The Nation June 21, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

Allegation preposterous, says Metuh

Atiku, Dogara, others lead tributes

Page 5

Folk music icon, Dan Maraya Jos, dies at 70

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Buhari cabinet: PDP may block nominees

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.09, No. 3253

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

JUNE 21, 2015

MILITARY MONITOR NIGER DELTA SECURITY THREATS Page 4 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

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Buhari to meet Saraki, Dogara, Lawan groups Shehu: President committed to peace in legislature BAYELSA

RACE FOR JEGA’s JOB

Jonathan's friend, PDP leaders Page 6 defect to APC

The 2019 calculations

KOGI,A/IBOMTOHOSTNUCLEARPOWERPLANTS

Page 6

Pages 9-10

Kano slashes salaries of political Page 4 appointees by 50%

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

American college to offer degree in comedy

CAPTURED

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MERSON College in Boston, USA, will soon offer a degree in making people laugh.

The communications and arts school said that starting in September 2016, it will become the first college to offer a four-year bachelor of fine arts in comedic arts degree. The degree will be grounded in the history and theory of comedy with practical learning and a focus on preparing students for careers in comedy performance, writing and production.

The degree is in response to what Emerson calls the “marked rise of comedy’s impact on American culture and its global influence.”

President Lee Pelton says “the new major will combine an academic focus with hands-on opportunities.”

Emerson’s alumni already famous in the comedy world include Jay Leno, Denis Leary, Steven Wright and producer Norman Lear.

The limbo queen A world record holding limbo queen thinks she has become the first person to shimmy (dance) under a car. Shemika Charles amazed herself and onlookers when she bent over backwards to get underneath the SUV earlier this week. The 22-year-old entered the record books in 2010 when she 'limboed' down to an incredible eight and a half inches - the height of a beer bottle. She trains for up to four hours a day to keep her body in peak condition and now travels around America performing with her family. However, regular performances put an incredible strain on her body and she sees a chiropractor once a week to have her hips realigned.

sunday@thenationonlineng.net

Buhari waxes septuagenarian

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FTER participating in the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Johannesburg on Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari found time to speak with Nigerians resident in South Africa. It was hardly surprising that given his reputation for talking straight and from the heart, the president delivered what the media recognised as a bombshell. Said he: “I wish I became Head of State when I was a governor, just a few years as a young man. Now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do.” Furthermore, he reminded his audience that at 33, he was military governor, and at the age of 40, Head of State. He turns 73 in December.

By every interpretation, his statement was semantically unambiguous.

He did not have the strength of youth, he judged, and he had no illusion that the energy and

drive he would have loved to demonstrate now were no longer with him. As expected, the statement touched off a firestorm of controversy. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suggested Nigeria had been duped. Perhaps they recalled the former First Lady Patience Jonathan’s giddy campaign which stridently warned the country against being seduced into voting someone she inelegantly described as ‘dead in the brain.’ Perhaps the PDP faithful also recalled Governor Ayo Fayose’s coarse attacks on the president whom, he warned obliquely, would expire from

old age before he ran his term.

In any case, whether it was the PDP or any other party, the country was aghast that President Buhari could make any allusion at all to his age, especially in the circumscribing manner of serving as a limiter to his strength and extenuator to his age-related incapacity. It was clear the president reflected nostalgically on his youthful years and the vigour and drive he put into executing his tasks.

He did not mean his statement to be understood in terms of the acuity of his mind, for notwithstanding the PDP’s cruel mockery of his age during electioneering he still seems

nearly as alert and reflective as he was three decades ago.

So, the president knew precisely where he appeared to be deficient, and it had to do with age, not wisdom.

President Buhari’s media aides tried to rally to his side to mitigate this needless and self-inflicted damage. According to a didactic and expiatory statement from Femi Adsina, the president’s Special adviser on Media and Publicity, the president is today like an old wine that tastes much better. Said he: “As the saying goes, ‘old wines are tasty’ and the President Buhari we have today is a man, like old wine, that has got tastier. At 72, yes, he can’t

be called a youth, but he has in quantum the wisdom, the patience, temperance and forbearance that age brings. And all these virtues he has brought to the Presidency, to make a difference in our national life. The President assured the Nigerian community in South Africa that his administration would make a positive impact on the country. And that he would do.”

“Fine words, “ the English say, “butter no parsnips.”

Mr Adesina speaks grandly about the president’s wisdom and other attributes, and he may be indisputably right.

He hopes to convince us he can insinuate these virtues into a president who yearns

Ekweremadu’s intriguing desperation

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DP’S Senator Ike Ekweremadu became Deputy Senate President by riding on the back of APC Senator Bukola Saraki’s June 9 Machiavellian grab for power. For a country and a continent familiar with executive cohabitation, it was unusual to see Nigeria gracelessly transit to legislative cohabitation. Except the APC can find a remedy to counteract the sharing of power foisted on it by one of its own, the aberration will continue for a little longer than it fears.

Senator Ekweremadu has tried to portray the senate power sharing in two formats. First, he sees it as a

form of compensation for the Southeast, which in his estimation has not really been included in the Buhari government at a high level. This reasoning has failed to impress Southeast APC faithful.

Second, to the extreme mortification of the APC as a party, Senator Ekweremadu gloats that the Southeast remorselessly voted PDP and still got rewarded with a top senate leadership position. If they had the opportunity again, he scoffed, the Southeast would not fail to vote for the PDP. If this view is not galling enough for the APC, then they have a thicker skin than anyone imagined.

The cohabitation engineered and executed by Senator Saraki is intriguing.

While it fetched him the coveted senate leadership position, it will work against his party in subsequent elections. Some elements of ‘punishment’ should accompany failing to vote for the winner, otherwise, how could a party reward the opposition so handsomely as the APC has done in the senate and hope to lure hostile voters into its ranks? Much as APC leaders may chaff at rewarding Senator Ekweremadu and the PDP, a reward that obscenely accompanied the June 9 National Assembly senate elec-

tion, what the party and some of its leaders have shown is that at bottom the party is indistinguishable from the PDP, both ideationally and physiologically.

for something else. The president was clear what ailed him. He pines after the strength of youth, in a momentary loss of concentration, when he should place emphasis on the pearls of old age. It was not just a lapse, it was a regrettable misjudgement. Those who voted President Buhari into office knew exactly what they wanted: they wanted a wise and honest man, not a wild, boisterous and avaricious youth. The greedy youth, as Nigeria’s 55 years history and intense and depressing present amply show, we have aplenty. The voters wanted change, even if that change would be midwifed by an old man.

From the president’s rueful statement, it is obvious he is a little fixated on age. He recognises the dissonance between the chimerical vigour of his youthful years and the wisdom he is believed to possess in abundance as he ages, though he is unable to summon that virtue in the quantity he hopes. He does not need this internal conflict. Let President Buhari focus on what he has comparative advantage in, those things which, as his media aide argues, come to him naturally and effortlessly with age. As his about three weeks in office already show, and as the problems he begins to contend with also indicate, the ubiquitous advantages of youth do not recommend themselves as a useful anodyne as much as the rarer therapy of wisdom unveils the answer to more than 55 years of national pain and discomfort.

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

COLUMN

Devils at the crossroads (The neo-colonial state and the emerging Nigerian society)

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NLIKE what obtains in organic nations where the state acts mostly in concert with the will and aspirations of political societies or at the very worst in dialectical modification of each other, the Nigerian state has been mostly at odds with the genuine aspirations of the emerging Nigerian society as it struggles with the imperatives of modernity and modernization. The result is a war of all against all which leaves the nation bruised, battered and permanently bleeding.

The origin of this endemic crisis of nationhood can be located in the colonial constitution of the modern Nigerian nation and the type of indigenous political elite authorized by the colonial masters to facilitate the project of permanent domination of the global periphery. Colonialism destroyed the extant political structures and the viable states of the constituting nationalities and replaced them with an alien structure so hostile and implacable as to be at violent variance with the genuine aspirations of the indigenous people.

No matter the prefix to delimit its historical actuality, it is obvious that there is not much difference between colonialism in Nigeria and what has come after it. In reality, “post” is often a marker of barely disguised continuity rather than sharply delineated discontinuity. As an English wit has quipped, there is no point in settling the order of precedence between a flea and a louse.

They are both bloodsucking vermin.

In many African nations where enlightened indigenous elites seized the reins of power after independence, they saw the overriding need for the visionary reconstruction and recreation of the colonial state in order to humanize it and make it more amenable to the genuine needs and aspirations of the people. It is this epic narrative of recreation that has found a few African nations on song for economic development and national integration.

This is the difference between Nkrumah’s Ghana, Nyerere’s Tanzania, Senghor’s Senegal, what could have been Augustino Neto’s Angola and a laggard Nigeria. Upon independence in Nigeria, what took place was the Africanization of colonial tyranny and a mere change in the personnel of despotism and extractive predation. The managers of the interior simply switched colour in the colonial plantation.

Yet it will amount to self-slander to insist that the colonial incursion into Nigeria did not throw up some visionary leaders. Beginning from the end of the nineteenth century, a string of intellectual pamphleteers and writers from the Lagos coastal aristocracy subjected colonial rule and its sham pretensions to searing critiques and penetrating putdown.

It was a very risky thing to do and it was to draw the ire of the Lugard brothers who responded with vitriol and vehemence.

The long list of illustrious anticolonialists and conscientious objectors stretches from the great lawyer, Sapara-Williams, Otunba Payne, Henshaw, Sir Kitoye Ajasa, through Herbert Macaulay, the wizard of Kirsten Hall, and on to Nnamdi Azikiwe, H.O Davies and their contemporaries. Azikiwe’s stirring anticolonial rhetoric and polemics of Black emancipation set the tone for the final push against colonization.

In retrospect, it can be seen that Obafemi Awolowo’s radically humane project of the rapid emancipation of his people from the jaws of colonial depredations represents a visionary and pragmatic critique of colonization at its most destabilizing.

Unfortunately in the run up to independence as the Lagos coastal

•Abiola

elite appear to have lost steam as a result of historic fatigue while Zik became bogged down and embroiled in bitter local politics, the feudal colonial state reasserted its authority and suzerainty with vigour and ferocity. Under the less than watchful eye of bitterly feuding regional politicians, this predatory and patrimonial state transformed into the predatory and patrimonial postcolonial Nigerian state with the war cry of always centralize! It is as if a nation is nothing more than a vast military garrison.

It is the repercussions and fallout of this overcentralization and harshly unitarist system which have led us to where we are today. It is an ideal breeding ground for despotism and the garrison politics, not to talk of military irruption which often lead to a forcible homogenization of the nation with predictably disastrous results. No matter the military might or the feudal wiles, it is impossible to homogenize a heterogeneous nation of contending nationalities in mutually incompatible stages of economic, political and spiritual modes of production.

It is a measure of this endemic

crisis of nationhood that a western observer recently described Nigerian leaders, particularly in their post-military incarnation, as “personalist and patrimonial”. It is a short, pithy and pitiless summation which captures the roiling contradictions of the Nigerian post-colonial state and its hapless political society. In a telling contribution to the debate, President Mohammadu Buhari was reported to have observed that in Nigeria, strong men destroy institutions.

Institutionalized rule because of its impersonal and rational nature, its clause of substitute actors and abstract procedures is the logical enemy of patrimonial rule and its father-figures. Yet in saner climes, these human institutions are the creations of strong men and women with a selflessly visionary imagining of a better, fairer and more orderly society.

Building institutions is not a tea party. It is the product of repeated gestures and habits burnt into the human consciousness where they become routinised and accepted norms of human behavior which in turn are emblematic of society over time.

When General George Washington declined to become an American presidential monarch, he set the tone and template for political rectitude and the institutionalization of democratic rule in the new nation.

Washington had the full weight of history behind him. Whatever their personal contradictions, America was founded by visionary intellectuals with radical notions of human emancipation and the inalienable right of each person to choose how he would be ruled and by who. Despite the horrors of slavery and the decimation of the native Indian population, Washington would have felt that his ancestors did not escape from the horrors of absolutist rule in the old world only to inaugurate same

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu in the new world.

It is this absence of a transcendental idealism and the sheer lack of capacity to envision a free and prosperous new society from the ashes of traditional authoritarian society and colonial predation that has been the bane of the bulk of Nigeria’s postindependence leaders. But you cannot give what you don’t have. If we must complain about the sluggishness of a stream in midcourse, we must first take a look at the origin.

In the absence of a critical panNigerian mass which can galvanize and serve as the nucleus of a radical political emancipation of the nation and pioneer its rapid economic emancipation, and given the obvious incapacity of the political elite to act in pan-national concert, various segments of the emerging Nigerian society have risen in stirring critique of the patrimonial and neo-feudal state. Since independence and as a result of radical disaffection with the state of the colonial union, all the major nationalities have threatened at one time or the other to leave the nation.

Most of the time, this disenchantment with the nation remains at the level of muted murmuring and private cursing. But occasionally, they assume the status of armed critiques which leave the nation roiling in a bloodfest, the most devastating and destructive being the civil war. This is not discounting the Tivi uprising, the Niger Delta insurrection and the ongoing Boko Haram war which has laid waste most of the North East of the nation.

The federally engineered scuttling of the Awolowo project also occasioned much bloodshed. Although the Yoruba nationality has never risen in armed confrontation with the Nigerian state, its political rebellion and intellectual critique of the architecture of the nation have twice led to bloody confrontation with the federal might and quality

Odolaiye Aremu sings for Azeez Arisekola Alao Eniti aiye banfe (When a person is beloved by the world) Bo f’ewe dewu yi o ye e (Even if he makes for himself a dress of leaves It will be found very befitting) Bi ikan ba duro, ile o la (If the allconsuming termite tarries It will be consumed by the earth)

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S soon as the warm winds from London brought the shocking news of the death of the great Ibadan business mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist extraordinary and influential broker behind the political scene, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, snooper went in search of the classic by Odolaiye Aremu, the great Ilorin musician and exponent of dadakuada music.

Snooper is not always on the same political page with Arisekola, particularly during the military inquisition and the drama that led to the annulment of the best election ever held in Nigeria and the death in malignant custody of MKO Abiola. But this column always insists on giving a person his dues.

The unprecedented outpouring of grief in Ibadan and environs shows how much beloved this man was and how positively he touched the lives of many people through his various empowerment schemes.

There are important lessons to be learnt from Arisekola’s life. First is that it is possible to lift one’s self

up by the bootstraps no matter how adverse and penurious the circumstances. The second is that having lifted himself up, one must never remove the grimy ladder from those who may be equally gifted but without the grit and determination.

A precociously bright student, the young Azeez was the finalist in the entrance examination to Christ School in 1960. In the same year, he also came third in the entrance examination to Lagelu Grammar School. But the straitened circumstances of his parents could not allow him to go to secondary school. It was the end of the road for the young fellow in terms of formal education.

But not to be cowed by fate or bullied into submission by adversity, the youth ploughed his mental gifts, eye for details and determination into the business of buying and selling. He made a roaring and extraordinary success of it. In a few years, Arisekola became a household word in the western parts of the country, particularly Ibadan and environs. Those who have been hearing his name for a very long time would be surprised that Arisekola was still under seventy when he answered the final call.

As soon as fortunes began smiling on him, Arisekola initiated a Scholarship Scheme for the poor and the talented indigent. He named it after the father who was unable to send him to school. It was an act of

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exceptional nobility and filial devotion. Numerous examples abound of his kindness, courtesy and generosity. He was a patron of politicians in need of economic rehabilitation as well as a partisan of the desperately poor in search of their daily bread. This feudal munificence was in keeping with the Islamic injunction. Arisekola was a man of muscular devotion to the Islamic faith.

Despite his Croesus-like wealth and his Midas touch going forward, the late business mogul conducted and carried himself in public with amazing grace and simplicity. He wore no airs. Although not a politician in the formal sense of the word, Arisekola was the quintessential man of the people. He was the sort of person who could haul a former classmate out of a crowd and engage him in public bantering. There was always something about him of the home boy made good and an unrepentant Ibadan nationalist.

Snooper recalls a chance encounter with the late billionaire at a public event in Ibadan last year.

Arisekola’s warmth and lacerating wit was a reporter’s delight any day.

The Aare Musulumi seized the High Table with his impish humour and irreverence sending yours sincerely almost toppling with laughter. May Allah receive the departed.

This piece is republished because it never made it to the internet edition of the paper.

casualty for the ethnic formation.

Yet despite perpetual adversity, Nigeria is slowly changing. The slumberous giant may be rousing.

There is an obvious change in the demographic complexion of the nation and a shift of ideological orientation which bode ill for personalist and patrimonial rule. The problem with compulsive thieves is that they never know when they have stolen too much for the owner not to notice. But when devils get to the crossroads, they must also tremble, for it is usually a short ride to perdition.

Twice in the last twenty two years, the Nigerian multitude have risen as one to demand momentous change in the structure and system of leadership in the nation. On June 12, 1993, the pan-Nigerian mass voted for MKO Abiola and the termination of despotic military rule.

Although they did not succeed in installing Abiola, the chain of events triggered by the annulment led to the eventual retirement of the military to the barracks. Failing to correctly decode the signal, the military ended up disgracing and humiliating itself.

On April 28th 2015, Nigerians rose as one again to vote for change as personified by Mohammadu Buhari and for the termination of inept kleptocratic rule famously exemplified by the last administration. This time, they seem to have succeeded in both objectives, or so it seems. Last week, the regnant rump of the patrimonial cabal struck in the hallowed chambers of the senate in a daylight putsch at implacable variance with the mood of the nation.

For them, the nation can go to blazes as long as they have their way even over the corpse of party and noble principles.

Is another “democratic” annulment of the national will on the way?

As it happened with the SDP in 1993 and the federally engineered implosion of the Action Group in 1962, the irony of all this is that the victorious party which is at the vanguard of radical transformation is also the weakest link in the radical evaporation of hope and change. With the APC reeling from one crisis or the other ever since, is history about to repeat itself?

If the APC implodes, the only possibility in the horizon is radical anarchy. Change should not shortchange a nation. The widespread condemnation of the senate putsch and of the over-pampered privileges of the National Assembly is a pointer to a looming social combustion. Without a dominant party with clear moral and political integrity through which the turbulent social discontents can be channeled and routed, there is bound to be a direct collision between the streets and the state. It is another word for chaos and anarchy.

The leadership of the APC must put on their thinking cap. Change is possible only if there is a party that drives change. Let those who are fanning the embers of discord and disunity both within and outside the party understand that that they are also in the shortest run organizing their own political funeral. For now and with President Buhari at the helm, this coalition of contraries represents Nigeria’s best hope for orderly change and the principal powerbrokers must find strength, resolve and visionary energy in the countervailing polarities. Otherwise, the party itself will become part of an unfurling narrative.

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HE process of healing the wounds inflicted on the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the recent emergence of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Yakubu Dogara as House of Representatives Speaker may have been set in motion by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President plans to meet Dr. Saraki, Dogara and the aggrieved members of the Unity Forum, supporters of Senator Ahmed Lawan, who was the APC's official candidate for the Senate Presidency.

The meeting may come up this week, The Nation gathered last night.

Dogara already has an appointment with the President, sources said.

The Lawan group is awaiting confirmation of its appointment with the President.

A source familiar with the development said the President is desirous of getting the crisis resolved once and for all.

"The President intends to appeal to all parties to bury the hatchets in order to move forward," the source said.

"The President will meet formally and informally with all parties to the crisis in the new week (this week). He is neither shunning Saraki nor Dogara as being insinuated. But the President is trying to ensure peace and reconciliation.

"Buhari is disturbed that the take-off of the 8th National Assembly was not smooth as anticipated.

Rather than blame any party, he wants an end to the crisis without interference in the internal

NASS crisis: Buhari to meet Dogara, Saraki, Lawan groups •Shehu: President committed to peace in legislature FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

affairs of the Senate or House of Representatives."

Another source said: "The President might meet with members of the Unity Forum of Senator Ahmed Lawan on how the National Assembly can move forward.

"The meeting was slated for last week but most members of the forum were out of Abuja and it had to be postponed at the last minute."

The Lawan group had presented six demands to APC leadership for a sustainable reconciliation.

The demands are as follows: o APC leadership should instil discipline and intervene in the choice of some principal officers in the Senate. o It is better to leave the choice of some principal officers to APC than zonal caucuses in order not to further divide the governing party o Ranking must be considered in the selection of principal officers. o Concession of some principal offices to the Unity Forum including Ahmed Lawan (Majority Leader); George Akume (Deputy Majority Leader); Prof. Sola Adeyeye (Senate Whip); and Abu Ibrahim

Alleged Dylann Roof manifesto discovered online

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

NEWS

racist manifesto and a collection of photos suspected to have been written and posted by alleged Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof have been discovered by activists online.

The white man who faces nine counts of murder for allegedly opening fire in a historically AfricanAmerican church in South Carolina on Wednesday apparently left a screed of his racist beliefs - and dozens of photos of himself posing with the Confederate flag and symbols tied to white supremacist groups.

In one image, the suspected gunman is posed on the beach wearing the same clothes he is seen wearing on surveillance footage as he entered the church on Wednesday. It is unclear if this image was taken the same day as the shooting,

but if so, it would show that Roof took time to visit the beach, inscribe the racist symbol 1488 in the sand and photograph himself before allegedly traveling to Charleston.

The symbol 1488 is a number adopted by white supremacists, according to online sites that have also posted the number. The "88" refers to H, the eighth letter of the alphabet and is a symbol for "Heil Hitler."

The "14" refers to this Nazi party mantra: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children."

On Saturday morning, two Twitter users - Emma Quangel and Henry Krinkle - found what is believed to be the 21-yearold's website, titled "The Last Rhodesian." The online activists used the Reverse Whois search on domaintools.com to find the site registered under Roof's name.

(Deputy Whip). o Reconciliation is possible if Saraki group does not play the politics of winner- takes- all o PDP should not be allowed to produce any principal officer except those due to it as the minority party in the Senate When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: "I am aware that the President is already scheduled to receive the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara in the week. "The President believes in institutional

respect, there is no way he will shun the leaders of the National Assembly. He is not avoiding Saraki or Dogara. " On Friday, Dr. Saraki, accompanied by some Senators and former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, met former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta residence on the National Assembly crisis.

Saraki, emerging from the two hour meeting told reporters that he was at Obasanjo's residence to "see the former President, as one of our fathers and former President, to pay our homage and visit to him, get his advice, get his

blessing and also to consult.

"We all know President Obasanjo's value to this country and we are here to tap from that wisdom and that knowledge and experience.

"I think as you can see, things are moving smoothly definitely. You should rest assured that all that would be put behind us shortly; we are very confident about that."

He expressed optimism that that crisis sparked by his emergence as Senate president would soon be resolved.

It was gathered yesterday that Chief Obasanjo made no

commitment to Saraki during the visit.

A source at the session said: "Obasanjo noted the issues raised and avoided any commitment for strategic reasons. He was careful not to be misrepresented by some members of the delegation.

"I think he opted for a middle course approach because his loyalists are also divided along pro and anti-Saraki.

"Although Obasanjo congratulated Saraki, his body language suggested that he might, however, wade in the crisis in the National Assembly and resolve it."

• President Muhammadu Buhari being received on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja at the end of his visit to Kaduna and Katsina... yesterday

Kano governor cuts salaries, allowances of political appointees by 50%

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overnor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano yesterday slashed his salary and that of his deputy and other political appointees by 50 percent.

The move, he said, was to "enable us get enough for the development of the state. We also want to rescue the state from the harsh realities facing the entire country."

The governor at the swearing-in of the 13 commissioners at Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, yesterday, pledged that his administration would make "sure that this government is transparent and accountable."

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

He vouched for the competencies of the new appointees, saying they were brought on board because of their track record and credibility.

"We shall make sure that the change we fought for through our votes during the last election is applied in all sectors of our governance," he said.

He solicited the cooperation of the people of the state and promised to continue paying the salaries of workers in the state.

Ganguje thanked the House of Assembly for the quick clearance of the commissioners within one

day and urged the 44 local Government chairmen to support the newly appointed commissioners.

Among the newly sworn-in commissioners are the outgoing President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Mohammed Garba, who was allocated the Information, Youths, Sports and Culture portfolio and the immediate chairman of the Association of Local Government s of Nigeria (ALGON), Murtala Sule Garo, who is now the Commissioner of Local Government.

Deputy Governor Hafiz Abubakar, a professor, will oversee the ministry of

education, science and technology, while Alhaji Rabi'u Bako is Commissioner for Commerce and Industry.

The rest are: Dr Ali Bukar Makoda (Environment), Haruna Shehu Lambu (Works and Housing), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna (Agriculture), Kabiru Dandago (Finance), Usman Sule Riruwai (Water Resources), Haruna Falali (Justice), A'sha Bello (Women Affairs),and lbrahim Kabiru Getso (Health).

Governor Nasir elRufai of Kaduna State was the first to cut his salary and that of other political appointees in the state by 50 per cent.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

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HE popular Hausa folk musician, popularly known as Dan Maraya Jos, is dead. He was 70. He died yesterday in Jos, Plateau State, in a private hospital.

He was born in 1946 and christened Adamu Wayya but was known worldwide as ‘Dan Maraya Jos’. A name that meant ‘the orphan of Jos’, due to the fact that he lost his parents at a tender age. His father was said to have died shortly after he was born. His mother also died while he was still a baby.

He fell ill before the 2015 general elections. His last public performance was at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fund-raising dinner.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, expressed sadness and shock at the passing of the legendary musician.

In a condolence message by his media office by Mazi Paul Ibe, the Turakin Adamawa extolled the virtues of the late traditional musician, saying that for many decades, he defined music and entertainment on the Plateau and across the length and breadth of the country, “becoming an icon of our traditional music, and custodian of its culture and tradition.”

He recalled that ‘Dan Maraya Jos’ used music to contribute to national unity, peace and stability by preaching togetherness and common brotherhood of all Nigerians in the many beautiful lyrics he sang

NEWS

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Dan Maraya Jos, folk musician, dies at 70 From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos, and Edozie Udeze

through the ages, adding that he would be sorely missed.The former vice president urged the people of Plateau State, and, indeed, all Nigerians to take his death as an expression of the will of God and honour his memory by living together in peace, harmony and unity. He prayed for God’s blessing on his soul and called on his immediate family to show courage at this trying time.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said the north and indeed Nigeria has lost one of its most talented sons. He said, “I want to use this medium to condole with the Danmaraya family, the government and people of Plateau State and all Nigerians over this irreparable loss.”

He added that his name has been written in gold in the annals of Nigeria‘s history as a talented musician, poet and a philosopher. His music was full of wisdom which will not only outlive him but will continue to be reference point for generations to come.”

Paying tributes to the departed soloist, Akin Adejuwon, the artistic director, National

•Atiku, others pay tributes

•Maraya

Troupe of Nigeria, said “His death signals the exit of a great icon of African traditional music, a creative innovator in the Hausa musical genre and a great performer par excellence.

He was a rare African soloist and instrumentalist who created a niche for himself in the Nigerian nationalist environment of the mid twentieth century. He was able to sustain same over the decades through his originality and creative genius. This is such a great loss to Nigerian traditional music and Africa as a whole, particularly against the background that the instability in his domain (Plateau State) in the past

few years perhaps minimised the impact he would have made further upon the lives of upcoming Nigerian artistes, more so musicians.”

Benson Idonije, a veteran broadcaster and newspaper columnist, described him as one of the leaders of Nigeria’s indigenous music, “he was indeed a great musician whose place in the music firmament in Nigeria will be difficult to fill.”

Also, Dr. Austine Ananze Akpuda, a poet and senior lecturer in English Literature at the Abia State University, Uturu, described ‘Dan Maraya Jos’ death as a huge loss to Nigeria and the entire entertainment industry worldwide.

“As an artist who created a major brand for himself, he will be greatly missed not only by his biological family but also a network of other communities whose lives have been touched by his performances.

‘Among these include fellow artistes and the clan of teachers and scholars of oral performance whose job will be to keep memories of Dan Maraya Jos’s art permanently etched in the vibrant art academy. Indeed, a major cultural

icon has departed but his legacies will remain with us.”

Though the famous musician had no biological child of his own, he was said to have raised a good numbers of youths from childhood to adulthood.

His Bauchi Road residence was yesterday besieged by an upsurge of sympathizers as they rushed to pay tributes and sympathise with relations.

One of his closest friends in Jos, Alhaji Musa Satti, described him as a great griot whose contributions to Hausa music and lyrics would never be forgotten.

According to him, “He inherited singing from his father who was a court musician for the Emir of Bukur, who took Dan Maraya under his care when his parents died. Dan Maraya showed an early interest in music and came under the influence of local professional musicians. During a trip to Maiduguri while he was still a pre-teen, he was impressed by musicians there and made a kutigi, with which he has accompanied himself ever since.”

Kutigi is a one string improvised guitar like instrument which he used to accompany his music while singing. He used his songs to promote peace and unity in the country and

the world over. In recognition of his contributions he was awarded the national honour of MON and he is also the United Nations Peace Medal.

The late Dan Maraya has travelled widely around the world. He performed several times in Germany and other countries.

Although, like most professional musicians, the major thrust of his repertoire is praise singing, but he singles out his personal heroes rather than the rich and famous. His most famous song is “Wak’ar Karen Mota” [“Song of the driver’s mate”] was in praise of the young men who call passengers in and out of buses and do the dirty work of changing tyres.

During the Nigerian Civil War, he composed numerous songs in praise of soldiers of the federal army and incorporated vivid accounts of scenes from the war in his songs.

His music focused on social commentaries such as marriage and family values.

He sang against forced marriages “Auren Dole”, while “Gulma-Wuya” [“The Busybody”] talks about a neighbourhood gossip that disrupt marriages.

He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Cleric advocates death penalty for corrupt public officers

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HE Anglican Bishop of Wusasa Diocese in Zaria, Kaduna State, the Rt. Rev. Ali Buba-Lamido, yesterday advocated the death penalty for corrupt public office holders.

He made the call at the Sixth Synod of the Wusasa Diocese of the Anglican Communion, held in Zaria, Kaduna State, describing the death penalty option as the only way to put public officers in check.

Buba-Lamido said the call became imperative in view of the fact that corruption could kill more people than a conventional weapon.

“If our leaders know that they would be prosecuted if found corrupt they would be on their toes to avoid corrupt practices,” he said.

He appealed to politicians to do all within their power to fulfill their campaign promises with a view to bringing succour to the electorate.

The bishop described the level of unemployment in Nigeria as alarming and urged the

new administration to adopt proactive measures to tackle the problem.

Expressing confidence in the ability of the administration, the cleric said he had no doubt that President Muhammdu Buhari would deliver.

On the security situation in the country, the bishop said it was bad for a country like Nigeria to have lost up to 11,000 people to Boko Haram, while he expressed satisfaction at “the approach taken by the new administration to tackle the menace of Boko Haram.”

The synod featured presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians, comprising Muslims, Christians, politicians and non-politicians.

The awardees included the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma and Rep. Abbas Tajuddeen.

•From left: Senator Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Sunday Mbang and Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, during a visit to the former President in Abeokuta, yesterday

NLNG plans $1.5b debut ship yard in Nigeria

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HE Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) is building the first major ship yard in the country at the cost of $1.5billion, in a bid to turn Nigeria into a hub for maritime operations on the continent.

The country is the world’s eighth biggest crude producer and Africa’s top oil exporter but it does not have a dry dock for maintaining and repairing large crude vessels, a major drawback for carriers sailing to the country, NLNG spokesman Tony Okonedo told Reuters.

Only South Africa had such a facility on the continent, he said, meaning that ships travelled a long distance for repairs. Nigeria only has two facilities that can only accommodate small vessels.

Okonedo said Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries have both agreed to a $30million commitment towards the construction of the facility, which would be located in Badagry, Lagos.

“It could potentially be used to transport the 2.5 million barrel a day crude business in Nigeria,” Okonedo said on the sidelines of a media briefing.

He said the NLNG organized a road show earlier this year to market the dry dock project to investors, which included multinational oil companies in Nigeria, with large exploration and upstream activities.

He said NLNG, which is owned by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Royal Dutch Shell,

French oil company Total, and Italy’s Eni was in discussions with a strategic investor for the project.

It appointed France’s BNP Paribas and Guaranty Trust Bank to help raise around $1.6 billion two years ago to build six new LNG carrier ships, expanding its fleet to 30.

The construction of the dry dock, with a size that can accommodate 185 football fields, will take up to 48 months to complete and would commence once all the funding was in place, he said.

The company, which was set up over two decades ago, has a capacity to produce 22 million metric tonnes of liquefied gas a year. It obtains its gas supply from upstream oil companies and liquefies it for export.

Benue cabinet ready in three weeks, says Ortom T

HE Governor of Benue, State Samuel Ortom, has said that his cabinet will be ready in the next three weeks.

He told journalists at Ikwe Wildlife Resort in Igbor, Gwer Local Government Area of the state that the process for the constitution of members of his cabinet was on course.

The governor has so far appointed the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service and his Chief of Staff.

The governor had also appointed the Special Adviser on Media and ICT and Special Adviser on Security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted him as saying, “The process for the constitution of my cabinet is on course. Do not forget that this is democracy and I am not

a sole administrator. I am still making consultations with my people so as to carry everybody along.”

He added that “I have the best assembly in the country and they are ready to work with the executive for the progress of the state.’’

Ortom promised to eliminate small arms, thuggery and insecurity and warned those in possession of arms illegally to either submit them or face the law in the next three months.

He expressed regrets that those in possession of such arms were using them to commit all kinds of crimes in the state.

“We have given those with arms three months to turn them

in or face the law. We have also adopted measures to rehabilitate them back into the society.

“But if they failed to do so within this period, we will look for them anywhere they are and get them arrested. They must face the law for all their actions after the expiration of the three months grace.’’

Ortom said that his administration would not hesitate to correct any wrong policies of the previous government, especially those that had negative financial implications on the state.

“I warned the former governor over his last minute decisions. He was unable to pay workers for months while in office, yet he went ahead to recruit thousands of workers during his last weeks in office.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

NEWS

APC alleges plan by PDP to sabotage ministerial nomination •It’s not true, says Metuh

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HE Ondo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that it had uncovered plan by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to discredit some APC ministerial nominees and those for the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) through frivolous petitions.

The APC said PDP governors are the brains behind the alleged plan.

The governors, according to the APC spokesman in Ondo State, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, are targeting likely nominees from the Southwest with a view to getting them disqualified and causing confusion in the rank of the APC. But the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Olisah Metuh dismissed the allegation as untrue.

The PDP is said to have assigned one of its governors in the Southwest the responsibility of seeing the project through.

They are banking on using some disgruntled APC members to achieve their objective.

Adesanya alleged that the PDP governors met recently with some PDP Senators on the plan and have also contacted some civil society groups to label APC ministerial and NDDC nominees as corrupt people through unfounded allegations and frivolous petitions.He therefore advised President Buhari to be wary of the PDP’s antics.

He said the PDP motive was to destabilize the party and cause disaffection among its members particularly over the appointment of new ministers.

The party spokesman said that since it is clear that President Buhari will not allow any input from PDP governors on who gets appointed as ministers, they are desperate to get nominees disqualified.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure/ Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

However, Metuh said on phone last night that: “It is preposterous and inconceivable for anyone to make such an allegation against the PDP, its governors and its members in the Senate.

“As a matter of fact, we are worried that President Buhari has not appointed his ministers and we are eagerly waiting for him to do so.

“We all know that the country cannot make any meaningful progress if we don’t have ministers and I can assure you that that is not what the PDP wants.

The APC is only making excuses for their inability to get things right.

“How can we hatch a plot to frustrate ministerial nominees when we don’t know the identities and the type of characters they are presenting? So it is unthinkable for anyone to be trading such rumour. It is untenable.

“They must know that the success of this administration is not the success of President Buhari or the success of the APC. Rather, the success of the administration is the success of the entire country. So let them sit up and face the task of governance instead of pointing accusing fingers.

“This was the kind of thing the APC was doing when it was in the opposition. They were busy bringing down every government policy and appointee, including cabinet ministers.

“We have stated before and we continue to state that our role as the opposition party is to engage the administration in constructive criticism and to offer credible policy alternatives.”

President Buhari has said repeatedly that anyone having allegations of corruption on his neck would have no place in his government.

Kogi, Akwa Ibom to host Nigeria’s nuclear power plants

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HE federal government has selected Kogi and Akwa Ibom States as sites for Nigeria’s planned nuclear power plants, as the authorities seek to end decades of electricity blackouts that have blighted the nation’s growth.

Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, which has been in talks with Nigeria over the nuclear plants, confirmed at the weekend that there would be four reactors in all, two in each location.

Nigeria currently has installed power capacity that fluctuates between around 6,000 MW to just over 7,000 MW, according to the Transmission Com-

pany of Nigeria, with 80 percent of its power plants fired by gas.

It has no experience in developing and operating nuclear plants but has small reactors producing around 30 KW for research, Franklin Erepamo Osaisai, chief executive of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, said on its website.

One nuclear power plant costs between $5 billion to $8 billion, a source at Rosatom said.

Nigeria has not yet said how it plans to fund the construction, a key question given its finances have taken a hit after a slump in the price of oil, its main export.

Tension heightens in Rivers over planned dismissal of elected LG chairmen, councillors T HE recently elected local government chairmen and councillors in Rivers State yesterday warned that alleged desperation by Governor Nyesom Wike to dissolve the councils is not in the best interest of the state.

The 23 council chairmen, operating under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State chapter, said the governor would be violating the law of the land should he make good his threat to dissolve the coun-

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

cils at all cost.

A high court in the state has already restrained the governor from moving against the councils, but tension has heightened in the state following speculations that the Governor is keen on having his own supporters in control of the local governments which are currently being manned by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Mayor of Port Harcourt and ALGON Chair-

man, Chimbiko Akarolo, insisted yesterday that Wike cannot bend the law to remove them from office.

He said the way Wike is going about the annulment of their election is capable of sparking a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Akarolo urged President Muhammadu Buhari and other well meaning Nigerians to intervene before the matter gets out of hand.

“To tell you how desperate Wike is, he has already selected caretaker committee chairmen to replace us. We

•Flood at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.

were democratically elected by our people and any action against the legitimate will of the people is unjust,” he told The Nation in Port Harcourt.

He added: “Rivers people cannot afford to experience bloodshed like the sham called the governorship election in the state.”

Chairman, Emohua Local Government, Lucky Worluh asked Wike to respect the law as the case is already in court and accused the governor of going all out to obliterate the achievements of his predecessor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Jonathan’s close friend, PDP, APGA leaders join APC

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ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan’s close friend and frontline politician, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, yesterday led some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and thousands of his supporters to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move, it was gathered, has depleted the ranks of PDP in the state ahead of the 2016 governorship election.

Ikiogha, a founding member of the PDP, embraced the broom revolution at an elaborate ceremony which ended in the evening at Kpansia open field, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Also, members of other political parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) followed him to the APC. Leaders of the PDP that defected with him are: Chief Victor Awala, Paul Ajuwa, Mrs. D. Irene, a former commissioner, Prince Abeki as well as over 150 former councillors from 1999 to 2012.

Over 43 non-governmental organisations under the aegis of New Bayelsa Initiative also identified with Ikiogha,

A

PASTOR with Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in Calabar, Cross River State, Pastor Seyi Adekunle, who was abducted last Saturday by unknown gunmen was released yesterday.

•Odigie-Oyegun: vote out Dickson From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

who was described as a great grassroots mobiliser.

Ikiogha, a former Bayelsa State Chief of Staff, said to be a trusted and dependable ally of Governor Seriake Dickson, was one of the brains behind the emergence of the governor in 2012.

But indications of a rift between the duo emerged when the governor removed him in controversial circumstances as Chief of Staff and redeployed him to Abuja Liaison Office.

Ikiogha resigned his appointment in October 2014 to contest the House of Representatives seat for Yenagoa/ Kolokuma/Opokuma on the platform of the PDP but failed to clinch the ticket.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that came to witness his formal movement to APC, Ikiogha said he decided to quit the PDP because it is a party full of betrayals and deceits.

He said: “The PDP is full of betrayals and deceits. There is lack of internal democracy and it is a party where the highest

bidder always has his ways.

“As I left the PDP, I went on my private business until I started receiving calls from my supporters and those who believe in me that I could not quit partisan politics.

“It was then I discovered that I had a family in the APC. I also know that Bayelsa people are yearning for change which the APC represents.

“All those denied opportunities in the PDP are defecting to the APC with me. There are many of them and the solidarity cuts across other political parties including the APGA, Accord Party, Labour Party, among others.”

APC’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who was represented by the National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Hilliard Eta, received Ikiogha and handed him the symbolic broom.

Odigie-Oyegun noted the Dickson-led government of Bayelsa State had received over “N440bn from the federal government with nothing to show for it.”

He appealed to Bayelsans

“to retire Governor Seriake Dickson”.

He declared that the occasion was not meant to give Ikiogha a governorship ticket to contest the forthcoming Bayelsa State governorship election but to receive him into the party.

He added that the process of electing a governorship flag bearer for the party would be transparent just like the process that produced Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s Presidential candidate.

Bayelsa State chairman of the APC, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, said the journey to change Dickson, whom he accused of none performance, had just started.

He said the APC would use the broom to change incompetence that had bedevilled the oil-rich state for so long.

He noted that the doors of APC were open to all politicians with ambitions and aspirations.

It was gathered that Ikiogha, a former Commissioner for Agriculture, would soon formally declare his intention to contest the governorship election.

Kidnapped Winners’ pastor released From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Hogan Bassey confirmed this yesterday.

According to him, no ransom was paid and three suspects have been arrested.

