ntuk late of 38, Emodi Street, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 10th October, 2007 at Akwa Ibom State.

Maleek Andah Mojeed known as Maleek A. Majeed late of 44, Fashola Street, Agege, Lagos who died intestate on 13th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs. Alice Olorunranti Adegorite late of 3, Oremeji Street, Ojodu, Lagos who died intestate on 10th August, 2010 at Lagos.

Segun Adeyemi late of 22, Dele Oyetolu Street, Ilaje Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on 15th August, 2011 at Lagos.

Ibekendu Nonye late of 41, Ofokaine Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo, Lagos, who died intestate on the 17th November, 2009 at Lagos.

Ufuah Solomon late of 12 Akanbi Saliu Street, Igando, Lagos who died intestate on 15th January, 2011 at Lagos.

Bashiru Aloba Alimi known as Alhaji Bashiru Alimi Aloba late of 55, Temidire Street, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, who died intestate on 6th August, 2010 at Lagos.

Engr Geoffrey Chinonyerem Eruba late of 38, Godwin Way, Ire- Akari Estate Isolo, Lagos who died intestate on 1st January, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Patricia Okeke late of 9, Tex Oluwole Crescent Olodi-Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 19th May, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs. Onanuga Jumoke late of 30, Temidire Street, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 20th February, 2011 at Lagos.

Okpalla Chijioke Eric late of 73, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 5th June, 2011 at Lagos.

Lawrence Ibrahim late of 69, Agbor Jideh House, Lagos, who died intestate on 27th August, 2011 at Edo State.

Moses Aikhadelo known as Aikhadelo Mose Lanre late of 29, Nipost Quarters Marine Beach, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on 20th June, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs. Agnes Iyambe known as Mrs Iyambe Agnes late of 3, Fayomi Close Orile –Owo Ejigbo who died intestate on 17th March, 2012 at Lagos.

Chukwuemeka Nelly known as Nnenna and Nelly Chukwuemeka late of 15, Fatiregun Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on 23rd January, 2012 at Ore – Benin Express Way. Mrs. Adoh Bridget late of 19B, New Road Street, Satellite Town, Lagos, who died intestate on 27th April, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Tajudeen Ayinde Iyanda known as Iyanda Tajudeen Ayinde late of 3, Lamidi Raji Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, who died intestate on 9th January, 2011 at Lagos.

Andrea Otoh late of House 6 B Road A4 Carlton Gate Estate Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on 16th October, 2009 at Lagos.

Olubunmi Julius Rotimi late of 10, Adeyemi Street, off Itoga Road Badagry, Lagos who died intestate on 30th July, 2008 at Badagry.

Mr. Togbeola Joseph Adewale late of Life Camp, Abuja who died intestate on 26th July, 2011 at Abuja.

Alhaji Jimoh O. Shokunbi known as Ayinla Olusoji late of 7, Oluasiteso Close, Onike Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd October, 2011 at Lagos.

Oladipo Adebiyi Akinsemoyin known as Akinsemoyin Oladipo late of 9, Yesufu Tadeyo Street, Lagos who died intestate on 21st May, 1991 at Lagos.

Rebecca Dagbovie known as Rebecca Odubu Dagbovie late of Block 470, Flat 6, Jakande Low Cost Housing Estate, Lagos, who died intestate on 7th October, 2008 at Lagos.

Mr. Chukwuemeka Egesionu late of 21, Kolapera Street, Isolo Ejigbo, Lagos who died intestate on 24th November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs. Felicia Oghoghozino Ohworakpo known as Ohworakpo Oghoghozino Felicia late of Behind Halleluyah Church Eroko Ibafo who died intestate on 2nd September, 2009 at Lagos – Sagamu Express Way. Cecilia Ugenyi known as Ugenyi Cecilia late of 11B, Adegbenro Street, Lagos who died intestate on 26th October, 1997 at Lagos.

Edeani Felix late of 56, Olushi Street, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd March, 2011 at Lagos.

Cordelia Eze known as Eze Cordelia late of 2, Oluyeye Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos who died intestate on 17th October, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs. Esther Nwugo Onyekigwe known as Mrs. Esther Onyekigwe late of 98 Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Lagos who died intestate on 21st December, 2011 at Lagos.

Tongo Lucky late of 1, White House Magbon Badagry Express Way, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd December, 2011 at Badagry.

Mr. Taofeek Alani Ogunrinola known as Mr. Taofeek Alani Ogunrin late of 4, Oluwatoyin Street, Ijaiye Ogba, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd April, 2011 at Lagos.

Ndubuisi Asiegbu known as Asiegbu Ndubuisi Stephen and Asiegbu N. Stephen late of 60, Sanusi Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 4th October, 2009 at Lagos.

Madam Cecilia Campbell known as Campbell Cecilia late of 52, Enitan Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 26th September, 2006 at Lagos.

Paulinus E. Dara late of 5, Idumagbo Street, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on 26th February, 2010 at Lagos.

Samuel Aderinto Ogundele known as Ogundele Aderinto late of 4A, Olokodana Street, Alaba, Lagos who died intestate on 10th February, 2007 at Lagos.

Mr. Kingsley Coco Bassey known as Coco Bassey Kingsley late of Road 6, Block 36, Flat 8, Navy Town, Lagos who died intestate on 14th December, 2011 at Isua – Akoko Ondo State.

Mrs. Mojisola Alaba Taylor late of 2, Bola Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd August, 2011 at Lagos.

James Ogunniyi late of Araromi Iludo Badagry who died intestate on 20th November, 2010 at Badagry, Lagos.

Komolafe Jonathan Ogunniyi late of 155/157, Old Ojo Road Agboju Amuwo, Lagos who died intestate on 13th November, 2010 at Ogun State.

Helen Adeniyi (Mrs) late of 5, Orisan Street, Hana Ajangbadi, Lagos who died intestate on 4th June, 2010 at Lagos.

Olukayode Babatunde Fafunwa late of 40, Olusoga Street, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on 29th January, 2006 at Lagos.

Gabriel Ofulue Enuma late of 89, Kekere – Owo Street, Lagos who died intestate on 6th May, 2011 at Lagos. .

Pastor Ayotunde Oladipupo Odusanya known as Peter Odusanya Ayotunde late of 13/15, Fadu Avenue Ejigbo, Lagos who died intestate on 5th February, 2011 at Lagos.

Slyvanus Jacob Ifon known as Sylvanus Ifon late of 16, Ogunsanmi Street, Ijesha Road Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on 6th June, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr. Patrick Idoko late of 17, Olokodana Street, Bariga, Lagos who died intestate on 10th April, 2011 at Lagos.

Igwe Paul Maduka known as Chief Igwe Paul late ofr 40, Adeshola Oshikoya Street, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 19th May, 2010 at Umuahia.

Bassey Okon Inuk late of 10, Ijegun Kusimi Street, Ijegun, Lagos who died intestate on 20th January, 2004 at Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

Adekunle Joshua late of 60, Oshogbo Street, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on 27th July, 2010 at Lagos.

Yussuf Kuje late of Tarkwa – Bay Eti Osa, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd April, 2007 at Lagos.

Oyedokun Sunday Abiodun late of 7, Alao Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd March, 2008 at Lagos.

Samuel Chukwuma Edeh late of 12, Belo Alaka Street, Okokomaiko, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd December, 2011 at Lagos.

Dr. Adefuyi Dekalu – Thomas known as Dr. Dekalu – Thomas Adefuyi late of 8, Osanyin Street, Alagomeji Yaba, Lagos who died intestate on 14th June, 2002 at Lagos.

OkedeyiOluwatoyi late of NPA HQ Staff Co – Operative and Multipurpose Housing Estate Phase 1, Maye Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 28th May, 2010 at Abuja.

Mr, Ogunsola Tijani Osunyomi late of Ipokia Oke-Yara Compound Ipokia, Osun State who died intestate on 15th August, 2011 at Osun State.

Bassey Otu Agbor known as Otu Agbor Bassey late of 82, Oke Anu Street, Ikotun, Idimu, Lagos who died intestate on 15th May, 2012 at Lagos.

Michael Adeleke Adedayo late of 11, Abike Street, Lekki, Phase 1, Lagos who died intestate on 4th March, 2008 at Lagos.

Mr. Kadiri Yusuf late of 34, Alexander Avenue Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on 8th October, 2008 at Lagos.

Sanunu Adebayo Sokunbi late of 12, Oyebola Street, Abule – Egba, Lagos, who died intestate on 25th January, 2011 at U.S.A. Mathew Onyemechi Maduagwu late of 41, Shokunbi Street, Kirikiri Town, Lagos who died intestate on 24th November, 2008 at Lagos.

Kailash Chaturvedi known as chaturvediKailash late of 7, Adeola Adeleye Street, Ilupeju Lagos who died intestate on 7th January,2011 at Lagos.

Ovbiaghotu Faith Esiri known as Ovbighotu Esiri Faith late of 15, Rufai Street, Ajegunle – A papa Lagos who died intestate on 28th January, 2011 at Lagos.

Areo Adebayo late of 14, Koilo Street, Lagos Island, Lagos who died intestate on 2nd June, 2011 at Lagos.

Chief Joseph Ogbonna Iwuala late of 5, Chidi Street, Oko- Baba Sule Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on 9th April, 2010 at Lagos.

Blessing Dominic known as Dominic Blessing late of 22, James Street, Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on 5th December, 2011 at Akwa Ibom State.

Jacob Elu known as Elu Jacob late of Staff House Marina, Lagos who died intestate on 7th August, 2001 at Lagos.

Martins Oriahi Ogboi late of 27, Agbado Road Iju Ishaga Lagos who died intestate on 17th day of November, 2010 at Texas.

Usungurua Nseobong Patience late of Camp 5, Block 7, Room 2 Ojo Barracks Lagos who died intestate on 19th July, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr. Emenike Brown Nwagboso known as Mr. Nwagbose Emenike late of Federal College of Fisheries and MarineTech Victoria Island Lagos who died intestate on 9th May, 2011 at Lagos.

Joseph Kolawole Davies known as Davies Joseph Kolawole late of 2/4, Davies Avenue Mase Bus Stop Igberigbe Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 4th January,2009 at Lagos.

Mrs. Juliet Orah known as Orah Juliet late of 96, Owodunni Street, Coker, Lagos who died intestate on 3rd April, 2012 at Lagos.

Pa. Samuel Akanbi Adelanwa known as Adelanwa Samuel late of 22, Alubarika Street, Bariga, Lagos who died intestate on 18th September, 2011 at Lagos.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs. Grace Onabamiji and Mr. Timon Onabamiji both of 7, Pipeline Road, Ikotun Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Omowunmi Faparusi and Mr. Michael Faparusi both of 3, Adegbuyi Street, Ladilak Bariga, Lagos. The widow and son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Constance O. Illoakanam and Arc Alexander C. Illoakanam both of 17, Oluwole Baker Street, Ajah Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mr. John Olubobola Ibikunle and Abosede Ibikunle both of 10, Peace Land Street, Abule Ero Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Samuel Oguejiofor and Ebere Kenechukwu of 202 Road Block, 6, Flat 22 Festac and 33, Oladeinde Street, Aguda, Lagos The widower and sister of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mary Oyewunmi Pedro and Olabode Pedro both of 5, Ashafa Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The mother and brother of the said deceased.