A source told our reporter

yesterday evening that the pastor was taken to the outskirts of Calabar at midnight by his abductors and asked to go find his way from there.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

NEWS

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Solidarity rally for Tinubu in Kaduna

'Solid mineral sector is under siege'

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

From: Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor Abuja

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group, Patriotic Northern Coalition for Justice, Peace and Equity, will hold a solidarity rally in Kaduna to express gratitude to the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The National Coordinator of the coalition, Alhaji Babangida SuleManchok Jnr, told newsmen in Kaduna yesterday that the rally will hold immediately after the fasting period.

He pledged that all its members across the 19 northern states in the country and beyond have been notified about it.

He said the coalition was working for the development of the north and will therefore support any individual or group that works towards the success of the region.

"As a group, our basic interest is to work for the progress of the country in general and the North in particular.

"So, we will support anyone who has worked or is still working for the betterment of the region or have the interest of our region at heart.

"By working tirelessly to ensure the victory of our son, brother, father and leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Tinubu has shown that he is a true friend of the region.

"Even though people have grown tired of former President Goodluck Jonathan, it would have been difficult to defeat him if not for the unique commitment of Tinubu towards ensuring that his South-West region voted overwhelmingly for Buhari."

He went on: "So as part of our gratitude, we are organising this solidarity rally is to show him that we, the Northerners, are grateful to him for what he has done for us.

"It is not a political rally because electioneering campaigns have come and gone. ?

"This is a rally of gratitude and of a grateful people. In the rally, we shall also acknowledge all those who played one role or the other in the victory of Buhari."

Asked if there were moves by some to work against Tinubu in APC as being reported, he said: "We won't even allow anybody or group of persons from any part of the country to plan anything against Tinubu's interest in APC. "It is true that such moves are ongoing and we even know some of the people involved, but they won't succeed.

"Selfish politicians can't just sit down and begin to plot against someone we in the North are planning to appreciate for what he has done for us."

HE solid minerals sector is being held hostage and prevented from contributing meaningfully to the economy, an industrial group has raised the alarm.

President of the Progressive Miners' Empowerments Association, Mr. Sunny Ekozin, raised the alarm at a press conference in Abuja.

He said: "One of the major challenges of the sector has been that a cabal has taken that industry hostage and has disallowed it to develop enough to make the appropriate contributions to the economy of the nation.

"This cabal has been responsible for deceiving successive governments in the past and has pocketed various funds provided by the federal government and development partners, including the World Bank.

"Rather than developing the sector, those involved have only enriched themselves at the detriment of the miners and the solid minerals sector."

He alleged that many members of the cabal occupy various government offices with the mandate to develop the sector.

Rather than do this, he said members of the cabal "allocate to themselves as many as 100 to 200 mining licences, which they then hawk through cronies, while denying genuine miners access to the fields."

The activities of the cabal, Ekozin said, have resulted in realisation of a mere N1.7 billion from mining royalties in the last 20 years.

He stated the current situation in the solid minerals "requires emergency actions on the part of President Buhari, if he is to realize the change he promised Nigerians in his campaign."

With regards to the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi State, Ekosin said "those telling Nigerians that it was no longer viable were insincere as Ajaokuta is still very viable."

He lamented that after the federal government had invested about $7.2 billion in the complex, it was disheartening the complex was still not operation despite the massive raw materials available as well as the large market for steel in the West Africam sub-region.

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• Director-General Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Prof. Bola Akinterinwa with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Adesola Amosu during a courtesy visit to the DG at his Victoria Island Lagos office... at the weekend. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Military evaluates security situation in Niger Delta

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HE military authorities are currently studying the series of threats to peace and other security breaches emanating lately from the Niger Delta region.

The Defence Headquarters believes that the threats from some youth groups including ex-militants enjoying the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand.

Of particular concern to the military are increasing economic sabotage, kidnapping, piracy and other forms of criminality in the region despite the ongoing amnesty.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, said on a visit to Bayelsa State at the weekend that the armed forces would deal decisively with any security breach in any part of the country.

He warned war mongers

From: Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

and perpetrators of criminality to desist or be ready for the consequences of their actions.

Badeh was in the state to inaugurate the permanent complex of the Headquarters of the Joint Task Military Force, Operation Pulo Shield in Yenagoa, the state capital.

He wondered why oil theft, kidnapping and other criminal activities should be on the rise in the region despite the peace agreement reached with former militants.

He said: "Criminalities in the Niger Delta, we thought, had stopped, but now they are on the rise again. But I know that our gallant men and women are equal to the task.

"We are after the bad men; we are good men and darkness can never overtake light.

No nation can develop in the presence of so much

criminality.

"Now we are hearing that people are taking up arms here and there; kidnapping is on the rise, oil theft is on the rise, going by the last seizure of a ship loaded with 15,000 metric tons of illegal properties.

"The military was here before and we reached a simple agreement to down tools to work together for the benefit of our nation. We want to tell the criminals that they should not allow us to turn our guns back on the Niger Delta. Please, do not let the Armed Force turn its arsenal on the Niger Delta."

The CDS urged youths in the region to operate within the ambit of the law adding that the JTF had been empowered to combat all manner of criminalities in the region.

He commended the JTF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, for his foresight, saying the permanent complex would save the JTF

from spending huge amounts of money on rented apartment.

In his remarks, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd.) extolled the effort of Ateweled JTF in building the permanent complex with military designs and concepts.

He said that since his assumption of office as Commander of the Operation Pulo Shield some months ago, the JTF had destroyed over 1,000 illegal oil refineries, 400 boats used for illegal bunkering and 20 trucks containing illegally refined products.

Scores of suspects have also been arrested in connection with oil theft, he said.

He said the new JTF Complex occupies over eight acres of land comprising of officers' accommodation, residential apartments for officers and men, sports and fitness centre, medical facilities and officers mess.

Bayelsa 2016: APC rules out consensus guber candidate

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State yesterday said it will not adopt any candidate for the forthcoming governorship election.

Its chairman, Tiwei Oruminighe, said the APC ticket was open to all aspirants willing to go through a strict primary election.

Oruminighe, who spoke at the weekend at a news conference in Yenagoa, asked members of the party to disregard insinuations in some quarters it would settle for a consensus candidate.

He said: "On the issue of adoption of candidate and whatever the public must have heard about the APC, we want to reiterate

•Tells suspended members to appeal •'Sylva remains our leader' From: Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

that this party in Bayelsa State will follow strictly what the national party has demonstrated at the national level.

"We will not make the mistake of saying we are adopting a candidate.

There will be proper party primaries to select whoever that will fly the flag and I believe that the leadership in of this party is capable of producing a good standard bearer that will win election for Bayelsa State.

"I believe this will prove people wrong that we have adopted candidate and that we are not together.

"This party remains one indivisible unit, very

united and we will forge ahead stronger to win the coming election in Bayelsa."

Orunimighe also confirmed the expulsion of two party leaders - Chief Richard Kpodo and Mr. Frank Oputu, saying the party stood by the action.

He said "We still want to affirm to the public that that action of the State Working Committee (SWC) is what we have done as a party and we stand by it. Kpodo and Oputu remain expelled from the party."

The party helmsman asked suspended members to follow the process laid down in the party's constitution to seek redress.

He said the seven sus-

Council to FG: Take a stand on fuel subsidy

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HE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC) has called on the federal government to take a firm position on fuel subsidy.

It also tasked the federal government to ensure the country has functional refineries to abrogate revenue wast-

From: Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

age and mismanagement.

In a communiqué yesterday by its President General, Comrade Muhammed Yunusa, SSACTAC said at the end of its NEC meeting it was high time the nation put an end to mass importation of fuel.

It said: "There is urgent need to end this backwardness.

The federal government is therefore urged to take a firm position on the fuel subsidy issue to the extent that the obvious revenue wastages are stopped, ensure that the country has functional refineries so that the regime of mass importation of fuel ends."

SSACTAC challenged the new administration to keep fate with its promises to better lots of the people.

pended members including the former Secretary of the defunct New PDP, Mr. Godwin Sidi, had the right to fair hearing.

Orunimighe denied insinuations that the party is monopolised by former Governor Timipre Sylva, who is also the leader of the party.

He restated that Sylva remained the leader of the party and that the insinuations were unfounded and unthinkable.

"Sylva is the leader of the party. Somebody must lead at a particular time. As a party, we believe in the ideology that brought us together to form the APC," he stressed.

Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So everyone of you who is present at his home during that month should spend it in fasting. But if any one is ill, or aon a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you to difficulties He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you and perchance ye shall be grateful.

Qur’an 2 Vs 185 Sponsored by ALHAJI KHAMIS TUNDE BADMUS Asiwaju, Musulumi Adinni of Yorubaland

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

Ogun monarch urges youths to shun crime

Confusion as building collapses in Lagos

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HE Alaiye-Ode of Ode Remo, Ogun State, Oba Amidu Adetunji Osho, has called on youths to distance themselves from criminal activities that may bring them into confrontation with the laws of the land. Oba Osho, who observed the rate at which the lifespan of many youths were been shorten as a result of their involvement in criminal activities, lamented that it was high time all youths stands on their feet to say no to such act.

The monarch, who was reacting to reports of the discovery of a ritualists' den in Eposo community of Remo North Local Government Area, also called on governments at all level to go all out and tackle the menace of youth unemployment as a way of discouraging criminal activities among youths.

He said: ”There is urgent need for youths to distance themselves from criminal activities that may bring them into confrontation with the laws of the land or paint them as enemies of the people. The rate at which the lifespan of many youths are been shorten as a result of their involvement in criminal activities is worrisome. And it is in the interest of these young ones to shun crime.

“It is also very important to call on governments at all level to go all out and tackle the menace of youth unemployment as a way of discouraging criminal activities among youths. We must also ensure that they have something meaningful doing at all times.

“On the contributions of traditional rulers in promoting good governance, the monarch said: ”We do try our best to ensure that our domains are calm and peaceful at all times. This is a very important function because without peace, there can be no development. As the state government daily strive to ensure developments across the state, traditional rulers must also provide peaceful atmospheres in their domain.”

Re-examine your roles, fathers told on World Fathers’ Day ODAY, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Fathers’ Day, fathers have been advised to re-examine their traditional roles as head of their families. The advice is given as part of the highlights of the celebration in Lagos. The grand finale of the celebration in Lagos would be marked with a World Fathers’ Day Summit, 2015, organised by Creativedge Communications.

According to the Convener of the summit, Muyiwa Obiyomi, the summit, tagged ‘The Making of a Father’ will hold today, Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 42, Olowu Str; off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja by 3:00pm with guest speakers that include Dr. Tosin Awolalu of Lifelong Learning Centre, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Victoria Island, Lagos and Dr. Soji Oni; Dept. of Educational Foundations, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos.

Obiyomi explained that World Fathers’ Day is observed globally on the third Sunday of June every year.

“Agreed, the demands of our various occupations have placed enormous demands on us, but measures should be put in place to care for our aged ones. After all, an ancient Chinese proverb says; a family that has an old person in it has a Jewel. From our tight schedule of activities, a time should be created to provide our parents with gifts, medicare, holidays, financial support and regular visits. ”

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Card readers have come to stay, says Jega

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ROFESSOR Attahiru Jega, Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has expressed optimism that the electoral body will continue to make use of the card reader when conducting elections in the country. Jega who was yesterday hosted to an evening with 100 young leaders by EbonyLife TV, at the Wheatbaker Hotel, in Ikoyi, Lagos State, said there is no doubt that the introduction of the card reader technology into the nation's electoral process contributed immensely to the success of the last general elections.

Invited guests at the event that saw the INEC boss answering various types of questions about his person and his activi-

By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor

ties as the country chief electoral umpire, were drawn from a selective pool of leading young professionals from various occupational sectors and socio-economic backgrounds. Jega was also honored as a "Champion of our Collective Aspiration for Free, Fair and Violent-free Elections" at the event.

Explaining the motive behind the event, Mo Abudu, Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, said "It is important for young Nigerians to ask questions; the Nigerian youth were a big part of the last general elections. We wanted Nigeria's future leaders to grasp not only the importance of the

elections and its ramifications for the country, but to begin to build upon it by truly understanding the legacy left by Professor Jega."

Explaining his conviction about t the card reader as a potent tool in the war against electoral malpractices, the INEC chairman stated that the card readers have come to stay as the commission have no reason whatsoever to discontinue its use for elections in the country. He however admitted that there is need for INEC to examine areas of improving the effectiveness of the technology as it strive to retain it in use.

Jega also urged young professionals in Nigeria to give the nation their best whenever and wherever they have the oppor-

tunity of contributing to the growth and development of the country, regardless of the current uncertainties pervading the country. He added that there is a gender policy in the institution aimed at increasing the participation of women in politics.

Speaking further on the event, Mo Abudu said it was important to engage Prof Jega because he's a true leader whose desire for a credible election resulted in the success of the last general election. She noted that Nigerians saw truly that their votes counted. She encouraged those present to ensure that they get involved in the democratic process and be accountable whenever they get elected into office.

• The building that collapsed at Agege, Lagos as a result of the heavy rainfall yesterday.

Group urges FG to establish sickle Cell centres in council areas

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ICKLE Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF), has urged the federal government to establish sickle cell management centres at the local government level with a view to reducing the pains and trauma experienced by sufferers. The President of SCHAF, Prof.

Adeyinka Falusi, stated this while addressing reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to celebrate World Sickle Cell day with the theme "Walk against Sickle Cell Disease"?.

"Every Local Government must have a centre to control

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan Sickle Cell disease that will relate with the people at the grassroot. This will in turn assist to reduce the disease. President Buhari has to carryout this directive so as to save lives.We have a programme to sell to the government that will enable them to reduce the cost they spend on controlling the disease. " she said According to her, Nigeria is number one ?in those with Sickle Cell disease in the world. Government of Nigeria has to wake up and do something about the

disease. Falusi, who stated that sickle cell disease is high in Africa and Nigeria, noted that it is caused by ignorance of the people. She said SCHAF was founded basically to control Sickle Cell disease in Nigeria, adding that their first aim is to create awareness for people to know their blood genetype and make informed decisions before they meet their partners.

"It is not when you want to marry that you will know your genotype, you should know it earlier so that you can make a safe decision on your life partner. We have also instituted a

Know Your Genetype (KYG), club and we are initiating it in all schools, churches, and organisations. Every "youths in this country should know their genetype before they marry and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) too should assist us to educate corpers about it.

"We are also taking care of those that are already born with Sickle Cell diseases. We are giving them drugs we can afford, most of them have leg ulcers for 17 years and we are taking care of them. We are also giving them vocational training.

nally named me as one of the authors of the fictitious publication. If they are members of our family, they will not need to lie against anybody who is not party to their allegations," Aluko said.

He added that though he was one of the contestants amongst others including Oba Shotobi, he is satisfied with the emergence of the new Ayangburen as the process that produced him was satisfactorily done by all the parties involved.

According to him, all those who contested the throne with Oba Shotobi are now ready to work

with him in the interest of Ikoroduland.

"There is no row whatsoever. All contestants name were forwarded by the ruling house to the Kingmakers for consideration. And the Kingmakers unanimously chose Shotobi as the next King, in accordance with Obas and Chiefs law of Lagos State.

His selection was subsequently approved by the Lagos State Executive Council on the 25th of May, 2015 and former Governor Fashola presented him with the Staff of Office the next day,”Aluko said.

"No row over Ikorodu monarch's installation"

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HERE is no row over last month's appointment and presentation of staff of office to Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi as the 19th Ayangburen of Ikorodu town in the Lagos East senatorial district, by former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Chief Babatunde Akuko, a member of the Lasunwon ruling house and traditional ruler of Owutu community in the area, has said.

Reacting to a recent newspaper publication, Aluko who was named as one of the authors of the said publication, also said

By Chinedu Ihueze it is not true that himself and some other erstwhile contestants to the throne, called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to withheld the approval of Shotobi as Ayangburen of Ikorodu. "The report is nothing but outright lie," he said.

The traditional ruler who spoke to The Nation yesterday, said the publication is the handiworks of trouble makers who are not even members of the ruling house. "The authors are mischief makers who are obviously not members of our family. That is why they wrongly and crimi-

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HERE was confusion in the Agege area of Lagos State, Nigeria yesterday as a another building caved in, and crumbled in the country's commercial capital.

The Nation learnt that the rain, which started around 11:45 a.m, was still falling when we heard a loud bang and came out of our houses to see the affected house in rubbles. It is an old house that was probably built about fifty years ago. Motorists and pedestrians were trapped while rescue operation lasted. Occupants of the affected house were seen struggling to salvage some of their belongings in the rain.

"The rainwater penetrated into d foundation of the mud-constructed house that have been built over 50 years ago. Lagos State Building Control Agency has commenced marking of about 30 houses on the street with the intention of carrying out integrity tests on them immediately. This is necessary to ascertain the state of the remaining houses on the street,' another source added.

But more confusion broke out when youths from the area trooped out and stopped LABCA officials from marking the houses. Unable to withstand the large number of the protesting youths, the officials left with a promised to return on Monday to carry out the test.

"At about 12:30 p.m on Saturday, a building, located at 14, Ijaye street, Alhaja One bus stop, near Abiola Market, Agege, collapsed.

No one was hurt as emergency rescuers and neighbours responded quickly. But the incident caused panic amongst residents of the area. But normalcy have since returned to the area after men of the Lagos Building Control Agency (LABCA) moved in to evacuate occupants immediately," an eyewitness said.

APC chieftain defends Tinubu over handshake saga

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RSTWHILE chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon Tajudeen Ajide, has defended Sen. Remi Tinubu over the handshake episode with Senate President Bukola Saraki. Sen. Tinubu had reportedly refused to shake hands with Saraki on the floor of the house following the later perceived antiparty activity which led to his emergence as the president of the 8th Senate.

Speaking in Lagos , the grounded grass roots administrator, said the handshake issue was blown out of proportion, saying politicians need to exhibit a good level of honesty and decorum in public service. "Even among thieves, it is said that there is honour, " Ajide said."Sen Tinubu is an honourable politician who has demonstrated honesty in all ramification and has a right to show her grievances about an insincere politician."

The ex-footballer is of the opinion that the Sen Tinubu and her husband, APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have paid their dues in the party and to Nigerian politics at large and deserve to air their opinions without prejudice. "They have done so much for Nigerian politics right from the grass roots right to the federal life level. They deserve kind words and respect from Nigerian politicians which is lacking in our politics and it is a shame," he added.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

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S the National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, whose tenure has expired, prepares to retire from the commission on June 30, 2015; the world is eager to know who would step into his big shoes.

The Nation's investigation shows that the high expectation over Jega's successor is primarily anchored both on 2019 political calculations and on the need to ensure that the new chief electoral umpire in Nigeria will not just match the outgoing INEC boss' commitment to electoral reforms but will have the capacity to exceed his achievements in that area.

Politics of the succession One of the promises President Muhammadu Buhari has made repeatedly is a commitment to ensure that the electoral reforms carried out by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan is not only sustained but improved upon.

Shortly after he was declared Presidentelect, Buhari made it a point of duty to reassure Nigerians wherever he goes that he will not betray their trust, as he assumes office on May 29 and that he will continue with the electoral reforms carried out by his predecessor for which, according to him, his election became possible.

For example, while receiving a delegation of supporters of the All Progressives Congress from Taraba State at his campaign headquarters in Abuja before his inauguration, Buhari promised to further reform the nation's electoral process.

He told the delegation which was led by the party's standard bearer in the last Taraba governorship election, Senator Aisha Alhassan, he will push for further electoral reforms to ensure that the vote of ordinary Nigerians count in future elections.

Explaining what made his election as president possible, Buhari said, "Thank God for technology-PVC and card reader. If not this luck we had with technology and the insistence of constituencies to make sure they were used, in two political zones where they were subverted, the people wanted to vote but they were not allowed to vote.

"They continued with what they used to do-go to their party offices or their seating rooms, write the results, go to radio house and television house and announce the result and say whoever does not want the result should go to court."

This resolve gives insight into some of the remote factors that may influence Buhari's choice for the new INEC boss. Some close associates told The Nation that Buhari is not ready to consider any candidate he is not sure will effect genuine electoral reforms as he has sworn that from now on, votes must count at all levels.

Explaining the president's passion and commitment to ensure Jega's successor will not falter on this issue, an associate said, "This is the major snag in the consideration of any insider in INEC to take Jega's seat. Some powerful associates have told Buhari that an insider, an official of INEC, may be handicapped to continue with the electoral reforms. This is because corupt INEC officials are not comfortable with reforms that will encourage use of information technology to make rigging difficult."

Another factor that may influence the choice of Jega's successor is zoning. Besides agitation by some stakeholders that Jega's successor cannot come from his zone, other interested parties are alleging that some geo-political zones have never produced INEC National Chairman. Reacting to that insinuation, Dr. Dada Moshood cautioned that "appointment of INEC boss must not be based on political balance.

What we need is a man that will take INEC to higher ground, not all these ethnic nonsense. I think Buhari should just look for a trusted professional with impeccable credentials. He should look for a courageous Nigerian ready to make a mark."

Constitutional lawyer, Festus Okoye, has also said that anyone who would succeed Professor Attahiru Jega as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure that peoples vote count.

According to the highly respected rights' activist and pro-democracy crusader, the next INEC boss must be ready to work for Nigeria.

He warns that no ethnic or religious jingoist should be considered for what he described as

RACE FOR JEGA’S JOB:

The 2019 calculations As the National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, finally bows out of the commission, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, and Sunday Oguntola report on the search for his successor, the factors that will determine the ultimate choice and the achievements of previous chief electoral officers.

• Jega the most sensitive job in the land.

Okoye posits that the job of INEC chairman goes beyond academic and professional qualification. He insisted that the ability of the INEC boss to act independently irrespective of pressure and threats is a major criterion for the job. He added that the man for the job must be passionate and ready to ensure that he contributes his quota to the growth of the electoral system by not secretly working for any politician or political party to the detriment of the others.

He, however, refused to mention any successor for the position. Okoye said that his closeness to the electoral process would not allow him to suggest any name to succeed Jega. He said that Nigerians have realised that it is possible for their votes to count, adding that whoever must succeed Jega must also have the will

power to make the peoples' vote count. According to him, whoever would succeed Jega should be someone who is able to build on the foundation already built by Jega for transparent election.

Also, Mr. Shehu Wahab, an INEC Deputy Director, said all hands must be on deck for the nation to consolidate on the gains recorded in the last general elections. To do this, Wahab said, the next task before Nigerians was to insist on the appointment of credible Nigerians to succeed the outgoing INEC commissioners led by Jega.

"The composition of the membership of INEC is very critical to the success of election conduct in the country. As the tenure of Jega winds up, Nigerians must be interested in who takes over from him. We need to dig deep into those to be appointed as the new set of INEC

commissioners too.

"Civil Society Organisations have a major role to play and they must endeavour to beam their searchlights into those to be nominated because if you get it wrong in the composition of INEC, the whole electoral process is in danger," he said.

Taking his and other Nigerian's sentiments into consideration, one central factor that will certainly shape Buhari's ultimate choice for the job is 2019. A source, a close associate of Buhari said, "Buhari is happy at the outcome of the 2015 elections, but he would want Nigeria to have better elections henceforth. As we all know the person of the INEC boss has a lot to do with the future of our democracy. So, the next INEC boss must be a Nigerian with the right character, courage and determination to make the difference. Those expecting ethnic balancing, intimidating academic record but without character and reputation are likely to be disappointed. I can assure you. Many of us will be shocked and believe me, the success of 2019 is the primary consideration."

The possible candidates, the permutations If news filtering in from both the presidency and other sources are to be taken serious, then the likes of former President of Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami and erstwhile President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, may be on the list of persons being considered as possible candidates to fill the position of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission to be vacated by Prof. Attahiru Jega on June 28, 2015.

Reliable sources also quelled that though Jega is eligible for reappointment, the university don is unwilling to stay on the INEC job beyond June 2015. "Jega is keenly looking forward to exiting the electoral commission this month. He is not seeking another term and has even said he would reject such if offered to him. He feels strongly that he has contributed his quota and as such, should move on to something else," a close associate, a lecturer at the Bayero University, Kano, told The Nation.

For Salami, the agitation to have him as the next INEC boss is coming from both the political and civil societies, while Agbakoba's support base is largely amongst election monitoring groups within the civil society. However, the two are being considered on the strength of their pro-democratic credentials, The Nation gathered.

Within the progressive political class, across party divides, many stakeholders are of the opinion that Salami, given his rich judicial resume and pro-democratic antecedents, will be able to build on the achievements of Jega as the next INEC boss. Citing his brush with the last administration believed to be on account of his refusal to be compromised; his admirers are recommending the retired Court of Appeal President as the best man for the job after Jega.

But his critics are saying given his age, Salami may not be suitable for the pressing tasks of an INEC boss. Those in this school of thought say Agbakoba is preferable, pointing out that, like Salami, he possesses pro-democratic credentials and is younger and thus more fit for the tasking assignment. "Agbakoba is also very conversant with the workings of the electoral commission, having been part of the election monitoring process for decades in the country. This is a serious advantage for him," a source said.

Aside Salami and Agbakoba, The Nation learnt there are some INEC commissioners who are also jostling or being considered for the job on the strength that it may do the commission some good if an insider is given the opportunity to carry on with Jega's efforts. A source at INEC told The Nation that it has always been the wish of the outgoing INEC boss to have one of his current subordinates succeed him.

"He desires it so much and speaks about it often. I am also told that he already told the President that it will help INEC to look inward for his successor. I don't know how true this is but I heard it from some of his aides," our source said.

Consequently, about four national commissioners are said to be in line for Jega's job.

Sources said the national commissioners that might take over from Jega could come from a list made up of Dr. Mohammed Wali from Sokoto State, Mrs. Amina Zakari from Jigawa State, Colonel Mohammed Kurmi Hammanga

•Contd. on page 10

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

Jega's successor and 2019 calculations •Contd. from page 9 (rtd.) from Adamawa State and Dr. Ishmael Igbani from Rivers State. The name of Chief Mike Igini, INEC's Commissioner in Edo State, is also being mentioned as part of those who could succeed Jega should the President prefer an insider to continue where the former ASUU boss stopped.

Igini's consideration, in spite of his not being a national commissioner, is on the strength of his activism and commitment to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. "Igini is on the list by merit and widespread recommendation. Most of the people

who are recommending him feel he is a suitable successor to Jega as a result of his activities so far as an INEC official. You will agree with me that Igini on more than one occasion has shown the ability to be independent minded when it comes to taking decisive action as an electoral umpire. That is why he is being considered in some quarters," a source said.

Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, at the weekend advised President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint Igini as replacement for Jega, whose tenure ends at the end of the month.

Owie said: "Since Igini became a REC about

Eyo Ita Esua (1964-1966)

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N the beginning, there was no Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). But there was Federal Electoral Commission (FEC), the first agency established in the nation to act as electoral umpire. It was headed by Eyo Ita Esua from Calabar in Cross River State.

Born on 14th January, 1901, Esua was a trade unionist and school teacher. In fact, he was a founding member of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) where he served as the first General Secretary from 1943 until 1964 upon his retirement.

Though he came into FEC with a high sense of dedication and uprightness, the handling of the 1964 December elections left much to desire. The parliamentary elections, which held on December 30, were marred with controversies. But there was a boycott in some constituencies in Eastern Region, Lagos and Mid-Western Region. As a result, the elections held on March 18, 1965 in these constituencies.

When the results were released, Nigerians cried foul, alleging manipulations. There was widespread violence across the nation. To worsen matters, two members of the electoral commission resigned after serious altercations with Esua.

By the time the commission conducted the 1965 Western Region elections, the centre could no longer hold. An overwhelmed Esua admitted the body would never be able to hold free and fair polls. The electoral logjams created the opportunity for the first military coup spearheaded by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. The failed electoral process ultimately led to the collapse of the First Republic.

Esua left the commission with bruised reputation. He died in 1973.

Michael Ani (1976-1979) For 10 years, the military held tightly to political power. Several promises to return the nation to democratic governance were thwarted. This was the situation until the General Olusegun Obasanjo's regime initiated moves for civil rule.

It established the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) on 15 November, 1976 to conduct election, register political parties and delimit constituencies. Obasanjo appointed Michael Ani to head the commission. Born on November 30, 1917, Ani had just retired from the civil service when he was appointed.

Ani conducted the August 1979 presidential election. Shehu Shagari of National Party of Nigeria (NPN); Obafemi Awolowo, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigerian People's Party (NPP); Aminu Kano of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Waziri Ibrahim of Greater Nigerian People's Party (GNPP) contested the poll.

Everything went well until the two-third majority debacle. FEDECO declared Shagari as the winner but Awolowo kicked. He went to court but lost to Ani's interpretation of the contentious decree that expected a winner to obtain "one quarter of votes cast in at least two thirds of the states of the federation".

Ani's critics said the matter reduced his standing in the public. That Republic, called the Second Republic, was however terminated by another military takeover that brought General Muhammadu Buhari into power.

Victor Ovie -Whisky (1980-1983) But before Buhari's coup, the remnant of FEDECO was handed over to Victor Ovie Whisky from Delta State. He was appointed

by President Shehu Shagari. As at the time of his appointment, he was the Chief Judge of Bendel State.

Though considered impartial and upright, Ovie-Whisky could not conduct free and fair polls. The 1983 general elections were marred by manipulations and irregularities. There was general discontent in the land with electoral officials accused of rigging for the ruling NPN. Despite the irregularities, the electoral chief

five years ago, he has made the South-South proud due to his incorruptible stand, his genuine belief in free, fair and credible elections and his pursuit for the truth. As a man of character himself and one who believes in our electoral process, we should not waste the talent of this young man. He should be given a chance to head INEC so that Nigerians will benefit from his wealth of experience."

Before the March presidential elections, there were reports that Prof. Femi Mimiko, brother of the Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, had been penciled for the position but investigations by our correspondents showed that the former Vice Chancellor

From Esua to Jega Since the first electoral commission was established in 1964, Nigeria has recorded varying experiences with the helmsmen.

Here are the nation's electoral chiefs since then and the highlights of their stewardships

•Esua

•Nwosu

•Iwu •Guobadia declared he was pleased with the process. He however stated "we did not expect to be perfect."

He also debunked insinuations that he was compromised, claiming he would faint if he were to see N1million cash. Some observers said the poor handling of the elections sowed the seeds that led to the truncation of the Second Republic. Ovie -Whisky died at 89 on 18 July, 2012.

Eme Awa (1987-1989) Prof. Eme Awa had the reputation of being the only electoral umpire to resign from office.

The Professor of Political Science called it quit over a brat with President Ibrahim Babaginda, who appointed him as chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON).

Though he had a brief stint, Awa also had his integrity questioned over the 1987 local government polls, which he conducted. Overcrowded polling stations and ambiguous voter registers marred the polls. But his associates said he couldn't have done any better because he was new on the job and didn't inherit any structure on ground.

Awa died at 79 in the Holy Cross Hospital in the United States of America in March 2000.

Humphrey Nwosu (1989-1993) A student of Professor Awa, Professor Humphrey Nwosu came into office highly recommended. He did a yeoman's job with the nation's electoral process, especially the introduction of the widely-applauded Option A4 voting system. Nwosu was only a few hours away from making history. But the military junta of Babangida had other ideas.

It stopped the electoral chief from continuing the announcement of results of the June 12, 1993 elections believed to be the freest and fairest in the nation's history. He was dismissed by Babangida under suspicious circumstances.

Nwosu amazingly went into oblivion thereafter.

He reemerged in 2008 with a book where he tried to exonerate Babangida from the cancellation of the 1993 polls. His attempt was however widely criticised. It is believed he had not given a clear picture of what really transpired behind the scene on the June 12 debacle.

•Akpata

•Jega Okon Eya (June 1993- November 19, 1993) Many Nigerians will not easily remember the renowned Professor of History at the University of Calabar, Professor Okon Eya, once presided over NECON. This is because his stint was the shortest in the annals of electoral umpire.

He was appointed by Babangida to replace the sacked Nwosu after the June 12 crisis. His brief was to conduct a new presidential election after the annulled June 12 elections by March 1994.

This was not to be however because of the political turmoil that followed the annulment.

The former Ambassador to Argentina, Peru, Paraguay and Chile was sacked by General Sani Abacha on assumption of office. He was later appointed Deputy VC and Acting VC of the University of Calabar.

Sumner Dagogo-Jack (1994-1998) Born in 1930, Chief Summer Dagogo-Jack was a member of the Nwosu-led NECON from 19891993. Abacha appointed him as head of the commission to oversee the transition to civil rule process. But his critics said it appeared he worked more towards the transmutation of the military dictator to a civilian president.

The five registered parties adopted Abacha as their presidential candidate. Dagogo-Jack was in full support and even reined in recalcitrant party officials. NECON, under him, conducted the local government and National Assembly polls.

The death of Abacha on June 8, 1993 however stopped the machination of NECON. As Abacha left the scene, Dagogo-Jack also disappeared into thin air.

Ephraim Akpata (1998-January 2000) Justice Ephraim Akpata scored two firsts. One, he was the first chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was also the first electoral umpire to die in office.

Born in 1927, the retired Justice of Supreme Court was appointed by General Abdulsalam Abubakar to head the newly constituted INEC. Akpata saw to the registration of the legacy parties that gave rise to the parties of today. He insisted that only parties with national spread

of Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State may no longer be in contention.

Also, the loss of the presidency by the PDP may have put paid to Mimiko's chances of becoming Jega's successor, given the insinuations in some quarters that his only claim to the job is the expectation that former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his search for a moderate loyalist to replace Jega, whom he was rumored to be keen on sacking back then, would hand over the headship of the electoral commission to the university don, as compensation for Governor Mimiko's support for his reelection bid. would contest elections. To contest National Assembly and presidential elections, only parties that won seats in local government in at least ten states qualified to present candidates.

This helped to weed out smaller parties, leading to the formation of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), All Peoples' Party (APP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The 1998 local government polls he conducted were largely peaceful and fair. He however condemned the alliance of AD and APP sequel to the 1999 presidential election, saying they wanted to benefit from the merger without going through the process.

Akpata oversaw the election that led to the emergence of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. He died on January 8 2000 at 72.

Abel Guobadia (2000-2005) Former educator and administrator, Abel Guobadia, was appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000 to replace the deceased Akpata.

He was confirmed by the Senate in May 2000. He oversaw the 2003 presidential election that led to Obasanjo's re-election. The election was marred by low turnout and massive manipulations, especially in the South-West where the PDP swept into power in all six states, except Lagos.

For all his failings, Guobadia had the distinction of being the first electoral chief to run out his tenure since independence. He died on February 4, 2011 at 78 after retirement from INEC. Maurice Iwu (June 2005 - 28 April 2010) The next INEC boss was Professor Maurice Iwu. The Professor of Pharmacognosy's first baptism in INEC was in 2003 when President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Resident Commissioner for Imo. He became the chief electoral officer after the retirement of Guobadia in June 2005.

As the chief umpire for the 2007 polls, Iwu was widely maligned as compromised. The polls are still described by many as one of the most flawed and manipulated in the history of the nation. Even late President Musa Yar'Adua, who benefitted from the elections, said the process that bought him into office was flawed.

Before the election, Iwu declared that only foreign observers will be allowed. Local monitors, he maintained, would not be allowed. That position set him against politicians and civil society groups. To them, that was a preamble to electoral manipulations.

His critics alleged that under Iwu, elections were won and lost based on inducements. This led to calls for his removal. On April 28, 2010, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan yielded the calls and removed Iwu, the chief electoral umpire.

Attahiru Jega (June 2010-2015) Professor Attahiru Jega came into office with a wave of public approval. Two things accounted for this. He is widely seen as an upright academic with strong ethical values. Two, the process that led to his appointment was transparent. Former President Goodluck Jonathan only appointed him after approval by a meeting of the National Council of State meeting.

Jega, a former President of Association of Senior Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), settled down to his new role with stoical strength. As a member of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, Jega was well acquainted with the electoral challenges in the nation.

He conducted the 2011 presidential election that led to the election of Jonathan. The elections were hailed as free and fair. In 2015, Jega supervised the presidential poll that produced Muhammadu Buhari. Sequel to the polls, he had introduced the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and biometric registration that many believed reduced incidents of electoral manipulations. He is perceived as Nigeria's biggest electoral reformer.

So, as the former Vice Chancellor of Ado Bayero University (ABU) Kano, who prepares to retire from the commission on June 30, 2015, the world is very much interested in knowing the next chief electoral umpire.

•Contd. on page 11

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

O

NEWS REVIEW

KPOTUWARI and Ondewari communities in Olodiama clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, may not be good neighbours.

But they have one thing in common - crude oil spills. They bear the brunt of playing hosts to the Ossiama-Ogboibiri pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

Most times, the pipeline either by act of sabotage or equipment failure spill the black gold into the environment. The communities are, indeed, always raising the alarm about the environmental damage caused by such incessant spills.

For instance in April, a spill occurred along the pipeline. Following the outcries of the communities, the spill site was clamped by the company on April 23 and the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) was carried out by all the stakeholders. According to one of the reports of the Environmental Right Action and Friends of the Earth (ERA/FoE), the JIV showed that the spill was caused by equipment failure.

ERA in the report by its Bayelsa State Project Officer, Mr. Alagoa Morris, said since the JIV was conducted, nothing in terms of clean-up and remediation had been done by officials of NAOC and regulatory agencies such as the Ministry of Environment, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which participated in the visit.

Short end of the stick "They have not revisited the impacted site or taken any pragmatic steps to follow up and take actions in line with internationally accepted best practices in the oil industry.

The scenario is even worse when we take into consideration that we are entering deeper into the rainy season when the rains would facilitate spreading of crude oil slick in surrounding swamps, farms and farmlands.

"This is another glaring testament indicating the oil industry in Nigeria is yet to measure up to acceptable best practices and, reason why the sailing mutual lack of trust/ confidence and seeming hostilities between operators and impacted communities would continue for a long time," the report said.

While the communities were still nursing the wounds of the April spills, another spill occurred on June 16th, close to the last spill site. To further degrade the environment, the current spill was said to be raging with fire.

The acting Paramount Ruler of Okpotuwari, Chief Moses Tiger, confirmed the current oil spill and said the community had already informed Agip about it. He said he sent some youths to check the site and they returned with a report that crude oil was gushing seriously from the pipeline.

"I was informed by some youths I sent to check that, crude oil was gushing seriously and that it is spreading and impacted the whole surrounding environment. From what I was told, the spill point is very close to the spill site clamped in April this year.

"Incidentally, I heard the fresh spill site is on fire now and; I can see a thick column of smoke rising from the site. This fire started yesterday evening and, is still on right now [being Wednesday, 17th June, 2015]. Agip should spare us of this environmental destruction by responding promptly to oil spills.

"The delay in mobilising to spill sites even when the company is duly informed and dragging their feet to clean-up impacted sites is very annoying and, I don't think this is the best we can get from oil companies.

"I am still appealing that Agip should come and stop the current spill/fire and clean-up every trace of crude oil from our land, including the immediate past one. The environment is of great importance to us", he said.

Also, the Project Officer of a communitybased organisation, Ondewari Health Education and Environment Project (OHEEP), Mr. Tontiemotei Yeiyei, said he saw the dark and thick column of smoke rising from across the spill site across the river.

According to him, "I was guessing it was the spill site that Agip came for clamping in

11

Bayelsa communities at war with oil firm In this report, our correspondent in Yenagoa, Mike Odiegwu, writes about oil spill in some communities and how the people are demanding for clear action from the oil firm responsible.

•Okpotuwari spill site on fire...

•Recovering spilt crude

April that has been set ablaze because the position of the rising smoke looked very much like the same place. But, I am also hearing that a fresh spill has just occurred within that same environment.

"This smoke from spill sites is very unhealthy as we depend on rain water and the river for drinking and even bathing and other domestic/economic activities. Some of us are suspecting that it is a thing like this that has deprived us of mamacoco, that special cocoyam that is almost gone extinct.

"The government should be more serious with the oil companies and anyone found wanting on this and related subject matters. We are losing a lot in terms of health and livelihood as a result of oil industry related activities around us."

Stop the delay ERA in the report condemned NAOC for

•Continued from Page 10

its delays in responding to spill information with regard to clamping and clean-up. It described the action of the company as corporate social irresponsibility and double standard.

The report said: "If clean-up is yet to commence in a spill impacted site that Agip effected clamping since April, 2015, when would the community consider it auspicious to do so, knowing full well that the rains are here and the situation would be worse as the days go by?

"This is environmental terrorism; more so as the spill occurred as a direct consequence of equipment failure [the one clamped in April, 2015]. It is not certain whether the current oil spill is also caused by equipment failure; since JIV is yet to be conducted.

"But whatever the cause of spill NAOC

has the responsibility to promptly stop, contain, ensure JIV is done, clamp the ruptured spot and follow up with recovery and clean-up. Issues of relief materials and compensation are later actions.

"But, every effort has to be made to protect the environment. Yes, because the environment is our life. Any fish, animal or crop from crude oil polluted site poses grave danger to consumers. And, since we all depend of the farmers and fisher folks and we buy from the same markets; everyone is at risk; not just those living in the immediate environment."

ERA, therefore, demands that Agip should, without further delay; mobilise to the site of interest and stop the spill and the fire.

It also called on regulatory agencies such as NOSDRA, environment ministry and DPR to rise up to the occasion and prevail on NAOC to do the proper thing and promptly too.

It recommended that Agip should be fined for non-disclosure of the spill within 24 hours and failing to take immediate action as stipulated in the NOSDRA Act. According to ERA, a JIV should be conducted promptly and cause of spill made public and the community must be given a copy of the signed JIV Report for record purposes.

"The regulatory agencies, especially the State Ministry of Environment should prevail on NAOC to immediately take steps to clean-up the sites impacted by crude oil from the company's facility...without further delays.

"The People of Okpotuwari should continue to monitor their environment effectively and report all such unhealthy happenings to the regulators, NAOC and ERA for needed action in the interest of the environment", ERA said.