Mr. Babatunde Adigun and Oluwaponmile Adigun of 18, Adi – Ape Ikota Brige and 20, Niger Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Ekaete Arthur Hope and Imaobong Sunday Arthur both of 38, Emodi Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The widow and Daughter of the said deceased.

Mariam Majeed and Ismaila Yahaya both of 44, Fashola Street, Agege, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Adenike Adenuga and Mrs. Bababoni Bukky both of 63, Mushin Raod, Isolo, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Oluwunmi Adeyemi and Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi both of 22, Dele Oyetolu Street, Ilaje Ojo, Lagos. The widows of the said deceased.

Ibekendu Martins and Cletus Ojiakor of 41, Ofokaine Street, Ago – Palace Way, Okota Isolo, Lagos and 12, Ibukun Oluwa Street, Okokomaiko Lagos. The widower and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Patience Ufuah and Bright Ufuah both of 12, Akanbi Saliu Street, Igando, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Aloba, Miss Kudirat Aloba and Miss Morufat Aloba all of 55, Temidire Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Florence Eruba. Barr Emeka Eruba and Light Eruba all of 38, Godwin Way, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos. The widow and two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Callistus Okeke, Mr. Ikechukwu Collins Okeke and Miss Chika Juliet Okeke all of 9, Teju Oluwole Crescent, OlodiApapa, Lagos. The widower and two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Abosede Adansoede and Miss Onanuga Tosin both of 30, Temidire Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

Okpalla Okeoma Emmanuel and Okpalla Amaka Sandra both of 73, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos. The siblings of the said deceased.

Mrs. Francisca L. Ibrahim and Agbara Prince H. Ibrahim Oyobu both of 59, Jidah House, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

Julie Aikhadelo and Festus Aikhadelo both of 29, Nipost Quarter Marine Road Apapa, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

Ogar Godwin James and Ogar Moses James both of 3, Fayemi Close, Orile Oke, Ejigbo, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Odeh Chukwuemeka and Okaoro Godspower of 15, Fatiregun Street, Ebute-Metta and 41, Iya Agan Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. The widower and brother of the said deceased.

Mr.Azuka Adoh and Miss Omenogor Adoh both of 19B, New road, Satellite Town, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr. Rasaq O. Iyanda and Mr. Ahmed O. Iyanda both of 3, Lamidi Raji Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos. The siblings of the said deceased.

Dr. Daniel O. Otoh and Mrs. Martha Adama Francis both of House 6, B Road, Carlton Gate Estate Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos. The widower and sister of the said deceased.

Mrs. Olubunmi Olayinka and Miss Olubunmi Omolade both of 10, Adeyemi Street, Off Itoga Road, Badagry, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Togbeola A. Oladele and Togbeola Oluwatoyin of 22, Olaitan Street, Ibereko Badagry, and 37, Kogbebere Street, Isolo, Lagos. One of the children and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Fausat O. Badmos and Mrs. Nimota O. Arikawe both of 7, Oluositeso Close Onike, Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

Oyeladun Akinsemoyin and Oyelayo Akinsemoyin of 19, Broad Street, Lagos and 7, Glover Street, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Samuel O. Odubu and Gilbert U. Odubu both of 470, Jakande L.C.H. Estate, Isolo, Lagos. The brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs. Nnena Egesionu and Livinus Egesionu both of Tijani Salako Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

Mr. Reuben Ohworakpo and Owomazino Ohworakpo both of 71/73 Ikosi Road, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos. The widower and daughter of the said deceased.

Jude Ugenyi and Christopher Ugenyi both of 12, Olowu Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Promise Edeani and Mr. Onyekachi Edeani both of 56, Olushi Street, Tinubu, Lagos. The widow and son of the said deceased.

Ijeoma Eze, Chinyere Eze and Ikechukwu Eze all of 2, Oluyeye Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos. The two sisters and brother of the said deceased.

Simon O. Onyekigwe and Kelechi S. Onyekigwe both of 98 Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Lagos. The widower and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Cecilia Oka Lucky and Mrs. Happy Lucky Tongo both of No. 1, White House Magbon Badagry Express Way, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Rufus Ogunrinola, Sheriff Ogunrinola, Rafiat Ogunrinola and Safiat Ogunrinola all of 4, Oluwatoyin Street, Ijaiye Ogba, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Florence Onyekaozuru Asiegbu and Miss Chinaenyenwa Glory Asiegbu both of 60, Sanusi Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Oluwole Campbell and Toyin Campbell-Obe both of 52, Enitan Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Nathaniel J. A. Benedict and Emmanuella O. Dara both of 27, Araromi Street, Onike, Yaba, Lagos. One of the children and younger sister of the said deceased.

Emmanuel A. Makanjuola and Mrs. Oluwatoyin E. Oladipupo of 4A, Olokodana Street, Alaba, Lagos and 110 Odetunde Street, Fagba, Lagos.

The daughter and younger brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Marian A. Coco Bassey and Mrs. Rose E. Ojim of Road 6. Block 36, Flat 8, Navy Town, Lagos and 209 Road, A Close Festac Town, Lagos.

The widow and in-law of the said deceased.

Mr. Babatunde Olaremi Taylor and Mr.Olugbenga Bolaji Taylor both of 24, Adetoun Adebayo Street, Sholuyi Gbagada, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Jacob Ogunniyi and Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunniyi of 3, Akinmolayan Close, Orile Iganmu, Lagos and 24, Matiminu Street, Ijora-Badia, Lagos. The father and In- law of the said deceased.

Deaconess Beatrice A. Komolafe and Mr. Jossy O. Komolafe both of 155/157, Old Ojo Road, Agboju Amuwo ,Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Patrick Onajite Ighive and James Ighive of 3, Wilmoh Paint off Ahmadu Bello Victoria Island, Lagos and 4, Akinbo Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

Brothers of the said deceased.

Adegoke Ibironke Popoola of 40, Olusoga Street, Mushin, Lagos. The only surviving child of the said deceased.

Mrs. Chinwe Enuma and Mrs. Patience Ebirimoni of 89, Kekere Owo Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos and 15, Coker Compound, Coker Orile, Lagos.

The widow and sister of the said deceased.

Funmilola Beatric Odusanya and Anuoluwapo Oluwaseun Odusanya both of 13/15 Fadu Avenue Ejigbo, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Patience Ifon and Godwin Ifon both of 16, Ogunsami Street, Ijesha Road, Lagos. The widow and son of the said deceased.

Mr. Patrick Ogwuche and Mr. Clement Idoko both of 17, Olokodana Street, Bariga, Lagos. The father and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Comfort Nwando Igwe and Chukwuka Kelechi Igwe both of 40, Adeshola Oshikoya Street, Ikorodu, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Essien Okon Inuk and Eno Essien Inuk both of 10, Ijegun Kusimi Street, Ijegun, Lagos. The brothers of the said deceased.

Ruth Sijuwole Adekunle and Lanre Adekunle both of 60, Oshogbo Street, Itire, Surulere, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mohammed Umar of Tarkwa Bay Eti- Osa L.G.A. Lagos. The uncle of the said deceased.

Oyedokun David Oluwole and Oyedokun Foluke (Mrs) both of Plot 60, Block 448, Laye Adebowale Street, Aboru, Lagos. The brother and mother of the said deceased.

Oluchi Edeh and Osita Edeh both of No. 12, Belo Alaka Street, Okokomaiko Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ajibabi Jolaoso, Mr. Babatunde Jolaoso and Mrs. Moronke Sowemimo all of 35/19 Fola Agoro Street, Yaba, Lagos. The sister, nephew and niece of the said deceased.

Mr. Okedeji Taiwo and Mr. Femi Lambo of NPA HQ Staff Co-operative and Multipurpose Housing Estate Phase 1, Maya Ikorodu and 5. Awobo Estate Igbogbo, Lagos. The widower and brother of the said deceased.

Mr. Taofeek Ogunsola Osunyomi and Mr. Jamiu Ogunsola Osunyomi both of 8, Bello Ajara Street, Aluminium Village Dopemu, Lagos. The two children of the said deceased.

Bassey Christiopher Agbor and Bassey Sandra Agbor both of 82, Oke-Anu Street, Ikotun Idimu, Lagos. Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Modupe Ola Adedayo and Henry Olatunde Adedayo both of 11, Abike Sulaiman Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Toyin Yusuf and Mr. Sulaiman Yusuf both of 1, Muse Street, Ikotun, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mujidatu Sokunbi and Miss Risikatu Abiola Sokunbi both of 12, Oyebola Street, Abule-Egba, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Patricia Maduagwu and Mr. Benjamin Osehenye Maduagwu both of 41, Shokunbi Street, Kirikiri Town, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Sunita Chaturvedi and Mr. Saurabh Chaturvedi both of 7, Adeola Adeleye Street, Ilupeju, Lagos. The widow and son of the said deceased.

Ovbighotu Sussana and Ovbighotu Esther bother of 15, Rufai Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. The sisters of the said deceased.

Areo Oluyemisi and Areo Nathaniel both of 14, Koilo Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. The widow and brother of the said deceased.

Ikechukwu Iwuala and Edwin Iwuala both of 5, Chidi Street, Oko Baba Sule Ajegunle, Lagos. The children of the said deceased.

Faith Dominic and Kusua Dominic both of 7B, Olaogun Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos. Brothers of the said deceased.

Lawrence J. Elu of 269B Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The only surviving son of the said deceased.

Vincent Taiye Ogboi and Sylvester Kehinde Ogboi both of 27, Agbado Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Usungurua Augustine Vincent and Rev (Dr) Christian Usungurua both of Brazillian Quarters Block 7, Flat 2, Ojo Military Cantonment Ojo, Lagos. The son and uncle of the said deceased.

Nnenna Nwagboso and Helen Uzoma Nwagboso of Fed. College of Fisheries & Marine Tech Victoria Island, Lagos and 322 Road D Close, Block 1, Flat 12, Festac Town, Lagos. The widower and brother of the said deceased.

Mrs. Florence I. Davies and Mr. Oluwadamilare E. Davies both of 2/4 Davies Avenue, Mase Bus Stop, Igberigbe Ikorodu, Lagos. The widow and one of the children of the said deceased.

Augustine Orah and Okwudili Onwughilu both of 96, Owudunni Street, Coker, Lagos. The widower and Elder brother of the said deceased.

Mr. Abiodun Adelanwa and Mr. Olanrewaju Adelanwa of 1, Oremeta Street, Ikorodu, and 102, Borigo Way Ebute –Metta, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (EQS.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

62

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-6-12

Operators seek tax incentives for firms PERATORS at the Nigerian capital market have called on the Federal Government to give tax incentives to quoted companies as a way of deepening the market and encouraging more listings.

Speaking at his investiture ceremony in Lagos last Friday, the new President/ Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Alhaji Ariyo Olushekun, said that tax incentives would make listed companies to remain quoted, while new ones would be encouraged to access the market.

“Tax incentives involving company tax should be applied to quoted companies while valued added tax (VAT) and withholding tax should be eliminated or significantly reduced for market transaction. Stamp duty, I dare say, is no longer relevant and thus should be eliminated,” he said.

He added that in order to revive the capital market, interest rates should also be managed very well, outstanding margin debts issues should be resolved and investor education intensified.

According to him, the current high interest rates regime is harmful to productive activities and is equally

O

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

affecting the patronage of the capital market.