However, NAOC could not be reached for its reaction to the spill.

12

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

Ropo Sekoni

13

Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

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

E

VEN if our senators and House of Representatives members went to the National Assembly naked, they would not require N506,600 each per annum as wardrobe allowance in a country where minimum wage is N18,000. Of course we cannot stop those of them with the means to wear the best of apparels money can buy. But those who cannot should wear whatever the country can afford given its dire economic predicament. After all, the law makers were elected for the primary purpose of making laws and not for fashion parade. The rest of us do not have to go naked for our law makers to look good. Even at the all-time low N18,000 minimum wage, many states are months in arrears. Our lawmakers are not talking about this.

That over 16 years after the N5million each furniture allowance for our legislators raised ruckus in the country we are still grappling with allowances for them, has proved that we are nowhere near getting the legislators to shed weight. About two months ago, a legislator from one of the state houses of assembly was asked on a live television show, what his take-home pay was. Apparently caught off-guard by the question from an angry caller, the lawmaker murmured some mumbo-jumbo. When he finally found his voice, he said “em em … about (I think) N1m per month”. The angry caller was not impressed by the ‘about’ and he resorted, “so, you don’t even know how much you earn monthly?” The legislator made frantic effort to justify his inexactitude. The caller then asked why the legislator was trying to justify that lawmakers’ pay was not outrageous. He replied that the caller did not know what the issues were. He said there are a lot of people that the legislators ‘settle’ and that if they did not ‘settle’ them, the legislator would not return to the house. Now, the question is: must he return to the house? Was he born there?

One may say this legislator is naïve for revealing that much, but what he said is the truth. Most legislators want to return to the house. Yet, I have not seen any of them that has convinced anyone as to why they should receive the bogus pay they get. Even when Dimeji Bankole, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives visited The Nation when he was speaker and he was asked the same question on their pay, he laboured in vain to convince the editors that he was addressing on the issue. He brought his pay slip to the newspaper house and even waxed dramatic by handing it out to us for perusal. But we saw beyond the miserable figure in black ink and quickly pointed out to him that what we were talking about was beyond what was contained in the say-nothing pay slip; so, he should not call dog monkey for us.

Some legislators say they must be well paid so as to insulate them from corruption, especially from the ministries, departments and parastatals they are carrying oversight on.

For me, they are talking like this because this is Nigeria. In other places, both the giver and the taker of bribes, if caught, would go to jail.

Besides, legislators’ primary responsibility is to make laws for good governance. But our own lawmakers have placed oversight and constituency projects over and above this primary responsibility because of the quick money they make from them. Even the newly

Nigeria’s own ‘Rotten Parliament’?

What our National Assembly members take home is ungodly and inhuman.

They should slash, instead of trying to justify it

•Dr Bukola Saraki, Senate President

inaugurated legislators are already scrambling for what they call juicy committees in the National Assembly instead of struggling to ensure making laws for good governance. It is because of the greed for oversight and constituency projects that our senators in the 7th National Assembly passed 46 bills in 10 minutes on June 3, barely 48 hours to the end of their tenure!

If good pay is an antidote to corruption, then our lawmakers should have little or nothing to do with the cankerworm, as some of the most pampered in the world. Despite being well paid, some of them even in the just-ended Seventh National Assembly still got involved in scandals. If we stretch the same logic of poor pay to the police and other sectors, then it means we should understand why police men and others too are corrupt?

The point is, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should ensure that whatever the legislators get is what our economy can sustain. What obtains is outrageous. For example, as at June 2007, under a new salary package, each Senator was entitled to N53.7 million and a House of Representatives member, N47.9 million per annum.

By 2013, the Nigerian lawmaker had become the world’s highest paid at N3million per month (basic salary minus outrageous allowances).

Given the new figures released for some of these emoluments, the senators are to get N4,052,800, N6,079,200 and N8,105,600m for housing, furniture and vehicles, respectively. House of Representatives members will however get N3,970,425, N5,955,637.50 and N7,940,850.50 each for the same purposes. These are mere percentages of their basic salaries and it also excluded the real money spinners for the lawmakers as contained in the fabulous constituency allowances, as well others that are hardly in the public domain.

I am not aware there was any lawmaker that was drafted into the race. Many of them fought bitter struggles to get their tickets; many spent a fortune to get elected apparently because they expected to recoup their ‘investment’ later. But lawmaking is serious business and is meant for people who want to serve and not

“It was sundry matters like allowances and excess payments by the British MPs that led to political reforms even beyond these issues and ultimately to the derogatory reference to the British parliament elected in 2005 as the ‘Rotten Parliament’. Our National Assembly members ... should spare a thought for the over 75 per cent of the citizens condemned to destitution and living on less than $2 per day. They should remember the over 40 million youths which official statistics reckon to be jobless”

those who want to be served. Any of them who is not comfortable with what the country can afford should return home.

It is fraudulent and self-serving for lawmakers to compare themselves with career civil servants as some of them are trying to do . If there is any issue with civil servants, it is not about their pay; rather, it is about corruption, particularly the ‘ghost workers’ syndrome’ and over-inflation of contracts.

Many civil servants who served meritoriously for decades get nothing near what many of these political appointees get for working (?) in just four years. Our present lawmakers conveniently forget that this same job was done creditably by people on part-time basis in the First Republic. Moreover, legislators in some other countries, including Britain and the United States of America, travel by rail; many live in rented apartments, etc. So, what is the big deal in being a lawmaker? Why are our own lawmakers making a fetish of lawmaking?

Our present legislators must begin to make the point that change has finally come rather than keep justifying the absurdity. Part of the ways to herald this change is by shedding some of these indefensible drains on the public till that they collect as pay, either directly or indirectly. We all must have learnt from the last general elections that Nigerians are no longer fools. Indeed, that was amply demonstrated by the protest over the wardrobe allowance last week, even though that was over-bloated. If we all agree that “charity begins at home”; then the ruling party’s lawmakers must live by this dictum.

That is the only way they can make nonsense of the saying that there are no firstborns among pigs because all of them (from the oldest to the youngest), play in the mud.

The legislators must be reminded of the British experience, specifically the public outrage that trailed the revelations by The Telegraph Group which in 2009 leaked the expense claims made by members of the United Kingdom Parliament over several years. Just as our own lawmakers are trying to shield the actual amount they take home annually, so did the British MPs too before the great revelations which caused a lot of public outrage. The MPs lost out and the matter got to the front burner of national discourse. The revelations led to a loss of confidence in politics and politicians. This was eventually followed by a large number of resignations, sackings, de-selections and retirement announcements, together with public apologies and the repayment of expenses by the over- pampered MPs. Indeed, some of them were prosecuted and convicted.

In summary, it was sundry matters like allowances and excess payments by the British MPs that led to political reforms even beyond these issues and ultimately to the derogatory reference to the British parliament elected in 2005 as the ‘Rotten Parliament’. Our National Assembly members must let reform come from within because coming from without could be catastrophic.

They should not give Nigerians the opportunity of storming the place as the French people stormed the Bastille. They should spare a thought for the over 75 per cent of the citizens condemned to destitution and living on less than $2 per day. They should remember the over 40 million youths which official statistics reckon to be jobless.

CHIBOK GIRLS: STILL ON MY MIND

otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net

08050498530(SMS only)

Shame of our nation

I

T’S always hard to resist the temptation of lamenting the sorry state of our development each time one travels out the country. I usually try not to get despondent about our situation believing that as Christians usually say, all will be well sooner or later, but the rate of progress is not as encouraging as it should be.

Too many things are just not right in the country and one is not sure how soon we can recover from years of missed opportunities for the overall development of the country.

A trip to South Africa penultimate week once again got me thinking about how much we need to do to catch up and take our rightful place in the comity of nations, at least in the continent.

Right from the road leading to what we call our international airport in Lagos, one is confronted with the shameful decay of our infrastructural facilities. Potholes and overgrown weeds dot portions of the road) A foreigner who drives along the airport road on his first ever visit to the country is immediately confronted with the image of a country in a state of disrepair.

I remember that former president Goodluck Jonathan was alarmed by the poor state of the road during a visit to Lagos and he promised to direct immediate repairs. As usual, nothing happened till his tenure ended.

Reconstruction of the car park has remained uncompleted for years and has resulted in indiscriminate parking and inconvenience for passengers.

Inside the airport, the air-conditioners were on holiday due to ongoing repairs, while the conveyor (+belt) managed to work with some parts falling off.

The toilet facilities were also below the standard of an international airport. I tried to use the electric hand dryer and it didn’t work.

There is simply no basis for comparing our airport with that of Johannesburg and Cape town which I passed through during my recent visit.

The trip also reminded me of the shame that while other African countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and others still had their national airlines, the Nigerian Airways is no more. Some of our private airlines which fly international routes unfortunately do not have good reputation.

With all the money allocated to the aviation sector by successive governments, the state of our airports is nothing to be proud of. It is not unusual to hear foreign passengers loudly complain about the poor state of our facilities and wonder why we have remained a giant with a feet of clay.

With the change promised by the new government, one can only hope that the aviation sector and others in the country will witness real transformation as quickly as possible. For too long, our governments have paid lip service to implementing the right policies needed to turn the situation around for good.

We cannot afford to continue to be the laughing stock among other nations, some of which do not have the kind of resources we have to provide adequate infrastructures. President Muhammadu Buhari must make good his promise of ensuring that the right persons are appointed as Ministers and heads of other agencies.

There is a lot that needs to be done to redeem the image of the country. It is better late than never.

14

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

COMMENT

Lawmaking: social responsibility or self-enrichment?

E

VEN a few days into the new administration, it is becoming clear that some lawmakers are already acting as if they have lost the political will for change.

Given the manner of choosing principal officers in the new National Assembly recently, it is not exaggeration for a public affairs observer or commentator to say that it is getting hard (or harder than in the days of Jonathan) to tell who and who in the legislature is working for APC’s manifesto of change or for PDP’s commitment to continuity or ‘business as usual.’

But today’s column is not about how and who got into the juicy positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives. After all, the ruling party has officially assured the public that it is ready to work with those elected into legislative offices, regardless of the initial controversy generated by the sidelining of 51 APC senators. Some people would say that the elite struggle for power in Nigeria is better left to the elites within the power circle to sort out.

But citizens need to get intervene in the discourse of power politics before self-serving politicians drive and bury them in poverty.

The interest today is to focus on level of remuneration for lawmakers in the new Nigeria of diminishing revenue from the easy source of foreign exchange that had driven individuals and organisations for decades to expect to be pampered with huge salaries and outlandish allowances. In the days of high revenue from petroleum, even the authors of the current constitution chose to give the power to determine what states and public office holders get as allocations and salaries/allowances to a group. The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is constitutionally charged with recommending what every stratum of the polity gets from proceeds from the oil flowing from wombs of the Niger Delta. Although RMAFC prides itself on its website as independent, it remains to be seen how much of that independence or autonomy has been used to plead for moderation in matters pertaining to remuneration of political office holders and lawmakers. RMAFC is on record as complaining about several allow-

All the ideas emanating from the National Assembly regarding remuneration of lawmakers are far from the ethic of social responsibility, which requires people in leadership positions to accept an obligation to act for the benefit of society ances lawmakers awarded themselves in the past, an indication that lawmakers have taken liberty to exploit their positions.

Whatever was the culture in the past, the new economic realities in the country now call for more critical thinking than was the case in the regimes of Olusegun Obasanjo, UmaruYar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan. The abundance that led to creation of 36 states, 774 local governments, over 400 House of Representative members, over 100 senators, and even recently to recommendations for moving the number of states from 36 to 55 appears to be drying up faster than the authors of the Nigeria of today could imagine.

All the ideas emanating from the National Assembly regarding remuneration of lawmakers are far from the ethic of social responsibility, which requires people in leadership positions to accept an obligation to act for the benefit of society. For example, the claim by the deputy speaker that the National Assembly is a separate arm of the federal government with its own peculiarities does not suggest any readiness on the part of this APC man from Osun State to respond appropriately to the call for prudence and sensitivity to society’s needs. To say that a budget of 150 billion naira is not much because it is less than three per cent of the total budget is tantamount to ignoring the new realities on the ground. Similarly, the defence of over half a million naira wardrobe allowance for lawmakers by the new Senate President and the spokesperson for the RMAFC during his recent visit to the Senate leader also misses the point.

While it may not be right to blame the 8th National Assembly for the largesse given to lawmakers directly or indirectly in the last sixteen years, it is proper to expect new legislators, particularly those who got elected on the platform of the party that promised Change to get critical and creative about how to end what citizens generally have considered as oversize budget to pamper lawmakers in particular. A

country that has borrowed money to pay salaries even at the federal level is not in any position to justify giving its legislators salaries and allowances higher than what their counterparts earn in wealthier and more advanced countries or what senior public servants like judges, professors, permanent secretaries, generals, etc earn for serving the country on a full-time basis.

Given that the long list of demands that the anaemic treasury inherited by the new government must have forced President Buhari to take to the G7, no legislator should need special persuasion to realize the need to cut out the culture of waste inherited from the past.

Nigeria is still one of the poorest countries in the world, despite its huge petroleum revenue in the past. Over 65% of Nigerians are believed to live on less than 300 naira a day. Child and maternal mortality in Nigeria is higher than that of many of its neighbours. Education and health care are two major social services that have been in decline for years. Most Nigerians have access to electricity not for more than two hours a day. Most Nigerians have no access to potable water while about 98% of Nigerians travel on substandard roads on a daily basis.

Most Nigerians working in the public sector do not get their salaries as and when due while pensioners in many parts of the country get their pension benefits usually in arrears. Apart from the special insecurity of Boko Haram, most of the roads and streets in the country are unsafe for any form of night-time economic activities. All of these happen even after the government at all levels owe over $60 billion, most of which have apparently been used to finance recurrent expenditures. What other evidence should any serious-minded lawmaker need to get real?

There has been so much opaqueness about how much money is given to lawmakers as salary or allowance. While the basic salary of the average legislator looks normal, the list of allowances is scandalous: furniture, wardrobe,

utilities, vehicle maintenance, leave, newspaper, constituency, recess, domestic staff, entertainment, personal assistance, etc. When added up, all these allowances and salaries put the Nigerian legislator as the highest paid lawmaker in the world. And this is despite the fact that lawmaking in Nigeria is a part-time activity, 120 to 180 days on the job in a year. Citizens serving the country in non-elective positions have to work 260 days in a year to earn a net income that averages between .001 to 10% of what lawmakers and other political office holders get in the name of allowances.

As laudable as the decision of the new governor of Kaduna State to take only half of his salary is and as ridiculous as the readiness of the Bayelsa Senator to pass his wardrobe allowance to widows in his state and workers in Osun State sounds, what is needed at this point is not goodhearted philanthropy from overpaid political office holders in the executive or the legislature.

The country’s economic condition, most graphically illustrated by borrowing money to pay salaries and the long list of requests President Buhari had to carry to Bavaria for consideration by members of the G7 group, calls for bold intervention.

The onus to show a higher sense of responsibility in determination of what to pay federal, state, and local political office holders is not just on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Lawmakers should seize the initiative to assure citizens that they are not in the National Assembly for the over generous emoluments inherited from sixteen years of profligacy in government. When citizens shifted majority of their votes from the PDP after sixteen years to the party that promised to change the way the country has been governed, they wanted to end a model of governance that appeared to privilege enrichment of the tiny political elite over the general welfare of citizens.

Undoubtedly, the Resource Curse that is part of the rentier state nurtured in the last fifty years must have produced the regimes of indulgence that the 2015 election results had promised to change. If, as it has become clear, our Manna economy cannot sustain prodigal allowances of the tiny political elite, it stands to reason that the change to an economy based on productivity and taxation will not be able to sustain the extravagant allowances for lawmakers and members of the executive branch of government.

It is time for citizens to get more vigilant.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

COMMENT

15

Good riddance We commend the FG for terminating the ill-gotten pipeline contracts to militants and ethnic militias

T

HE dubious oil pipeline surveillance and protection contract which the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan gave to even dubious organisations in the twilight of his administration has ended ignominiously. According to the publicity secretary of one of the beneficiaries of that devious arrangement, Mr. Sylvester Eweka of the New Age Global Services, “on Sunday, a lorry load of task force members invaded the Sagamu area, claiming it had orders to forcefully reclaim control of the pipeline area”. He further said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) abruptly sent a text message terminating the contract, with effect from June 15, 2015.

We commend the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for sacking the ethnic militias masquerading as security agencies. As we had written on this page when the Jonathan administration took that desperate manoeuvre, it was unlawful to allow the ethnic militias to appropriate the statutory responsibilities of our security agencies. The leadership of one of the groups, the Oodu’a Peoples Congress (OPC), openly boasted that the contract was given to them to empower the group to deliver the southwest to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 general elections.

To show how cynical the past regime was, the pipeline contract was parcelled out to ethnic militias that operated where the pipelines are. The protection of the pipelines in the creeks of Niger Delta was parcelled out to the various militant leaders in the area, before the amnesty programme. So, the Jonathan administration, instead of disarming the militants who had turned to terrorisers of their neighbourhood, opted to empower them financially, and provided them a cover to acquire more arms, in the name of execution of security contracts.

As predicted, the beneficiaries of the pipe-

I

T is no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption stance was a major reason why Nigerians voted him into power. Now all eyes are on him to see how he will tackle the hydra-headed menace.

From far away United States of America, a former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, and a former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, have advised Buhari to consider the anti-corruption war as “his first order of business”. They urged him to address it “at the institutional level by strengthening institutions” as well as “improving the transparency of government bodies”.

An elder statesman and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Yahaya Kwande, has also urged Buhari to use internal mechanisms to fight corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He argued that “Institutions of government such as the MDAs should be strengthened by allowing them more powers to deal with corruption at their own levels instead of making their officials mere figure heads who must take instruction from political authorities.”

Kwande’s concern over issues of corruption in the public service is commendable just like the worries that many other stakeholders and ordinary Ni-

line protection contracts were unable to stop the stealing of our crude oil. Indeed, while the contracts lasted, pipeline vandalism increased, and the result was the continuous dwindling of the accruals from our crude oil. As expected, many commentators were wondering whether those who had been put in charge of the protection of the pipelines were complicit in the increased wave of pipeline vandalism, and the stealing of our crude oil.

Another fallout of the dubious contract was increased violence in their areas of operation.

One of the most volatile areas was Arepo in Ogun State, where a number of law abiding citizens became victims of the untrained security manpower used by the ethnic militias to guard the pipeline. In the Arepo incident, a lady lawyer was gunned down, as the hoodlums exchanged gunfire, with one of the culprits claiming to be fighting to protect the pipeline. There were also several cases of police engaging pipeline vandals in gun battles, with the latter claiming to be agents of the contractors.

So, while the contract lasted, insecurity and confusion reigned in the areas that provided passages to the pipeline. There was also the contest for patronage among the ethnic militias. In the south-west, the two factions of the OPC contested

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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•Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye

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•General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

amongst themselves which of them deserved to gain the contract. Similar disagreement also took place in the Niger Delta, and each time the contest spread into the streets, lives were lost, and properties destroyed.

This contract no doubt gave rise to more proliferation of small arms, as the contractors without lawful permits armed themselves, in the line of their duty. Nigerians were appalled as television cameras caught these hoodlums bearing arms and engaging in mini-warfare, while the state security agencies watched helplessly.

Instances abound where the pipeline contractors took their battle to other security agencies, with causalities on both sides. In such instances, the heads of the militants talked openly about losing their boys, as if they were the commanders of para-military agencies of state.

So, we urge the Federal Government to completely flush out these unauthorised persons who are bearing arms and competing with state security agencies, quickly. As we have severally canvassed, the Nigerian Navy should be equipped to man our waterways, and protect the pipelines in the creeks; while the civil defence, police and the army should protect the pipelines that are covered by land. There is no justification for private citizens, under whatever guise, to be given the contract to take up the responsibility of the state, and of course, engage in abuses detrimental to the country’s economic wellbeing.

We however add that the operation should be conducted with military efficiency and dispatch. The claim of one of the contractors that lives were lost in the takeover of the oil pipeline at Shagamu is unfortunate, and we urge the NNPC to give advance notice, before sending in military operatives. It is however salutary that the pipeline contract for political support is coming to a closure.

LETTERS

Fighting corruption in public service gerians have expressed on similar issues in various sectors of the polity. His call for the strengthening of the capacity of public institutions to run their affairs with transparency and accountability is also good. Not only does it tally with the suggestion by the U S diplomats, it is in fact the global best practice and it is a major focus of the activities of anti-corruption agencies in the world, such as the ICPC he mentioned.

His submission is, however, diminished in part by two unrealistic assumptions in his argument. First, he seems to repose too much trust in the ability of civil servants to respect the regulations governing their activities as custodians of public institutions. He believes they would naturally do the right thing if left alone and therefore the political authorities should be blamed for fuelling corruption in the public service. Many Nigerians would disagree with him on this point.

It is more or less a rehash of the alibi usually given in the past by civil servants for corruption cases in their establishments, which is no longer tenable. The spate of multi-billion naira

scams involving civil servants uncovered in recent years in some government establishments, such as the pension fund fraud, regrettably rubbish this assumption.

The civil service of old is not what we have today. A new phase of corruption powered by unscrupulous civil servants is threatening to entrench itself in the system. This is not to say that the political authorities don’t have their own share of the blame but the truth is that even they cannot successfully perfect corrupt acts in public institutions without the cooperation and, or, active involvement of civil servants. Every public institution has institutional safeguards or checks against corruption built into the rules and regulations governing its operations. Infractions could occur occasionally as a result of negligence or system failure, but most acts of corruption are products of deliberate and wilful intentions which may or may not be aided by loopholes in the system.

This is why the intervention of special anti-corruption agencies such as the ICPC is very crucial in fighting corruption in the

public service. Again, Kwande’s second assumption underrates their role. His perception of anti-corruption agencies waiting in the wings to be called in to intervene when the damage has already been done certainly does not reflect the true role of the ICPC. By virtue of its mandate, the Commission is a critical stakeholder whose presence must be felt, helping to strengthen public institutions to prevent and withstand corruption while also addressing actual cases decisively. It is worthy of note that in several respects, the ICPC has been doing a good job in this regard.

In other words, the ICPC has substantially addressed Kwande’s concerns through several proactive preventive mechanisms it has introduced in recent years to forestall or nip corruption in the bud in the MDAs. It is remarkable that the Commission has, in furtherance of this goal, inaugurated AntiCorruption and Transparency Monitoring Units (ACTUs) in the MDAs. Apart from ensuring compliance, the ACTUs also serve as watch dogs and whistle blowers, looking out for violations

and infractions and promptly reporting same wherever they are detected or suspected before they are full blown. The Commission has so far inaugurated 389 ACTUs in the MDAs and is working on the establishment of 293 more units to achieve total coverage of the MDAs. In addition, the Commission is also planning an annual audit of MDAs on the implementation of Anti-Corruption and Accountability Legislations and Regulations.

The strengthening of public institutions is a continuous exercise and part of this exercise is the periodic system study and review of MDAs to identify areas where they are prone or susceptible to corruption.

This is done with a view to plugging loopholes and sources of leakages that people usually manipulate to subvert the system to make way for their nefarious acts. ICPC has carried out the exercise on some public establishments at the three tiers of government with remarkable success. Apart from the ministries, some key agencies have undergone this exercise at the federal government level.

As far as the anti-corruption war in the MDAs is concerned, ICPC appears to be on top of the situation. Its plan to introduce an Ethics and Compliance Score Card for MDAs will spur an integrity competition among them and enhance their transparency. If this exercise is implemented as envisioned by the Commission’s current Chairman, Barrister Ekpo Nta, it will be much more in depth and realistic than the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index.

By Kolawole Akinseye Lagos.

Advice to Nigerians: Be patient

P

ATIENCE is golden, patience is rare but patience is to be treasured.

At such a time when Nigerians are filled with hope and great expectations from President Muhammadu Buhari, all we must do now is to be patient and see what he is able to do. My message is from the story of a boy who had no helpers but eventually became a great man. In life, whether you have a helper or not, don’t give up! Keep trying, in good faith you will get there one day.

Ken Okocha Benin City.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

COMMENT

The Saraki-APC fiasco and its implications for Buhari’s anti-corruption war Not only are these allowances probably much higher today, with Saraki as Senate President, President Buhari is guaranteed a monstrous fight to reduce this highest pay to political representatives anywhere in the world, Britain and the U .S inclusive proved at an executive session on

“G

OVERNMENT is determined to secure the country, manage the economy, create employment and fight corruption. Some articulate writers have said if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. This APC administration intends to kill corruption in Nigeria. We will do our best, I assure you. We are getting the facts and logistic requirements together” –President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerians living in South Africa.

A fiasco is defined as a humiliating failure; some effort that went quite wrong or a wine bottle in a straw jacket.

For me, this is precisely what the shebang at the National Assembly represents for the APC. Truth be told, my initial reaction to Bukola Saraki emerging the Senate President was: Yes, if a Tambuwal, why not a Saraki?

Nor was that a flight of fancy because I believe, and still do, that he was as qualified as any member to be the Senate President considering his contribution to the emergence of the party. It should not be difficult to remember who heads the political camp to which Abubakar Kawu Baraje, who led the walk-out from the PDP Abuja minicongress on Saturday, August 31, 2013 belongs, nor the fact that Senator Saraki brought a whole state with him into the party. However, all these thoughts were shredded when it became known that, out of desperation, he permitted his coronation to be, not only instigated, but funded, by a gang of PDP treasury looters and their cousins, the oil subsidy rogues, all of who are eager to hamstring the anti-corruption war President Buhari promised Nigerians so they can again escape justice through the machinations of the now

totally rudderless EFCC. They have since been on a celebration binge. It is galling, if not puke-inducing, that in his political alchemy, Saraki thought nothing of selling his party cheap by accommodating Ike Ekweremadu, a PDP senator, as Deputy Senate President.

The Saraki shenanigan becomes more nauseating the more when we come to learn of the horrendous corruption of the Jonathan administration. For instance, President Buhari is expected to meet the leading global watchdog on corruption, the Oslobased, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), very soon to see how billions of dollars in the Nigerian oil revenue leakage can be curbed. According to Zainab Ahmed, the Executive Secretary of its Nigerian arm, over $7.5 billion is yet to be recovered from oil and gas companies since 1999, while the agency’s audits show that $11.6 billion of dividends between 1999 and 2012 from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company were not remitted by the NNPC whose oil swap deals have been discovered to be more of scams.

And that is only in the oil sector.

As you read this, millions of Nigerian workers, in at least 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states, have not been paid their salaries for over six months. It therefore becomes extremely agonising that Bukola Saraki, a leading light of a party elected almost solely on its promise to fight corruption could, out of overaching ambition, go into an unholy alliance with these mandarins of corruption. Nigerians must now brace up for all manner of opposition from the National Assembly

to the Buhari government’s efforts to kill corruption, a demonstration of which we may soon see during the president’s attempt to re-energise EFCC. Saraki, of course, knows that something must give but if he thinks he would succeed in thwarting the hopes of Nigerians, then I have news for him. It’s even nice that he showed his hands, and what manner of National Assembly he intends to lead, early.

In the article: ‘It Is Time We Storm This Bastille’, (Sunday,12th June, 2011), I wrote as follows on then immediate past Bankole-led House of Representatives: “When in the past week the EFCC finally caught up with the erstwhile Speaker of the House, Nigerians came to know that the Speaker, together with the House leadership, had been borrowing illegally for unappropriated purposes. In their defence we came to learn that the following new allowances were ap-

March 30, 2010: Speaker N100m, Deputy Speaker N80m, House Leader N60m, Deputy House Leader N57.5m, Chief Whip N55m, Deputy Chief Whip N54.5m, Minority Leader N54.5m, Minority Whip N50m, Deputy Minority Leader N50m, Deputy Minority Whip N50m’. For what job you would you say! They also agreed payment of outstanding allowances dating way back to 1999 – 2007; all from un-authorised funds.”

Not only are these allowances probably much higher today, with Saraki as Senate President, President Buhari is guaranteed a monstrous fight to reduce this highest pay to political representatives anywhere in the world, Britain and the U .S inclusive. I then concluded by saying that we, the people, must storm the National Assembly and chase them back to their villages or to gaol. Already, even before the ink on the signatures of members of the 8th Assembly could dry,

they are now expecting alerts from their banks announcing their respective share of a humongous N8.4 Billion ward robe allowance as if they have been going naked all their lives.

How unconscionable can they get?

No wonder a highly perceptive Dr David Kuranga, of Kuranga and Associates, has suggested that “if President Buhari is going to have any success in unravelling the complex and heavily entrenched corrupt interests in Nigeria, he is going to have to successfully tackle and overcome far more difficult opponents than the Saraki allies who just bested his party in the National Assembly.” This is very true because their ambition to eat Nigeria raw is collective and party blind. Therefore, for President Buhari to succeed, and for Nigerians to be free from these predators – the Deputy House Speaker, Lasun Yusuff, is already quoted as defending their utterly callous N150 billion budget in a dying economy - Kuranga concludes that President Buhari, and of course, the party, should treat the senate leadership as a political insurgency until they surrender and resign from their positions and that Nigerians just must say no to a political class riding roughshod on their well-being.

Otherwise, it will be a promise of change deferred.

It’s a new dawn in the housing industry in Nigeria –the Nigerite story

I

SEIZE this opportunity to congratulate the Board, Management and staff of Nigerite Ltd, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer in the roofing, ceiling and flooring sub sector, which, this past week, formally commissioned its multi billion naira Kalsi project, thus opening a new vista, and opportunity to providing fresh solutions to the Nigerian housing industry I hasten to appreciate, and commend the strategic thinking of both the Board of Odua Investment Ltd, then under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, Dr Bayo Jimoh as Group Managing Director, his successor, Wale Raji and the Etex Group, Nigerite’s Belgian partners which, with its over a hundred years experience in the field, and presence, in more than 40 countries in Europe,

Africa, Asia and South America, had the presence of mind to know that for Nigerite to retain its premier position in the Nigerian roofing, flooring and ceiling sub-sector, it must step up to becoming a total housing solutions company. Hence the strategic entry into the Dry Construction technology phase, which means, among other things, that a 4-bed room bungalow can now be fully delivered in 2-3 weeks, anywhere in the country.

It gladdens the heart too that one’s name, as Board chairman, and those of my worthy colleagues on the Nigerite Board when the project was approved, can never be missing when the history of this golden era of Nigerite, is being written. It is with a heavy heart that I recall the extremely valuable contributions of

our two elderly colleagues, Otunba Olu Adebanjo and Chief Sunny Oyekunle, the long serving Company Secretary, who were recently called to higher service. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace. Immense congratulations to the successive Managing Directors, especially, Monsieur Frank Le Bris, and his management colleagues who saw it to completion.

I warmly congratulate the entire staff who should see this as a further guarantee of their jobs and means of livelihood.

Manufactured from cement, quartz sand, cellulose, natural calcium silicate, and water, Kalsi boards are processed by autoclave (drying process under high pressure and temperature) for durability and dimensional stability, and have massive advantages over the traditional building methods.

The sum of all our hopes and frustrations Nigerians had hoped to kick corruption doorwards if not outdoors since the general consensus seems to be that politicians have turned the national treasury into a sort of Aladdin’s cave to which they alone have the password, key and right of entry and have denied every other Nigerian the same right to enter

I

DO not know what the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission is thinking by allocating these huge sums of money for the national assembly allowances; nor do I know what the assembly is thinking by accepting it. From news reports, I read that our senators are to enjoy N24m and the federal representatives are to enjoy about N20m as allowances and emoluments every month or is it every quarter now, I hardly know which. Whichever one it is, it is bad.

These crazy sums are especially gruesome considering the financial situation of the country right now when we are borrowing to eat. I think the actual truth is that the collective national thinking outrightly condemned those sums as totally unreasonable a long time ago. The last national assembly nevertheless went ahead to enjoy them against our better sentiments.

And now, because we the people did not insist then, the ugly problem has reared its head again. What is worse, from news commentaries, it is said that our assembly men and women insist on collecting their emoluments before they even sit. I think the common parlance for this is upfront. Haba! Which one of us gets his/her salary before working in this country?

I honestly do not know what all these huge sums are about, and what work they really compensate for. Are they supposed to reward work done

on behalf of the country, such as physically carrying it on their shoulders like the legendary Atlas is said to be doing carrying the world year in, year out? I think teachers are already doing that; masons such as bricklayers are doing that too, and they do not get anything near .0000000005 per cent of that sum. I also think that roadside labourers, construction engineers, geologists, housewives, etc., who break sweat working for hours under the hot sun, you know, ordinary people like you and me, are already doing that and they are not paid anything near that sum.

Indeed, after working for hours on end under the hot sun, some are not even paid at all. I know graduates in professional fields who have toiled under the sun for years carrying this nation till they are almost hunched in the back. For their pay, they have been told ‘come back tomorrow.’ For many of them, tomorrow has not come. There are yet others who are middling in circumstances you and I cannot even begin to imagine, hovels at best, and paid near to nothing.

Yes, there are many states and local governments which have not been able to pay their civil service workers, teachers, etc., because of supposed shortages, even as we speak.

There are people whose earnings are not even as structured as those of civil

servants and who look on the latter with envy. You know because they mutter things like, ‘at least someone is owing you; one day, he’ll pay you.

What about me; who is going to pay me?’ You’ve guessed it; those are called the unemployed. Unfortunately, some of our honourable assembly members were once in that category.

Let me tell you the sum of our hopes. By electing Buhari as president, the honourable members of this country had kind of hoped to use these four years to at least be able to kick corruption doorwards, if not downright outdoors. The general consensus seems to be that politicians have turned the national treasury into a sort of Aladdin’s cave to which they alone have the password, key and right of entry and have denied every other Nigerian the same right to enter. Seriously, awarding lawmakers a wardrobe allowance of N1.7/1.4m for senators and federal representatives respectively does not show much hope for our hope. Indeed, you can say that those gruesome sums sum up our hopelessness.

That is why I want to ask myself a series of questions. Whatever happened to patriotism, vision, nation building, love of one’s country, sacrifice or selflessness? Yep, the fact that I am asking myself these questions does not necessarily mean I have the answers. You find your own answers.

For one thing, I believe that patriotism seems to have travelled and left the country denuded; it has left it bereft of men of ideas, vision and goodwill. Only men of wood are left to

take charge of the affairs of the country.

Sorry to say this, but there are too many politicians who have nothing to offer the country by way of tangible ideas except to collect these huge sums for their personal enjoyment.

Many only go to mark their presence in the chambers; many are said not to show up for much of the year. Many there are too, whose main preoccupation seems to be organising themselves into caucuses to determine outcomes of motions, bills and who goes into juicy committees to bring ‘something home’. Their days are spent holding endless meetings determining ‘outcomes’. For instance I read in the news that oil barons and the like, the very people killing the country, jumped on board the senate president elections. Yep, their oily hands were in it; and that comes with all kinds of implications. Yet, these politicians are paid the princely sums we have been talking about. I tell you, those sums represent the sum of all our frustrations.

So, what happens to all our hopes of effectively getting rid of corruption soonest? I believe it is alive. All you have to do is do a travelogue into social media and you will get a feel of the people’s thinking. People are not fazed by what is happening. Without ever having sat together at a meeting, it is as if they have come to an agreement that they are only giving Buhari’s government a chance to clean up this mess, and others such as the purchase of unneeded jets by governors, before going on to the next course of action. What that is? I don’t

know, maybe to spontaneously combust; I am not people. It appears though that the people are determined not to be frustrated for too long.

As we said on this column a few weeks ago, our greater disappointment is in the NLC who has a big enough reason to call us, the workers, out in the matter of these gargantuan assembly emoluments. The failure to stem unreasonable executive and legislative spending years ago has resulted in the failure we are witnessing today – inability to pay workers.

The other body, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which is said to be responsible for fixing these wages in the first place, clearly has some explaining to do. It needs to explain to the nation its generative formulae that enabled it reach this unheard of conclusion. Otherwise, we would be forced to ask again, what were they thinking?

Definitely, I don’t think Nigerians are taking this matter lightly this time. Apart from those talking about a peaceful revolution, some have organised themselves into protest groups. The first of such groups has called on the assembly on a courtesy visit to lay down its grievance, you know, just like the mafia does. Typically, the mafia people first tell you, smilingly, how unhappy they are with a problem which only you can eliminate. The next step will eliminate the smile.

Before we call in the mafia-style sleight of hand, I think it is time for us to seriously begin to talk about parttime politicians. Someone muted the idea a while back and it has caught on with me. How about you? That may just pull us out of the sum of these sticky jams.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

COMMENT

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(121 The ruling party and the president: for the sake of Nigeria and the talakawa, will the APC and Buhari be different? (1)

•Buhari, the APC President

•Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, the PDP Presidents

T

HE ruling party and the president? Why not the president and the ruling party? The answer to this question is simple, at least in the Nigerian political context. I am directly changing the order of things in our country where, at least under the reign of the PDP, it was unquestionably the president and the ruling party, not the ruling party and the president. In the PDP formulation, the president came first and overwhelmingly so, while the party came second, by a wide, long and deep margin. As we shall see later in the series of which this piece is the first installment, this caused great havoc for the political and constitutional order; and it was also a principal cause and means of the dispossession of the great majority of our peoples in every corner of the land. The president and the ruling party – may this formulation and all that it entails sink into the dungheap of history with the defeat of the PDP as our ruling party, amin yarabi!

As we know, there were three presidents during the reign of the PDP: Olusegun Obasanjo, Umar Musa Yar’ Adua and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Without exception, these men all completely subordinated the ruling party to the total and jealous control of themselves and their henchmen. Yar’ Adua and Jonathan were, relatively speaking, weak, indecisive and clueless men but even they succeeded in bringing the ruling party, the PDP, under the complete sway of the selfinterest and self-aggrandizement of themselves and their minions. With Obasanjo, this tradition of complete and unrestrained subordination of the ruling party to the control of the sitting president reached its apogee, its apotheosis. In perhaps the very worst expression of this total imposition of his self-interest, his anxieties and insecurities on the ruling party, Obasanjo forced virtually all independent minded, thinking and progressive leaders out of the party while promoting people described by the late Chinua Achebe as “politicians with low IQs” that he could manipulate to

positions of power and influence within the party. With these observations in mind, I hope the reader will recognize that it is in order to subject this legacy of the PDP for the Nigerian political order to scrutiny that I have jettisoned the formulation “the president and the ruling party” and opted instead for “the ruling party and the president”.

If this is the case, the question that arises is, what led me to this issue and what do I have to say about it that the reader and all compatriots in general might find informative or even thought-provoking, whether or not they are supporters of the new ruling party, the APC? I confess that for me, this issue arose from Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s election as Senate President by majority votes that he received, not from his party, the APC, but from the defeated former ruling party, the PDP. Concerning this act that I described in last week’s column as an ‘anti-party and antidemocratic coup of impunity”, two considerations stand out. The first consideration pertains to Bukola Saraki while the second one pertains to the President, Muhammadu Buhari. This is the first consideration: immediately after he had secured victory by dumping his party and turning to the PDP for the majority votes that he could not get from the APC, Saraki quickly dismissed allegations that he was leaving the APC for the PDP. As a matter of fact, he vigorously reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and scheduled a courtesy visit to the Abuja Headquarters of the Party. Nobody could miss the implications of these post-victory acts of Saraki: he had merely dumped his party temporarily; once he had obtained the high office he desperately wanted, he came back into the APC fold as if the pact with the PDP that won him the Senate Presidency was a matter of mere convenience made possible by the well-known fact that this was - and presumably still is - what the PDP is there for.

The second consideration that pertains to Buhari is a bit more complicated. It arises from the fact that

the President was completely unperturbed that Saraki dumped the APC – even if this was “temporary” - and went to the PDP for the majority votes for his election as Senate President. True enough, the President did make mild remarks of regret through his spokespersons, but on the fundamental issue of how party leaders may or may not use the party in pursuit of their political ambitions, Buhari was completely silent, so much so that as of now, Sunday, June 21, 2015, we do not know where he stands on the matter. In other words, we do know where Bukola Saraki stands on the matter: political parties are there as means of obtaining and consolidating the quest for power; whether the instrument is PDP or APC, it does not really matter as long as one’s driving ambition and goals are achieved.

Let us be very clear and unambiguous on this observation: everyone knows that Bukola Saraki is, even by the standards of professional politicians, an inordinately ambitious man whose real and ultimate goal is the Presidency itself.

He is in the APC today; if the PDP, by some stroke of unimaginable reversal of political fortunes for the country, comes back to power, Saraki will be back in that resurrected PDP, absolutely without any qualms whatsoever. That is why Saraki stands. But we do not know where Buhari stands on the mater.

And we need to know. Will he be like the PDP Presidents all of who regarded the ruling party as the extension, the objectification of their personal and political grip on power? Or will he depart from that tradition and create a different order of relationship between the presidency and the ruling party in which each is a joint partner, a collaborator in the enormous tasks of uniting our peoples and redressing the terrible and unregenerate imbalance between the haves and the have-nots in our country?

There is of course much that we do know about the President. Some things we know by facts, others we know through myths, legends and

hearsay. We know that he was one of the war commanders that fought to keep the country one, this in a civil war that forever changed the nature of the country, for good and/or ill. We know also that he was one of the eight military dictators that have ruled this country.