He said: “High interest rates impair ability of business to launch new projects and products, reduce profitability of companies(quoted and unquoted), threaten loan repayment by borrowers and drive fund away from active entrepreneurship to passive investment in risk free government securities.”

The CIS boss noted that if gilt-edge and tax-free government bonds can yield excess of 15 per cent in an economy with 12 per cent inflation rate, risk-averse investment practice will be the order of the day.

“Hence, it will be difficult for the capital market with a recent history of depression to play its role of pooling savings for developmental purposes,” he declared.

Olushekun reiterated brokers’ call for the establishment of a stabilisation fund , saying it would fast-track the revival of the market.

He explained that similar to the quantitative easing being implemented in some developed economies, it is essential that Asset Management Corporation of Nige-

ria (AMCON) or any special body was empowered to intervene in the market by purchasing and warehousing undervalued securities with strong fundamentals.

“These can subsequently been sold at a profit in systematic and orderly manner.

This matter is crucial as domestic investors have abandoned the market having lost money in recent past. If we cannot bring them back, quickly enough, we should not leave the market at the mercy of foreign portfolio investors who have more options available to them and can quickly bring volatility to the market from their country’s allocation actions,” he said.

The CIS president assured that the Institute was ready to cooperate with other market institutions to restore the Nigerian capital market to its glorious days.

Meanwhile, the immediate past president, Mr. Mike Itegboje, commended the stockbrokers for their support during his tenure from 2010 to 2012 and called for a similar support for the new president.

According to him, during his tenure, CIS recorded some achievements. These included insurance policy for members, new educational programmes, award of excellence to quoted companies, registrars that stockbrokers interface and interact with, revival of annual dinner/ awards and improved package of remuneration for staff members.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-6-12

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012

63

SPORT EXTRA AFCON QUALIFIER

Eagles gun for early goals •Keshi drills players on free-kicks, penalty shoot-out

T

HE Super Eagles will go in search of an early goal in today’s second leg African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Calabar NationSport can exclusively confirm.

Relying on what outplayed at the team’s last training session on Friday, the team’s technical crew supervised by the Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi worked on basic football technique and tactics with the ‘Big Boss’ giving specific instruction to his wards on the need to initiate goalbound moves from the defence to the opponents vital area under 10 seconds . A routine that will see the ball at the back of the

By Tunde Liadi and Uchenna Ajah in Calabar net if well executed.

Interestingly, the players carried out the task without complaints but were unable to meet up the said target for most part of the session even though Keshi was pleased with their overrall performance.

During the session, Sunshine Stars’ Izu Azuka hit target several times when he was presented with opportunities to do so, while Victor Moses, John Utaka, Uche Kalu and few others were also outstanding.

Keshi , also used the session to see how good his players can

handle dead ball situations.

Indeed, the trio of Godfrey Oboabona and Uche Kalu and Ejike Uzoenyi showed brilliance with well executed kicks that sailed over the defence wall into the net.

Abdullahi justifies Saintfiet's axe

N

IGERIA sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi has shed light on the policy that revoked the appointment of Tom Saintfiet as the nation's technical director.

Saintfiet was named technical director in March by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but is yet to sign the four-year contract as he has been unable to secure a work permit.

But Abdullahi, who is also the National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman, said the policy of the Nigerian government frowns at employing "a foreigner for a job that a Nigerian is capable of doing."

"As the custodian of sports, I have to take decisions that will bring all round growth to the sector. This is not an issue that should be blown out of proportion because there's a policy that engenders local content. It is not only in sports that this policy is affecting same goes for agriculture and other sectors. We can't employ a foreigner for positions in which we have people with

JONATHAN TO EAGLES

Win for Dana plane crash victims

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has charged members of the Super Eagles to record an emphatic victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi in today’s 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in order to restore happiness back to Nigerians.

The Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the President at the Eagles’ Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel base in Calabar Friday, admitted that only an outright win over the Rwandans was the best way

Police chief assures fans of maximum security

S

•Vincent Enyeama

good enough knowledge to fill.

"And we shouldn't confuse the role of a technical director with that of a technical adviser. They are two different roles. I'm glad that steps are being taken to ensure that this issue is put to bed," said the minister in a statement.

NIGERIA VERSUS RWANDA

UPER EAGLES’ Chief Security Officer(CSO) ACP Gideon Akinsola who also doubles as the Coordinator of security at match venues in the country has assured football fans and other stakeholders that all security arrangements have been concluded ahead of today’s 2013 African Cup of Nations Qualifier between Nigeria and Rwanda at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

ACP Akinsola told NationSport that persons with violence tendencies run the risk of being caught by the eagled-eye security personnel designated at different points around the match venue. “ If there is no guarantee to the security of match officials and the teams involved a particular match FIFA and CAF will not allow that match to go ahead. To God be the glory, we have tried our best to ensure that all the stakeholders of football at match venues enjoy themselves and feel virtually at home in all our matches.

“The NFF Security Committee has met with the local Organising Committe

Also, some of the players took active part in penalty sessions but at the end, Victor Moses’ kick emerged the pick of the pack although Godfrey Oboabona, Uche Kalu and few others converted theirs.

By Tunde Liadi and Uchenna Ajah in Calabar here and I can assure you that all that we have put in place is to ensure a hitch free safe event tonight for all the stakeholders. Even though I may not like to divulge the figure we have available for security reasons but I can tell you that we have put in place adequate security arrangement for , during and after the match. We want all the stakeholders to cooperate with the security arrangements and ensure that they have something tangible to identify them and especially an entry pass duly stamped by the LOC. “You are not allowed to come in with bottled water or any other instruments of violence because match venues are meant for entertaiment and friendship.