Significantly, we know that he wanted very, very much to become President, that it was only on the last of the FOUR times that he put himself in competition for the presidency that he finally won. From legends and hearsay, we learn that he leads a simple and disciplined life, devoid of the lavish and ostentatious lifestyle made possible by the enormous wealth and fortune that some of the other living former military dictators took with them when they left or were forced out of office. We know also that among all the former military autocrats, Buhari is the only one with a credible claim to economic and political populism, though whether this populism is rightwing or popular-democratic or a mix of both, it is hard to tell. Finally, we know that Buhari hated the PDP with a great passion, not only because that former ruling party kept him from power at the center by rigging itself into power each of the three previous times before the 2015 elections, but also because corruption, indiscipline and squandermania grew completely out of control in the last years of the reign of the PDP. Reflecting on this conditioned animosity toward the PDP and all it stood for, will Buhari use the awesome powers of authority, influence and patronage attached to the Nigerian presidency in a way that takes the APC away from the PDP pattern of complete subordination of the party to the president and his personal and political self-interest, anxieties, fears and obsessions?

In the political history of our country, Muhammadu Buhari is the only man who has stood for election to the Presidency FOUR times.

There is absolutely no doubt that the elections were massively

rigged on each of the three previous times when he did not win. But we know also that had the elections been free, clean and fair on any of those three occasions, Buhari could not have won for the simple reason that he did not have the nationwide plurality that is needed to win the Nigerian presidency. In other words, he could never have won on the ticket of his former party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Only with the mergers that created the APC was he finally able to win the presidency. Apart from his own former party, two other political formations, among others, made the founding of the APC possible. These were the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and a large critical mass of defectors from the PDP. This means that in a manner that promises to be different from how the PDP became Nigeria’s ruling party and went on to produce three presidents before it was finally consumed by its internal contradictions and the electoral anger of the Nigerian people, the APC and Buhari not only have to govern far more democratically and justly than the PDP ever did, they have to do this on the basis of hitherto unprecedented patterns of genuine partnership and collaboration between the party and the presidency.

Buhari’s response to the Saraki “coup” against the party in the Senate President elections last week does not offer any sign that the President fully appreciates this fact, this necessity. In next week’s concluding piece in the series, we shall explore this proposition at much greater length, basing the central argument on the simple but profound contention that if the APC and the President are on the same page in turning our economy, politics and society around from the ravages of the PDP years, the fears and anxieties that currently act like impediments to forming a strong, vibrant and regenerative partnership between the new ruling party and the presidency will disappear.

Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

COMMENT

sms only: 08116759748

E-mail: festus.eriye@gmail.com Twitter: @EriyeFestus

The two Buharis and microwave change U

NDER the convenient cover of anonymity many of those who voted for continuity of Goodluck Jonathan’s disastrous rule have teamed up with others who truly plumped for a new beginning to bemoan the failure of Presidency Muhammadu Buhari to deliver change at the speed of a microwave.

The former are motivated more by mischief to paint the picture of a bumbling president in the same manner their fallen hero was caricatured in the last four years. The latter are not exactly driven by patriotism but more by that Nigerian habit of rushing around in circles before deciphering why we’re scurrying around so furiously.

The calamity that has befallen the nation is that three weeks after taking office Buhari has not appointed a Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who by his mere emergence would magically transform our fortunes.

Even more sacrilegious is the fact that the country still doesn’t have cabinet ministers. Those who have waited this long to moan have been uncommonly patient. After all, I did read a post by a supposedly enlightened blogger who wrote this on his Facebook page: ‘Three days and Nigeria still doesn’t have a government. Hmn…!’ This was on June 1, 2015!

The last I checked the structure of government doesn’t crumble just because someone hasn’t been appointed Chief of Staff, SGF or minister. The fact that the president is getting things done is confirmation of that.

In any event, historically, in the Fourth Republic it has taken even the most prepared of presidents at least four weeks to put together a cabinet. Taking that time to assemble a team that would run a race of four years is not being tardy in my book.

That is even fast when we consider certain examples from around the world. After winning the March 17, 2015 general elections it took Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu almost two months to cobble together a cabinet.

I suspect that much of the hysteria is being driven by those interested in being appointed to some of these offices. They are frustrated by the fact that Buhari has refused to show his hand and is taking his sweet time to resolve things. I can understand how that can unsettle politicians who are desperate to be relevant again.

For the average Nigerian the naming of a Chief of Staff to the President doesn’t change the price of beans at Mile 12 market in the short term. Buhari has to govern with a team of ministers and he would name them sooner than later.

He understands how hungry people are for change. That is why he kept trying to lower sky-high expectations that things would change overnight.

We would all be totally stressed out if we don’t take the trouble to understand the man in whose hands we have put our collective fate. Indeed, if we remain our usual impatient selves, then it’s going to be a very long four years under the Buhari presidency.

One-time British Prime M i n i s t e r M a r g a r e t Thatcher once said of herself: ‘the Lady’s is not for turning!’ We have on our hands another self-assured and stubborn customer.

He would not be moved until he’s ready to move.

After winning the All •Buhari Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in Lagos last December, he came under intense pressure to quickly name a running mate. The furore was as much the product of intense jockeying by those who fancied themselves for the role and the anxiety of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was waiting for an opening to attack its rival.

Rather than seeing the time it is taking to constitute a cabinet as some great failing, people should understand that today’s Buhari is a totally different package from the stern, lean-faced infantry general who 30 years ago delivered change under a military regime “with immediate effect.”

Despite the good his regime did restoring orderliness, paying off debts and stabilizing the economy, it would be ultimately undone by its cavalier abuse of human rights.

When General Ibrahim Babangida and his co-conspirators took over they didn’t accuse the man they toppled of fiddling with public funds; they posed as liberators who had come to restore freedoms taken away by a stern dictator.

Back then in 1985 not many would have predicted that the man who left office reviled as a draconian junta leader would 30 years later be swept back into office as an almost messianic figure.

But by joining those he once scorned to compete for power, Buhari invited intense scrutiny of his time in office. It was an exercise that his foes welcomed with glee and executed to devastating effect. Along with the caricature that he was a Muslim fundamentalist, the general was portrayed as a harsh despot who would never change his ways.

The caricature was especially effective down south.

He may not have apologised for the most egregious abuses, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that he understands how his record and image worked against him in three

previous attempts at being elected president.

In the 2014-2015 election cycle we have been confronted with a repackaged Buhari. The man who once suspended constitutional government and ruled by decrees now swears by the constitution. He was accused of religious fanaticism, he countered by running twice with not just any Christian – but with Pentecostal pastors. Once derided as the ultimate anti-democrat he now overcompensates by making sure his every move is by the book.

The new Buhari is one who thinks meddling in the leadership scheming of the National Assembly is a no-no because they are a different arm of government. He is a political innocent who just received a lesson in skullduggery when his APC was outmaneuvered in a conspiracy involving some of those who having been grinning in his face like friendly sharks, while plotting to undermine him and further their own interests.

Without question the president believes that the troubles some of his predecessors had with the legislature had to do with their attempt to impose leadership. Of course, he had the recent example of Aminu Tambuwal to point to. But his handsoff approach also has much to do with not giving opponents grounds to cry that the old dictatorial traits were returning.

The trouble with the new Buhari – the converted democrat – is he expects politicians to be honourable.

Unfortunately, Nigerian democracy is a jungle where anything goes. He expected Bukola Saraki to toe the party line; the rebellious senator thumped his nose at the APC high command and cut a deal with the enemy – leaving the majority party humiliated in a chamber where it held a comfortable majority.

The new Buhari is keen to prove his democratic credentials so he has

“The man who once suspended constitutional government and ruled by decrees now swears by the constitution. He was accused of religious fanaticism, he countered by running twice with not just any Christian – but with Pentecostal pastors. Once derided as the ultimate antidemocrat he now overcompensates by making sure his every move is by the book”

made peace with the reality he’s been handed at the National Assembly.

An Olusegun Obasanjo would not rest until he’s hounded the usurpers out of their thrones.

That is not likely to happen with Buhari Mark II. He has shown unwillingness to manipulate the coercive instruments and agencies of state in pursuit of partisan political ends in ways that Obasanjo or his pupil, Goodluck Jonathan, would have done. That is why Ayo Fayose is still governor of Ekiti State today.

Before the March 28 polls no one was sure which of the Buharis would show up as president – the old or the new. Former First Lady Patience Jonathan ventilated those fears when she repeatedly warned voters at campaign stops not to vote for the general as he would jail them and their spouses.

The day after he was inaugurated many actually expected him to begin clamping PDP cabinet members into detention as the general circa 1983 would have done.

Somehow a stop order whose origin we still don’t know went out preventing certain former office holders from travelling. It took the intervention of the new Buhari to clear the coast for the frightened to flee overseas and watch what would unfold from a safe distance.

But being a stickler for rules is one thing, being politically naïve in an environment like Nigeria is a totally different matter. Former Vice President and APC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, in a recent interview described Buhari as ‘a leader and not a politician.’

It sounds contradictory to say a man who won the ticket of a political party and eventually became president is not a politician, still the statement is quite revealing.

What Atiku was really saying is Buhari is an innocent at large in the dark and murky ways of Nigerian politics.

Obasanjo and Jonathan may have made their mistakes in the manner they tried to impose leadership of the legislature but they were not wrong in taking more than passing interest in who became Senate President or Speaker. These are people who will determine the success or failure of your legislative agenda, and to be unperturbed whether they would be hostile or friendly is a big mistake.

Although there’s very little a president can do to influence who leads the United States Congress because of their established democratic traditions, still we see that a hostile legislature can render the most powerful leader on earth impotent. The Barack Obama presidency has been paralysed at critical points in recent years by the hostility of the Repub-

lican congressional majority.

Here in Nigeria, Obasanjo’s third term dream was shot down because the Senate and House turned against him.

Again, we see in the tragic case of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola that the consequences are often grave in this environment when the leader declines to show interest in who controls key points in the nation’s power architecture.

Abiola had won the ticket of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) narrowly seeing stiff competition from the candidate of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua political machine.

He was so satisfied with what he had accomplished he generously declared he didn’t care who became party chairman.

His position led to the emergence of Chief Tony Anenih. This would later prove to be pivotal after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election results. After Babangida stepped aside and Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Interim National Government (ING) was eased out by General Sani Abacha, the SDP under the new chairman lost the desire to press for actualisation of Abiola’s mandate.

Even worse, they quietly began negotiating for positions in the new military junta that would ultimately bury the June 12 mandate. Who knows what would have happened if Abiola had backed a candidate for chairman who was committed to his vision?

Aside his determination not to get his hands dirty playing politics what has changed between the old Buhari and the new? Only the methods if you ask me. He is still committed to fighting corruption, restoring security and stabilising the economy. This was the same agenda when he took office 30 years ago. The only difference is that terrorism was an unknown phenomenon back then.

Can this new, aging Buhari who has to work with a National Assembly leadership whose emergence he had no hand in still deliver the change he promised? There’s no reason why not.

Exercising the powers of the presidency doesn’t call for the strength of the weightlifter. A friend argues that the Saraki-Dogara rebellion is just a sideshow and that even if there are no new reforms or bills, there are existing laws on our books for any serious president to jail 1,000 corrupt Nigerians every month.

The problem with the Nigerian system is not a shortage of laws it is the absence of political will to enforce what we already have. Is it not a marvel the way the EFCC has been prosecuting people and arresting hitherto untouchable politicians all because the body language of the new president indicates he would not tolerate sleaze?

The 73 year-old Buhari may be looking wistfully back at when he was 37 years old. But he doesn’t need the strength or stamina of his youth, neither does he need Saraki and his crowd to pat him on the back in order to deliver change.

All he needs is that same iron will which first arrested the attention of Nigerians 30 years ago, as he begins to change the ways things are done in this country.

LIFE

19

SUNDAY

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

Just back from an adventure into the world of Lagos scavengers, Gboyega Alaka relives the filth, the stench and the brazenness of young men who have made refuse dumps their treasure sites.

•Photos: Gboyega Alaka

•Continued on Page 20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

20 SUNDAY LIFE •Continued from Page 19

•At work: A scavenger at Oshodi

•Yassi

Photos: Gboyega Alaka

•Baba Dudu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

•A scavenger with his proceeds

•Olusosun dump site: Scavengers at work.

SUNDAY LIFE 21

•Lawan

•Heaps of cans ready for melting

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

22 SUNDAY LIFE Winifred, newly wedded wife of Tunde Asefon, one of the Nigerian volunteers who went to Sierra Leone to help battle the dreaded Edola Virus Disease speaks to Yetunde Oladeinde about her fears, pain, loneliness and the surprise wedding gift of having to let her husband go off merely one week after wedding.

•Winifred

‘Help, this elephantiasis is killing me!’

Memunat Abdul, mother of two who has been plagued by elephantiasis and reduced to destitution for almost five years, cries out for help. She spoke to Bukola Fasuyi.

•Memunat

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

Dr. Maymunah Kadiri is a consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist & Mental Health Advocate. As Managing Director, Pinnacle Medical Services Ltd, she is involved in giving mentally ill people a new life.

In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, She talks about projects carried out, challenges and the fact that the cost of untreated mental health runs into billions every year.

H

ow would you describe the importance of mental health to the society?

Just as physical fitness helps our bodies to stay strong, mental fitness helps us to achieve and sustain a state of good mental health.

When we are mentally healthy, we enjoy our life and environment, and the people in it.

Nurturing our mental health can also help us combat or prevent the mental health problems that are sometimes associated with a chronic physical illness. In some cases, it can prevent the onset or relapse of a physical or mental illness. Managing stress well, for instance, can have a positive impact on heart diseases.

Mental health is "a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

WHO stresses that mental health "is not just the absence of mental disorder." Mental health problem can happen to anyone at some point, which can affect his or her daily life, relationships or physical health.

Mental health is important because it causes a heavy burden; it impedes the achievement of other health and development targets. It also contributes to poverty and differentially affects the poor. It has intrinsic value as does physical health.

The reasons mental health problems develop are complex. Studies in Nigeria have revealed prevalence rates of about 20-28% for diagnosable psychiatric conditions in the general population. This means that there are, at least 25 million people who would benefit from mental health services in Nigeria.

The cost of untreated mental illness to the Nigerian economy is estimated to run into billions of naira every year. Stigma remains a serious problem, with many cases of human rights violations, such as, chaining or beating, experienced by people with mental illness.

As Nigerians, we should be aware that 1 out of every 4 of us will develop mental health problem in his life-time. So, we NEED to take our health, not only mental health seriously.

Three important ways to improve your mental fitness are to get physical, eat right, and take control of stress.

What inspired you to go into this field?

I have always wanted to be a doctor who will deal with anything connecting to the brain, not exactly psychiatry. In my high school days, I thought of forensic medicine, neuro-surgery, still not Psychiatry. Maybe, I didn't know the exact name then. Even while in the medical school, it was still not clear to me. This became clearer during our Psychiatry posting which is usually 4-6 weeks. After this, I SAID YES, this is it. The truth is, it's a very short posting, but for me, it

SUNDAY LIFE

was what I needed at that time, aside the interesting nature.

When I then told my family about doing my residency in Psychiatry, it was a BIG war. My dad had a family meeting. He tried all he could to convince me to accept other areas of specialty such as maternal and child health. He even went to the extent of telling me there is NO mad person in our family, etc. But I'm glad today that not only him, but a large number of my family members are "Psychiatrists by Association" and strong advocates of mental health home and abroad. To me, that is a great motivation to continue.

Psychiatry or Mental Health is the medicine of the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE. It's all about your biology, which writes your biography.

Currently, I run Pinnacle Medical Services Limited, a health and wellness centre dealing in psychological, mental, emotional and behavioural health related problems. It is a 24-hour service for counseling, psychotherapy, and treatment for psychological and mental health issues.

Tell us about some of the projects that you have participated in?

I will say when it comes to mental health; our projects are on-going. I run an organisation, “SPEAKOUT INITIATIVE” and I also work on various projects with other organisations. The yearly GT BANK AUTISM awareness which has been on for the past 4 years. Also, other organisations dealing on child sexual abuse, violence against women, rape among others. Primarily, our organisation, the SPEAKOUT INITIATIVE which is geared towards creating awareness on psychological and mental health-related problems in Nigeria and beyond is my focus for now. We have been to various schools to speak on a variety of emotional and psychological issues. We also organise seminars and workshops on a monthly basis at our facility. A lot of pro bono health talks to various organisations, too many to mention. During our rally last year at the University of Lagos, we found out that two of their students have committed suicide and one was currently on admission after attempting to take his life. Suicide is no longer an 'oyibo problem;' it's high time we realised that the challenges are increasing and some people can't cope with them. If you have a psychological problem, deal with it, rather than trying to bind and cast it away. It will be my joy when Nigerians come to the realisation that mental health is OUR health, not a separate entity.

We have recorded a lot of success stories on these different platforms. For example, we have taken mentally ill people off the streets, rehabilitated and equipped them with skills for them to be economically buoyant enough.

Those on medications still receive them on the need basis with regular follow up. Unfortunately, due to STIGMA, these individuals don't want to come out publicly to inspire others to SPEAKOUT. What are some of the memorable

moments in your career?

My ability to take that bold decision to follow my dream by becoming a SHRINK/PSYCHIATRIST is one. A lot has happened during my career path and a lot still to come. Hmmm...my ability to finish the residency programme within the required time frame, and of course being a wife, mother, and career woman in addition. My leadership skills which were tested as president of the Resident Doctors Association in my hospital. Now breaking all barriers to set up a private facility dealing on psychological and mental health-related issues after gaining the much needed skills from two prestigious business schools in the world... And more. Of course, that teary memorable moment when you manage a vagrant psychotic patient (popularly referred to as a mad man on the street), who has been roaming the streets for years and he then turns out to be one "handsome dude," with a profitable business and a family to call his own.

How does mental health affect women?

The World Health Organization defines health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Women's health involves the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing and is determined by the biological, social, political, and economic context of their lives. However health and wellbeing eludes the majority of women and even more so, black women. Depressive disorders account for close to 41.9% of the disability from Neuropsychiatric disorders among women compared to 29.3% among men. Leading mental health problems of the elderly are depression, organic brain syndromes and dementias.

A majority are women. An estimated 80% of 50 million people affected by violent conflicts, civil wars, disasters and displacement are women and children. In women age 15-44, unipolar depression was the leading cause of disease burden in both developed and developing countries. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder ranked top ten leading cause of burden for women age15-44 years.

However, the multiple roles that they fulfil in society render them at greater risk of experiencing mental problem than others in the community.

Mental disorders related to marginalisatio n , powerlessnes s, and poverty along with over-work and stress are g r o w i n g concerns for women. Yet there is a significant gap between the mental health resources that black women need and the •Kadiri

23

resources that actually exists. Women bear the burden of responsibility associated with being wives, mothers and carers of others.

In addition to the many pressures placed on women, they must contend with significant gender discrimination and the associated factors of poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. An extreme but common expression of gender inequality is sexual and domestic violence perpetuated against women. These forms of socio-cultural violence contribute to the high prevalence of mental problem experienced by women. All these can CHANGE by starting the movement from us as individuals that form the members of the society.

Do you feel the government is doing enough?

Public awareness on mental health is NOT solely a government matter; it involves each and every one of us. Right now, our biggest issue is that we don't have a Mental Health Act. We are still using the Lunacy Act, which is outdated.

Having an act will make the practice of mental health services better; more accessible and with many more benefits f o r a l l Nigeria ns.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

24 SUNDAY LIFE Kehinde Todeh, a high school boy, was kidnapped last Tuesday morning, but thankfully rescued by security men acting on tip-off. He told Taiwo Abiodun the story of his commandolike rescue and how he was rescued along with the kidnapped Akungba regent.

W

hen The Nation met the young student Kehinde Todeh at home in Imoru town, Ondo State, the house was filled to the brim with visitors; friends and well-wishers, who had come to rejoice with his parents on his joyful escape and return from the den of kidnappers.

Even in the comfort of his home, and with so many people around, Todeh still looked visibly shaken, starring intermittently at the sky, as if in a trance. He narrated how he was kidnapped and how soldiers rescued him. "I am a student of Federal Government College, Idoani, Ondo State. Last Tuesday, my father sent me to the farm with his labourer, a mallam, to show him where to work, so he would not work in a wrong place or beyond the boundary. On our way, at about 8.00 am, we suddenly began hearing gunshots and became afraid.

"Suddenly, we saw a man holding a gun, he shouted at us to stop and that if we attempt to run, he would shoot us. But rather than obey him, we took to our heels. The mallam ran away and the kidnapper ran after me, caught up with me and pinned me down. He grabbed my hands and started dragging me along in the bush. Finally we got to a place where we saw many people, whose hands were tied. I saw a white man, two other men, a Youth Corper and a woman, whom I later found-out was the regent of Akungba, who had been kidnapped for days."

At a point we started hearing gun-shots.

The shooting got closer and my kidnapper ran and climbed a tree.

We all became afraid, not knowing who the gunmen were. Later some soldiers showed up, but kept shooting. It got to a stage where my kidnapper who was on the tree top came down and jumped into the river. That was how he escaped.

When the soldiers saw us, they ordered us to raise up our hands and we obeyed. But since some of the hostages' hands were tied, they could not raise up their hands.

Thereafter, the soldiers untied them and set them free. They interrogated me, asking who I was and what I was doing there and I explained everything to them; how my father sent me on an errand with his labourer, how a man kidnapped me with a gun and dragged me to where they found me. After a while, the soldiers asked me to go home. That was how I regained my freedom.

On how he feels after his travails, the boy said ' I feel free, but I am still afraid. I didn't know I could come back alive. I thank God.” How they were rescued Sources say a hunter who went on a hunting expedition overheard the victims' cry and hurriedly went to Ifon Police Station, about 20 kilometres away to make a report.

Immediately, the Joint Task Force of the Police, soldiers and other security arms went into action to rescue the hostages from Arimogija bush, where they had been held hostage. Reports say one of the kidnappers was gunned down while trying to seize a riffle from a soldier. Another confessed that their ring leader and herbalist who assisted in preparing charms for their operations lived in Arimogija Village. The security team stormed the village in the early hours of

I saw kidnapped Akungba regent in captivity – Boy rescued from kidnappers

Tuesday, but the man escaped along with his wife. His house was however set ablaze along with his Volvo car and a motorcycle.

When this reporter visited the herbalist's resident in Arimogija, one could still see the burnt building and the charred remains of the motorcycle and Volvo car, still emitting smoke. The neighbours refused to speak to the press, fearing police arrest. Some however expressed their disappointment, saying they never expected the man to be involved in such crime. "We never suspected that this old man could be involved in this type of job. How can we trust out neighbour again?" A neighbour said.

Another said, 'We always suspected this man because we used to see big and expensive vehicles parked here (in front of his house) always, but we didn't know the kind of job he does. I never knew such a wicked man lives in this vicinity.”

Reports say the suspect and his wife were able to escape by taking advantage

•Todeh

of the atmosphere of confusion created by the soldiers who stormed the place, shooting sporadically.

Atmosphere of suspicion As result of this revelation and shock that followed, everyone in the village now seems a suspect as no one seems to know who to trust. A day after, a young man was almost lynched for allegedly roaming aimlessly around the village. He was however released following his pleas of innocence and the fact that nothing incriminating was found on him.

One of the residents says they have become more vigilant for their own sake and safety. He added that “We receive a lot strange people here, we don't know who is who, and now they have turned the village into a den of kidnappers. What this means is that we are not safe and we have to be proactive.”

The Nation also learnt that the village has not had a leader since 2008, when a controversy arose over who should be king.

Arimogija is an agrarian community in Osse Local Government of Ondo State.

•The kidnapper's house burnt down in Arimogija

Although a rural setting, the village is somehow regarded as cosmopolitan because it leads to Ore, Akure, Benin, Abuja en-route several northern towns.

Not many people could be seen during the day, but at night, it is like Ore where people do not sleep because of business activities. As a result, the place also harbours criminals and other people of questionable characters. The fact that the nearest police station is over 20 kilometres away in Ifon also makes matters worse.”

A resident also said the village does not have a single hospital and lacks several other amenities. He said that is why the crime rate there is high.

A woman who pleaded anonymity said some of these criminals would kidnap their victims and have their vehicles burnt to erase all traces. “There is a vehicle that was set ablaze and we suspect it was used in this nefarious b u s i n e s s . ” Investigations also reveal that armed robbery incidents regularly occur in the area and that several herbalists in the village are on the criminals' pay-roll preparing fortification charms for them.

Chief Olowojoba Julius from the village also testified to the level of crime, saying “The crime rate in this vicinity is getting higher and higher everyday just because we don't have a leader here. Since 2008, we have not chosen a king and that is why lawlessness and crime are increasing.

Not only that, as big as this community is, we do not have a police station.”

Parents of the kidnapped boy The parents said they were surprised that their boy could be so kidnapped and gave thanks to God and the task force for helping to rescue him even before they learnt of it. The father Mr. Todeh, who is a secondary school teacher in the village, said "I was surprised to hear that my son was among the rescued ones. On that fateful Tuesday morning, I had sent Kehinde to go with my labourer to the farm to work; I never envisaged all these.

But while I was in the class teaching, words came that my son was one of those rescued by the police and soldiers. The whole thing saddens me because the import is that one can no longer send his ward or son on a simple errand anymore.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

29 SUNDAY LIFE EXTRA Octogenarian Yoruba writer Pa Oladejo Okediji, who earned a reputation as a crime writer and has been compared to British writer Agatha Christie, speaks to Taiwo Abiodun on his passion for writing, the early years and the fame, even as he laments the dwindling fortune of the Yoruba language.

W

ith 85 year-old Yoruba novelist, writer and author, Pa Oladejo Okediji, there are no dull moments. If he is not in his living room writing stories, then he is in his bedroom, reading and brain-storming. Not surprisingly, his living room is like an antique room, filled with books, artworks, biblical and poetic verses artistically inscribed on cardboards and photographs that either dangled from the ceiling or hung on the walls. He says his bedroom is no different. And his library boasts of over 5,000 books.

Sturdily built and unassuming, the old man's hair has gone all white, which is indicative of his age, but he retains his sharp wit, rich sense of humour and quick memory. When The Nation met him in his sitting room, he was busy making notes; he says he gets inspirations from his immediate surrounding and from his Christian leaning.

This indeed is the world of one of the most popular Yoruba novelists of all times, who modelled his works after British crime writer, Agatha Christie.

Pa Okediji says all his published stories are basically about life and its challenges, especially crime stories, which were the toasts of readers in the 60s and 70s. Going down memory lane, he said the desire to write stemmed from his passion and voracity to gobble as many books as he could lay his hands on, back in the days. “I had read so many English novels such that I thought I should write something myself.

Somehow, in 1954, the Western Regional Literature Committee advertised in the Daily Times and two or three other papers that it wanted Yoruba writers who could write, but in a style different from Daniel O. Fagunwa the legendary Yoruba novelist, whose stories were full of mystery. Put simply, they wanted a style similar to the English. It suddenly occurred to me that I should give it a try; so that was how I started with a story in the crime section. I had read crime books of Agatha Christie and many other English novels, so I just started writing.

I wrote what I thought should be acceptable to the advertiser with free hand and sent it by post. Unfortunately, I did not make any copy or duplicate of the story, so it looked like that story had gone forever, especially since I didn't hear from them for about six years.”

He continued: "Much later, an advertisement was placed in the newspapers again to commemorate the independence of Nigeria, which had been slated for October 1st 1960. I read another advertisement in the same Daily Times asking where Oladejo Okediji was. The advertisement was signed S.A .Babalola. I wrote back to ask whether it was on account of the script I had sent years back, but they said it was for a writing competition; so I sent my address to them. I was expecting a reply, but that also ended there. Then another six years, 1966, this same Babalola wrote another published message, asking where I was and I said 'Leave me alone,

OLADEJO OKEDIJI

Writing has only brought me fame I sent you a script nothing has been heard of it,' then he said the script was lost. He said the last person who probably had it was D. O. Fagunwa, who in between had passed on and nobody could trace it. He thus implored me to write again, and that was how I started writing 'Aja Lo leru' and it was published in 1969."

But he had become wiser and thereafter always kept a copy for himself. “I would write and type Aja Lo leru, save a copy, then send a duplicate to Babalola, who in turn sent it to Longman Publishers.” Soon Okediji said it became part of him to write. He recalled that he was so enthused to see his book published that it spurred him on to write more. “I wrote Aja Lo leru, which was followed by Agbalagba Akan both were crime stories. Then the late Professor Ola Rotimi who was then at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) asked me to write plays, but I asked him the difference between plays and novels.

He however encouraged me, and that was what motivated me to write Rere Run. All the books I wrote were published by different publishers."

But following the success of his first two crime novels, (Aja Lo leru and Agbalagba Akan), Okediji said it took him another 38 years (2007) to write a sequel Ka rin ka po and that it was due to popular demand by his publisher. He said it was a continuation of the story of Lapade, a hero in the first two books.

About 'Atoto Arere,' another of his crime books, he explained how he got its inspiration. 'Oh that book? I patiently watched the notorious first armed robber to be executed in Nigeria, Oyenusi. That was at the Bar Beach, and it was exactly at that execution ground that I started the story. Though, 'Atoto Arere' is not as popular as the sequels featuring Lapade, Okediji says the book, 'Rere Run' is a complete one. It was translated into French, with the

title, 'Catastrophe au rendezvous- vous, while his other books are in series.

He also revealed that almost all his books have been used at one time or the other as Yoruba language texts in Nigerian universities, serialised in newspapers, radio and produced as Yoruba home videos.

He however says writing for him is more about passion than money: "There is no money in writing, the only reward you get is having an admirer walk up to you and say 'thank you.'

“The highest I have ever got from a publisher is 32,000 naira from 'Aajo Aje' (Running After Riches) a play I wrote a few years ago and published by Agbemem Nigeria (Co.) Limited. " On his writing style Pa Okediji said he gets inspirations through his environment and things happening around him. He said writing is about vision- you sit down and see something happening, you internalise it, and put it in another situation to form a story."

His Saddest moment The old man declared that he is always happy, except on occasions when he remembers his younger brother who passed on three decades ago. "I am happy everyday but my saddest moments have always been connected with my younger brother, Ayo Okediji, who died 31 years ago. I am also not happy anytime I remember a colleague like D.A. Ladele (author of 'Je nlo gba temi'), who died recently. He lived nearby and we used to discuss a lot about the Yoruba Language, its usages and spellings and how to improve on them.

On his children Okediji is blessed with kids who have all done well academically, with a good number of them working within the academics. "Each of them has his/her own choice of life: Moyo is in love with Arts, he is a professor of Arts and presently lectures in a university in the United

States of America. One of them is a school principal, while another is a teacher. I also have a daughter who is a lawyer, whose daughter is also a lawyer.”

Does he have any regrets? We asked.

But Okediji looked up, gave a good laugh and said "Looking back and having regret is like crying over spilt milk. I have no regrets, I am happy with my God. I am Otun Baale of Apaara. Mind you, Apaara was a big quarter on its own before I was given the title, so it didn't develop because of my writing."

Fears for the Yoruba language Okediji is of the opinion that "The dearth of Yoruba language is worrisome as people no longer teach their children the language; everything is going down, the culture now is money, and there is no money in writing. When 'Aja Lo leru' came out in 1969, a certain company gave me an award with 25 pounds; if the government, people and companies have been doing that and recognising writers, Yoruba would have been kept alive. There is no money in writing, just fame."

For would-be Yoruba writers, Okediji says the only way forward is “They should read wide. If you don't read, you cannot write. It is unfortunate that our Yoruba students aspiring to write do not want to read. Another thing, they should not expect to become millionaires!"

His education "I went to primary school, I left Standard Six in 1943; I was a pupil teacher in 1944. I did not attain the four walls of the university except for a diploma course.

I have Associate Certificate of Education (ACE) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile Ife. Some of my Published works are: Aja Lo leru, Agbalagba Akan, Atoto Arere, Aajo Aje, Ka rin ka po, Oga ni Bukola, Rere Run, Sango, Opa Agbeleka, Iroyin Ayo, Binu ti ri among others. Even now, I am writing another one, but the title is under wraps."

As he finished the last sentence, Pa Okediji looked up, tapped his head, smiled and went back to his writing.

30

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

ETCETERA

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

Steel serpent and other reflections Steel serpent

THE GReggs

IT is late evening, and the serpent splits the dense foliage. With a terrifying hiss, the shimmering beast rushes in and, moments after, stops dead in her rusty tracks. Eyes blazing and belly creaking, she incites animated chatter at a shelter nearby. “It’s very long!” “It’s taken on too much!” and “It’s so crowded there’s hardly any room inside.”

“It’s like ants on a lifeless millipede, or worm, for that matter,” I think.

In apparent response to the remarks, ‘her reptilian majesty’ slowly sheds old skin. Then she takes on fresh colour, first on one side, then on the other; even on top, behind and, yes, in front. Here goes the hiss again. It is warning enough. “Stand clear, for I come through; hang about, to your peril!”

I stand clear. I have seen this monster of deceptive sluggishness do dreadful things. I have seen her churn, crush and discard victims in motion.

I have heard helpless mothers scream and distraught fathers wail upon the trail of destruction. Yes, I have witnessed her numbing, dreadful worst and do not wish a repeat.

With a distinctive screech, forward lurches the symbol of stagnated development and colonial relic. Never short of desperate patronage, the steel serpent leaves a chain of inconsistencies that none but clueless government would dismiss.

Because of Lulu

OH, LIFE!

PERHAPS Jimi seemed far-away, for the young, plump woman beside the guy next to him on the pavement offered a sweet. He declined. The spirit of giving associated with the Yuletide has set in, he thought with a smile.

But the woman persisted. “Take it, now,” she said with the air of one unaccustomed to being refused.

“Don’t force him to take it, now,” said her male companion, on whom she leaned.

She insisted. “Take. Because of me – because of Lulu.”

Jimi took the sweet. It was tempting. Or maybe it was her. The soft, almost musical pronunciation of her name drew a smile. Jimi unwrapped the sweet, and tossed it in his mouth. The pair chatted beside him. Relieved, he returned to his thoughts. He would normally suck but he chewed straightaway.

From her room, Fyafa’s squeaky voice and distinctive laughter reached him just then. Hers was one of five in the compound. Her visitor appeared to be Iwedu, one of the sappy fellows forever about her. Almost choking with jealousy, Jimi fought the urge to get up and walk away.

He felt helpless. He wondered why he was there until he remembered that he chose to come. He needed to assess competition for Fyafa’s affection.

He smiled as Pato approached. His friend wasn’t convinced. Fyafa laughed again. Pato glanced in her direction. “Man, this girl is in love!” he said.

Jimi shrugged. He wondered whether Fyafa was truly in love, or, knowing her as he did, in love with the idea of being in love in the season of love. Well, all he knew was that he hurt double. And Pato twisted the knife because Lulu held him back.

All the best

CHEEK BY JOWL

IT’S year’s end and you may or may not be far from where you would love to be. But thank God for little mercies. Think what a privilege it is to breathe, to thrive, and to pursue and enjoy the things you crave. Poverty, sadness and strife may proliferate, especially in a poorly organised society as ours, but positives abound.

For some, the ‘thirteenth month’ – coinage for end-of-year bonus in organisations – is guaranteed. For others, it’s the long-awaited promotion.

And despite lofty economic statistics bandied by government officials in defiance of stunted growth, business looks promising for the hopeful employer as much as the employee.

But have you smiled at someone today? Really? Loved ones barely count, for kindness towards them is routine. If you must know, kindness is the only investment that never fails. As long as society exists, there will always be room for compassion.

No thanks to the Boko Haram insurgency, the number of internally displaced people across the country daily alarms. While the nation waits for the government to display a keen sense of responsibility, you can do your bit. Reach out to a stranger today. Help steady the stumbling child or vulnerable old folk. House the hopeless. Clothe the exposed. Feed the needy. There is no better time. Do good, and do the best you can.

Jokes Humour The Escape DURING WW II an American fighter pilot was shot down over Japan and he was captured.

He was wounded, so the Japanese doctor amputated his left arm. He requested that they drop his arm over his base in the U.S. The Japanese did.

The next week they amputated his other arm and he asked the same thing. The Japanese complied.

The next week they amputated one of his legs, and he again asked for them to drop it over his base in the U.S. The Japanese doctor said, “Sorry, we do dis no more!”

The pilot asked why not, and the Japanese said, “We think you trying to escape!”

References A MARRIAGE broker offered Mathew a beautiful young girl, a real prize, to be his wife. But Mathew was stubborn.

“I’m a businessman,” Mathew said.

“Before I buy material from a mill, I look closely. So before I get married, I need a

sample too.”

The broker had no choice but to relay the message to the girl. “He says he is a good businessman, and he has to know exactly what he’s buying. He insists on a sample.”

“Listen,” the girl said. “I’m good at business too. A sample I can’t give. But, I can give him references!”

Fat Plate TO celebrate his 40th birthday, the boss, who was battling middle-age fat, bought a new convertible sports car. As a finishing touch, he put on a vanity plate with the inscription “18 Again.”

The wind was let out of his sails, however, when a salesman entered the office the following week.

“Hey,” he said out loud, “who owns the car with the plate ‘I ate again’?”

Sub-standard Deviation HE: Would you like to dance?

She: Not with you.

He: Oh, come on, lower your standards a little ... I did.

•Adapted from the Internet

Writer ’s Fountain OW to write and win: French scholar Georges Polti these primal drives. If the protagonist is not personally threatened or engaged in these identified only 36 master plots in all the primal areas, he must become emotionally stories of the world. His first master plot involved with a character who is challenged involves a Persecutor, a Supplicant and a in one or more of them. dubious Power which may favour one side For example, a crime story may appear, at or the other. The theme of this master plot? first glance, to involve no primal drive. It The power of mercy over hate. could be a grim whodunit or escapist Have you engaged the original emotions? entertainment. But the heroine, a forensic The theme must engage the protagonist’s and expert, is obsessed with a passion to avenge the reader’s primal emotions or carnal drives. the dead – to re-assert the values of a civilised Defined in the crudest terms, these include community and so protect the ‘tribe’. That’s a sex (or procreation), physical survival (for primal drive. self, family or tribe), emotional comfort The author can invoke a primal drive (love, friendship and community), and explicitly, as in a suspense thriller, or tacitly, spiritual survival or advancement. as in a literary story which fits into no obvious The theme and ensuing conflicts in a genre. But it must be done. If your story entails strong story should involve one or more of all these, and is well-written, it deserves to Queer remarks: be mentioned for an award. Otherwise, no •Monday is the only day of the week that plotting, characterisation or dialogue can help. The stories will simply fall flat and not has an anagram: ‘dynamo’.

•If you live to be over 100, you are engage the reader.

There is a lot more to writing great stories, considered a Centurian.

•French was spoken in England for though. Some stories may break these rules and still resonate. Keep learning and, sooner hundreds of years.

•In literature, the average length of a or later, you will find a formula that strikes a winning chord. sentence is around 35 words.

H

PAGE 31

JUNE 21, 2015

ATIKU ABUBAKAR An old war horse and his quest for prominence Pages 36-37

‘Thank Obasanjo for Nigeria’s democracy’ Pages 34-35

• Abubakar

Edo 2016: Will Oshiomhole’s successor carry the broom or an umbrella?

Pages 32-33

‘Why Lagos Assembly leadership election was rancour free ‘ Pages 38

32

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21 2015

POLITICS

Edo 2016: Will Oshiomhole's successor ca Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports that the race for Governor Adams Oshiomhole's successor is gathering steam a year before Edo 2016 governorship election

P

reparations for the 2016 governorship election in Edo State is gathering steam as leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vow to reclaim the state the party governed for 10 years before Comrade Adams Oshiomhole emerged the governor. The foremost National President of Nigerian Labour Congress first emerged governor of the South-South state on the ticket of the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), before taking the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since his emergence on the scene, Oshiomhole, who is described by his supporters as a grassroots politician and an incredible mobiliser, has succeeded in evolving strong political machinery which some informed observers say cannot be dislodged by the PDP. They point out that beside his political acumen, Oshiomhole’s APC government in the state have performed so well that APC’s major opponent in the state, the PDP, would have to work harder to be considered a serious threat to the ruling party’s political fortunes in the 2016 governorship election.

This is even so as the APC’s victory at the national level have further brightened its chances in the states, especially in a state like Edo, a former PDP stronghold where some influential PDP chieftains join the ruling party soon after the announcement of Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the last presidential election.

This notwithstanding, it is not in doubt that PDP is still very strong in Edo State as it still parades some political heavyweights like former PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih; the powerful Igbinedion political family, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, among others.

Both the Igbinedions and Chief Ikimi as well as other top politicians in the state who are still in the opposition are likely to attempt using the 2016 governorship election to conclude their varied political face-off with Oshiomhole and his political party. It would be recalled that the struggle for the political soul of Edo State between the Igbinedion's political structure and that of Oshiomhole has continued underground eight years after the Igbinedions were upstaged.

So, as the two leading political parties in the state prepare for the 2016 governorship election, observers say each of them will need to be more careful in their planning and strategic moves.

Dr. Francis Edosoma, a political analyst in Benin, told The Nation on Friday that “results of the last elections confirmed that each of the two parties is strong enough to produce the next government of the state after Oshiomhole.

But given Oshiomhole’s superlative performance, his party remains the party to beat in 2016. However, a lot depends on the level of unity of each of the parties, how far they would be willing to carry the people along, the quality and acceptability of their candidate and the level of their preparedness for the election.

So, I thing the winner will be the one that prepared better and the one that made the right choice of governorship candidate. It must however be clear to APC that PDP is still strong in this state. So, if the party wants to continue to occupy the Edo Government House after the Comrade, it must prepare well and be wise and fair when it wants to pick its flag bearer."

The strength of the two political parties (APC and PDP) in Edo State, could be ascertained from the result of the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly

• Oshiomhole elections. In those elections, PDP won the presidential poll in the state and got two, out of the three senate seats, plus five House of Assembly seats. Though this is a great performance, given that PDP was not the ruling party in the state, insiders identified the influence of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the primary factor responsible for that performance. Making references to the harvest of "big political fishes" in the state since after the defeat of Jonathan, APC supporters said the party is now in firm control of the state. They specifically claimed that Oshiomhole’s government, commands cult-like follower-ship at the grassroots level.