It is not a place that people fight or create enmity all these we do not want but we want people to come in and cheer up the Super Eagles but must fulfill all the requirements before being allowed in,” ACP Akinsola disclosed.

By Tunde Liadi and Uchenna Ajah in Calabar the squad can give back to the victims of Dana Plane crash which occurred same day Nigeria defeated Namibia 10 in Calabar in a World Cup qualifier.

He said: “The boys should just go and win this match. We know that if we win this match

we have crossed a major hurdle. The last time we won was a day the Dana Plane crashed in Lagos and if we win tomorrow (today) we would have returned to a very large extent, the happiness in the minds of Nigerians. The message from the Federal Government to (The Super Eagles) is to make Nigerians happy tomorrow (today).”

Warri Relays: Uduaghan redeems $20,000 promise to athletes

D

ELTA STATE Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday redeemed his $20,000 promise to the winners of the male and female 4x100m relay events of the Warri Relays/CAA Grand Prix.

Nigeria’s male and female teams won both sprint relays.

Ogho Oghene Egwero who anchored the quartet that included, Peter Emelieze, Durotoye Adetoyi and Obinna Metu posted 39.34secs to beat the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) and Team Delta to the second and third positions respectively.The women team clocked 44.29 sec.

Governor Uduaghan who was excited by the quality of competition of the 1st Warri Relays had promised a surprise package for the winner of the sprint event. Barely 24 hours after the competition at the Warri Stadium, Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Amaju Pinnick physically delivered the governor’s gift to the winners at their BridgeView Hotel camp.

Egwero who spoke on behalf of the athletes expressed their appreciation for the gesture. “ We are pleasantly surprised by the Governor’s gift. We appreciate this gift and wish to thank him. As I speak to you now, my colleagues are still in cloud nine because we did not expect it. This is real bonus,” gushed the Nigerian

sprint champion who is aiming to retain his 100m title at the Nigeria/Cross River Athletics Champioships slated to begin on Tuesday in Calabar.

Egwero also thanked the governor for approving the payment of all the backlog of allowances due to him and other athletes of Delta origin.

At the Relays/CAA Grand Prix last Thursday, Lawretta Ozoh won the 100m in 11.35 while Endurance Abinuwa (11.64) and Liberian Phobay Kutu-Akoi (11.71) were second and third. Egwero and Durotoye Adetoyi were clocked 10.27 in a photo finish while the bronze went to Peter Emelieze(10.39).

In the quarter mile, Omolara Omotosho clocked 52.06 to win while Patience Okon (52.63) and Idara Out (52.68) were second and third. Ajoke Odumosu easily won her 400m hurdles event while Doreen Amata (1.78m) had no opposition in the women high jump.

American Randall Flimmons (7.72m) displaced Nigerian Stanley Gbagbeke (7.65m) to win. Nigerian 2012 Golden League champion, Shola Anota (7.32m) was third.

Meanwhile, most of the foreign based athletes who took part in the Warri Relays are expected to depart the oil city for Calabar today ahead of the 68th Nigeria/Croos River Athletics Open beginning on Tuesday.

Can these Eagles fly?

•continued from backpage established stars. The returnee big stars become monsters, having seen that there are no better players in their positions than they are. Discipline breaks down in camp. These monsters form cabals that divide the squad. In no time, the coach is sacked and we return to square one.

Our coaches have spent the last two years rebuilding on players whose displays have been unconvincing, culminating in our exit from the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. If we are not careful, we will watch the 2013 edition at home.

Ghana didn’t need to disturb the media with the fact that they paraded home-grown lads when they beat Lesotho 7-0. The Zambians have remained focused in building on their Africa Cup of Nations’ success story by injecting new players from the domestic leagues into their squads. These African countries, especially Cote d’ Ivoire with their armada of stars, know what their problems were and have chosen to use the lessons to rebuild their teams.

The implication is that Nigeria still remains outside Africa’s top 10 teams; yet the mistakes of yore still beset us like the whirlwind in the forest.

It is about time we had a playing pattern such that the task of rebuilding the Eagles would be less cumbersome. In other climes, the system adopted by their senior national teams is the junior cadre adopts. And this is achieved largely because the age-grade coaches are attached to the senior teams and that provides the platform for them to learn and watch how such systems are applied on the pitch. Little wonder, it is always easy to replace injured or ageing stars from the lower rungs. Our league is the benchmark for corruption, we have been told, and its administration is run by confused people.

Keshi has done well in trying to do things differently. But he must know that Nigerians are bad losers. He must purge himself of any grievances he has against the big stars, if he wants to succeed.

Keshi must also know that without the players, he cannot be the coach. Indeed, his success depends on how well they play during matches. He should, therefore, retrace his steps, lest he falls like his predecessor.

Keshi’s team lacks a leader. It also doesn’t have match winnershe knows come with experience. And the only way that he can help his young men grow quickly is to allow the big boys come to camp and train with them. If during training his new kids excel, the big boys would watch from the stands and that would humble those who have bloated egos.

Keshi has unwittingly created the platform for yesterday’s Eagles coaches to comment on flaws in his team. If he isn’t careful, they will whip up the sentiments of a consortium of coaches or the need for a presidential intervention in the Eagles, knowing that they would be listed as members.

Today’s game against Rwanda is, to me, Keshi’s biggest test. He saw them play in Kigali. He knows what their strength and weakness are. He must show that he understood what befell his team beyond the fact that they dragged our boys to the artificial turf.

Indeed, Keshi must stop his 4-2-4 formation where the wide men fall into the midfield whenever we lose possession of the ball. He should adopt the 4-4-2 format but must warn his middle men to desist from passing the ball backwards or sideways. Our players are more talented than the Rwandans. They must be adventurous, providing penetrating passes from the middle to our strikers.

The strikers’ movement off the ball has been quite labourous.

Eagles’ strikers dodge behind the defenders, yet they expect to get the ball. Our strikers lack the confidence and dribbling skills to outwit rugged defenders. The excuse of the pitches in Africa not being good enough is unacceptable because our opponents play better on the same surface.

We wouldn’t have made progress if we can’t beat Rwandans well. Keshi, easily the highest paid coach and his assistants must fashion out a winning formula for the Eagles. Let Nigerians start to celebrate from the first minute. It’s possible. Go for it Eagles!

A rethink, sport minister!

Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi truly wants a new dawn for sports and I’m excited. He isn’t scared of taking key decisions but I hope he finds time to reflect on this new stand because if things go awry, he would have provided the platform for lazy heads to blame him.

The biggest problem with Abdullahi’s suggestion is that of conflict of interest. Will Keshi take instructions from Adegboye Onigbinde, for instance? I don’t think so even though he is his former coach. The flipside raises the issue of who carries the can whenever the team fails?

My view, honourable minister, is for us to get a competent foreigner who would grade, retrain our coaches, provide the template and ensure that the domestic teams perfect it. It could take four years. But after the foreigner’s exit, the best Nigerian coach should get the job.

Abdullahi’s decision to allow Nigerian coaches jostle for the position of technical directors is laudable, except that I have been scratching my head to pick the best head. Again, it could be that Abdullahi wants our coaches to grow. I doubt it. I hope this decision will not be another opportunity to recycle our former coaches?

Coaching is more scientific, given what we are seeing in Poland and Ukraine.

Nwachukwu out

O

BINNA Nwachukwu has been ruled out of today’s 2013 African Cup of Nations Qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Rwanda’s amavubi at the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

The Heartland of Owerri striker suffered a knee injury on Wednesday to bring to three

From Tunde Liadi and Uchenna Ajah in Calabar that would not be considered for selection by the technical crew.

Nwachukwu, it would be recalled sustained the injury during Wednesday’s training session and was unable to complete the session with his team mates.

Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.7, NO. 3058

Every attempt should be made to resist whatever propaganda anyone makes to rubbish the subsidy probe report, no matter their antics or whoever they decide to use. We may throw away the bath water, but not the baby.

—Tunji Adegboyega

E

VER since the bribery allegations and counter allegations between the Chair man, House of Representatives ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy probe, Honourable Farouk Lawan, and oil magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola, broke, the legendary late Afro beat musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has been on my mind. What a great prophet the artistic genius was.

Mr. Otedola claims he was put under intense pressure by Lawan to pay a bribe of $3 million to have the names of his firms exempted from those indicted in the fuel subsidy scam. In connivance with the security agencies, Otedola eventually apparently parted with $620,000, which Lawan allegedly collected without knowing that the entire transaction was being recorded by sophisticated security visual and audio equipment.

After an initial denial, Lawan admits that he indeed collected the money. But his own version is that Otedola offered the bribe and he collected the money as evidence of the businessman’s attempt to influence the work of the committee through monetary inducement.

In a curious twist, Lawan, who is currently being detained by the police, has refused to release the bribe money saying he will only do so in court to prove that Otedola offered him bribe! Pray, can it get ‘curiouser’ than that? Can you, dear reader, now link this thrilling drama to Fela’s lyrics in his album ‘Authority Stealing’, which painted a graphic picture of ruling class corruption in post-colonial Nigeria? Let us recall some of Fela’s immortal words in that work: “You be thief…I no be thief, You be rogue…I no be rogue, You dey steal…I no dey steal, You be armed robber…I no be armed robber, I no dey steal…You dey steal, I no be thief…You be thief, I no be rogue…You be rogue, I no be armed robber…You be armed robber, Argument, argument, argue, Argument, argument, argue, Argument about stealing, Somebody don steal something Wey belong to another person…”

Does it not appear as if these lyrics, composed nearly two decades ago, had the ongoing Otedola/Lawan tragicomedy in mind?

Fela sings at length in that album of the pen robber who, with a single stroke, steals millions and inflicts far greater injury on society than those, largely lumpen proletarian elements who physically engage in crime.

Whichever way the pendulum of truth swings in this sordid affair between Lawan and Otedola, the reality is that neither can ultimately emerge the winner. In reality, Otedola and Lawan have much more in common than their present imbroglio suggests.

Otedola is a private business man who does not attempt to conceal his close links with the Nigerian state particularly the PDP-controlled federal government since 1999. Lawan is a ranking member of the House of Repre-

$3m bribe: Fela as prophet!

‘

If the bribe offer was part of a sting operation in collaboration with security agencies, why wasn’t Farouk Lawan arrested on the spot with the marked money on him? Is it not curious that Lawan was allowed to walk away at the time while the police is now desperately trying to retrieve the alleged bribe money from him?

•Lawan

•Otedola

sentatives on the platform of the PDP. In a sense, then, this is some sort of ‘family affair’.

But does this development have any implications for the integrity of the ad hoc committee’s report and the possibility of the indicted fuel subsidy fraudsters being brought to book? This question becomes pertinent against the background of the obvious unwillingness of the Federal Government, especially the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Moses Adoke, to act with requisite despatch on the issue as demanded by critical sections of the public.

It is thus logical to conclude that this bribe issue will most likely be seen as a welcome development by those who seek to discredit and bury the report, which proved conclusively that the much touted N1.3 million fuel

’

subsidy is an elaborate fraud. And this is why the attempt by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, to distance the presidency from the whole affair sounds hollow and unconvincing.