Forces that may shape Edo 2016 Edo State is one of those states with many political heavyweights interested in not only controlling the political soul of the state but also in either influencing the choice of the governor or taking over the plum seat at the Government House in Benin. So, some of these political lords are poised to influence the tempo of campaign with the aim of determining the successor of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who would be completing his second term in office next year. Among the big political lords that will flex muscles in the 2016 elections include the incumbent governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Chief Anthony Anenih, Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Samuel Ogbemudia, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and many other leaders in the state.

Oshiomhole As the governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has built a web- like political structure that is determined to keep the PDP away from the Government House permanently. That structure operates through semi- independent groups like Edo Solidarity Movement (ESM), Edo in Safe Hands and many others.

Although he has tactfully pushed aside attempts to declare his stand on who succeeds him, insiders say he is very much interested in ensuring that he is succeeded by someone he can trust to do the job.

Perhaps because of his knowledge of what such declaration can cause if made a year before the actual election, Oshiomhole

• Oyegun had since told all those nursing governorship ambition under the APC not to distract his administration, warning that it was not wise for them to commence electioneering activities this early.

That admonition notwithstanding, the associates and aides interested in his job have commenced secret mobilisation while Oshiomhole, as the leader of APC in the state, is also not joking with 2016 elections. An insider, a close associate to the governor, who pleaded anonymity, told The Nation this week that the Oshiomhole's political machinery "knows where they are headed to in 2016. The Comrade Governor is deliberately keeping the issue of who succeeds him close to his chest, partly because he understands that politics is not like mathematics, where 10 plus 10 will always amount to 20 and also because he is aware of the other sensitive variables in our state. For example, you must be aware of the fear by some skeptics from the Benin axis that he may succumb to the pressure to hand the state back to the Igbinedions."

There is also the issue of zoning, which our source confided has remained a source of debate amongst Oshiomhole's closest associates and aides, especially those of them that are plotting to succeed him.

Odigie-Oyegun As the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former governor of Edo State, Chief John OdigieOyegun, has emerged one of the strongest political forces in today's Nigeria.

When the chips are down for Edo 2016, Odigie-Oyegun will have a say on who will eventually succeed his home state governor, Oshiomhole .

Anenih Chief Tony Anenih, widely called Mr Fix it, is considered one of the most experienced and successful politician in the last two decades. As a former Chairman of Board of Trustees of the then ruling PDP, the former Minister of Works was like a political Demigod. The PDP political machinery both at the national level and in Edo State was largely in his firm grips.

Today however, Anenih, who has resigned his revered position as PDP BOT

boss, is believed to have resolved to concentrate all his energies on reclaiming Edo State for PDP. As one of the foremost political godfathers, it is believed that Anenih will not contemplate not being responsible for the emergence of the governor that will succeed Oshiomhole.

"Chief Anenih's awesome political machinery in the state is still in place as we speak. I can confide in you that the political structure is still being adequately oiled even as the grand patron prepares to wrestle power from current leaders in the state," Edosoma said.

Ogbemudia Former governor of old Bendel State, Chief Samuel Ogbemudia, is another elder politician whose influence will ultimately play a vital part in the 2016 governorship race in Edo State.

It would be recalled that a simple comment the retired army general made in 2014 allegedly inspired the Ijaws in Edo to publicly demand to be allowed to produce the successor of Oshiomhole in 2016.

Soon after Ogbemudia was quoted in 2014 as saying "it was okay for an Ijaw person to govern the state in 2016, as long as they are united in their demand," Ijaw political activists and politicians in the state flagged off their agitation that it is their turn to produce the next governor of Edo State.

Igbinedion Former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, who hails from the influential Igbinedion family may have left office a long time ago but his political family remains very active and eager to reclaim power.

The Grand Patron of the family, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, with his large war chest also remains very influential and powerful in the economy and politics of the South-South state.

Ikimi Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, was one of the earliest chieftains of All Progressives Congress

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

33

or carry the broom or an umbrella?

• Anenih

• Ikimi

before his controversial return to the then ruling PDP on whose cover he fought great battles against APC in the 2015 elections.

Now that APC has moved on to win the federal government in addition to his home state, Edo, which it has controlled for years, it is speculated that Ikimi is preparing quietly to stage a return to power and influence.

How he will execute the alleged plots remains unknown but his associates and close observers say the 2016 governorship race in Edo is his earliest opportunity of staging a return to influence and power and that he is poised to utilize the opportunity.

Although his political rivals in the state dismiss him as lacking any meaningful political machinery in the state to fight with, his close associates say his detractors should wait and see.

One thing is clear though, and that is that in the fight for supremacy in Edo State politics between the ruling APC and PDP, Ikimi is one top politician every side is watching with special interest.

Some possible aspirants to watch Odubu Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, who has the reputation of being a very loyal deputy, is believed to command so much respect and support within Oshiomhole's political structure that he is touted as the likely successor of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He is from Orhiomnwon Local Government Area of the state.

Odubu's reputation as the likely successor gained weight as a result of the endorsement he reportedly received from the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom. It is reported that the powerful Prince has on several fora advised Oshiomhole to hand over to his deputy for being loyal to him in the past five years.

Other factors that may have contributed to the calculation that Odubu may get the nod at the end of the day is his popularity amongst leaders of Oshiomhole's political structure. Added to this is the feeling amongst Oshiomhole's loyalists that Odubu has not made overt moves to set up a secret parallel political structure that will fight his course as some former members of the group had done.

Ize-Iyamu When the former Vice Chairman, SouthSouth of the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, defected with some of his loyalists to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later emerged the Director-General of Goodluck JonathanSambo 2015 presidential campaigns in Edo State, it was alleged that his defection had a lot to do with his ambition to govern the state. Some insiders alleged that Ize-Iyamu left because he got the signals that the real power brokers within Oshiomhole’s political structure in the state would no longer favour his candidacy.

Though he left the ruling party, sources say his exit is not the end of his governorship ambition. It would be recalled that reports of Ize-Iyamu’s ambition to govern the state dates back to the era of the administration of Governor Lucky Igbinedion, when he served as a powerful Secretary to Edo State Government.

Ize-Iyamu, who is from Orhiomnwon Local Government Area, where Oshiomhole’s deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, also hails from, is believed to have built a considerable political structure with which he intends to prosecute his 2016 governorship contest.

Airhiavbere Retired Major General Charles Airhiavbere, who was the National Coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Organisation before the 2015 general elections, was one of the earliest ‘big’ defectors to APC in Edo State. A major contender in the 2012 governorship election under the umbrella of the PDP, Airhiavbere’s entrance into APC fold shortly after the 2015 presidential election is still considered by many observers as a strategic move to continue the pursuit of his ambition on the platform of the ruling party.

Explaining his mission in APC, the retired army general said shortly after the defection: “That I was the governorship candidate of the PDP in 2012 election and its aftermath is history. I have decided to join the team of change that has come to the nation in the last election of the March 28th, 2015, so that Edo State will continue to enjoy the benefits of the party at the centre. Any politician who

means well for this state will ground their arms of hate and join the change train of the APC government ably led by His Excellency, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole”.

He added, “I know for sure that with APC at the national and the state, there will be rapid development and all the campaign promises will be delivered to our dear state that is yearning for rapid development.”

Some observers say his entrance into APC has further complicated the race to fly the APC governorship flag in 2016.

Osunbor Oserheimen Osunbor, a Professor of Law, was until recently PDP's pillar in Edo Central Senatorial District. He was the Governor of Edo State for 18 months before the emergence of Governor Adams Oshiomhole through a court ruling.

Although before his recent defection to APC, efforts were made by certain forces within PDP to portray him as a politician with little influence, pedigree and support, insiders confided that Osunbor played some major roles in creating the atmosphere that led to PDP's victory in the state in the March 28 election.

So, such insiders described it as curious that the same Osunbor was frustrated in the party so much that he and some of his supporters had to defect to APC on Tuesday, March 7.

While receiving him into the APC fold Oshiomhole said, “I will be working with a respected Professor of Law like you and many of your supporters. We thank God for what he has used us to achieve."

Osunbur, whose short stay as governor still leaves sweet memories in the hearts of many Edolites, is already being considered as one of the people to watch. As a new entrant into the ruling party, it remains to be seen how far he and his supporters can go in their bid to clinch the APC ticket.

Other important factors Aside powerful political figures and their ambitions, other factors that may take the front burner in the campaign for the successor of Oshiomhole in 2016 are the zoning debate and ethnic agitations.

Even before the official flag-off of 2016 governorship election in Edo State, it has

become obvious that zoning will be a major factor in the campaigns of who would succeed the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. For example, a year to the actual election date, the Esan people of Edo Central Senatorial District have already served notice that it is their turn to produce the next governor for the state. According to them, allowing the zone to produce the next governor of the state in 2016 will fulfill the demands of “equity, fairness and justice.”

They made the demand recently after a crucial meeting of Esan Elders Forum held at Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North- East Local Government Area.

In his explanation, the spokesman and chairman of the forum, Julius Akpede, said, “From our recent political history as Edo State (19912016), the military ruled for six years (1993-1999), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Lucky Igbinedion from Edo South Senatorial District ruled for a total of nine and half years; Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (one and half years) and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North Senatorial Zone from 2008 till date.

“From the above analysis, political sagacity and self-evidence dictate the following: come 2016, an Esan governor from Edo Central Senatorial District should and must occupy Edo State Government House.

“Edo State Government House shall have no vacancy for any other candidate except one from Esan.

Equity, justice, unity, cohesion and even spread of development dictate this,” he said on behalf of the elders’ forum.

Also the Coordinator of Esan Political Forum (EPF), Mr. Abor Airelogbe, was quoted in an interview in Benin as saying, “It is now the turn of Esan people to produce the next governor of the state because since the creation of Edo State in 1991, an Esan man has never been allowed to occupy the office except the brief period of Prof. Osereimhen Osunbor and this was bungled due to a number of factors and this cannot be allowed to continue.

“I know that the Esan people cannot make it alone to the Government House and I equally know that Edo people are reasonable and we can solicit the support of Edo South and Edo North Senatorial Zones to get it in 2016.”

Also, before the current demands from other zones, the Ijaws in Edo had as far back as 2014 commenced their clamour to produce the next governor of the state.

Chief Robinson Oroupa, one of their leaders who was said to have spoken in 2014 on the heels of a declaration made by Chief Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the old Bendel State, said, “Everybody knows that we’re part of Edo State. So putting our house in order is a step in the right direction. The Government House in Osadebey Avenue, Benin City, is for those who are prepared for it. The Ijaw man is fit and ripe enough for Edo State governor’s seat. We’re ready, come 2016, to occupy the place.

There is no stopping us,” he said.

Ogbemudia was reported to have said "it was okay for an Ijaw person to govern the state in 2016, as long as they are united in their demand."

Since then, the Ijaws have led the agitation to produce the Oshiomhole's successor.

There may still be almost 12 months left before Oshiomhole will vacate the office of the governor of the state but any diligent observer in Edo State will know that all hands are already on deck to get his successor.

Will the next governor carry the broom or an umbrella? The race has just begun.

34

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

Thank Obasanjo for Nigeria's de

Aare Afe Babalola needs no introduction. The tapestry of his entire life is what legends are made of. And the success that has made him a colossus in Nigeria's socio-economic and political landscapes derived its origin from his audacity to dare. Now in his 80s but still works 18 hours a day, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria divides his time between his expansive farmland and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). In this interview with Femi Odere, Babalola talks about his university, the nation, his hopes and fears, among other issues. Excerpts:

A

ll human beings dream but not all bring their dreams into manifestation. Your university is relatively very young, about five years old. But it has recorded remarkable recognition and received awards in Nigeria and the international community, including UNESCO. Did you ever envisage this progress in just few years of its existence?

I have always been a dreamer. I dream of great things. I dream of the best, even as a youth when life was very, very difficult. My dream was that I would make it and I would make it in a great way. So, when I conceived the idea of starting a university, my dream was that it would metamorphose into the best university at a rate unknown to the whole world, similar to how I made it in all other fields of endeavour. I knew that the university, within a short span, would rank among the best universities in Nigeria. So, I am not surprised that as at today, web metrics ranks us as the third best private university out of over sixtyfive universities within five years.

Not only that, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination last year ranked us as the second best choice of all candidates going into the country's universities. I am not surprised.

But how did the international awards and recognitions come about?

How they came about is a matter for those who decided to honour and acknowledge us. I think some objective tests were applied to universities all over the world. For instance, I never expected the University of London to honour me with the highest degree of that university. The letter inviting me to accept the offer came like a bolt from the blues. I think the news of what we're doing in an extraordinary way is spreading like wildfire not only throughout the country but the entire world. You see, people take notice of good things. Nigeria is noted for negative reports. So, when they see positive events coming out of the country, it looks large almost immediately. I think that's one of the reasons for these great events coming to us from different parts of the world, including Oxford and

Cambridge. Last year for instance, we got a letter from Oxford again without any earlier information that they chose our university to represent Nigeria at a symposium on how to solve the challenges facing education in the world. Apparently they noticed that we're an emerging university trying to solve numerous problems facing education in our country.

It is said that ABUAD was not set up to make profit. How would you continue to provide the quality education you believe in so much when the university is not set up to make profit?

The whole idea is this. I want to leave a legacy, having been a successful lawyer by any standard,

• Babalola

thank God. I had represented numerous international organisations in the course of my legal career and I made so much money despite my very poor family background. If education made me to be the best that I am now, the least I can do is to leave a legacy of quality education for others and affect their lives positively. The fact remains that all private universities, that is nongovernment universities, whether founded by individuals, corporate or religious bodies are all non-profit organisations. ABUAD has a United States license as a non-profit organisation. Now, what do we mean by non-profit? It means that we have no shares unlike profit oriented companies which at the end of the year declares profit to be shared among the owners. Here, there are no shareholders. Every profit made at the end of the year would be ploughed back into the university to build up the capital base of the university. And that's exactly what Harvard did and still does. Today, Harvard has roughly about $5 billion that they plow into endowment. So, they're able to give scholarships to outstanding students.

They're able to assist those who are brilliant but cannot afford the cost of education. That's what we're doing here. We gave out N87.5 million scholarships to outstanding students here last year alone to indigent students. We gave to those students whose parents died after they came here and those whose parents lost their businesses when they started their education with us. We also gave scholarships and allowances to teachers who're doing well in order

to encourage them. That's what we mean when we talk about non-profit institution.

Are you worried that this university, in spite of your toil and vision, may not be handled the way you would have wanted it to be handled after you're no longer around?

I must say that I am worried about the future of the university. King Solomon said everything he did and achieved was vanity. He said he had worked day and night and had sleepless nights, acquiring all that could be acquired, but would leave them for somebody who never worked for them. He said all was vanity. He said that the person who never worked for all these things but would inherit them would either make good use of them or he may not. And yet he would own everything. In my own case, I am not making a will. My experience shows that those you will properties to may not use them properly because they never worked for it. And that's the main reason why my university is registered as a nonprofit making organisation under the guaranteed law of the Corporate Affairs office in Abuja. What this means is that the university has a corporate soul. It's not a limited liability company. There's no question of profit-sharing. Everybody knows that every kobo that comes in is for the institution. So, that area where people fight for money has been totally eliminated. More importantly is that since the factional interests of relatives or children have been taken out, it is now left to the legal personalities

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

's democracy - Afe Babalola

POLITICS

35

Let's pretend there's no corruption, are there other things that are responsible for our sorry state of development?

Our problems are multifarious. It started with the marriage in 1914 between the South and the North.

We're a country of more than 300 languages. We're a country of very many nations, three of which are very big. Unfortunately, the constitution we have does not help us to evolve and properly assimilate.

The constitution ought to have recognised our diversity in culture, language, tradition and so on. We should have fashioned out a constitution which would have allowed the component parts to practice what it knows and develop what it wants, but at the same time allow us to remain as one nation. The constitution should allow each component part to develop at its own pace. In that case, we would have seen a different Nigeria.

There're so many things wrong with our constitution. The way out as I have always said is to revisit our constitution so that we can eventually have a truly One Nigeria.

• Babalola

appointed by the university or appointable at all times by the university to manage it in accordance with the laws of the land. We have the university law. We have the Nigerian University Commission Law and also the constitution of the country which regulate the appointments of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Provosts of Colleges, the Registrar, and the Bursar for the management of the institution. If it is managed the way the law says it should be managed, then what applies in places like Harvard and Cambridge will also apply here. Therefore, my fear of what may happen to it, to a great extent, is reduced.

You've witnessed the country's several aborted democratic experience.

Did you ever envisage that you would witness the presence of democracy in the polity for this long?

When Nigeria became independent in 1960, I was a very young man. The whole of the south at that time was virtually behind Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

I was an avid reader of the "Weekend Catechism" by Mbonu Ojike and the write-ups of Abdulahi from the North.

Nigeria was virtually one country then and all the youths were virtually "Zikists." It was a time when we hoped,

when we believed, when we prayed that Nigeria would be one of the greatest countries in the world having regard to the human and natural resources. I had at that time a British passport. I could have retained it if I wanted, but I decided to change it to the Nigerian passport because to me, Nigeria was going to be better than Britain. All my friends who retained theirs are happy today because they're British citizens. Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Nigeria is now a terribly bad place. The point I am making is that this is not the Nigeria we expected at that time. We expected a Nigeria where tribalism, nepotism, religious bias would not have any place. After 60 years, we have had less than 20 years of democracy.

The longest is this one as you've rightly said. We thank God for General Olusegun Obasanjo who superintended democracy when it came. I can tell you that if not for Obasanjo, democracy would not have lasted for more than four years because there were several coup attempts in the first two years of this republic. Let me give you an example, there was a strike known as the "mother of all strikes" when the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) asked all Nigerians to store food at home because this mother of

Our problems are multifarious. It started with the marriage in 1914 between the South and the North.

We're a country of more than 300 languages. We're a country of very many nations, three of which are very big. Unfortunately, the constitution we have does not help us to evolve and properly assimilate

all strikes was going to be indefinite.

The NLC said then that no ships or airplanes would be allowed into Nigeria for the duration of the strike.

This was because of the increase in the price of petrol by N1.5k. The goal was to completely paralyze the country.

Part of the plan was to burn down the NNPC and the army would take over.

I flew back from London to stop the strike. But the question we must ask ourselves is what type of democracy do we have? In other democracies, people are not chosen solely on party basis, but on the basis of performance and contributions to their communities. The choice of our leaders is not based on that principle. In fact, there's no ideological basis for the election of our leaders in this country.

Ideology simply has no place. In fact, I am ashamed when someone who was elected on the platform of X party crossed to a Y party. When he didn't get what he wanted in the Y party, crossed over again to X party. They change parties like they change their clothes. It's shameful. If you look at elections based on this sort of things, there's really no democracy as envisaged by the founders of democracy based on ideology. The voting pattern of the last election was very much based on ethnicity and religion. I want a situation where Odere who has been working all these years in Kano State, although a Yoruba man, is voted as the governor of Kano State. I also want a situation where Mohammed from Jos who has lived all these years in Port Harcourt is voted as the governor of Rivers State.

Corruption has always been singled out as the bane of our development.

There's this paradox about Aare Afe Babalola; the person and his politics. You're a progressive but you're always in the political camp of the conservatives. I have always been wondering about this contradiction until I read your book.

You said in that book that the Western Region Government of the Action Group (AG) had announced that a scholarship would be given.

You said you had no doubt that the scholarship would be yours because you were the most qualified, academically, at the time. But to your surprise, the scholarship was given to a far less qualified son of a leader of Action Group. Could this have explained why you're always on the opposite side of Awolowo and those political parties that best represented his progressive ideology?

Well, I was certainly disappointed by the fact that I was denied the scholarship. I had four advanced level subjects. I had six subjects at Ordinary Level. I had the Cambridge Certificate and so on. I was the only one in the Western Region with that kind of academic qualification. The other two chaps were Igbos. I don't think Awolowo did it. But I believed it was done by his party. To that extent, I wasn't too happy with his party. But that's not the main reason why I disagreed with his policy and politics. I believe in one Nigeria. I saw Chief Awolowo as someone opposed to Zik (Azikiwe) who was preaching nationalism and the oneness of the country while Awolowo's party was preaching Yoruba Empire. It would interest you that Chief Awolowo sent an emissary to me to join him when the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was being formed. But I went to him and respectfully declined his offer because I believed that his party was too tribalistic for my liking.

That's probably the only reason; otherwise he was a man I deeply respect.

36

POLITICS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

Atiku Abubakar: A p

Political intrigues in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is largely blamed on personal ambition of members.

In this report, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports on the latest intrigues over alleged Abubakar Atiku's quest for prominence

F

RESH internal wrangling may be on the way within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) unless something is urgently done to curb the soaring personal ambitions of some of the leading chieftains of the party. Fueling fears of looming feud are indications that a power bloc within the party, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, may be hatching a plot to hijack the party's machineries by suppressing all other blocs and interest groups in the ruling party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The Atiku-led group are understood to be plotting to sideline prominent party chieftains, especially the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his associates in the party. The plot, which reliable sources claim was hatched immediately Atiku lost the presidential ticket of the APC to President Muhammadu Buhari last December, is intended to place the former Vice President in a good stead for his next political aspiration.

Barring any alteration of their plan, the Atiku camp are expected to go full blast from now in their attempts to hijack the party’s affairs from the current officials perceived to be loyalists of Asiwaju Tinubu and President Buhari. Already, some of the plans of the group have been carried out while others in the pipeline are currently being fine-tuned ahead of their execution.

The Nation leant that one of the script of the Atikulec bloc played out during the last controversial National Assembly leadership elections. "Because Atiku needed to ensure that he returns to prominence in the APC where he has failed to attract much recognition since joining the party, he, alongside other seemingly aggrieved persons, especially within the ranks of the defunct New PDP group, intentionally encouraged and supported some lawmakers to go against the APC's directive on who would become leaders of the National Assembly.

Their action is largely due to their alleged desperation to have maximum control over the party structure so that party decisions could favour them at all times. Consequently, the ruling party’s preferred candidates in both the Senate and the House of Representatives were defeated by party members who contested the elections against the wishes of the party.

This also led to the emergence of Ike Ekweremadu, of the opposition PDP, as the Deputy Senate President.

And sources said this is just the first of many such plots to return Atiku to prominence in the APC at all cost," a party source, claiming anonymity, said.

The Nation also learnt that Atiku and some forearm governors of the All Progressives Congress met severally to work out the modalities that saw to the victory of Senator Bukola Saraki, an ex-governor and Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively, on June 9, 2015.

"It was easy for Atiku to get some prominent chieftains on his side because like him, they are not comfortable with the current clout of the national leader of the APC, Senator Tinubu, on the ruling party. To them, with Tinubu still as respected and deferred to as he currently is, it would be difficult for Atiku and others to ply their types of politics successfully within the

• Abubakar

• Tinubu

party. There are also talks that some of the principles of the party as enshrined by Tinubu and his associates, would need to be done away with if people like Atiku are • Buhari to remain in the party.

Hence, their decision to work against their party with the ultimate aim of cutting Tinubu's loyalists to size. In their calculations, with the failure of Lawan and Gbajabiamila to win the Senate Presidency and the Speakership, the Tinubu influence has been punctured.

They used their influence to make Saraki emerge Senate President, stopping Ahmed Lawan, who is believed to to be Tinubu’s candidate. But Lawan was the party's candidate, not Tinubu's and what they did was against the party, not Tinubu," Chief Fola Laoshe, chieftain of the party in Ogun State, said.

"To imagine that a prominent chieftain like Aliyu Wammako, former governor of Sokoto State, reportedly used his successor, the new governor of the state, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, to reach out to returning House members to support Dogara in emerging the House of Representatives Speaker just because some people are not comfortable with Tinubu is terrible. But if this is the type of politics we have to put up with in APC, then the worst is not over yet," Laoshe added.

Signs that the Atiku camp may be up to something emerged during the tussle for the endorsement of the APC by contenders for leadership positions in the National Assembly. Atiku, it was learnt, openly opposed the party’s decison to conduct a mock election within the APC’s senators and House of Representatives members before the actual elections on the floor of both Houses.

Contrary to insinuations that the mock election was Tinubu’s idea, it was actually a suggestion by the National Executive Committee led by Odigie Oyegun. Sensing that Lawan and Gbajabiamila were ging to win the mock poll, the former Vice President encouraged Saraki, Dogara and their supporters to boycott the process.

It is no longer news that he supported the Saraki and Dogara camp all in a bid to reduce the influence of Tinubu on the party. But while it may be correct to say Gbajabiamila was favored by Tinubu, same cannot be said of Lawan, who was simply the party's choice. But arguing that the current members of the APC’s National Working Committee are Tinubu’s loyalists, the Atiku camp were determined to control the National Assembly.

say last week's call by one of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members, Timi Frank, for the immediate resignation of the party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, is meant to kick start a process aimed at further throwing the party into crisis.

Frank, who accused Oyegun and some members of the APC’s NWC of fueling rancor in the party, said it was unfortunate that the leadership of the party played hide and seek and over indulged themselves in the choice of Senate President and House Speaker. Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Frank who is the Assistant National Publicity Secretary, stated that the chairman and leadership of the party ought to resign for throwing the party into internal crisis with the conduct of an embarrassing mock election.

“If my party could not keep to the promise of change, then we must correct them to keep to that. I have no fear or favour than to say that the current leadership of the party has practically failed. With this incident alone, the chairman should resign from his position after taking a position against the people and the people’s position has finally come to stay. In the Western world, by today the party’s national chairman would have resigned honourably.

“Not just the national chairman but the entire leadership that took this decision of conducting mock election against the outcry of the larger members of the party. Against the bigger picture of Nigerians. A handfull of? the party leadership came to take a decision, and by today the people have shown that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Timi Frank stated.

He specifically faulted the APC chairman, Oyegun for clearly failing to consult widely before embarking on the mock election, which he said ridiculed the party.

He said, “You ?could see the way the party, including the national chairman, was speaking? before the NASS leadership elections; it showed clearly that the chairman had totally taken sides which wasn’t meant to be. I understand, he took some of those decisions based on pressure. In this century, APC as a party, does not need a chairman that will be under pressure. “?And the party’s national chairman caused it because times out of numbers, some of the leaders told him to come up with a zoning formula from the beginning. He was as?ked to take a decision and let people follow that but he didn’t do that. They were playing hide and seek with the issue until the last minute when they saw the danger, and they wanted to play hanky-panky, which led us to lose one position at the Senate,” Frank said.

But reacting to the call, the national chairman said he would not resign as advised by Frank, who he said acted

Further plans unfolding And as the dust raised by the National Assembly leadership election settles, the Atiku camp seems to have swiftly moved to the next stage of their plot which is to grab control of the leadership of the party itself. Sources

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

37

A player makes his move

• Saraki

• Dogara

• Odigie-Oyegun

out of ignorance. Oyegun said that he was not under any kind of pressure to conduct the election, saying that as the national chairman of the party, it was incumbent on him to moderate various interests that emerged during the time of the election.

“It is neither here nor there. That’s his opinion and views. And I suppose he’s entitled to them. But I read the statement. He’s not a member of the National Working Committee (NWC). He’s a member of NEC alright. But not of the National Working Committee. So, it is neither here not there. When things happen, people look for scapegoats and it is a pity that he told the press instead of coming to say, look, chairman, what happened? How did things go the way they did? He might have just benefited from the education.

“I was not under any pressure in the sense that he’s taking it but a party chairman is constantly under pressure, especially when the time comes for dividing the spoils of office, naturally, people of different interests, it is for the national chairman to moderate all these interests. And usually not everybody will be pleased. One way or the other, whatever decision you take, somebody is bound to be unhappy. That’s the way things run,” Oyegun said.

Tinubu loyalists from populating Buhari's cabinet. It is unclear how they intend to do this but I guess they are banking on the National Assembly to help them shrink the number of Tinubu's people who will become ministers," our source added.

Already, leaders of the party have scheduled a meeting with President Buhari on the need to expedite action and achieve a harmonious selection of the new cabinet members. The meeting, which is to hold after the return of the President from the Africa Union (AU), meeting in South Africa, will centre on the need to streamline the party’s position on the new cabinet.

Allaying fears that the party may be in dispute over the appointment of Ministers, Oyegun said no person or group can dictate who will emerge as ministers as the function of appointing people into the federal cabinet is largely an executive function. Oyegun said further that Buhari and the party are more interested in appointing technocrats and other competent hands than playing to party sentiments. The chairman made the statements while speaking to journalists in Abuja.

“There is absolutely no dispute between the party and the president. We agreed that we shall use all manner of people: politicians, technocrats, all manner of people even if not politicians, who can deliver and who subscribe passionately to the agenda of the president to move this country forward, irrespective of where the people come from; irrespective of whether the person is a card-carrying members of the party,” Oyegun said.

“What is important is the qualification of the person and the ability of the person to deliver on the ideas of Mr. President. What we are interested is in the ability of the people to bring up the ideas that will help Mr. President achieve the set objectives and the ability to deliver on what the President wants,” he added.

“Secondly, this is an executive function and the President has the right to consult as widely as possible.

This means he might pick people within the party; people outside the party. It is a prerogative the President should exercise and we cannot question that. We are quite happy about the way he is proceeding,” Oyegun said.

north should be allowed to have a second shot at the presidency. Talks of who that would be is unnecessary. Already, Atiku, who is still interested in the presidency is showing his intention. That is what allegedly informed his recent renewed interest in the power equation within APC. It may be true that Saraki too will want to run for the presidency.

But I think with the new working relationship between their camps, Saraki will remain Senate President and allow Atiku to take over. Thats the thinking in Atiku’s camp and he is planning towards it already. You know that in politics, four years is a very short time. The game is on already, Alhaji Wahab Yunus, Co-ordinator of Saraki United Front and a chieftain of the APC, told The Nation.

The Nation also learnt that his 2019 aspiration is one of the reason the former Vice President opposed the aspiration of Senator Lawan for the Senate Presidency. "Fearing that the sudden attention being given to the North East for the Senate presidency was ostensibly to pave way for Senator Ahmad Lawan to garner national clout and prepare him for eventualities in 2019, as an alternative candidate from the zone aside Atiku, the former number two man asked his loyal senators-elect within APC and PDP to side with Senator Bukola Saraki for the Senate top seat.

Ministerial nomination too The Atiku group is also said to be taking the battle to the ministerial nominees list as they have perfected plans to frustrate nominees from Tinubu’s camp. According to sources, the group is determined to reduce the number of Tinubu's loyalists that will make it into the federal cabinet to the barest minimum. This, they hope to achieve with their current control of the National Assembly leadership.

"With the leaderships of both the Senate and the House firmly in their kitty, the Atiku group are poised to stop

It is also being bandied around that should the Turaki's camp fail to hijack the APC ahead of next presidential election, he may hearken to overtures from his troubled former party, the PDP, as some of his erstwhile allies in the party have already begun moves to woo him back

2019 calculations Meanwhile, The Nation learnt that current moves by Atiku and his associates to hijack the party is informed by permutations in some quarters that President Buhari should do only one term of four years in office as President and a feeling that the Tinubu camp may be disposed to supporting him for a second term in 2019.

“Buhari will do one term. Considering the difficulty in selling his candidacy to Nigerians on account of his age, it is not advisable to field him again in 2019. But the

The PDP option It is also being bandied around that should the Turaki's camp fail to hijack the APC ahead of the next presidential election, he may hearken to overtures from his troubled former party, the PDP as some of his erstwhile allies in the party have already begun moves to woo him back. Already, several meet-ings have been held in various locations to discuss how to get the former VP back into the PDP with the party’s 2019 presidential ticket being used as a bait to lure him.

The move, sources claim, is part of PDP's quest to recapture power by any means in 2019. "The party sees Atiku as one man that can help them regain power, and they have started making moves aimed at luring back to their fold. Should all entreaties to Atiku fail, Kwankwaso, is another person we want because of his firm grip on Kano which has always produced the largest bulk votes in recent elections.

But the desire of the PDP for now is to have Atiku back. That is why some of his erstwhile allies within the PDP are now being given special attention by the party. They have the mandate of luring him back to the PDP," a source said.

38

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

Why Lagos Assembly leadership election was rancour free - Majority Leader The Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Sanai Agunbiade, speaks on how the Assembly avoided crisis in electing its principal officers, the recent crisis that rocked the National Assembly, the presence of a large number of opposition lawmakers in the Lagos Assembly and how he thinks the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should handle the situation, amongst other issues, in this interview with 'Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor and Chinedu Ihueze.

disagreements and conflicts that may appear to come up, we will always resolve it amicably.

It will be out of place to expect the leadership position of the House of Assembly to be allocated unopposed. The number of people that came out signifying interest for the leadership of the House shows the competence and the quality of membership of the House of Assembly. If you had ten people who were convinced that they could be Speakers or Deputy-Speakers of the House of Assembly, that is the beauty of democracy.

There were expectations of the quality of the person and persons that will lead a Lagos Assembly, so every individual who was convinced within himself as to possessing these qualities, showed up. The party is there as the unbiased umpire and arbiter to regulating things and suggest possible ways of deciding on who gets what.

It is like lawyers going before the Judge in a court room.

The lawyers will argue back

C

ONGRATULATIONS on your emergence as the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly. As someone who was part of the 6th and 7th assemblies of the House, what are your expectations from the 8th Assembly?

For the 8th Assembly, our expectations are in the areas of improved legislative activities, more dedication to legislative duties, improved public legislative relationship; by this I mean that the members of the Assembly should have improved relationship with their constituencies. They should be more visible in their respective constituencies.

They should be seen attending more to the yearnings and aspirations of their constituents.

As an institution, our expectations also include more capacity building for the members of the Assembly and staff. With this, we intend to compliment our legislative activities and duties. We also expect more robust and result-oriented debates on the floor of the House. Above all, we have set certain tasks for ourselves and we expect to achieve, at the end of this Assembly, a better placement of the Lagos State House of assembly than we had in the 6th and 7th Assembly. We want to see Lagos Assembly being reckoned with as a legislative house beyond or above common standards of excellence.

Is there any remarkable difference yet in the composition of the 7th and the 8th Assemblies?

Of course there are differences. There is nobody in the state today who will not notice the differences between the compositions in the 6th, 7th and 8th assemblies. In the 6th Assembly, we had three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members. Before the end of the 6th Assembly, one of the PDP members crossed to the then ACN voluntarily. In the 7th Assembly, we had a convertee from PDP to APC, so it was an all APC House.

All 40 honorable members were all APC till the end. But in this 8th Assembly, we have 8 PDP members and 32 APC lawmakers. This is the largest presence of the opposition party in the Lagos legislature ever. So, it is a big difference.

Another remarkable difference in the composition is that, for the first time that I know, we are having equal proportion of new honorable members and returning honorable members. We have 20 old members who returned for 2nd term, 3rd term and even 4th term while we also have 20 new members coming into the House of Assembly for their first term. It is of these fresh 20 that we have eight (8) for PDP and 12 for APC. Another change in the composition is that we had five female members in the 7th Assembly but presently, we have only three female members. Also, in this 8th

• Agunbiade Assembly, we are having a non-Yoruba native as member, which shows how tolerant Lagos is. So, I think these are the remarkable differences in composition between this Assembly and the last assemblies.

And what challenges do you foresee as a result of these differences?

Well, I will not see the composition in the negative but rather in the positive. I want to believe that the members of PDP in the House of Assembly will enhance more robust argument. This is so because we have eight people coming from a different platform and having different manifesto, philosophy and orientation from that of the APC which is the party in control in the state. So, we are going to have different patterns in the presentation and perception of political issues. Conflict of reasoning on political issues will emerge, which will make the debate robust and at the end of the day, we expect to have superior arguments having their ways as it would be in any sane society. It would give us different shades of opinion and different angles to issues, all in the interest of the people of Lagos State.

I am very sure that the few females in the House of Assembly will want to rise at all times to defend the interest of the female populace. That is not to say that male members in the House have always been against women interests. We've always been fair when it comes to gender issues but you know women for what they are; they always want to claim equality with men. The three women can even say that they are more than all of us the males because they are our mothers. So, I want to see it more as bringing the best out of the House of Assembly.

Though, it was not something that was desired, but as it has occurred, I am sure we will work together to give Lagos House of Assembly a better identity.

After initial fears, the election of principal officers into the House was rancor free. How was these achieved?

I will say that Lagos State is the centre for excellence. Lagos State is the heartbeat of Nigeria in so many areas, ranging from economic, political, social and the rest.

Whatever happens in Lagos will dictate the tempo of what happens in Nigeria and we are conscious of this. And as members of APC, the ruling party at the centre, we know very well that all eyes are on Lagos and the representatives of the people in Lagos.

Therefore, whatever disputes,

and forth while the Judge would have to suggest the way forward at the end of it all.

And as realists who love our party and people of Lagos State, we would not allow the interest of wanting to occupy one office or the other to supersede the overall interest of the state which is stability. Along the line, as the day drew nearer, individuals started seeing reasons why they had to leave the Speakership and any other position and contest for other offices.

After all, the Speaker alone cannot make the House. One singular leadership office will not make the office and you do not even need to be a principal officer to contribute your quota more effectively to the House of Assembly. To that extent, we saw reasons and we were able to listen to wise counsels by leaders of the parties and our individual leaders, who called us and advised us. And before you knew it, things fell into shape and what we have today is a very united House working together and determined to achieve remarkable feat at the end of the term.

But why do you think the APC was unable to repeat this feat at the National Assembly?

You would agree with me that APC is a conglomeration of about three to four political parties that decided for the first time in the annals of Nigerian history, to prove that progressives can come together and wrestle power. These parties and their chieftains swallowed their pride and sacrificed their independent existences and came together to give the people hope. So, when it came to the National Assembly, there were people that were originally ACN, APGA, PDP, ANPP, CPC coming together as APC. Within the time APC was formed and the time of the election, it was so short for us to blend properly as a political party. To that extent, I feel what happened at the National Assembly showed that APC still needs to blend.

A lot of factors contributed to what happened at the National Assembly but one thing that gladdens the mind is that APC still remains APC irrespective of our various mistakes and errors. We are still one party and APC will wax stronger. What is most important is that when you make a mistake, you look back, correct your mistakes, learn from it and forge ahead. The best method to do this is already being followed as the party is already talking to all stakeholders and I am very sure the President is trying to come into the issue to assuage all frayed nerves. Once all these issues are sorted out, I am sure that the APC will be stronger and the mistake will not repeat itself.

What has been the relationship between APC lawmakers and their counterparts from the opposition PDP so far in the 8th Assembly?

We were together in Abuja at the instance of the National Institute of Legislative Studies. We had induction together over there. Even here in Lagos, we had inauguration together. We have had two sittings together. It has been so cordial and they have not really carried themselves in a manner suggestive of being from different political platform other than the rest of us and those of us on the other hand have extended our hands of friendship and brotherhood to them. And I must say that the reception has been so cordial from them. I think they have reciprocated our friendly gesture well and I believe and pray it continues in that manner No doubt the presence of an unusual number of opposition lawmakers in the House requires tact to deal with. How capable do you think the current leadership is to handle the situation?

The ability of a man to resolve crisis and conflicts is what determines the strength, wisdom and capabilities of that man. There are bound to be conflicts even between couples. There are bound to be disputes in a family and even within the society because anywhere you have more than one person, conflict is a necessary phenomenon to keep life going. What is not good is being unable to resolve disputes and conflicts. The ability of the managers, who are the principal members, to manage these disputes is the reason they have been elected to lead the House.

And I must tell you that the Speaker of the House of the Assembly is a man that is good in dispute resolution and very pragmatic. He is a man who has the vision to lead the House to a higher pedestal.

So, no one with such a vision will allow any dispute or conflict to be unresolved because what gives you a conducive atmosphere to operate is your ability to resolve conflict of issues in an organisation. So, I want to say that with the ability of the Speaker; with the vast administrative experience of the Deputy Speaker, and with the managerial ability of other principal members, we are poised to manage the situation successfully.

And I must say that we are lucky to have a person like the Speaker in charge.

He is tolerant, willing to listen to others and he is a team player. And as someone who has been around for a long time, four terms precisely, he is in a good position to handle whatever situation well.

You are a third term legislator from Ikorodu; what new thing should your constituents look forward to?

To whom much is given, much is expected. The political history of Ikorodu has been such that after one term, you are denied another term. But my people have been magnanimous to appreciate me for whatever reasons best known to them and have given me another term to make me a third term lawmaker. That shows how nice, kind and loving my people have been to me. For all of this that they have done, I want to say that I have justified their voting for me for the third time by the show of love that my colleagues have also expressed by making me the leader of the majority of the house. I appreciate the rare gesture of my people to have sent me here for the third time and the love that my colleagues have shown me because they have helped me to justify my people's expectation in sending me back to the House a third time. With that, I have added responsibilities; to lead the House and represent my people. I pray to God to give me the wisdom and the strength so that none of the two will suffer: My constituency getting more practical representation and the members of the Assembly not finding any lapses on my part as the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

39

What manner of bailout?

A • Ayade

Can Ayade walk the talk?

onsidered to be suave, smooth and smart, former governor of Cross River State, who was in power from 1999 to 2007, Mr. Donald Duke did well to put Cross River in the spotlight.

With his aggressive tourism thrust and style, the state transformed from being a backwater area to a foremost destination in the West African sub-region.

In spite of accusations of being too cosmetic in his programmes and projects, elitist and leaving a huge debt burden after his administration, stakeholders in the state insist the importance of what he has done for the state cannot be wished away. The belief is that he laid the foundation for the rapid development of the state going forward. "What Duke did for this state is one for which the people would be eternally grateful," a Calabar resident, Samuel Ekpo, remarked.