It is widely acknowledged that the ad hoc committee did a thorough job, which led to the discovery that fuel subsidy-related malpractices in the oil sector had led to over N1.7 trillion being stolen from government coffers. Yes, the pertinent question must be asked as to why Honourable Farouk Lawan did not immediately make a report to the security agencies or even the leadership of the House if he indeed received the reported $620,000 in order to produce it as evidence of bribery?

This is particularly so when the committee had publicly alleged during the public enquiry that some compromised oil marketers were attempting to pervert its work through financial inducement and even death threats.

Again, how can Farouk Lawan credibly ex-

plain the removal of Otedola’s Zenon Oil from the list of indicted firms after its initial inclusion? Is it possible that some other indicted oil marketers were excluded after playing ball or that some innocent ones were indicted for not paying up?

None of these possibilities, in my view, offers any credible reason for the requisite anti-corruption agencies not to take decisive action on the ad-hoc committee’s report. Specific firms have been indicted for oil subsidy fraud of gargantuan proportions in a poverty ridden nation like ours. These allegations should be dispassionately investigated and those indicted made to face the law.

Wrongly indicted firms which prove their innocence will, of course, be left off the hook in the interest of justice. Meanwhile, the process of investigation should expose oil fraudsters who bribed their way out of being indicted as well as the law makers who betrayed the nation by compromising their integrity. The whole weight of the law should be brought to bear on them.

But equally of interest is the decision of Mr. Otedola to wait until the report of the committee was made public before making his sordid disclosures. Why didn’t he appear before the committee or write the house immediately the demand was made so that Farouk Lawan could excuse himself from the work of the committee while the enquiry was still on?

If the bribe offer was part of a sting operation in collaboration with security agencies, why wasn’t Farouk Lawan arrested on the spot with the marked money on him? Is it not curious that Lawan was allowed to walk away at the time while the police is now desperately trying to retrieve the alleged bribe money from him?

Now, can it not be inferred that Otedola’s motive, playing on Farouk Lawan’s greed, was to discredit the House of Representatives and the entire fuel subsidy probe for whatever reason? As my colleague, Mobolaji Sanusi noted in his column in this newspaper yesterday, if the report of the ad hoc committee had covered up the fraud in the oil sector and indeed made a case for the removal of the purported oil subsidy, would this oil baron still have gone ahead to make this bribery taking video revelation?

Of course, this unfortunate saga will raise a number of other ethical issues as it continues to unfold. For instance, how injurious to the public interest has been the unduly cosy relationship since the commencement of this dispensation in 1999 between leading private sector operators and elected public officers?

Is it true that the oil marketer at the centre of the current bribe taking saga contributed generously to the presidential campaign of a political party in the last election? Are there any of the indicted oil marketers who fall into this category? If so, is there a link between the understandably perceived obligation of the beneficiary of such alleged electoral largesse to compensate his benefactors and the oil subsidy scam? These and more questions will be asked as the drama unfolds.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Can these Eagles fly?

C

OULD somebody please beg Stephen Keshi and his crew to watch how Spain plays football? Perhaps the players should be shown the Spaniards’ tapes so that they can to see the ease with which they play and how they score goals with aplomb before today’s game. Don’t tell me that it takes time to achieve that status because we can exhibit such traits against Rwanda today, if the players are told what to do.

I have been pinching myself to find out if Nigeria’s flag will be hoisted in Brazil 2014.

By the day, my adrenaline shoots up, given what we are watching on television from Ukraine and Poland.

What is our business in Brazil in the next 24 months if we are struggling to beat minnows, such as Namibia, Malawi and Rwanda? We are busy celebrating medioc-

rity as if other countries rely on foreign exports to rebuild their teams. Except for Namibia, Rwanda and indeed Malawi have seen wars. And the only visible thing that can easily occupy their nationals is playing the cheapest game in the world- soccer.

Perhaps the worst team at the South Africa 2010 World Cup was the crises-torn French side. The players’ conduct was disgraceful, yet we have seen how that rot has been repackaged such that today, France is enjoying an unbeaten run of 22 matches as at the time they drew with England on Monday.

The French coach didn’t throw away the big stars. He took the disciplined ones and those with remarkable form. Yet, he still found space for the new boys. The French team is an admixture of youth with experience, unlike ours where the players are on the field as a team for the first time. That kind of setting cannot win matches convinc-

ingly.

Equally instructive is the evolution among the European teams that didn’t do well at the Mundial in Africa not losing sight of how the two finalists have shed weight by introducing new stars into their squads.

The changes in these European teams didn’t start yesterday as we see in the exciting matches, coupled with the shocking results that seem to suggest that new winners may emerge at the European Cup competition.

One has listened attentively to the television commentaries and the message is what I wrote about last week- the average age of most teams at the European Cup is between 22 years and 26. Don’t ask me how old Nigeria’s players are? Besides, we are seeing how players who excelled for some of these countries at age-grade competitions have graduated into the senior team without qualms.

Despite injuries in most of these European teams- no thanks to the crowded European season- we have seen how soccer can be played to attract all the ingredients that would compel the blue chip firms to splash cash on the beautiful game. Less emphasis is being paid to the missing stars because their replacements have raised the poser about how their coaches would cope when the injured stars return.

These signals have been made possible because their domestic leagues are well organised. They don’t rely wholesale on foreign imports and, most importantly, their coaches are abreast of the new trends in the game. These coaches play systems that would bring the best out of their players and no buck-passing after victories or defeats.

Our coaches will continue to give us heartaches because they are too scared of handling big players. They hide under the umbrella of instilling discipline to sideline our established stars to the detriment of the squad. And when the results don’t go the way that we expect, they rush back to these

•Continued on Page 63

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025, Oshodi, Lagos.

Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor-08094000052, Marketing: 01-8155547, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Tel/ 07028105302 `E-mail: saturday@thenationonlineng.com Editor: DELE ADEOSUN