Steering the ship of state till 2007, Duke handed over power to Liyel Imoke, whose own thrust was an aggressive rural development programme.

Often described as cool, calm and collected, Imoke at the beginning of his administration said his objective was to take governance to people who need it the most, being those in the rural areas.

A very calculated person, the former governor had gone ahead to provide stretches of rural roads to help farmers evacuate their produces as well as ease movement; rural electrification; improvement of education across the state; primary healthcare facilities in every community among others as he governed the state from 2007 to 2015.

Being prudent, even when the state lost resources due to the 76 oil wells, he still managed to drive this programme, even though with a much reduced tempo. Added to this, he embarked on some legacy projects like the Songhai Farms in Abi, the Institute of Technology and Management in Ugep, as well as the International Convention Centre in Calabar.

Despite hiccups in his tenure (he was sacked a couple of times in office by the courts) as well as misgivings held against him towards the end of his administration, it is widely held that rural dwellers across the 18 local government areas of the state

C

The new governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, has made audacious promises to the people of the SouthSouth state. In this report, Nicholas Kalu, in Calabar, reports on the mixed reactions over the promises as some respondents wonder if the governor can walk the talks have a lot to be thankful to Imoke for.

With the baton of leadership handed over to Prof Ben Ayade now, expectations of Cross Riverians are high on the mark he would be able to make as at the time he leaves office.

Brisk, bold and blunt, Ayade kicked off his administration on a no-nonsense and businesslike note.

From a humble background in Obudu Local Government Area, his strong motivation to succeed, it is believed, got him to the exalted position he is today.

Already, he has made lofty promises to people of the state, despite the state's precarious financial situation, just as he started work with remarkable zeal.

On his first day in office as governor, workers in the governor's office got a shock of their lives when those that came late were locked out on his orders. He warned that subsequently, latecomers would be sanctioned.

Ayade had gone ahead to make some sweeping changes among which included the disbanding of the anti-forestation task force put in place by his predecessor, Liyel Imoke, to check illegal logging of forest reserves in the state, showing he has a mind of his own.

Some observers have been of the opinion that the governor is too audacious in some of the promises he has made, such as ensuring that salaries are paid on the 25th of every month from internally generated revenues, the construction of a Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja-Obudu superhighway and a new seaport in his first tenure.

In a bid to create employment, he also unveiled plans to establish a garment industry, cocoa processing plant, rice mill and a modular refinery in the state.

Other investments also to be established by him, he said, include Banana Farm to create value chain, tank farm city, marine transport service, dairy farm, poultry farm, pharmaceutical company, maize farm, quarries and cement factory.

These, skeptical observers hope the zeal, which he has exhibited so

far, should be the same till he drives all his projects to a conclusion.

However, not everyone feels pessimistic about the new governor, as there are others who feel he has the drive to achieve everything he has outlined for the state.

A resident of Calabar, Mr. Anthony Effiong, said, "The way he started shows he is headed in the right direction for a state like Cross River. It is the tonic for change. Being gentlemanly would not work. Locking out the civil servants shows he is a man who means business and I hope the drive he has exhibited so far, helps him achieve most of his programmes."

Another resident, Mrs. Ekanem Offiong, said, "from all that he says so far that he would put in place, the new governor will no doubt transform the economy and ultimately the lives of Cross Riverians. I have complete confidence that he will do very well.

This is a man who is driven. He has a passion to see things work.

Skeptics should just wait and see what he will offer at the end of the day.

"We have seen him sign the quality control deal for the CalabarIkom-Ogoja-Obudu super highway which the governor has proposed as one of his signature projects in his first tenure in Germany. This shows he is working and fast. We have faith in him. We just pray God gives him strength so he does not fail us. I must say that if that superhighway is the only thing he will achieve in this administration, his name will forever be written in gold."

The ball at moment is in Ayade's court as Cross Riverians are watching to see if at the end of his tenure as governor, he would have walk his talk.

"We are watching if he will do something that will improve our lives individually and as a state, that would be attributed to Prof Ayade when it is time for him to leave office. We appreciate all his promises, but we would patiently wait for the real and tangible manifestations."

LMOST all the states of the federation have been boiling for some months over the inability of governors to meet the most basic of their nresponsibilities- payment of wages of their workers. For as many as eight and nine months, some workers have been going hungry with their families. It is, indeed, a shame. And. last week, the governors, in their cleavages, met to decide on the way forward.

Unanimously, they resolved to approach the federal government to bail them out of a situation that has depicted them as unfeeling and incompetent.

The truth be told, the governors cannot be exonerated from the mess. Managers are expected to think of the day adverse situations may arise, paint scenarios and plan ahead.

In Nigeria, governors in particular, are mostly interested in the grandeur of office. Not many would adopt the Peter Obi style- frugal and Spartan. Not many spared thoughts for the future in case the storm arose.

Their planlessness has now caught up with them and they are seeking the help of the Big Brother at the centre to bail them out by covering their nakedness.

How did we arrive at the pass?

First, we need to look at the recruitment procedure for leaders. Anyone who indicates interest in any exalted office, is expected to have access to tones of cash and thus procure the support of the powers-that-be in the political parties as well as critical institutions of state. They are consequently handsomely rewarded. In office, they seek to pluck all the ripe fruits at once.

Friends and cronies are brought together and offered "juicy" appointments and contracts.

Competence, cognate experience, moral fibre count for nothing.

This is the time for the voters to rethink their roles in the electoral process. The civil society groups, the few that have not been bitten by the same bug that is, should partner the people in this.

As was the case at the centre, the governors were profligate.

They frittered the resources as if the day of reckoning would never come. It is here now. But we need to chase away the fox before we could rebuke the fowl. The evil day represented by hunger and hard days that have descended on the workers must be upturned first before we consider medium and long-term measures.

Do the states deserve bailout by the central government? I do not think so. Any self respecting person would not easily pick up the begging bowl at the arrival of adversity. As some of them have suggested, the more dignifying first step is to ask the federal government to refund money

expended on federal projects in the states with the approval of the appropriate authorities. The quality and cost being verified, payment should be made forthwith. A second step is to have a quick audit of what was due the states and what was remitted from the Federation Account; what the NNPC, in particular, ought to have remitted into the federal coffers and what it did. The shortfall should be immediately raked in and disbursed.

Third, the governors, both those returned and those who have just mounted the saddle. should put on the thinking cap.

Unsustainable emoluments for political officers should be drastically reduced. Perhaps, this would help in curbing the appetite of those seeking public office at all cost. Frivolous travels by executive and legislative officials should be banned for this emergency period, while jets and other such gadgets should be put out for sale. No state needs it to survive.

When these are done within the next four weeks and substantial progress is not made with payment of salaries, the big bother wo had cornered a disproportionate portion of the national wealth could then be approached for the bailout.

In the medium and long term, there must be a campaign within the next six months for a review of the structure of the federation.

The powers ceded to the federal government is too huge and, consequently, the allocation is unacceptable. It makes no sense that a tier of government corners 52 per cent of the federally collected revenue, while the 36 states ahare a meager 26 per cent.

This must change. The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission should set at work immediately. A formula that grants the states less than 50 per cent of accruals into the Federation Account would be unjust.

The civil society groups, too, should be more active in leading the assessment of the candidates during electioneering. Those of us in the media owe a duty to the society to probe the antecedents and explore the suitability of the candidates, discuss application of the democratic principle in the political parties and rescue our ainking states.

It is surprising that anyone could be suggesting now that new states be created. This is a capital political offence. Many of the states are in dire straits because they were ab initio unviable. Unfortunately, it is impolitic to suggest mergers now.

This is a time for all to put on the thinking cap. President Buhari must lead the way.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

‘How Ikuforiji helped to deepen our legislature’

Buhari has to belong to somebody

By Ethelbert Okere

T

“O

THERS enjoyed and were content with the sound made by others; many follow the well-trodden path; yet still, others are beholden to old trails and old ways but this one, I mean this son, this icon, goes where there are no trails.

He leaves trails wherever he trod."

In 2005, a man of unusual character who had in 2003 become a Legislator, an iconoclast emerged on the legislative plane not just in Lagos State but in Nigeria. A man who became a symbol of legislative excellence and for the next 10 years held aloft the banners of the Legislature as one of the great tripods of every democratic practice.

He was elected overwhelmingly as the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly and it was upon this platform that he gave hope to democratic practice in Nigeria despite the well-established depth of opposition to the classical expression of legislative independence by the other arms of government in Nigeria.

He was a student genius who won all the accolades on graduation in 1975 with Distinction in the West African School Certificate Examination at Epe Grammar School, Epe Division. His academic records in that school is yet to be matched or surpassed till date. The same pursuit of academic excellence took him to Romania and other parts of the world where he acquired various diplomas, certificates and degrees while leading fellow students in various capacities and at different levels. His love for academics propelled him into setting up various philanthropic foundations for assisting indigent students achieve their dreams of acquiring life changing education perhaps because of his childhood experiences with poverty.

I still remember vividly his vision for ensuring that the nation's leadership capacity and capability remains sustainable when he single handedly provided international leadership training in the US for Presidents and General Secretaries of all the students' unions in all universities in Lagos State.

Most of the beneficiaries of these programmes have come back home to contribute to the development of Lagos State.

He is truly a man that believes in building human capital as the basis for sustainable national development.

Rt. Honorable Ikuforiji's tenure in the Lagos House was marked by great achievements. He understood that democracy cannot be practiced effectively and efficiently without allowing its fundamental principles a free rein. He knew that the Legislature must be unfettered from every encumbrance that makes its operations difficult, thus unable to deliver optimally on its promise not just to other arms of government but mainly to the citizenry.

It was this critical perception that propelled and fanned his passion to creatively seek ways to severe every cord attached to the Lagos Assembly that had hitherto denied the assembly its freedom thus its role, credibility and viability as a Legislative House.

His creative engagements with the other arms of government gave the Lagos Assembly its independence thus allowing the full operations of the principle of separation of powers in democratic governance in Lagos State.

This singular achievement earlier in his tenure as the Speaker of the Lagos House separated the House from the rest and marked it out as a reference point on legislative standards in Nigeria which signposted him as a pioneer of the quintessential legislature within the mold of classical democratic traditions.

He therefore contributed immensely not only to the emancipation of the legislature in Nigeria but also in deepening our democracy. His struggles for the freedom and independence of the Legislature in the country has inspired and galvanized many

• Ikuforiji

By Olumuyiwa Wahab Jimoh other legislators and legislative houses in Nigeria into a re-awakening, thus leading to the present clamor for legislative freedom.

When you therefore hear of non-imposition or non-interference and financial autonomy in the various legislatures and other arms of government, Ikuforiji stands out as its chief apostle.

As we march into the new Legislative Assembly and as the Legislature all over Nigeria both at the state and at the federal level seek to offer the citizenry its promises as a vital arm of the government through renewed and continued insistence on the independence of the Legislature, Rt. Honourable Ikuforiji must be remembered as the man who served as a catalyst that made all these happen. Just like every social activist, he gave his heart and mind to this singular pursuit and the extent to which this has resonated we are sure went beyond his imaginations. Our democracy has been enriched by his efforts and our citizenry in the coming years will be better served.

Being a great advocate of legislative activism, he led the House during his leadership to the passage of many revolutionary laws in Lagos State, granting millions of Lagosians access to public and social infrastructure and services. Without the pivotal laws that were crafted under his leadership, it would have been difficult for the great landmark achievements attained by the Government of Babatunde Raji Fashola.

His creative partnership and engagement with the other arms of government in Lagos State, especially the executive, was also a model in productive and constructive relationship amongst these arms of government within every democracy. He never allowed the independence of the Legislature when it was eventually achieved to become adversarial, thus an impediment to the smooth operation of governance in the state. He generated an ambience of cooperation between the two arms of government, banishing all fears from the hearts of the Executive of the, albeit, erroneously conceived notion of Legislative excesses, arrogance and abuse. In the process, he created the legal environment, built trust and confidence that spurred the government into great achievements, thus making it within this period the toast of all other governments in Nigeria. It will be right to conclude that you cannot therefore talk about the achievements of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola without according a pride of place to the great contributions made by Honourable Ikuforiji.

Ikuforiji separated himself from the crowd just like an eagle so that he may be the standard.

Refusing to be part of "legislature as usual" he stoically pursued his mission, knowing that it is either he fulfils it or he dies pursuing it.

Unyielding to pressures to resort to diluted legislature; he succeeded in bestowing upon our democracy this present consciousness of the need for all democratic institutions to be optimally positioned to give their best to governance. However, he knew that for him to be the champion of the Legislature and attain his vision for a consolidated democracy, he must be prepared to pay the requisite price. He therefore never flinched when it was time for these costs to be borne. He unwaveringly confronted them and standing loyally to the party and the people of Lagos State, he bore

the outcomes. The joy of Lagosians comforted him and the crescendo of the present clamour for the true practice of democracy became his strength.

Every discerning Lagosian will see the scars of these numerous selfless struggles on the Speaker. In these scars lay our freedom and in them lay the change in our democratic journey.

They are but the banners of his victorious legacies and the standards which he has held aloft. Nonetheless, we want to point out that in his struggles and the consequent scars lay a deep lesson for all current political gladiators not only in the various legislative houses but also in other arms of government.

We are blessed to have cut our legislative teeth under his tutelage and leadership. He ran a great, visionary and well-focused Assembly that never dissipated its energies or tax payers' funds on inanities. He insisted on legislative accountability with its central theme as the optimal delivery of service to our constituents.

Moreover, he averred that for us to carry out our moral and legislative obligations of over sighting the Executive, we must ensure that we handle our affairs, especially the financial aspect, with utmost transparency and care. The change or perfection that we expect from other arms of government ought to begin with us; that was his position and that was what guided us and guaranteed an Assembly that conducted its activities above board thus beyond reproach. He was therefore an embodiment of financial and legislative accountability, a legacy which the new House will aspire to maintain and build upon.

It is impossible to conclude any piece on the Rt. Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji's legacies without mentioning what I have decided to call his penchant for legislative philanthropy. I recall that Comrade Jide Amosun, who was a NANS Vice President and the President of Ogun State Polytechnic, Ilaro Students' Union, had an accident in 1999 and as a result of financial difficulties could not get good treatment. He thus became bedridden.

When this came to the knowledge of the Speaker, he was immediately moved to tears and had to personally intervene to save the life of the young man. The comrade was flown to India where further diagnosis showed that more complications had set in as a result of the years of delay before treatment; the kind hearted Speaker still dipped his hands in his pocket to meet the extra cost required for complete treatment. Comrade Jide Amosun is alive today and contributing to our progress bearing testimony to the legacies which the outgoing Speaker brought to bear on Lagos in his sojourn as the head of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

We are all proud of his achievements and we are sure that the people of Lagos State will forever remember his ever ready attitude to listen to all groups and suggestions towards making good laws to maintain the state as the number one in Nigeria.

Legislators across Nigeria and within the different divides will remember him for his contribution to legislative networking and colearning which has spread and deepened the understanding of the Legislature and legislative processes amongst all legislators both in Lagos State and in Nigeria as a whole.

–Hon. Olumuyiwa Wahab Jimoh (representing Apapa Constituency 11), is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

HERE is a saying in my native parlance to the affect that a dog owned by the entire community usually dies of hunger. This is simply because nobody in particular would take the responsibility of feeding it. That was my first problem with President Muhammadu Buhari's famous, "I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody". As attractive and appealing the statement was, I felt that it was merely targeted at the sentiments of Nigerians at least at the point it was made. And not unexpectedly, Nigerians chorused it with enthusiasm. But for purposes of partisan tenacity, I felt the statement was not only too open ended and populist, it was also fraught with danger, especially as it is not in sync with partisan idiosyncrasy. Of course, skeptics took their positions and it was not long when the first salvo came.

The president was accused of plagiarizing the statement. The "I belong..." jargon that was contained in his inauguration speech was said not to be original to him but lifted from an earlier saying by another famous man outside this clime.

Pronto, the President's "enemies" (really, does he have any?) had a field day through the social media. The plagiarism charge seems to have been settled in favour of the president .

On a more serious note, however, Nigerians are willing to give a pass mark to Buhari on the things he has done so far at the domestic front.

At least his attitude to the issue of the emergence of principal officers of the 8th National Assembly gives him not less than a B+. Still, go to the international arena he must. There are so many things to go and talk about abroad. For one, the nation's economy is so bad that it needs no exaggeration to state that Nigeria needs a bail out from the international community at least for the next one or two years. And it is not what the president can do from Daura. So, while I disagree that the President should stay put at home and like in 1984 begin to put former governors to jail, there is one thing he must do: he should repudiate the "I belong to nobody…" mantra. In my view, President Buhari has to belong to somebody; not, of course, to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as in being commonly feared.

Buhari has to make himself available. He has to work with Nigerians. Of course, I disagree with those who blame his aides. With my little exposure to top political office holders, most principals get only the advice or assistance they want to have. Most principals, in the Nigerian context, put up body language that freezes all good intentions from their aides. I hear the president is an easy going man but my fear is that he may still be operating with the same mind set as when he was running for his present office.

Majority of Nigerians saw him as stand-offish and a fellow with a "you-can-go-to-hell" disposition.

An example was when the issue of his academic certificate arose. Yes, the election was won and lost but the truth is that Nigerians did not like the seeming arrogance with which he handled the matter. He had referred INEC officials to the military authorities when the latter asked for his academic credentials. Granted that Nigerians did not buy the talk that he had no certificate to show, not a few were piqued by that attitude because that was another way of telling Nigerians that he owed them no explanation. My hunch is that President Buhari might not have asked his handlers for a presummit briefing. To be quite candid, I do not buy the idea that he should not at his age bother about certain things. For goodness' sake, he now has to.

• Buhari

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

41

Timipre Sylva: Hatchet men at work I

T is clear to discerning observers that the current ding-dong tussle between former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is nothing but the work of hatchet men wielding old tricks that failed in the past. Not much of a surprise though, because in Nigeria, hatchet men are never more active than in politics where opportunities abound in high degrees and large scopes not witnessed in other fields or in other societies.

But it is in an irony of sorts, as it were, that even when he is out of office, when Sylva would be deemed to be harmless, he is still perceived to be powerful and needing to be checked.

He must therefore be tamed and pummeled into silence and oblivion by all means and by a degradation of the judicial system. When people resort to raise arms to fight a person who is supposed to be down and out, they are inadvertently telling you that the person isn't down after all. He is the cat with nine lives! It does not die.

And so even after a landmark dismissal of the so-called 42-count criminal charge against Sylva at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, EFCC went ahead to institute 50 'fresh' charges before the same court.

News reports had indicated that "the court terminated further hearing on the criminal action."

This ruling itself came nine days after the Federal Government, through the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), withdrew another six-count charge that was preferred against Sylva before Justice Evoh

By Mabota Alata Chukwu of the same High Court. The honorable Judge said he had no other option than to strike out the charge since a valid order (fiat) for the discontinuance of the trial, which was duly issued from the Attorney General of Federation's office, was tendered before him.

Many believe that the EFCC operatives should have quietly retired to their offices and settled for other tasks in their anti-graft campaign rather than push for the jugular of Sylva so they don't give the impression they are politically persecuting the man, at a critical time he is returning to the limelight to offer invaluable service to the fatherland.

A group, Bayelsa Democratic Front (BDF), is already sounding the alarm. It is describing the EFCC onslaught as "commissioned persecution", disguised as a corruption trial. BDF declared in a statement: "EFCC's strange decision to restart the case at the very court that dismissed it…smacks of dangerous desperation, which tries to rubbish the country's anti-corruption effort."

An organisation with a wider outlook, Open Democracy Network, Nigeria, has also waded into the affair. It expressed sadness over the move by EFCC to press 'new' fraud charges against Sylva based on a case that had been dismissed by the court.

The group put up this well-articulated document: "This strange 50-count charge against Sylva constitutes an even greater abuse of court processes and from every indication it will suffer same fate as other frivolous ones. Why? Even a fresh lawyer knows that once a case has been dismissed, the only option open to the loser is to go on appeal. It cannot return

to the same court or a court of coordinate jurisdiction…Sylva left office since January 2012, why is it difficult for EFCC to prove anything against him in court?"

Now, it is going to be as difficult as it was in 2009, if not more so. That year, those who wanted to paint Sylva in contemptuous colours claimed he was wasting the tax-payers money on needless foreign trips. They said as governor he travelled to Europe, America, Asia, etc. to save stolen money. By their calculation, Sylva embarked on 32 such trips in 18 months that worked out at about two trips a month. But checks later proved that the governor undertook far less overseas journeys. They were travels to attract foreign investors and strike deals for the industrial and manpower development of Bayelsa. When the critics failed in their schemes, they came out with accusations that Sylva's administration was "corrupt, wasteful, • Sylva ineffective and above all lacking a broad base with the people and leaders (elders) of President Muhammadu Buhari in the state." But before the ink with which plans to work on as tools to bring about they wrote their charges was dry, non- the change in society. partisan analysts fired back. They said One is led to suspect sabotage and the graft charge lacked punch by subversion of the national interest if in referring the assailants to the Bayelsa the case of an anti-graft campaign Expenditure and Income Transparency court processes are suborned and Initiative (BEITI) which was set up by innocent personalities poised to serve Sylva. It was the first of its type by any their nation are persecuted for sheer state government to institute a regime of political reasons. The judiciary is checks and balances, prudent spending, advised to resist pressure to be used to openness and transparency in public blackmail and hound Timipre Sylva to spending. pursue a personal and parochial Far back then, one knew where interest.

It is immoral and Timipre Sylva stood when the issue had unconstitutional. to do with accountability, with the These are dirty tricks which application of public funds and resources amount to a more insidious level of as well as with corruption. These are still corruption. questions of the day that the government –Dr. Alata wrote in from Abuja

What is Abia’s Ikpeazu trying to achieve?

“D

ON'T call me 'His Excellency'.

Don't add 'Executive' to my name. Just address me simply as Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia State".

Why did that simple declaration by the Abia State governor hit the world like a thunderbolt? Why did the world have to respond to it with such jubilant hysteria, as in a manner of mass reflex?

Why did it have to generate such a resounding applause? The world reechoed in unison that a Daniel has come to judgment; that the right man is here. Instantly, Ikpeazu took a place in the heart of the world. What an instant reputation!

But, it was not deliberately and strategically deployed and we did not anticipate the applause and the global endorsement that greeted the simple declaration. We did not anticipate the instant fame! "Tell him to remain on that track," an old-time boss, Okey Ifionu, advised in an sms. Such endorsements came in torrents, an avalanche of voices, all proclaiming that the sun has risen in Abia. Yet, the governor was just being himself and being what he has chosen to be - the simple, quintessential servant leader.

After all, what is in those appellations, His Excellency and Executive? Dr. Ikpeazu says, "throw them into the trash can and let's do the job."

He would instruct me again: 'Tell the people to remove all billboards and posters bearing my portrait. Tell contractors not to put my portrait on their signages but to project their works.

No praise-singing jingles. Let's just do the work." Already, Ikpeazu has carved a niche and a world for himself by being the first to do a very simple thing.

Call it innovation, yes, but what is he trying to do? He is orchestrating a revolution in Nigeria as far as the person and the office of the governor is concerned by demystifying the office

• Ikpeazu

By Godwin Adindu and the person and removing all the ceremonies and chivalries that disconnect the leader from the people. "I want to be the common governor for the common man," he said.

Indeed, Ikpeazu emerged from the people and will remain with the people.

He will soon go down in our lore as the first common and ordinary governor in the history of Nigeria. His revolution will remove all the mystique and simulation that make the governor appear like a transcendental being and remove all frivolities and trivialities that distract the leader from the major call, like chieftaincy titles, unnecessary awards and social

recognition. "He will remain available, approachable and accessible."

Now, back to the question: why did that simple declaration excite the heart of the world? First, it was a trail-blazer, a very novel positioning, remarkably uncommon with political leaders in our clime. Second, it speaks about the man, his inner self and his level of self-mastery and his mental predisposition. Thirdly and greatly, it is a signpost pointing to where he is headed.

The world is excited because they have not seen such show of humility and passion in power. From the time of the feudal lords, the empires and emperors, through the stages of world civilization to modern democracy, the holder of power has always lived in an exclusively idealistic castle, with the mentality of the "chosen one". Remember Shakespeare's quote: "Mad world, mad kings, mad disposition." Ikpeazu is pulling the castle down. He is changing the norm. He is discarding the tradition of the "chosen one" into the dustbin of history.

Indeed, Ikpeazu's signpost is pointing to three things: work, service, performance.

These are his main thrust and mission in government and his reputation will not be a media creation but will naturally relate to his capacity to achieve these values for the people of Abia State. These values will also be the parameter for evaluating him at the end of the day. As a delegate of the people with a divine mandate, he cannot delegate his duties and responsibilities but will personally take charge and supervise all projects, direct all commissions and oversee all works to ensure that things are done to his utmost satisfaction and for the general good of the people. And, he has taken off. Yes, he has!

Soon after his inauguration on May 29, he landed on the historical city of Aba to bring succour to the people. He immediately flagged off the reconstruction of seven roads that sum up to 18.9 kilometres. The roads include Umuocham, Umuola and Ehere roads. Others are

Ukaegbu, Kamalu, Umule and Ukwu mango in Faulks Road. "You will not compromise quality. You must do quality jobs and deliver on schedule or be blacklisted by the state government," he told the contractors on site. Work has begun in earnest and the governor is daring the rain. He is more on the street and on the roads, inspecting the progress of work than in the office. He is marching with the people, exchanging greetings and pleasantries as he moves. The Doc has not changed, he will not change. He remains the man of the people.

The rebuilding of roads and the general infrastructural renewal of Aba remains a top priority for Dr. Ikpeazu administration. The vision is to bring Aba back to its old pride of place. To actualize the vision, Ikpeazu has to establish the Aba Urban Renewal office.

The office will be a key driving force of the administration and the governor will show personal interest and commitment to the activities of the office in order to ensure it performs to the utmost expectation. He has gone a step further to inaugurate the technical committee on the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Development Project aimed at bringing donor agencies and development partners to assist in the development of the state.

He has stepped into the fabled land of Arochukwu to inspect the progress of work on the 34kilometre NdiojiNdiokereke Arochukwu Road which was stalled for some time now and promised it will be completed by December this year. He was happy that 7 kilometre of the road has been asphalted with an additional 7km stonebased.

Yes, Dr. Ikpeazu is more on site than in the office and when you meet him, please, do not call him, His Excellency.

Call him Doc. --- Adindu is the Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

POLITICS

Murray Bruce and allowance rhetoric

Now that stealing is corruption R

•Buhari

Ripples nearly forgot to comment on this issue but for our inability to ignore certain developments in the past weeks. These are queer but wonderful times for the Nigerian masses as new but great things are happening.

First, we heard that Aunty Diezani wrote EFCC to probe her administration. In the same letter, she listed names of those who stole the country blind in times past. Also, one Omokore wants to refund $4.5 billion even after coughing out $500 million of forgotten subsidy money to lift refined oil for use in the country.

And as if that was not strange enough, Port Harcourt Refinery may be good to go in a matter of months. Yes, the same refinery some 'globally acclaimed ministers' consigned to the dustbin of history.

Suddenly, the international community, global super powers et al, are treating Nigeria with the respect she deserves. And when Ripples asked why all these are happening, we were told it is all because 'stealing' has become 'corruption' and the fear of a no nonsense retired General now reigns supreme in the land.

Well, while the developments are good, we call on others with soiled hands not to sleep with their two eyes closed.

Much ado about Ayade's slip

• Bruce

S

enator Ben Murray Bruce may still have some learning to do concerning how to handle his planned posture as the "Peoples Senator". In his reaction to ongoing debate on the wardrobe allowance to be paid to federal lawmakers, posted on Twitter, Murray-Bruce conveniently blames Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for the confusion and promises to remain the people's champion.

"I urge patience and understanding from all Nigerians even as I assure you that I, Ben Murray Bruce, will continue to be on your side. The fight can only be effective if I build coalitions with my colleagues. This fight will be dead on arrival if I alienate them. I only control my actions.

"The best I can do is influence the actions of my colleagues in the Senate. Nations change overtime not overnight. My investigations established that payments to be made are those independently decided upon by RMAFC. To the best of my knowledge, these payments were not discussed at plenary or in private," he explained.

But the Bayelsa-born Senator failed to tell Nigerians what they really wanted to hear from him following his latest populist posturing. And trust Nigerians, the questions came in torrents, asking him if he will take his own share of the "outrageous' allowances?

"He should save us all the grammar and tell us whether he will accept or reject his share of the money as the peoples Senator that he claims to be,” a commentator wrote. So, distinguished Senator Sir, the ball is now in your court. Stop the rhethorics over which state’s hungry workers you will help and say if you will accept the allowance. Period.

hat is the motive behind the actions of Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)? Recall that it was Agi who reportedly dragged Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State to court for allegedly giving false information on his nomination form? The learned counsel said the governor lied under oath.

However, in defense of the governor, many legal giants, including another SAN, Paul Erokoro, has said there is more to Agi's action than meet the eye. ''Mr. Joseph Agi is merely capitalizing on a simple error made by the governor's special assistant on his nomination form, by writing 1969 instead of 1968. Neither date makes a difference to Ayade's qualification for the office of governor." ''Both Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and INEC saw it as a trivial error, especially as his age declaration attached to the form showed his correct age. Agi is however bent on feeding distorted facts to a section of the media in order to scandalise the governor'', Erokoro added.

Many accused Agi of feeding the media with distorted facts. Erokoro said, ''any suggestions that Prof. Ben Ayade forged his age declaration are ridiculous.

The governor's age declaration, which he submitted to both his party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), carries his correct date of birth, March 2, 1968. ''His driver's license, voter's card, current and old international passports, all carry that date of birth. His records in all the schools he ever attended, including the University of Ibadan and the Nigerian Law School, all HIEF Bode George bought our carry that same date of operational bus for us and stocked birth." the vehicle with arms and So, is this a case of making a ammunition whenever we were going on mountain out of a molehill or there is really something operation to confront our opponents." to shout about in the The above statement was the claim of one of the suspected thugs arrested by the police governor's slip?

• Ayade

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'Wicked allegation' against Uncle George

for the killing of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otun Azeez, in Isale-Eko area of Lagos Island last year.

The suspect, Adebayo Dipo, 30, and two others, Alade Ogbulu, 30, and Kofi Olumede, 21 - were paraded during the week by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Too bad, Bode George is out of the country as we speak but Nigerians are eager to hear his response to this 'wicked allegation' by some hardened criminals. George, who has been speaking on national issues from his base abroad, is yet to say anything on the matter.

But a very close aide, who craved anonymity, said it was a ploy to tarnish George's name. He said: "Since Baba (George) started his political career, he has not bought gun or ammunition for any political thug to kill for him. "Baba has not come across anybody with the name Adebayo Dipo who claimed he (George) bought their operational vehicle and ammunition for them."

Well, until we hear the familiar voice of Bode George, we will keep our fingers crossed hoping seriously that this is a case of mistaken identity, otherwise . . ..

IN VOGUE

By Kehinde Oluleye

Tel: 08023689894 (sms) E-mail: kehinde.oluleye@thenationonlineng.net

Raising a voice for the Nigerian girl With Temilolu Okeowo temilolu@girlsclub.org.ng 07086620576 (sms only) Please visit my blog www.temiloluokeowo.wordpress.com for more inspiring articles. Twitter@temiloluokeowo

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

Behold the Universal Studios of Arts

•Art works at Universal Studios of Arts

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HE Universal Studios of Arts was established in 1981, by a group of committed visual artists who felt then that they needed a place to express their artistic calling. It became imperative due to the fact that there were no jobs either in the private or public sectors. And these group of artists were bubbling with ideas, energy and the zeal to make money and fulfill their professional training in schools.

With time, however, the concept and horizon of the Universal Studios of Arts has been expanded to accommodate other ideals and needs. Today, apart from the numerous art studios owned by artists who have been producing array of works there, it has come to be a home to many other young artists – students artists in short, who are being given the opportunity to train and be trained.

Almost on a daily basis, students from different institutions are sent to the studios for their industrial training. There are others who go there also to fine-tune their skills. Yet the lowest level are those who are just starting out but they believe they can be artists. All those classes of artists are always accommodated by the management of the studios who assign instructors to them based on the different media of the visual they intend to specialize on.

Everyday these categories of artists are given one assignment or the other to do.

According to the chairman of the Universal Studios of Arts, Bunmi Babatunde, “we have been training students from different higher institutions. They come for one year, some six months, four months… It is a mentoring process, a mentoring programme by us for over 31 years now. And we believe that we should train young ones, upcoming artists to be able to grasp the profession better. It is also to expand and prosper the visual art industry.”

He stated that when the studios were begun in 1981, there was no visual art industry then. It was this void, as it were, that prompted a few of them to take the bull by the horn. “But I joined them in 1983 as a youth corper. Thereafter, I became a full time studio artist. I have never

•Student trainees at work .

For over thirty years now, the Universal Studios of Arts (USA) has been in the forefront of training artists in the visual arts to help develop the industry. In this report Edozie Udeze who watched the students at work in the studios at National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, gives insight into the history of the place and what the founding fathers had in mind when the dream was mooted in 1991 taken up a paid job. Since then we’ve been training those young ones and it has been wonderful mentoring them not only for their own good, but for the prosperity of the visual art industry. Indeed, the experience has paid off for today they come out of Universal Studios better and wellgroomed to face the world.”

He explained the different categories of students this way: “Here we have students who come for one year and who have even begun to major in one medium or the other. Also we have people who have never been to school at all to study fine arts but they have the skills. We call them the trainees, they have some talents and we believe they can pursue art as a career. So, we have so many of them that we have trained over the years.

“Then we have people we call executive students who are doing some other things, but they just want to acquire some skills. These people come here as big people and we train them too.” Babatunde offered. “Their own programme is a bit tougher. Then we have graduate trainees who have done one course or the other.

But still want to become visual artists. All these people come here and from the professional training we been giving to them, it has helped the industry to grow,” he said.

One of the instructors by name Wallace Ejoor who is also a member of the Universal Studios said that as one of the instructors, his role is to guide the students as they undergo their training. “We have been doing this for a while now. What we do here is to instruct on different areas of the visual. For me, as a painter, I lead them in that area. I pick those for painting and drawing which is my own area of the art.

Those who are into sculpture and other aspects of the art are taken care of by other instructors.”

This way, it has been much more instructive to guide the artists as they busy themselves trying to learn the rudiments of the trade. For Ejoor who has been guiding such artists since 14 years now, the experience has helped to open his eyes to the reality on ground. “What the schools cannot teach them, what they lack due to the loopholes in the schools, we teach them here. After I graduated I have been here and been involved in this exercise.

As we mentor them here, we also learn and it is good that the studio is here to be a succour to them all.”

The value of this mentoring to the students has been good to them. In her own reaction, Joval Anthony Eguawele, one of the students said, “I was a student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. I was studying Education but I knew I was born with the gift of drawing.

And while I was in school, I wasn’t really enjoying myself. I was not enjoying what I was doing as a student. This was why I came here to fulfill my dream as an artist.”

Even when Joval was later admitted to read English and later French due to her flair for languages, her innate interest in the visual art could not dwindle, hence her final resolve to go to the Universal Studios to satisfy her yearning. She said, “since I wasn’t comfortable with all that, I met a friend who introduced me to the Universal Studios here in Lagos. I have the gift of drawing and I told myself that I must make this gift work. When I came and checked this place out, I liked it. It is a place where I have found joy and satisfaction. It is truly a place to groom artists

PHOTOS: EDOZIE UDEZE

to be their best. I will be here for one year after which I will go back to school to acquire a degree.”

Surprisingly when Joval got to the place, she found others who took the sort of decision she took and they indeed found solace in one another. “I am happy and it is good to be here. I abandoned my degree programme to be an artist first,” she decided.

For another artist, Victor Chukwudi, it has been good all the way. Chukwudi who read Creative Arts at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, the Universal Studios has done more good to him than whatever he could learn elsewhere. “Yes after doing my youths service in 2013, I told myself that this is a place to be to learn more. I enjoy being here having studied Creative Arts. The style of teaching and instruction here is very sound. You are practically on your toes to learn. And you have big time studio artists here to guide you. They have enough time for you and you are taken through both the rough and good edges of the profession. Indeed this is the best place to learn and be under the masters. Even then, in 2010 when I came here for my IT, it opened my eyes to a lot of things I wasn’t taught in school,” he said.

“Also here you meet the big artists, you are in touch with them and that encourages you to be proud of what you do.”

Patrick Agudo, one of the sculptors who guides the students told The Nation that what the studios began many years ago has been fruitful to all. “I take them in sculpture. I tell them this is not for physical muscles. The strength is from your mind because it is a work that is very challenging. It is physically challenging and mentally challenging too. Once they get this into their minds, they then set to work. After this, I will then hand over some assignments to them.”

Patrick who confessed that most students prefer to settle for painting, also admitted that those who go for sculpture often prove their mettle. “I will say that due to the physical nature of the metal works and so on it has been quite challenging.

But the students have been up to it,” he concluded.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY,

ARTS

Title: David Mark mastering the Senate Presidency Author: Onjefu Okidu Year of Publication 2015 Reviewer: Dan Amor

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JUNE 21, 2015

Showcasing his public image

ATHER than being an outing in the familiar mode of commemorative publications, complete with its eulogies, accolades and nostalgic effusions, “David Mark: Mastering The Senate Presidency”, a 500 page book, beautifully written and expertly packaged

by Dr. Onjefu Okidu, a lecturer in Mass Communication, is a profound and ramifying intervention in the remarkable and inimitable strides of Distinguished Senator David Mark as President of the Sixth and Seventh Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Segmented into twenty-eight (28) chapters, this is the first major extensive outing on any of the politicians who have led the Nigerian Senate since the evolution of the Fourth Republic in 1999. The book provides an intriguing balance to the dark and murky depths of the National Assembly leadership of the 1999-2005 period before the emergence of Senator Ken Nnamani as Senate President. With a sharp-shooting narrative, the author keeps to the surface with a sure sense of comic timing, weaving intricate and amusing plots that provide opportunity for witty commentary on a marvelous variety of human foibles and conceits.

Published in 2015 by TIGRAPH Prints and Publishing, Kaduna, Nigeria, “David Mark: Mastering The Senate Presidency “, is a bittersweet story, set in an amorphous context, related in a prose that is strikingly unpretentious. Bitter in its lamentation of tottering leadership of the Upper Chamber leading to its endemic instability during the Obasanjo Presidency and sweet in the overwhelming

stability the Red Chamber is manifesting since the Yar’Adua/Jonathan Presidency. It is one of the best Nigerian political narratives of this generation. Technical and aesthetic accomplishments coincide exactly with its thematic content: what is said and how it is said are inseparable. As a professional communicator, everything the author has said has helped to consolidate his achievements. Indeed, the separate pieces of the twenty-eight chapter book are stitched together with recurring motifs and with the tantalizingly gradual revelation of details that coalesce in the reader’s mind.

“Mastering The Senate Presidency “, portrays Senator David Mark, the President of Nigeria’s 6th and 7th Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly as a statesman and the repository of the workings of the legislature in which he has been a leading player since 1999 when he was first elected to represent the people of Benue-South Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A charismatic leader of men variously described as a brilliant mind and an astute politician, Mark was trained in various academic institutions at home and abroad including the National Defense University, Washington DC, and Harvard University, Harvard, Boston USA. What many may not know about this accomplished political denizen is that he is a consummate team player. This may have been responsible for his unfettered rise in Nigeria’s political firmament.

He had also played several roles in the current political dispensation which

Title: The Road to W’omoko Author: Steve Osuji Publishers: Edu – Edy Publications, Owerri, Imo State No of Pages: 63 Reviewer: Edozie Udeze N the art of creativity, what really drives a man to pour out his heart, his innermost feelings and hidden secrets into words? Often, most people, especially the uninitiated do not understand, even though a few who understand think it is easy to really sit down and put pen to paper. For Steve Osuji, a member of the editorial board of The Nation Newspapers, poetry is a form through which he has decided to reach out to humanity – to pour out his deepest thoughts into the foyers of human society, stirring souls, mending hearts and contributing to universal knowledge.

As a journalist, a high class editor and newspaper administrator, Osuji has found poetry as a formidable source of succor, a veritable means through which he can now meander through life and its many turbulent forces and childhood innuendoes and memories. Therefore, The Road to W’omoko, his first collection of poems, truly justifies his belief in digging into the past, bringing into focus those memories and feelings most people grew up with in their respective villages, but often tend to forget or throw into the dustbin of history.

Road to hope and solace

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In The Road to W’omoko, Osuji throws caution aside; he draws on deep emotions; he scatters and pieces together a village where he once found solace. His memories of this village stream called W’omoko, where the stream beckons, where the past is irrevocable is for once a rallying point for the whole village. It was here that life truly began for Osuji, that even many years after, even as urbane and cosmopolitan that he has for years become, the lure, indeed the pull of W’omoko, the beauty of the essence and the innocence, the over-bearing memories of his childhood still haunts and consoles him.

This stream, pure in nature and good as a source of warmth to the people was the rallying point to all and sundry. So, “on the road to W’omoko, I void my earthenware, spraying shards of evidence at the foot of the forest, like a broken sacrifice, midway to W’omoko, I void my soul…” Thus, the poet is replete with profundity of words. He tears at the heart and soul of the people. He shares with you the raucous silence of the night in a village where people were once at peace with themselves and the stream.

In terms of hope and message, The Road to W’omoko

have prepared him for the unprecedented achievements he has recorded as the doyen of the Nigerian legislative leadership. As President of the Nigerian Senate, he is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Selection and Chairman of the National Assembly. Before his dramatic emergence as Senate President the Senate in particular and the National Assembly at large, had been hobbled by a plethora of bickering and confrontation between an overbearing Executive and an inexperienced Legislature. No doubt, this unhealthy development adversely affected the performance of the National Assembly. Eight years down the road, the astute and pragmatic leadership of Senator Mark has in-

dissects the society in its entirety. Now, there seems to be civilization, where modernity is the vogue. But is there peace, deep-rooted peace in the souls of humanity, in the hearts of the harbingers of the so-called civilization? Or what do you say about this: “On the road to W’omoko, I encounter the gap-toothed masquerade, dancing to the beat of the forest, the drums chant about munitions and ruinations, the ekwe of swords and skulls, and I see a vast field of dry bones, midway to W’omoko I void my earthenware… making a rousing splash across the seven hamlets, and I reclaim my earthenware, on the road to W’omoko.”

Osuji’s offerings are basically on the issues of life and the pollution of the natural things that surround man. His concern primarily is to see how this gap can now be bridged so as to save man from further damnation. In Yonder Songs, he blows the whistle more or less. In it, he hears a song from yonderland, with orchestral and starched beckoning his leprous feet. It is like a muffled rage of Amadioha (god of thunder and revenge in Igboland).

He goes on further to postulate his thoughts: “I hear a song from yonderland,

fused the Legislature with s o m e sweetsmelling flavour and has thus insulated the hallowed Chambers from needless controversies between the Legislature and the Executive and also helped in dousing tension and internal wrang l i n g amongst members.

Without going into a tree-by-branch account or chapter-by- chapter analysis of Mark’s startling achievements as Senate President as captured in the book, it is important to stress that the book lays bare his leadership qualities beginning from his mature handling of the crisis that arose as a result of the health challenges of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua leading up to his untimely death. In fact, the negative perception of non-performance of the National Assembly has changed markedly due to the enviable leadership provided by Senator Mark. Indeed, the new and exciting leadership direction, enduring stability and impressive performance level of the present Senate stems in part from the ma-

ululant and ominous, like a lullaby from a million mermaids, I hear a beat… I hear a song from yonderland, fervent and sonorous, like a depressed processional, I hear a beat…” Thus, yonder songs beckons on a man who is still in tune and in good stead with his rustic past and rural settlement. Yet, Osuji creates a big mystery beyond human compare, far above the mastery of language. He is languid, he is explicit, pinning his concern on the people trying to grasp the core value of his message.

He is indeed evocative, properly in line with the rudiment of poetry as a tool for human consolation and the exposition of the ideals of the heart.

If not, why would Akpaka, the oil bean seed/tree, be a concern to him? Akpaka (Ukpaka) is the father of Ugba, the ubiquitous Igbo salad delicacy, known all over the world. Osuji situates its place in human life thus: “Whoever cultivates Akpaka tree? The one that speaks like thunder, whoever cultivates Akpaka tree? The one that scatters its seeds, whoever cultivates Akpaka tree? Harbinger of the immortal salad.” Then the sound of the tearing of the seeds is heard from far and near. The poet puts it this way: “Ta Warara! I hear you at midday, defying the noon, rebuking evil old men, drop-

turity, high sense of responsibility and gravitas demonstrated by Senator Mark, the absence of executive meddlesomeness and a better understanding and appreciation of the demands of the Legislature in a Presidential democracy by members.

The book has shown why it is now possible for the younger generation of Nigerians to rank Senator David Mark very high among his peers; why the enormous passionate veneration of Senator Mark and his tenure as President of the Nigerian 6th and 7th Senate. Mark has made it possible for them once again to believe in politics and democratic ideals and a better Nigeria. The integrity of the political system embodied in the Constitution, respect for the rule of law, belief in the supremacy of a law higher than the wishes of a transient majority: all these are estimable grounds on which to base one’s actions, grounds on which many Nigerians may comfortably stand. Isn’t it an irony therefore that someone with military background could be so levelheaded as to entrench or deepen our democracy with such finesse and comportment?

The book asserts that David Mark’s leadership of the Senate is not only pragmatic but also visionary. To strengthen legislative capacity, Mark initiated series of institutional and technical innovations to enhance the capacity of the Senate to meet the challenges of the legislature in the 21st Century. This has resulted in the acceleration and passage of key legislations to enhance ongoing economic reforms. Under his leadership, there has been

ping your seedlings at their shit stool…”

With over forty poems, The Road to W’omoko brings to bear on humanity the whole essence of history. It is history done to evoke memories, to remind man that he is fast pulling out of control.

The poems address in most concrete terms human problems of all classes and age. But in it all, let man not disrupt nature, for in doing so he is bound to dig his own grave. It is a collection for all class of people; people who truly love to preserve the environment and live for today and tomorrow.

strategic institutional intervention through robust application of oversight functions, to ensure accountability and probity in concert with international best practices. There has been increased sector-wide probes, to ensure greater acccountability and transparency even as more and more agencies of government, ministries and parastatals have come under intense Senate scrutiny.

“David Mark: Mastering The Senate Presidency”, is an accomplished and mature work. The narrative is told from the perspective of a well-grounded academic with a PhD in Mass Communication, who has several years of solid journalistic experience behind him. The book is a potboiler of high order, intended to sustain the reader’s interest, remain true to the historical evidence and deliver a message, all at the same time. The plot is structured according to the complex rules of journalistic reporting and informed commentary. Yet there is a vast aura of authenticity about Dr. Onjefu Okidu’s analysis, the result of his intensive research into the historical setting. While the book shows considerable political insight and compassion, it offers little insight into the characters themselves, except the subject, David Mark. This is, indeed, appropriate to the genre, but at times the reader craves subtlety and an occasional touch of elegant simplicity amid the dark, exotic shadows of the “ancien regime”. Go for it. Grab it. Savour it. And keep it in your family library for generations yet unborn.

Amor is an Abuja-based critic and journalist.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

Agro- -- Page 53 processing to drive Nigeria’s new economy

‘Nigeria has limitless opportunities’

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Feeding fat on ghost workers

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• Orya

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Transcorp/IoD sign MoU on asset swapping

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• From left: Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone, one of the Judges of the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Zukiswa Wanner and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, at the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature press conference, held in Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

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Skye Bank seeks stay of execution over N450m damages

HE Skye Bank Plc has asked for stay of execution of judgment requesting it to pay the sum of N421, 384,000, as general damages and N25million as special damages to Tuns International Holdings by the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure. The bank is asking for stay of execution pending the final determination of the appeal lodged against judgment at the Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State had earlier awarded the sum of N446, 384,000 as damages against Skye Bank Nigeria Plc, for breach of

contract against Tuns International Holdings Ltd. In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Muhammed A, the court upheld the earlier judgment of Justice A.O. Ogunlade of Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo which last year ordered Skye Bank to pay the Tuns holdings the sum of N421, 384,000, as general damages and N25million and special damages.

The three member panel of Justices of the appellate court, while

dismissing the appeal filed

by Skye Bank, held that the trial court had the right to award both special and general damages to the respondent (Tuns International Holdings) for the injury it suffered in a business transaction with the appellant.

Justice Ogunlade of Osun State High Court on March 14, 2014 awarded the damages, dissatisfied with the judgment, Skye Bank initially filled notice of appeal which was followed with 9 grounds of appeals from which two

issues were formulated for the determination of Appeal Court.

Both Justice Sontonye Denton West (JCA) and James Sheu Aribiyi (JCA) agreed with the judgment.

It will be recalled that this is the third time that Skye Bank in a span of one month would be awarded damages against by the Court in favour of Tuns in different matters bothering on breach of Contract. The first one was N2.5billion while the second was N902 million, both judgments were delivered in May by Justice Denton West the presiding Judge of Appeal Court, Akure.

'Credit management not fully developed in Nigeria'

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REDIT management and administration in the country is still at its infancy, Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, a financial cum facility management expert has said.

Speaking in exclusive interview with The Nation in Lagos, Alabi, who is Group President/CEO of Eliezer Group of Companies, said it was regrettable that Nigerians have not been able to harness the opportunities inherent in credit administration.

Part of the reason for this, he said, is the lack of the right skills set among credit experts.

To address the skills gap, he said: "It is my suggestion that anybody that has rose to the level of assistant manager

in a bank must be a member of Institute of Credit Administration as part of their criteria for further promotion so I think that is very important."

Expatiating, he said most Nigerians are not really financially literate as such they may not know what to really do. "For example, I want to do a business, I need N15million, forgetting that I should have a plan on how to make N10 million out of it. You have staff salary to pay out of it. By the time you have such interest within you every month the business itself might not strive any longer."

While commenting on how far the government has encouraged the giving, taking and managing of

credit on Nigeria, he said, there still a room for improvement.

"The credit culture we have here is bad but we continue to blame the operators. Agreed some operators are just fraudulent, over there they don't do that.

It's like killing yourself. So, you cannot really compare that until you get to that level.

But let's come back to Africa because my company operates in Ghana, we operate in Cameroon and also Kenya, and then we can compare. In Cameroon, the borrowing formula is 12 to 14 per cent which we are still clamoring at 61 per cent, yes we also have some security but we also learn on the business because we have international banks doing

businesses there, who will be doing more transactions in market dynamics than in security, it is easier there than here. Then in Ghana, you have bank's that have flocked into that country to operate. But when you go to other banks in Ghana, like the Standard Chartered Bank, you will see that their mode of operation is different from other bank's over there in the sense that they look at your profile from where you are and they are ready to give you facility because they are in a more sane environment than in Nigeria. The interest rate there too is high because of the competition that has flooded there. But the fact is that we are not doing well, because we are supposed to be the pacesetter."

S part of efforts to ensure comparative advantage and promote growth, Transcorp Hilton Hotel Plc and the Institute of Directors of Nigeria have reached an asset swapping agreement.

In an agreement signed by the directors of the organisations recently in Lagos, the two outfits are going to exchange their landed properties in Ikoyi, Lagos in order to suit their needs.

While the Institute would give its parcel of land at 53 Glover Road where its office is presently located to Transcorp, the hospitality company would in return offer its land at No 1Rumens Road, both in Ikoyi, Lagos to the Institute.

The IOD's DirectorGeneral, Victor Banjo, said the idea ensures that the two organisations operate in a convenient and highly accessible environment.

He said the idea is bound to strengthen the operation of the institutions, as well as

helping in providing additional services for the growth of the economy.

Banjo, while speaking at the IoD's Annual General Meeting in Lagos, said efforts are been made to reposition his organisation, using all available resources at its disposal.

He said:" Transcorp has agreed to give its parcel of land measuring 2,800 square metres to IoD, while IoD in return would give its land measuring 2,040 square metres to Transcorp.

In addition, Transcorp has paid a sum of N300milion to the Institute in line with the huge premium placed on its land.

"Two separate firms were hired to value the IoD's property and the outcome of the exercise was that the property located at Glover Road attracts huge value.''

He said Transcorp is planning to build a hotel on the land, adding the construction of the permanent site of the institute would start on the land soon.

Nigeria, others for US agric expo

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DWARDS & Adams, a Nigerian/US-based business entrepreneur has secured the authorisation of Sunbelt Agric Expo to mobilise African participation in its 38 Agric Expo coming up at Moultrie, Albany, USA from October 20-22, 2015.

The expo which has been going on for over three decades had witnessed participation of different world class agric experts/professionals from all the continents of the world except Africa.

Messrs Edwards & Adams concerned for the development of African economy, and poised to support the new government

and its drive for diversified economy approached the organisers to secure inclusion of Africa in the exhibition for this year.

To achieve effective mobilisation of participants from various countries of Africa, Edwards & Adams has engaged a local firm, Divine Communications Limited to mobilise Nigerian participation.

For effective participation of Nigerian delegates, Divine Communications has secured eight exhibition stands reserved for Africa, to accommodate 150 delegates from both public and private sectors expected from Nigeria.

Four-stroke engine viable

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HE General Manager of Boulos Enterprises Limited Julian Hardy has urged Nigerians to patronise the four-stroke outboard engine made to suit the country's climatic and water condition.

Addressing dealers from Bayelsa, Ondo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Lagos states during the OBM Dealers Conference 2015 in Lagos, said the fourstroke is economically viable.

The conference was organised

by Boulos Enterprises Limited and Suzuki Marine.

He said most European countries, America and Canada have phased out the two-stroke outboard motor used for speed board, noting following the federal government ban on the

two-stroke outboard motor, it was imperative embrace the new one approved by government.

He stressed that the fourstroke outboard motor is easy to maintain, durable, environmental friendly and less poisonous, adding that the riverine communities benefit maximally is they make use of the newly introduce engines to power their boats.

He said: "A great deal of priority is placed on after sales service support in terms of provision and availability of genuine spare part. Therefore, we are very confident that Nigerian market will be well supplied and for those using them, it will be available all the time.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

BUSINESS

O say that the nation's civil service is in dire need of a serious makeover is certainly stating the obvious. Truth is the civil service, which ought to be the engine of socioeconomic growth has remained the major albatross of successive governments.

If you take the case of the under productivity vis-Ă -vis the issue of inefficiency and penchant for dereliction of duties, among many other ills bedeviling the public service across all tiers of government, any discerning mind can only reach one conclusion: the civil service hardly compliments the all-important purpose of governance.

More worrisome is the fact that through acts of omission or commission, the shenanigans by a good majority of those saddled with the responsibility of administering the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) across the different tiers of government has often times led to huge economic costs.

From bribery and corruption, truancy and all other forms of economic sabotage, the list is endless.

However, for the avoidance of doubt and confusion, at this juncture, a short anecdote would suffice.

Over bloated workforce The argument has always been that the civil service across all the tiers of government has an over bloated workforce, which often results in huge monthly wage bills among other costs, thus leaving little or nothing for capital projects.

But beyond the hues and cries, no one knows exactly how this whole scheme is perfected and eventually acted out by those involved.

An insider blows the whistle In a chance encounter with The Nation, a staff in one of the agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation confided in our correspondent that there are ghost workers in the various MDAs under the ministry.

The source, who asked not to be named because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said this is made possible through those in positions of authority within the ministry, specifically the accounting officers who prepare the payroll.

Speaking on the modus operandi, the source said, it's like there is an unwritten code that once you get to a certain level in the ministry, say level 15-16, you're entitled to some ghost workers.

"What this means is that you automatically start collecting money on behalf of these unknown people for a period of time."

Pressed further, the source said: "A lot of directors in the ministry have benefited from this illegality one way or the other. They consider this as a form of preparing for retirement."

Shocking as this revelation is, the source said no one has ever been caught because it is a well-guarded secret.

"From what I know, these people play on the psyche that the public service is the highest employer of labour and since most of them are career civil servants who understand the system very well, they easily get away with it."

Echoing similar sentiments, Tunde Aremu, who heads the Campaign and Mobilisation team of ActionAid, in a monitored television magazine programme at the weekend, disclosed that during his stint at the public sector, he found out that fictitious names were usually added to the payroll with a view to defrauding the system.

Such acts of sabotage, he reckoned does not bodes well for any economy desirous of growth.

A damning verdict It would be recalled that the immediate past Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala had recently revealed that the federal government has blocked a N208.7 billion ghost workers scam in government parastatals and agencies after a biometric collection exercise carried out to get a proper data of federal civil servants revealed that 62,893

Feeding fat on ghost workers The menace of ghost workers remains a drainpipe on the economy. The different tiers of government are locked in a constant battle to checkmate the activities of saboteurs in the system, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

• Federal Secretariat Abuja of the workers who were hitherto on the payroll of the federal government were ghost workers.

The minister said at the time that when the integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) was implemented, most of the civil servants did not show up, an indication that they were ghost workers and after their disengagement, the federal government has been able to save about N208.7 billion usually expended as salaries and benefits on these ghost workers.

So far, 215 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), with total staff strength of 153,019 have been reportedly captured on the IPPIS. Also, each staff's biometric data is captured to enable the implementation officers of IPPIS determine the authenticity of each staff. The government has also shown commitment by reportedly setting up biometric identification registration at 300 payroll distribution centres throughout the country. This would ensure that staff that are not bold enough to come forward for biometric verification would be considered to be part of those used by pay officers of the MDAs to defraud the government.

According to the finding, out of the over 46,821 ghost workers amounting to one out of every three workers in the audited organisations were reportedly found to be ghosts on the payrolls. Perhaps upon further scrutiny, the figures could have been higher.

From the local government system to federal ministries, directorates and agencies, the story is pathetically that of a painful paradox where names of non, existing workers are used to stuff up the payroll as ghosts that draw salaries for doing nothing at a time when living, able and qualified youths are roaming the streets of the major cities in the country in a forlorn search of employment opportunities.

The IPPIS is one of the World Bank-engineered public sector reform programme in Nigeria coordinated by the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR).

According to the BPSR, the IPPIS project, a World Bank-assisted programme of the FG's Economic Reforms and Governance Project (ERGP), was instituted in 2007 to provide a reliable and comprehensive database for the public service, facilitate manpower planning, eliminate

record and payroll frauds, facilitate easy storage, update and retrieve personnel records for administrative and pension processes and facilitate staff remuneration payment with minimal waste and leakages.

Since the commencement of this project, successes recorded include the streamlining of payroll and personnel processes; personnel budget now based on actual as against estimate projections; prompt deduction and remittance of money to all third party funds, such as the Pension Fund Administration, National Health Insurance Scheme etc., as well as saving funds recovered from the ghost worker syndrome dogging the nation's public service. The FG, according to reports, made a savings of N4.4 billion in the 2007/2008 fiscal year from the IPPIS project, for example. The said amount represents the difference between the budgeted personnel cost estimates of just seven ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and the actual personnel costs paid during the period under reference.

An insight into the horrendous nature of the fraud indicates that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) harbours about 10,000 ghost workers on its payroll, while the prostrate Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) fritters away N2 billion annually using ghost workers as cover.

The states are not exempted The monumental ghost-worker sleaze bug is also eating the fabrics of the civil service of virtually all states in the country. It is documented that Ekiti State loses N63 million monthly to the fraud, while the figure for Zamfara State is N2 billion annually.

In Kebbi State, the loss amounts to N153 million monthly; Bayelsa State N3.5 billion annually; and Kogi State N700 million per month.

A report last year said Lagos State, believed to be ahead of other states in tackling the fraud, recovered N250 million through its innovative Oracle payment system.

The adoption of information technology innovations like the IPPIS at the FG level, Oracle in Lagos State and the biometric system by some states, seems to have become inevitable with the oozing penchant of incorrigibly prodigal public pay officers, their cohorts and sponsors to loot government coffers dry.

Investigations have revealed that poor administration of pension funds

may have resulted in the colossal loss of about 30 percent of the funds to ghost workers.

In many cases, names of dead persons are still left on payrolls and all manner of entitlements are claimed on their behalf. In some cases also, names of individuals who are never in the employ of government are used to claim money.

The last administration said it discovered that it was paying millions of dollars per year in payroll to "ghost workers" who were neither legitimate nor eligible employees.

Sad as the menace of ghost workers is, it has been a major fixture in the public service. Giving an insight into this, Mr. Gbenga Kayode, a staff at Wordkraft Communications Limited, Lagos, in an opinion article titled: 'The Nation: Menace of ghost workers and pensioners, recalled that the then Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation in 2003, Chief Joseph Naiyeju, then Accountant-General of the Federation, had disclosed that following a manpower verification exercise conducted by the federal government, personnel in the employ of the government were "found to be 215,000 not the 255,000 which were in the official records atthe inception of the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in May 1999."

This figure invariably translated into a difference of about 40,000 nonexistent names on the federal government's payroll at the time.

Similarly, the Minister for Finance in the era reportedly complained of "difficulties being experienced in the payment of salaries to government workers because "ministries do not have accurate figures of the staff strength of their departments."

Citing a an Associated Press report which investigated the inclusion of a-month-old baby in the payroll, earning about "$150 a month for the last two or three years,� Kayode said the medium described the heartrending tale as "a discovery indicative of the widespread corruption starving the oil-rich West African nation of much needed funds...."

In respect of the pensions, the sour story of corruption is not different.

For example, the audit carried out by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) this year allegedly revealed "71,135 ghost pensioners on the government payroll," leading to the recovery of over

N1.5billion hitherto being deliberately or carelessly paid to the said ghost pensioners.

Rebuttal However when The Nation sought the reaction of Mr. Rasheed Haruna Imran, Director of Communication at the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), on the alleged culpability of staff engaged in the ghost workers saga, he declined comments, saying he was not authorised to speak on such matters except the Permanent Secretary.

But an insider who spoke with The Nation in confidence, while acknowledging that there were provable scams, however said, things are getting better.

"As much as I deign to admit that such things used to be possible in the civil service, I can assure you that a lot has been done to clear the mess because there is no system that can survive under that type of corrupt practice. If you operate that kind of administration the system will automatically collapse."

"Of course, in the civil service system, with the reforms in place, we have taken steps to weed off all ghost workers in the system."

Continuing, the source revealed that: "Right now, the IPPIS has helped tremendously. We have just finished verification exercise for staff of the Federal Character Commission and the Northeast."

The source in the Office of the Head of Service, who asked not to be named because he is not authorised, disclosed that the verification exercise of all civil servants is ongoing and it is going to be a continuous process until such a time we're able to get the right people in the right places.

He further reiterated that: "The claim that if you get to a certain level in the civil service you're entitled to some ghost workers is very weird.

Shedding more light on the foregoing, Mr. Folu Olamiti, spokesman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. (ICPC) recalled that the former minister of Finance directed that the ICPC should go ahead and investigate those fingered in the ghost workers' racket, assuring that investigation was ongoing. "I can assure you that investigation is still ongoing and we will make public our findings at the right time."

Stephen Oronsaye's report to the

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

BUSINESS 59 'Nigeria has limitless opportunities'

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•Okonjo-Iweala

•Oronsaye

•Ekpo Nta, ICPC boss rescue It would be recalled that following public outcry over the high cost of governance in the country, then President Goodluck Jonathan on August 18, 2011, inaugurated a committee to restructure and rationalise the federal government agencies, with former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, as its chairman. The committee's mandate included, among others, to: study and review all previous reports/records on the restructuring of federal parastatals and advise on whether they are still relevant or not; examine critically the mandates of the existing federal agencies, parastatals and commissions and determine areas of overlap or duplication of functions and make appropriate recommendations.

The committee also recommended the conduct of management audit for 89 agencies to capture the biometric features of staff as well as the discontinuation of government funding of professional bodies/councils. A breakdown of what would be saved from the exercise gave N124.8bn from agencies proposed for abolition; N100.6bn from agencies proposed for mergers; N6.6bn from professional bodies; N489.9bn from universities; N50.9bn from polytechnics; N32.3bn from colleges of education and N616m from boards of federal medical centres.

In summary, the committee recommended the scrapping of 102 statutory agencies from the current 263, abolition of 38 agencies, merger of 52 and reversion of 14 to departments in the ministries. The 800-page report also recommended the discontinuation of government funding of professional bodies and councils.

However, it is now more than three years since that report submitted yet there is no sign of any commitment on the part of the president to cut down on the waste that the over 420 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) has become.

HE Group Managing Director of the Genesis Group, Dr Nnaeto Orazulike, has urged Nigerians to change their view about Nigeria and focus on the inherent opportunities in the nation.

Orazulike, who said this while speaking on behalf of the recipients of honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, noted that despite the bad news Nigerians spread about their nation, foreigners continue to establish new businesses or expand existing ones, which is a pointer to the fact that there foreigners see opportunities in our economy while many of our people see doom and gloom.

"We need to change our perception about our country and start looking at the opportunities and how to harness them," said the Genesis boss at the Port Harcourt event, adding: "I am not saying that the challenges are not real, but beneath every challenge lies legitimate business opportunities.

It was this desire that inspired the Genesis Group."

Orazulike frowned at some people's penchant for focusing on the negatives about Nigeria and hyping them without looking at the positives.

Said he: "We are inundated daily with a lot of negative news and feelings about our great nation.

News about Nigeria both within and outside the country is awash mainly with the difficulties and challenges of doing business in the country. The list of the challenges is endless, ranging from infrastructural deficit, to near absence of power, insecurity, low ranking on some global indices like ease of doing business and transparency issues etc. These, unfortunately have impacted negatively on the psyche and perception of many of our young people such that many of them

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and excel. The opportunities were not created by these businesses. All they did and, continue to do, was to take the opportunities that exist in those industries.

Orazulike, who started his entrepreneurship with the Genesis Restaurant at the age of 21 years immediately after graduation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said that his success was driven by his trust in God and belief in the opportunities in Nigeria, that one restaurant that opened its doors to customers in 1991 is what has given rise to the conglomerate of seven businesses in the Genesis Group. The Group now has interests in Restaurants, Hotels, Catering, Cinemas, Real Estate, Bakery/Confectioneries, Facilities Management and

Lifestyle Centres employing over 2000 Nigerians.

He said: "People who reel out all these negatives about our country forget to tell you that Nigeria has the biggest market for almost everything in Africa. Even at that, the doomsayers will not stop to let you know that about 70% of our population live below poverty line. But what they have forgotten is that the 30% of 170 million that live above, which is about 51 million, is still bigger than the population of South Africa (44 million). They forget to let you know that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa with about $510 billion in GDP; and expected to be growing at over 5% annually, which is one of the highest growth rates in the world.

• From left: Dr Nnaeto Orazulike, Group Managing Director, Genesis Group receiving his certificate for the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) given to him by the University of Port Harcourt from the Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ajienka…recently

Portland Paints opens new centre in Lagos

ORTLAND Paints and Products Nigeria Plc which is a subsidiary of UAC and also a leading paint manufacturing company in Nigeria, has unveiled another Sandtex Experience Centre in Ifako - Gbagada, area of Lagos. The idea, according to Nnenna AzukaOnwuka, the Marketing and Sales Manager of the outfit is to further connect with their customers and give them the opportunity to enjoy a bouquet of high quality paints both for personal and industrial use.

During the unveiling of the centre last week, the Managing Director of Portland Paints, Femi Oguntade said "we are bringing the brand closer to the customer. It is our responsibility to help them personalise their colours in order to truly reflect their style when making a decision to paint.

Thus, to us, this is in line with one of the values of the company which invariably guarantees customer satisfaction.

He stated further that they have in their collections about 15,000 different colours from which customers can easily make their choices. "With this variety of paints, you can always choose what you

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have accepted defeat even before graduation.

"On the other hand, many fail to see, from the same media, that the multinationals already in the country are increasing their investments and deepening their shareholdings in their various business interests in the same Nigeria.

"Amidst the same challenges, you would observe a number of foreign businesses opening shops every day; and the existing ones extending their reach in many more cities. Look at what is happening in the retail landscape of our economy and the great inroads being made by the likes of Shoprite and Spar. It is much the same in the telecoms industry where MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat have continued to grow

HE Government of Canada has announced the opening of a new visa application centre (VAC) in Abuja, Nigeria.

In a release signed by Chris Alexander, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister and made available to The Nation, he disclosed that the Citizenship and Immigration Canada is expanding its VAC network around the world to provide valuable administrative support to applicants before, during and after their temporary resident application

By Edozie Udeze want. We are about the only paint company and outlet that can give you a five year guarantee after painting your house. This is so

because we are too confident of our products."

According to Oguntade, the Portland Paints is now usually let out through different franchise arrangements so that its presence

could permeate more areas and communities. The Ifako-Gbagada outlet which is owned by Nike Owolabi is meant to cater for the new developmental projects located within that axis.

•From left: Jubril Shittu, Nike Owolabi, Ibukun Olatidoye, Femi Atoyebi and Nnenna Azuka-Onwuka at the event.

PHOTO: EDOZIE UDEZE

Canada opens new visa centre in Abuja is assessed by a Citizenship and Immigration Canada immigration officer.

VACs have longer hours of operation than visa offices in embassies. Service agents are available by phone, email or in person to answer questions in local languages and to make sure that applications are complete. This helps avoid unnecessary delays or refusals due to incomplete applications.

"Anyone wishing to apply for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or permanent resident travel document is encouraged to use the new Abuja VAC located at Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Plot 1161, Memorial Drive,2nd Floor, Central Business District, Abuja," the statement added.

Besides, this VAC will be equipped to take the biometrics of visa applicants. The Government of

Canada requires visitors from numerous countries, including Nigeria, to provide fingerprints and have a photo taken when they apply for a visa.

VACs play a key role in the implementation of biometrics in Canada's immigration program by offering applicants 180 biometric collection service points in some 90 countries.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

BUSINESS

N the back of strong support for domestic food production and processing, Nigeria can launch an era of food diplomacy with her trading partners.

Nigeria is in a transition from supreme oildependency to a more diversified economy.

Susceptibility of the domestic economy to external revenue shocks, when oil prices fall, well informs this transition. But if oil prices were to stabilise at the $147 per barrel peak, there would still be very strong reasons why Nigeria must broaden the base of formal economic activities.

One of the reasons why economic diversification is an imperative for Nigeria is because the country is too richly endowed with natural assets for us to concentrate on tapping just one. The one we have concentrated on - oil - is a depleting asset. And then, the production of hydrocarbon resources employs too few labour for Nigeria's fast-growing population and huge workforce. Therefore, the economic diversification model that the country needs is one that can help absorb fiscal shocks, fend off monetary instability, provide employment for the teeming work-age population as well as generate more revenue for the government to meet its commitments to the people.

Prospects of global agriculture Agriculture represents the low hanging fruit in the quest to structurally transform the Nigerian economy. The outlook of global agriculture support this assertion. Since the global spike in food prices in 2008, food security has remained at the front burners of the international policy agenda. Even the downward trending of food commodities in the past few months only further raises concerns about global food security. If lower food prices stifle new investments in agricultural production, the downward pressure on prices can only continue for so long before it stirs a sharp reversal as a consequence of ensuing supply shortfall.

Beyond this, global agriculture itself is undergoing multiple layers of transition. Population growth and changing consumption habits have started to drive up demand for food in multiple varieties.

By year 2050, the world population will reach nine billion.

That means additional two billion people would require food in 35 years' time, compared with now. But the upward projection of demand for food is met with constraints to expansion of supply by the traditional international producers. Climate change and other constraints have continued to shrink the hectarage of the world's arable land. Latin America and sub Saharan Africa are now the last bastion of sizeable arable land. The MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), Europe, Central America and the

Agro-processing to drive Nigeria's new economy

By Roberts Orya swath of Asia now have little room to upwardly adjust food production because of limits to available arable land.

This means that sub Saharan Africa and Latin America will be the food baskets of the world in the future. According to World Bank data, Nigeria's arable land continued to expand between 2000 and 2014. In this period, the available arable land as a percentage of Nigeria's total land mass increased from 36.2% to 38.4%. It is a trend that is unique to only a few countries. However, low level utilisation, in which Nigeria became dependent on a number of imported food items - including mostly those that can be grown in the country - might have exerted the greatest influence on supply of arable land in Nigeria.

The interplay of current domestic demand and supply scenarios also supports a buoyant outlook for agriculture and the agroindustry in Nigeria. On the demand side, Nigeria is a growing market. Although we currently profile the over $10 billion we spend yearly on food importation as negative, it actually also paints the picture of an aspect of effective demand which can be served locally, and which can help conserve our foreign exchange and make the local currency less volatile in value. This therefore provides a strong-financialreturns impetus for additional local investments in agro-food processing.

More success with poverty reduction and strengthening of the middle class will further boost food demand growth.

On the supply side, the country is blessed with a wide range of agricultural resources including a favourable climate. We also have the benefit of the knowledge of once being a predominantly agriceconomy, before commercial production of crude oil began in the country in the early 1970s. Even now, annualised Nigerian agricultural output tops $122 billion. Therefore, some of the key factors for a successful transition to an industrialized economy in which agriculture and agroindustrialization play important roles including providing domestic food security, contributing to export revenues and supporting strong employment numbers, are present with us. In the last four years, we actually saw a strong momentum to the transition, under the Agriculture Transformation Agenda of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

•Orya

Agro-processing virtuous cycle In line with the statutory mandate of Nigerian ExportImport Bank as the Trade Policy Bank of the Federal Government, we see Nigerian agriculture from the prism of agroprocessing. This is because agro-processing inspires the virtuous cycle of increased agricultural productivity, industrialisation in the value chain, sustainable growth in the export of secondary agricultural products, creation of domestic employment, and poverty reduction. For this reason, NEXIM Bank in the past five years has put forward agroprocessing, with other three sectors, as the major frontiers of economic transformation in Nigeria. The other three sectors are manufacturing (which I recently devoted an op-ed to), solid minerals and services. The sum of these sectoral focus constitute the MASS Agenda of NEXIM Bank.

Policy intervention to increase agro-processing will, no doubt, prove revolutionary for the country.

Africa-level statistics, which sit well with the Nigerian reality, put post-harvest losses for fruits and vegetables at 35-50% of total production.

The level of loss for grains is at 15-25%. These high levels of losses weigh down production; and ultimately deny farmers the needed revenue to facilitate expansion of their farms.

Little wonder then that, for a region that produces much less food than it needs, the share of agro-industry to total manufacturing declined over

the period of 1995 to 2006, according to a UNIDO 2013 report.

To unlock potential for agricultural production, expansion of agro-industries is an essential pre-condition.

The factors that constrict the agro-processing sector, which include poor integration of agriculture with markets, lack of knowhow by SME agroindustrialists, inadequate investment in equipment and poor storage system, are solvable. With the fertiliser subsidy conundrum already solved, government can deploy fiscal tools to provide massive support for farmers in the acquisition of equipment. NEXIM Bank's credit guarantee instrument could be strengthened to provide much stronger support for industrialists in the post-harvest value chain to acquire equipment and tools.

The business savvy that is required to attract funding interests from commercial banks into agriculture can best be initially provided in the post-harvest production segment. Food processors, agro-traders and packaging businesses can then, either through backward integration or by providing more liquidity to farmers, bring financial buoyancy into farming. Ahead of the provision of the needed elaborate infrastructure by the government, food manufacturers can bring technology and improved haulage hardware that will ameliorate post-harvest losses. Similar solution has propelled Nigeria to being one of the world's top cement

producing countries.

Policy considerations As I had mentioned, much of what is in the solutions suite for continued turnaround for the agric sector is not new. For instance, food processing industries have been dominant in Africa's manufacturing for a few decades. Depending on the individual country, the share of food and beverage ranges from 15-40% of total manufacturing capacity in Africa.

Local and multinational conglomerates in food and beverage are some of the most valued stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. With the stimuli of positive demand projection for food locally, combined with opportunities to tap food export markets, the economy can get a strong nudge with increased support for food processing.

On the back of strong support for domestic food production and processing, Nigeria can launch an era of food diplomacy with her trading partners. In a number of situations, lack of access to export markets by existing Nigerian agromanufacturers are down to competition from other exporting countries.

Although Nigerian exports of food and semi-processed produce are often denied access in some foreign markets based on issues of standards and safety concerns, without diplomatic efforts, it is unlikely that the putative technical requirements can be met. As such, and without seeking to circumvent the technical standards, the country can start to look at using bilateral agreements as a trade tool for providing Nigerian food products access to foreign markets.

In addition to financing solutions, broad fiscal tools are required to raise the scale of production and processing of agricultural commodities in Nigeria. As a matter of principle, fiscal tools including tax breaks and waivers on tariffs should be directed at production. They should be completely biased against importation of consumer food products. Not least because, such incentives, like subsidy on imported petroleum products, are subject to abuses by clever private sector operators who can therefore thwart the good intentions of the government.

The food security objective of the government cannot be altogether served by foreign multinational companies. As such, it is important that foreign capital is not allowed to crowd out indigenous agric-food companies. Again, this suggests stronger financing role for government; although not altogether through direct public funding. Existing PPP

frameworks to bring financing to agriculture should be strengthened.

Public institutions involved must be subjected to stern performance metrics.

Special consideration With the weakening of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast by the Nigerian military, a grand programme to close the productivity gap in northern agriculture is an imperative.

Over the last few months, food prices had inched up marginally on the Consumer Price Index of the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, of which agricultural produce are a significant component.

Under the scenario of the displacement of the local population including agric communities in the northeast, it is beyond question that supply growth would have become much weaker, whereas demand projections have remained very positive in the country.

Determined efforts should therefore be made to close the existing productivity gap by expanding capacity through strong intervention in the North generally, since the region occupies a vital position in the nation's food production.

New economic structure Following the GDP rebasing in 2014, a new (but changing) structure of the economy emerged. We saw the decline of oil as a percentage of the GDP and the rise of services as the largest sector of the Nigerian economy. In 2013, agriculture constituted 26% of the GDP a percentage only exceeded

by Ghana's 29%, amongst Africa's main frontier markets. Over the coming decades, the transition in the Nigerian economy will gain more traction. But transitions within industries should also be under watch. Agroprocessing will define the changes in the agriculture sector, even as it will drive wider industrialisation and therefore catalyse further adjustment in the structure of the Nigerian economy.

For Nigeria, the size advantage is a huge one.

Egypt's $284.9 GDP of 2014, of which agriculture constituted 14.6%, grew her food exports revenue by $1.9 billion in just one year (2013).

From our current low base of agricultural exports, with vast arable land and favourable climate, we are more than able to drive more momentous change through value-added agriculture, considering Nigeria's $594.3 billion GDP. The most important recommendation for promoting Nigeria's agroindustrial sector is the potential for job creation across the agric value chain.

The value chain of the agric sector is well capable of generating additional ten million jobs over the next decade, and it can serve as one of the centrepieces of capital formation in Nigeria's new economy. Indeed, agroprocessing promises exciting prospects for inclusive growth and social stability.

- Orya is Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export-Import Bank

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

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IGERIA'S leading Online marketplace, Konga.com, no doubt is set to revolutionise the face of e-commerce industry in Nigeria. The multiple award-winning company, growing rapidly with over 1000 employees and more than 17,000 registered sellers was founded in 2012 by Nigerian entrepreneur Sim Shagaya with the guiding mission to become the engine of trade and commerce in Africa.

Kunle Oguneye, the Marketing Director of the Company, in this no-holds barred interview, opens up to Jill Okeke on the many challenges and the future of online shopping in Nigeria, the expectations of customers, the company's latest business initiative, Self Fulfill, the edge the company has over others, and other things.

Tell me about Konga's journey in Nigeria.

Konga was founded in July 2012. The founder has a vision that Africa's socio-economic malaise can be transformed if we start trading among ourselves. What trading can do for the whole continent is that it can stimulate economic activity. It can also foster peace. It is highly unlikely for two people to fight if they are doing business with each other, much more, if the business can encourage employment and economic growth. In its business, Konga realised that it cannot warehouse every product it has in its website. Though we have a massive warehouse in Isolo, we can't replicate that all over the country. In the last one year, we have a business model where about 20 percent of the products on our website are owned by us. And the 80 percent of other products are third party sellers. A seller of any product can come and list with us free.

They, however, warehouse their products and when the order comes through our website, we send it to the seller with the buyer's address. When the transaction is done, the seller decides on how to deliver the product which we call Self Fulfill. Under the concept, the seller

‘Online shopping has gained momentum in Nigeria’ could have interaction with the consumer. This is because the volume of business is too much that Konga cannot handle it alone. The other sellers can use our services to deliver if they choose.

Konga was founded in 2012, how have you fared?

We are forging ahead. The challenges of the Nigerian landscape are there and are significant. We must not underestimate the challenges of getting goods from one point in the country to another. That is by far the biggest challenge we have. Beyond that, we have a wonderful website, we are attracting traffic. We are communicating our value proposition to Nigerians and they are embracing it, but at the end of the day, somebody in Maiduguri may order something for someone in Lagos and they expect it immediately, but because of poor road network, fuel scarcity, etcetera, it becomes problematic. However, it's a challenge we have embraced.

How long does it take to get a delivery to someone in Enugu?

We commit between one to five days, but Nigerians want you to get it to them the same day.

How do you compensate consumers when you do not meet the delivery date?

Well, the customer does not have to take it. He can cancel and get his full refund.

How many days does refund take?

It is an immediate thing.

Sometimes you find prices of goods cheaper at Konga, is it because those things are copies of the original?

That is not accurate. The branded things we sell are genuine. We deal directly with most manufacturers, the volumes we do are quite significant. Our registered sellers do not have to pay rent, electricity, so all that bring the price down.

What do you mean by registered sellers?

•Oguneye

Those are third party sellers who are registered with us and use our platform to sell their goods. So, currently we have 17,000 registered sellers.

The number keeps increasing.

We have helped a lot of them dramatically. Someone who is selling from Tejuosho Market can only sell to the people that go to the market, but all of a sudden you are selling to people from all over the world. We have given them reach, access to a very wide market.

This is a wonderful initiative that I believe has empowered sellers, but where do you make your money to run Konga?

It is through commissions on each sale from the seller. On the seller's arrangement, the

price is set by the seller. The seller does not necessarily have to have stores but the seller could have warehouse to store the goods. It is important to say that Konga prices are cheap because we have direct link to manufacturers. The third party sometimes has direct relationship with manufacturers. Prices at Konga.com come cheap also because many of the sellers don't have to own shops, buy diesel/ petrol, pay authorities and all the logistics of owning shops. Because of the unpaid costs, they can reduce their prices on items purchased on Konga.

How do you monitor the registered sellers on your platform to ensure quality?

If sellers list certain brands

for sale on the Konga.com website, they may need to send us samples of those products, receipts to prove that they sourced it from original manufacturer, pictures and testimonials. These are on certain brands. At the end, if there is any report from buyers that what was exactly purchased was not what was delivered to them or advertised on the website, we can sanction the merchant.

We accept returns in spite of the challenges inherent in it. This includes tearing the package which reduces the value, among others.

Apart from the sellers' initiative, what are the other features that stand you out from competition?

There is relentless pursuit of excellence within the organisation. We are committed to serve consumers better.

We also ensure that we get the product to the customer as quickly as possible. We are constantly working against the challenges we face. Just recently, we started air freighting between cities; this is to ensure that packages arrive sooner, avoiding the complexities of bad roads. We have a focus of being a one store shop so that the consumers can find everything they are looking for in a store; we sell cement, livestock, gravel, cars, clothes, phones, shoes and home appliances etc. we have a wider range of products than the competitors. We are not only selling to the retail market but to whole sales. We are making it easy for schools, hospitals and institutions that make bulk purchases.

What forecast then do you have for brick and mortar shops?

Brick and mortar will always be there. The online shop is a complement. It is like telephone as a means of communication which is good but at the end we still want to see each other. E-commerce is another channel of commerce which al-

lows a distanced person to enjoy the same experience with consumer at the centre.

Nigerians are still more in tune with the brick and mortar shops. They want to see and feel before buying. Does this pose a challenge to you?

Online business is a generational thing. People below a certain age have grown up with the internet and they are comfortable buying but certain people still want to touch and feel. The young population embraces it.

There has been some news recently about Self-Fulfill, can you tell me what this is all about?

In the past, we directed our sellers to use our own logistic services which has its advantages and disadvantages because we do not have enough of the network so it added delays into the system, but today sellers can wake up, get in their vehicles and drive to anywhere to deliver an item or use courier services of their choice.

How does Self-Fulfill make online shopping easier for both seller and buyer?

Quicker delivery, primarily, and direct engagement between the buyer and seller.

What volume of sales do you make in a day?

We cannot share that, but between 2012 and now we have made over 1,000% growth and that continues to grow.

What are the things people buy most online?

Purchases of phones, laptops, electronics. Those are easier to sell because there is no price variance. Clothing is actually the biggest but a lot of other categories are growing.

What feedbacks do you get from buyers?

They want to have free shipping on everything. They look for the lowest price possible.

They want fast delivery, that's by far the biggest thing they want, prompt delivery.

Coca-Cola unveils 'Billion Reasons to Believe' campaign

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N line with Coca-Cola's commitment to inspire and empower the Nigerian youth, the brand has unveiled a new campaign tagged "Billion Reasons to Believe". The campaign is aimed at inspiring optimism among young people, challenging them to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams.

The Billion Reasons to Believe campaign seeks to fulfill CocaCola's corporate mission to inspire optimism and happiness and to make a difference in the communities where it operates.

It will achieve this by motivating young persons, particularly teenagers, to aspire and reach for their dreams with an 'I-can-do-spirit' through learning about the inspiring stories of other Nigerians who achieved success despite the odds.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Patricia Jemibewon, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, spoke about Coca-

Cola's belief in the potential and creative ingenuity of teenagers, noting that all that teens needed to blossom is the courage to believe in themselves and the knowledge that the limitations they perceive had been the stepping stones to success for some other persons. She said that the campaign would serve as a stimulus for young people through its message of optimism and by showcasing

L

true stories of remarkable Nigerians who have leveraged limitations or challenges to leapfrog to success.

According to Jemibewon, teenagers represent about 43 percent of the population in Nigeria; and the society needs to help them to build selfconfidence and to see the world in colours through the right lens, so they can take ownership for creating the future of their

dreams.

"This campaign is about the everyday Nigerian and they feature prominently in all our adverts on traditional and digital media. We have inspiring stories of people like Aisha Tunmisa who is a fashion entrepreneur while still in medical school as well as IK Ogbonna, a fast rising actor, despite speech difficulty and other challenges," Jemibewon

LG launches G4 smartphone

G Electronics, a global leader in mobile communications and consumer electronics has introduced its eagerly anticipated new flagship smartphone, theG4into the Nigerian market.

The event which held at Protea Hotel GRA Ikeja, the organisers said the new phone enable users interface with the forward-looking features and specs of the LG G4, the successor

to the company's well-received LG G3.

With the G4, LG focused on delivering comfortable elegance, a great visual experience and a human-centric user experience. The LG G4 camera features a rare-insmartphones F1.8 aperture lens which allows 80 percent more light to hit the image sensor than in the LG G3.

The innovative camera module is paired with the new

IPS Quantum Display that is better in every way than the innovative Quad HD display introduced to the world in the LG G3. The LG G4 embodies human sensibility that is clearly visible in its Slim Arc exterior design and graphical user interface.

"We are living up to our promise of Innovation for a Better Life with a fashionable, premium smartphone that is more focused on delivering a

said.

Teens and other CocaCola fans can follow the 'Billion Reasons to Believe' stories on the campaign website http:// ng.iamareason.com/and via the hashtag #iamareason.

Teens also have the opportunity to tell their own stories of perseverance and breakthrough on those platforms, to inspire others. balanced user experience that can compete with the best of the best," said Mr. Steve Seungeui Lee, the General Manager, Mobile Communication division, LG Electronics West Africa operations.

"We wanted to give consumers a truly humancentric device that combined the analog sensibilities with technologies that delivered real world performance. From the design to the camera to the display to the UX, this is the most ambitious phone we've ever created."

The Billion Reasons to Believe campaign is the latest among several initiatives, such as Coke Studio and Copa CocaCola, that represent proof points of the beverage giant's commitment to inspiring and enabling Nigerian teenagers to pursue their passions. Other initiatives like 5by20, The Coca-Cola Company's global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company's value chain by 2020, is a veritable platform to promote entrepreneurship among women and also facilitate their access to business skills training, affordable financing and peer networking and mentoring, instilling in them the confidence that comes with building a successful business These initiatives also represent Coca-Cola's contributions to the sustainable development of communities across the country.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

A

GREAT idea without funds to implement it is as good as useless.

Sadly, this aptly describes a number of women-owned enterprises which starts as a great idea but suffers an eclipse.

A number of strategies like group of tens and cooperative societies came to the rescue but the effect here can be comparable to a drop in the ocean.

This situation is also calibrated by strong cultural barriers and norms which undervalue women's economic efforts and contribution.

Accessing bank loans have been a nightmare thanks to the demands for collaterals, which are often not available.

To break the jinx of poverty for women, women have been going in and out of the drawing board to find concrete opportunities to better their lot.

One of such initiatives berthed recently with the opening of the NNEW Women's Microfinance bank located in Ojodu, Lagos.

You could feel the excitement as the women talked with enthusiasm, laughed and shared tales of exploits to be made.

Lola Olakunrin who sits atop as the CEO of the NNEW (Network of Entrepreneurial Women) Women's MFB, the first of its kind in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

Happily, she paints the picture of how the idea was borne even as she recounted the support given by Segun Oshinowo, Director General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

"Our Bank was granted an operational license by the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide Microfinance Banking Services to Small and Medium Scale Operators. Our objective is to satisfy our women clients without compromising our standards. Our expansion will take us to other states as an MFB with national

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HE vexed issue of adequate manpower and industrial skills acquisition needed to raise the bar of productivity and GDP in Nigeria reared its head again at a vocational training forum attended by both foreign and local experts in industrial electronics and industrial mechanics, recently in Lagos.

Lack of proper practical training, experts argued, accounted for substandard products, low productivity in industries.

The Chairman, Exam Board, German Dual Vocational Training Programme, Dr. Ing. Jens Gebhardt, while address-

All-women's bank berths in Nigeria

By Yetunde Oladeinde spread in four years and as a public quoted company."

NNEW, the brain behind the bank is a network of women entrepreneurs established 10 years ago to provide opportunity for women to share information and create linkages that will enhance the growth of her members businesses.

Going down memory lane, Olakunrin said: "Five years ago, NNEW realised the challenges her members were facing in getting finance for their businesses, hence the beginning of the self help NNEW Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd for members only to have a pool of funds through monthly individual savings of between N5,000 to N50,000 and then lend to members to empower their businesses ."

Gradually, she said the women began to discover their potential and the many opportunities available.

"We had a number of intensive trainings using ILO training modules to improve their businesses, many realised that the major challenges were not only access to finance but other issues such as simple book keeping, marketing and putting proper structure in place."

Determined to carve a niche for themselves, these women began to structure their dream in order to make it a reality. After several years of contributing to the pool, the CMSL now had idle funds as fixed deposit in commercial banks.

Subsequently, NNEW's Strategic Team gave a report leading to a unanimous decision for the network to establish an MFB open to non member women and youth.

•Olakunrin

"Our take is for the MFB to use a combination of savings, loans, investment opportunity and other financial services combined with group solidarity methodology. It is a powerful instrument of change especially for women with both micro and medium scale enterprises. Realizing that, if you change one woman she is going to change 10more and the ripple effect will easily be observed and fast tracked."

Olakunrin continues: In January 2014, Nigeria had 820MFBs spread all over the country while a total of 224 were closed down by Central Bank of Nigeria, a staggering 27% were terminally distressed and technically insolvent.

That was daunting and at the same time it endeared the women to do a research on what led to the failed MFBs. In our existence since final license was issued on the 8th of March, 2015, we have

•’Osibogun

disbursed loans to almost 200 women while 125 are waiting for verification. I must mention that we have not had any case of default.

We are very optimistic that we have started well .we shall do well."

At the back of the mind of this Amazon and her colleagues is the fact that banking is not a bed of roses.

"We are very alert to the challenges facing MF Bankspoor corporate governance, poor management structure, poor credit administration, lack of adequate capital base, high level of non-performing insider related credits, all leading to insufficient loanable funds and a whole lot more.

For Otunba Debola Oshibogun, president Chartered Institute of Bankers: It is noteworthy that the establishment of this bank has positioned Nigeria in the likes of India and Pakistan that also have dedicated banks which

caters for the financing needs of women entrepreneurs.

This initiative also serves as a direct response to the 3rd and 8th Goals under the Millennium development Goal which are 'To promote gender equality and empower women and to develop a global partnership for development."

Osibogun opines that: "The introduction of microfinance banking in the financial landscape opened a vista of opportunities for micro, small and medium scale business. It offered them a lifeline to boost production, and also support job creation and empowerment. There is hope now, for teaming entrepreneurs who have been laden with difficulties in accessing finance from the deposit money banks to boost their business venture and for rural and urban low income earners, thus providing them with the opportunity to contribute to economic and national

Experts address manpower challenges in Nigeria

By Biodun-Thomas Davids

ing the issue of power and skills acquisition noticed that Nigeria has very good potential man power that tiers of government could harness for the exploration of her abundant resources.

Ludwig Gruenter, Short Term Expert in Industrial Electronics, in his own comment expressed that a fair number of Nigerian workers lacked necessary skills acquisition in manning industrial equipment.

"When they do things, they don't know they are

wrong," he said, adding that they didn't have the necessary technical knowhow.

He scored level of industrial development in Nigeria at par, he however remarked that there were not enough people to explore and maintain vast resources.

Gruenter counterpart, Mrs. Stephanie ThalheimSchauff, in her own comment spotted grey portion in the area of standard products and security of employment in term of competence.

Corroborating facts on lack of proper practical training background especially from tertiary school level, Funmilayo Shodinmu an Industrial Training with Dangote Groups, remarked that while in school they had almost no plant with which to put into practice theories they learnt at the College of Science Technology.

While Timothy Agbo also selected from Dangote Groups, tutored in Welding and Fabrication at the College of Science and Tech-

nology in his own version said, he didn't have plant to work with while in school until his final year.

While charting solutions, Gruenter said proper and thorough education of people who are learning would salvage a lot.

Gebhardt, Gruenter and Thalheim-Schauff spoke alongside German Deputy Consul General, and Head of Corporate Service, Jorg Steckhan, and other industrial experts at the maiden edition of graduation ceremony of German Dual Vocational

development."

She adds that: "According to the International Center for Research on women (ICRW) women have the potential to change their own economic status as well as the communities in which they live when given the economic empowerment."

The world's first and only financial institution was established in Pakistan to be the solution to all the financial needs of a woman.

The bank was based on the operating philosophy of treating women First class and giving them true empowerment through access to credit.

For over two decades this bank opened its doors to millions of women and they have been rushing to the bank for assistance. "We have provided her credit against the collateral of her dreams because we believe a woman is bankable. At the 20th year celebrations, our resolve is to keep the stove burning in every house of the country, to educate all the children and create employment because now every woman will have her chance to get her dreams financed by us.

Never again will a woman be denied the opportunity to live life on her terms."

About two years ago, India's first women-only bank has launched in Mumbai and six other Indian cities, offering a service aimed at increasing financial inclusion for women in one of the world's most populous countries.

Powered by technology from US vendor FIS, Bharatiya Mahila Bank is staffed by 115 employees, most of them female. The board of directors will also be entirely staffed by eight women. The idea behind the business is to help improve economic conditions and social equality in India by making it easier for women to get access to a bank. The country already has 41% overall unbanked population, but the situation is even harder for women, especially in rural areas.

Training Partnership with Nigeria.

The graduation in which 22 apprentices graduated in Industrial Electronics and Industrial Mechanics was at the instance of Delegation of German Industry and Commerce, Nigeria, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (OGUNCIMA), Abuja Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and agriculture (ABUCIMMA) and other stakeholders.

63

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

INTERVIEW

‘It takes God, patience to build a good marriage’ Arguably Nigeria’s leading Christian fiction writer, Pastor (Mrs.) Taiwo Odubiyi spoke with Sunday Oguntola on her books, ministry, marriage and life at 50. Excerpts:

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OW far did you consider turning 50 years ago?

It used to look very, very far then. It seemed like a long time away. I just kept myself busy, looking forward to it. Before I knew it, I am finally there.

I just give God all the glory that I’m able to have lived this long.

Would you say you are where you visualised you will be at 50?

I wouldn’t say so but…It could have been better; I could have achieved more but I thank God for where I am today. I am grateful for what I have been able to achieve. Considering the impact and influence God is helping me to have on people, I

your greatest asset?

That will be my faith in God, my walk with Him. Basically, that is my greatest mainstay. Walking with God is my strength and asset. That is what drives my writings, seminars, teachings and ministries.

If you were to change anything about yourself, what would that be?

If I were to change anything about myself? I will still choose this church, my family and the people around me. If I were to change anything, maybe….

Well. I really cannot change anything. I think I am just contented with myself.

You have been churning out books after books? How do you get it done?

I have 26 books •Odubiyi think I have every cause to thank now or more. I hope to publish God. I thank God I am affecting three before the year ends. It my generation for him. hasn’t been easy because most What would change for you times I find myself asking God from now on? for help. I ask Him to inspire I have always been a very me. I realise there are always careful person and I believe so things contending for my time much in being led by the Spirit and attention. I just tell myself, of God. I don’t want to take a ‘Taiwo, you have to write bestep except God has led me. As cause people are waiting for far as that is concerned, I hope your books.’ to be able to do more of that.

Has it been rewarding I have been so careful and I writing? don’t make decisions that will It’s been rewarding, not in backfire. If anything will terms of money. I receive calls change, I’d just say I will take every day from readers and more risks. I take calculated that is without exaggeration. risks because if God is not in it, They tell me how the books I don’t go. Once I am sure God have been blessing them. It’s is in it, I am gone. been awesome. When I’m travAt 50, what do you consider elling far, I read the books

again. It’s very obvious it couldn’t have been me but God. The books make me humble and realise that God is behind everything.

But if you were to be writing secular books, you’d swimming in millions by now.

Doesn’t that occur to you?

Yes, sometimes that may occur to me. People around might say that, especially my husband. He’s always like ‘where is the money?’ But I feel honoured that I’m part of God’s plans for this time. It’s not about the money but about fulfillment and doing what you are called to do.

You hardly talk your marriage…

No, I do talk about my marriage. In most of my seminars, I talk based on what I experience in my marriage. I believe if you don’t have it, you cannot give it. Most of the things I teach are things God has taught me in my own marriage. All the underlying principles I mention in my books and talk about are things working for me in my marriage.

And I tell people that if they follow them too, they will get the same results.

You have been married for how long now?

It would be 25 in June.

How has it been?

It’s been interesting but I have always had my own fair share of marital challenges. But it’s not about being perfect or having a perfect marriage but being able to overcome your

challenges, whatever they may be.

Marriage counsellors like you always praise their partners and make people feel like their unions are the best. But people wonder if it’s all rosy with counsellors like you?

It’s not all rosy at all. I have had challenges too, like every normal couple. I tell people that if you don’t ever feel like ‘why did I marry this person’ or feel discouraged to move on, then it must be that you are just newly married.

There are times you will be discouraged or displeased with your marriage. In every normal marriage, there would be such times but then that is when you need God. When I get to that point, I turn back to God for intervention.

He is the author of marriage and is willing to help out.

He fixes marriages that are problematic and turbulent if we invite Him over.

What are the toughest challenges you have had to handle in your marriage?

The toughest challenges? I wrote 30 things husbands do that hurt their wives to minister to men and my husband. That is because there are quite a lot men do that hurt their wives.

One of the toughest challenges I have had is in the area of finance. I’m prudent and careful. I always want to ask God if I should go to a business but my husband is a risk taker. He’s always on the go. He spends the money as it comes.

That has been a little challenge but God has been helping us. He’s made investments that backfired but God has been helping us, like I said. He’s heavily anointed and God has been using him for His people.

What do you think if you are able to accomplish you would have made a success of your life?

One, I want people that comes across me to know that it pays to serve God. I want people to remember me as a woman that gave her life to Christ and never took it back. I want people to learn how to know God more through my actions and activities.

What are you working on?

I have a lot of unfinished works so I am trusting God to round them off. I am also trusting God for financial support from readers so that I can publish more. If I have more support, I can publish more every year. I can do an average of six books per year.

I have storylines in my head already; God keeps whispering what to write to me. So, I always have the storylines and plots marked out. With more support and attention, I would be able to do more.

If God asks you how many more years He should grant you, what would you tell Him? I wouldn’t like to dictate to God but His word tells me that He is a loving God. He cares for me. He gave me a scripture once that “even to your old age, I will carry you”. That scripture touches me and assures me that He will take me to a very good, old age.

I know I’m going to be around for quite a long time, doing His works. I am just in His hands.

NEWS

Reduce cost of governance, Presbyterian Church advises Buhari

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HE Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has told President Muhammadu Buhari to effect drastic reduction in the cost of governance, particularly the jumbo pay packages of legislators in the face of declining oil revenue, the high level of poverty and the dearth of developmental projects and infrastructural facilities.

The General Assembly Executive Committee (GAEC) of the church, in a communiqué at the end of its first bi-annual meeting in Aba, Abia State, also declared as unacceptable, the non-payment of workers’ salaries and pensions by

many State Governments.

It said the problem is more worrisome as many of the affected states cannot justify their monthly allocations from the federation account.

The Church therefore called on the National As-

I

MPARTATION of business knowledge and series of Corporate Social Responsibility would form the bulk of activities lined up for the Women of Honour convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Victory Chapel, Magodo, Lagos Province 21.

The convention with the theme The Divine Shepherdess

sembly to pass a bill making the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions by the three tiers of government a priority.

Besides, it asked the federal government to revitalise the existing refineries in the country and

introduce policies to encourage the building of new ones with a view to guaranteeing adequate supply of products at affordable prices.

The Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church,the Most Rev.

Emele Uka and the Principal Clerk, the Rev. Eseme William,who signed the communiqué said government should also consider the setting up of a machinery for the implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference as the ba-

RCCG Magodo’s convention focuses on CSR holds from Thursday 25-Sunday 28, June.

Some of the activities lined up, according to a statement by the organising committee, include a visit to Ijamodu Children Home, Sango Ota. There will also be cervical screening and health talk with Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo as

guest speaker.

The four-day event will also feature a business seminar with sales exhibition as well as life issue with Pastor Ruth Essien.

It rounds off with Tehilla Praise dinner featuring Tope Alabi, Aduke Gold, Yetunde Are, Laolu Gbenjo and Tosin Bee.

A thanksgiving service holds on Sunday with presentation of 500 women of honour choir by Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye (Mother-in- Israel), Pastor (Mrs.) Diana Egho (Wife, P-I-C, Lagos Province 21) and Pastor (Mrs.) Aderonke Olowoyo (Wife of Pastor-InCharge).

sis for the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.

On the renewed attacks of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the aftermath of the massive onslaught of the terror group by the coalition of military forces, the Church urged the President to further strengthen the coalition forces, intelligence gathering as well as the increased supply of arms and ammunition and heavy military equipment for total victory.

It said adequate steps should be taken to protect the lives and property of farming communities in the country against the recurring attacks by nomadic herdsmen.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

WORSHIP

64

Prophet to Buhari: Beware of defectors to APC

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HE Shepherd-incharge of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), The Greatest God Chapel, Prophet Israel Nasiri, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari that most of the defectors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will work against his good intentions for the nation.

Most of them, he stated, must be done away with by the President before he can succeed in his drive to change the nation.

Nasiri, in a statement last week, said: “”Buhari will have a lot of problems.

It was the people that spoilt PDP that are deflecting to APC. Nigerians knew that Tambuwal for instance was a PDP man.

“You cannot tell me that he didn’t have good relationship with personalities like former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo.

“Buhari should note

that as most of these politicians conspired against Jonathan and got rid of him, they could do the same thing for him.

“If Buhari wants to succeed, he should be a friend to politicians with unstable policies but never to entrust anything in their hands.”

He added: “Growth means improvement from limited level to unlimited. Nigerians have been clamouring for change in churches, mosques, market places and everywhere.

“But God told me that Nigeria does not need change; they need growth. Nigeria needs to grow spiritually, economically, religiously and so on.

“Change means moving or shifting from one place or thing to another. God said Nigerians are deceiving themselves. What kind of change are we talking about?

“Is it change from good to bad or bad to good? We are crying for change but have we defined the kind of change we desire?”

He went on: “Nigeria needs growth and not change. I advise the new president and other elected officers including governors to consider this.

“You can only grow with Christ with good conscience. For instance, Ekiti people were clamouring for change. I think they have seen change but they are crying today.”

Nasiri said politicians should not hide behind religion to destroy the nation, claiming that the leaders have used religion to destabilise Nigeria.

“A nation is a group of people leaving in a unit together guided by constitution. Every human being has different beliefs. We may have different God but it is obvious that people profess they have one creator.”

The cleric called on political leaders to be focused on services, shunning violence and wickedness.

•L-R: The General Overseer Christ Healing Evangelical Church (CHEC), Pastor Samuel Ogunfowokan with the church's Europe and Asia Representative, Pastor Adegboyega Talabi with an interpreter at the International convention of the church at Loburo, Mowe Camp Ground, Ogun State.

‘How women can become good home builders’

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HE District Pastor, Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas(GBCN&O), Rev. Ademola Ojewunmi, has tasked Christian women to brace up to the challenge of nurturing and building their homes based on biblical instructions.

Women, he said, have a primary responsibility to ensure their children grow in the way of the Lord while also supporting their husbands to achieve greatness.

He spoke at the consolidation all- night service for women at the church in

By Adeola Ogunlade Orile Iganmu, Lagos.

Ojewunmi said called for increased commitment to this divine role among women, urging them not to be taken away by other distractions.

Noting that economic considerations were pulling many women away from their homes, the cleric said they should set their priority right and major on the essentials.

According to him: “We need more women who will act as mentors, teachers, counselors, caregivers, warriors, evangelists, and guide to their household and world at

large.

“We need sacrificial women who will give anything to make sure that their children and families become the best God has in stock for them.”

He lamented the increase in homeless children, saying such development was attributable to failed motherhood.

The cleric also said western influence was imparting negatively on many women, urging them to be guided by the scriptures.

Ojewunmi appealed to women facing trying times to solace in the word of God and be more submissive to their husbands, assuring that God will intervene soonest.

TREM hosts word convention

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HERE is a lifting is the theme Power in the Word convention of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).

The convention is slated for June 23-28 at the International Headquarters of the church, The Cathedral of His Glory, Gbagada Express Way Anthony Oke Lagos.

The four-day session will feature a special International Women Prayer Conference on Thursday, June 25 by 9am.

Invited guest ministers include Bishop Dr. Wayne Malcom (UK), Rev. (Mrs.) Edith Iloh and Rev. (Mrs.) Deola Ojo. A statement by the Chairman Planning Committee, Rev. Anthony Iduvu, explained by the word celebra-

tion is “joint annual men and women convention where men and women from TREM world come together to receive blessing and anointing from the Most high God.” It ends next Sunday with father’s blessing from the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo.

COLUMN

Living Faith

By Dr. David Oyedepo

Engaging the blessedness of the anointing!

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PIRITUAL gifts are spiritual treasures embedded in the Holy Ghost, for our profiting. That is why the Bible says: But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:7, 31). Spiritual gifts are spiritual treasures in our earthen vessels that change our positions supernaturally. It is what differentiates one believer from the other (Luke 11:13).

Let’s look at one of the spiritual gifts that empower us supernaturally.

The Spirit of the Lord: This is also called the Spirit of Power or the Anointing.

It is one of the seven Spirits of God as listed in Isaiah 11:1-2: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

Each of these seven Spirits has the capacity to make a star of any believer (Revelations 3:1). For instance, Jesus returned from His fasting adventure and was endowed with this Spirit (Luke 4:14), and we saw that Spirit at work in Luke 4:18.

This helps us to understand that this Spirit commands supernatural results and it is the force behind the strange happenings in a believer’s life (2 Timothy 1:7).

What is in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit?

•It empowers the believer to operate effectively in the supernatural: Every supernatural change of position is a manifestation of the Spirit at work (John 3:8).

•It destroys yokes: This anointing destroys the yokes on our health, family, business and breaks every generational curse, spells and enchantments, no matter their sources (Isaiah 10:27; Luke 10:19).

•It empowers our access to revelations: Every truly anointed man flows naturally in deep revelations. That is why no truly anointed man ever gets stranded because the deeper your insight, the more majestic your ride in life (1 John 2:27; 1 Corinthians 2:10Psalm 45:3-5).

•It provokes supernatural breakthroughs: The Book of Isaiah chapter 61, which is the Psalm of the anointing, tells us what the anointing carries, engenders and delivers. (Isaiah 61:1-3, 22).

This means that the anointing is not a religious emblem but a force that changes people’s names and levels. Also, it is important to know that the anointing is released at a universal cost, and there is no substitute for it (Matthew 25:9).

Any other spiritual gift may answer to prayers, but the anointing of the Holy Spirit requires that our prayers be coupled with fasting. For instance, Jesus fasted His way to the anointing and His fame went abroad (Luke 4:14). Also, Paul the Apostle fasted often and it was said of him, “The gods have come to us in the likeness of men” (2 Corinthians 6:3-5, 11:27; Acts 14:11). In the same vein, we cannot see God’s power without a thirst of our souls, coupled with a longing of the flesh (Psalm 63:1-3). Don’t let your belly rule your life, or it may ruin your destiny (Hebrews 12:16; Philippians 3:19).

What is our access to this Spiritual Gift?

It is one thing to know what we want; it is another to know how to get it. God is eager to empower us with spiritual gifts; however, we must know what it takes to connect with their release. It is written: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9). That means the love of God is the proven platform for accessing any supernatural gift of the Spirit. Apostle Paul affirmed this when he said that the more excellent way to

covet spiritual gifts is the love of God (1 Corinthians 12: 31; 13: 1-13).

Coveting spiritual gifts by the love of God is further validated by the following examples in scriptures: •David: He was an addicted lover of God; thus, he was supernaturally empowered (Psalm 89:20-24).

•Joseph: He said, “But I fear God.” The fear of God in the Old Testament is simply the love of God (Genesis 42:18).

Joseph’s act of kindness to his brothers was a proof of his love for God. He had the power to kill them but the love of God restrained him. As such, Joseph was gifted with the Spirit of wisdom that changed his position supernaturally.

•Solomon: He loved the Lord and asked for wisdom, and the Lord said, “I have given you that which you have asked; a dimension of wisdom that nobody in your time will compare with” (1 Kings 3:12). He was gifted with the Spirit of wisdom on the platform of love. Thus, the hotter our love for God, the greater our access to any spiritual gift (1 Kings 3:3). God will not empower us beyond our love for Him, which is demonstrated by our love for His Kingdom, His people, and the world. Therefore, receive a fresh baptism of the love of God that will qualify you for the manifestation of the Spirit!

Friend, these gifts are available in God and only born gain believers can access it. Are you born again? By this, I mean have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so by saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today.

I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Exploits Of Faith, The Law Of Faith, Anointing For Exploits and Understanding The Anointing.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

NEWS

Ortom to Christians: Contribute to God’s works

B

ENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has urged Christians to contribute generously to God’s work to reap manifold blessings.

He made the appeal at St John’s Cathedral Gboko during a reception to mark the 60th birthday celebration of Bishop William Avenya in charge of the Diocese.

The governor stated that the turning point in his life came in 2004 when in obedience to Luke 6: 38, he donated vehicles and property to the work of God adding that since then he never lacked.

He described the fundraising in support of

God’s work at the occasion as a noble cause and urged that all should contribute their widow’s mite.

Ortom said his government was not buoyant at the moment to make contributions but made a personal donation on behalf of his family promising to mobilise his friends to also contribute.

According to him, his priority at the moment was to pay workers the June 2015 salaries and clear the backlog of arrears.

He appealed to youths to eschew crime and serve God who he said had the power to uplift them.

Governor Ortom pledged to partner with the church to de-

liver on his mandate.

He described Bishop Avenya as a man of impeccable credentials with the discipline to always keep to time and prayed that God would grant him long life so that he would continue to add value to the people of the state and beyond.

In his sermon Rev Fr. Henry Akaabiam urged those in positions of authority and those blessed with long life to attribute such to God and not to be puffed up.

The celebrator expressed gratitude to God for his calling, saying His grace had been responsible for what he had become.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

66

Buhari, bureaucracy and democracy

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH C 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Incorrigible colleagues

T

HE Guardian Front Page of June 17 fumbled two times: “The United States has donated a whooping (whopping) N995 billion to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations against the Boko Haram insurgency, the U.S. government has said.”

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: no whooping cough, please “Also, the Presidency has pledged to garner the necessary investments to improve the wheeling capacity of the nation’s t r a n s m i s s i o n infrastructure.” Would it have been ‘unnecessary’ investments…? Let us cogitate: garner investments….

“Talk to Ecobank, the pan African (pan-Africa) bank that gives you the network advantage in Corporate and Investment Banking.” (A recurrent fullpage advertisement that borders on blissful ignorance and inexplicable incorregibility) Last chance for The Pan-Africa Bank Still on THE GUARDIAN under focus: “He said that is (was) why he would come back to salvagethe state and rescue it to put it back to realize it’s (its) pride of place as he left it in 2003 and go even beyond that.”

“Cash and carry (Cashand-carry) democracy, bane of Nigeria’s development” “Falana supports Soyinka’s objections on (to) Sexual Offences Bill” “Train to become a certified child care personnel (official)” ‘Personnel’ is a collective noun.

“In other jurisdiction (another jurisdiction or other jurisdictions), you don’t just file for the sake of filing, you can’t just take a matter for the sake of taken (taking) it.”

“We therefore regret any inconveniences this might cause our esteem (esteemed) distributors.

This announcement is ordered by Tiens Group— Nigeria.”

“NDIC boss charges corps members on bank saving (bank-saving) culture” “…and newly-elected officials sworn-in (sworn in) at the federal and state levels….” (Voice of The Nation Front Page Comment, June 15) Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation.

“Oil swap (Oil-swap) contracts: AITEO not front

for Jonathan, AlisonMadueke—Spokesperson” Except if the headline caster meant that oil was swapping contracts!

“Jigawa council chairmen pledge support to (for) APC govt” “I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity, to further your accomplishments to (in) journalism and humanity (service to humanity, you mean?)”

“I and my wife, Lady (My wife, Lady…and I….)

Etymological sequence is critical to good writing.

“Use of made-in Nigerian (Nigeria) cars by Mr. President (Buhari) will lift auto industry” “Tribunal will recover Abia stolen mandate, APGA chieftain assures” Who did the chieftain assure?

“Soyinka laments Chibok girls (girls’) continued captivity” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, June 11) THE NATION ON SUNDAY of June 7 comes up next with the following errors: “Dangote commissions (inaugurates/ auspicates/launches, et al) $500 million cement plant in Ethiopia” “Buhari to flag off (inaugurate) super highway in Cross River” “First and foremost, you must look at the PDP; they mismanaged their victory and haven (having) mismanaged the victory….”

“The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria…played very prominent roles during the electioneering campaigns that ushered in the new administration.”

‘Electioneering’ and ‘campaigns’ cannot co-exist in the same lexical environment as the former encompasses the latter.

From THE NATION ON SUNDAY of June 14 issues the next set of diseased lines: “Ekweremadu: Igbos (Igbo) right to vote for PDP” “On the occasion of your birthday anniversary….”

For the umpteenth time, ‘birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot co-function.

‘Birthday’ is the a n n i v e r s a r y / commemoration of one’s birth.

FEEDBACK IT seems to me that your pen brothers either do not read your Wordsworth or they are simply lazy in the head. Now, in whose pool

of blood is a person shot or stabbed to death supposed to lie? Vide The Guardian, June 12, 2015, Page 47. (ONY NWABUFO, Abuja/ 08092055256) THE import of my intervention with regard to the word “decampment”, published in Wordsworth of June 7, appears to have been missed, judging from an undeserved stinging feedback a week later.

Granted the word is listed as a noun derived from “decamp” (word not in dispute) in a few dictionaries, it is not a substitute or synonym for “defection” which the concerned writer meant.

Longman (Contemporary English), Oxford Advanced Learner’s and Chambers are some standard dictionaries and are not meant for us in the nursery school.

The phrase “available to me” was my honest submission. So, it is regrettable that a lofty and highly interactive portal such as Wordsworth is being turned to a platform for hurling abuses and insults at other contributors.

(KOLA DANISA/ 07068074257) TAKE note that the old, grammatical rule that “one” must be followed by “one” and its parts –”one, one’s, oneself”, has changed. The feeling that the repetition of “one” - - - one’s (e.g. One must do what one can to ensure one’s family a decent standard of living) makes for a stilted style has now led to the permissible shift from “one, one’s” to “he, his” (e.g. One must do what he can to ensure his family a decent standard of living).

In general, a shift in the number or nature of pronouns is undesirable, but this particular shift is established usage.

Examples: When one is in power and things go his way in highly competitive elections, his first task is to fight his own mentality.

Perhaps one has gone to the university where he has been given the wrong orientation that his degree is an opportunity to reach for the skies just like that.

One could be said to hate himself if he lacks self– confidence in his abilities.

Every user of the language, particularly every journalist or communicator, must keep abreast of the current changes—the dynamics— in the language. (BAYO OGUNTUNASE/ 08056180046)

OULD it be that public expectations of the Muhammadu Buhari administration are rather too high? Of course, considering where we were coming from and what we have passed through as a nation, it is only natural for expectations to be high now that the much touted and desired change has come.

The euphoria that greeted the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the last national polls and his eventual inauguration as the president was actually borne out of the desire of Nigerians to experience real change.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s antecedent as a focused, discipline and no nonsense leader gave Nigerians a sense of renewed hope that, perhaps, we might get things right this time around. The fact that he had unsuccessfully contested the presidency, thrice in quick succession (2003, 2007 and 2011) before his recent triumph, gave Nigerians an assurance that, for once, we have installed a president who really desired and, possibly, deserved the office.

This is quite instructive because since the second republic what we have always had are unwilling leaders who were more or less fostered on the nation by various interest groups. In the second republic, former President Sheu Shagari was bidding to vie for a seat in the senate when he was drafted to contest for the presidency under the umbrella of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN. Though, he eventually won the election, it is doubtful if the government he led won the hearts of Nigerians. Indeed, many have claimed that it was the administration’s amazing penchant for profligacy that laid the foundation for Nigeria’s future socio-economic woes.

In the fourth republic, it is a common knowledge that former President Olusegun Obasanjo contested for the presidency under the umbrella of the People Democracy Party, PDP, almost against his wish. He was happy and contended when, with the death of General Sani Abacha, the succeeding General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s administration salvaged him from the valley of the shadow of death. Therefore, all he wanted was to go home and re-unite with his family and farm. That was not to be. He was prevailed upon to vie for the presidency. He did, and he won. The extent to which he succeeded at the post, which he occupied for eight years, is left for journalists, historians and scholars to appropriately chronicle. For the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, like his name implies, he rode to the presidency largely on the account of his extravagant good luck.

Thus, in President Muhammadu Buhari, we have, for the first time, a man who meticulously coveted and the presidency.

Expectedly, this places a huge burden of expectations on his frail shoulders. Nigerians are no longer interested in mere rhetoric or excuses. What they want now is decisive actions from the president. They want

• Buhari

By Tayo Ogunbiyi actions that would put an end to some of their miseries. The president must be made to recognize that Nigerians were aware of his advanced age when they voted for him to lead them. Since, he, at that age has decided to take up such a highly demanding job; he should not remind us about his age. Neither should he tell us about how his age could limit his performance. We have had enough of such tales in our 55 years of nationhood.

That is why we opted for change.

Though, it seems a bit too early to talk about the slow pace of the president’s motion, but it doesn’t do much credit to President Muhammadu Buhari’s image that a few weeks after his inauguration, vital apparatus of governance are yet to properly take shape.

No one can yet pinpoint the policy direction of the administration in vital sectors of the country. This, indeed, is not the way to begin the change that we have so much longed for. Before his inauguration on May 29, the president had two months, April and May, to effectively and sufficiently strategise with his team on most of the critical issues that now seem to be contentious; and yet very crucial to the success of his administration. The anticipation of Nigerians is that the Buhari presidency represents a brand new opportunity for us to get it right as a nation. If he fails, God forbid, we would have lost a golden opportunity to move forward as a nation.

One key sector that could determine the success or failure of the Buhari administration is the bureaucracy. Every government depends on bureaucracy to achieve set goals.

Bureaucracy is an integral part of the way a government functions. According to German sociologist, philosopher and political economist, Max Weber, bureaucracy is the utmost structure of societal organization. Hence, in Weber’s view, without bureaucracy, society cannot operate on a macro level. Weber goes further to indentify the basic characteristics of bureaucracy as having jurisdictions, appropriating official duties, granting authority to positions of leadership, possessing a hierarchy, documenting actions, having standardized training and having a set of rules.

For any government to achieve specific goals, a firm set of rules and precise hierarchical arrangement must be in

place to ensure the accomplishment of such goals. This is what bureaucracy represents in a society. No sustained and efficient actions would be implemented if the society is disorganized. It is bureaucracy that ensures that a society is not disorderly. In a democracy, bureaucracy is the vehicle of governance. The public officials and administrators working for the government actually determine the pace and the course of governance.

In a democracy, bureaucracy propels the wheel of development. In most advanced democracies of the world, democracy thrives on the wing of a boisterous, efficient and reliable bureaucracy. In Nigeria, for democracy to really work for the common good of all, the Buhari administration must undertake a thorough reform of the country’s bureaucracy. Where it is found to be over bloated, obstructive and counter- productive, adequate measures must be taken to streamline it. The bureaucracy that is required to drive democracy is one that is prompt, forthright and farsighted. In any nation where bureaucracy has become a drain pipe, democracy would certainly become endangered.

In order to save time and cost, there so many bureaucracy reforms reports that the Buhari administration could really benefit from. There is, for instance, among many others, the Fulton, Udoji and Steve Oronsaye reports. All that is required is for the government to carefully study these reports and carefully implement aspects it considers useful. According to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication and Technology Dr. Tunji Olaopa: “The salvation of the Nigerian civil service (i.e. bureaucracy) lies in keeping the significance of the Fulton and the Udoji Reports.

The nod that these reports gave to performance-oriented civil service system is, in the final analysis, an important nod to democratic governance that has the potential to transform the civil service itself as well as the lives of the citizen”.

This, indeed, is the desire of every well meaning Nigerian.

This is what the Buhari administration partly requires to institute an enduring change in the country. This is the way forward. God bless Nigeria Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015 Poland says Europe's peaceful period 'now over'

Thousands march in London against new UK government's austerity plan

N

H

OLDING banners saying "End Austerity Now" and "Defy Tory Rule", protesters packed streets outside the Bank of England in the heart of London's financial district to listen to speeches before marching towards parliament.

"I think there's a genuine need to stop austerity and cuts to the vulnerable," waitress Anna Rachel Rowlands told Reuters Video News. "The government seems almost obsessed with cutting benefits for younger people looking for work."

One marcher carried a placard showing Prime Minister David Cameron peeking out of a garbage can -- suggesting this was where his policies belonged too -- while another pictured him with devil's horns.

A small number of protesters let off red-colored smoke bombs in a mostly good natured march.

Mounted police keep watch as demonstrators march during an anti-austerity protest in central London, …

Protesters were due to be addressed later by celebrities including comedian Russell Brand and singer Charlotte Church, as well as trade unionists and Jeremy Corbyn, a contender for the vacant leadership of the opposition Labour Party.

Britain's Conservatives unexpectedly won an outright majority in a national election last month after five years when they had led a coalition focused on cutting public spending to narrow Britain's large budget deficit.

After midnight in the library, Putin sets out his world view

I

T was two minutes before midnight when Russian President Vladimir Putin finally entered the meeting room in the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library, more than three hours late, to be interviewed by a dozen exhausted journalists.

His retinue seemed wearily accustomed to the latenight regimen, but Putin himself - after back-to-back meetings, a speech and an on-stage interview at his annual business conference here in his home town of St Petersburg was fresh, fulsome and feisty.

"We won in a free fight and we are going to host the World Cup," he declared, slapping away suggestions that Russia cheated with scandal-plagued FIFA to snare the 2018 competition. "That's it!"

As for whether Russia can't, or simply won't, control its border to stop heavy weapons flowing to separatists in Ukraine: "These people got weapons with which to defend themselves. They got them in various ways."

To the suggestion by Canada's premier, Stephen Harper, that Russia be expelled formally from the Group of Eight major economies.”

•People gather to look at thesite of a car bomb attack outside the Qubbat al-Mahdi Mosque in Yemen capital yesterday

Car bomb explodes in Yemen capital near mosque used by Houthis, two dead

I

SLAMIC State group said it was behind a car bomb that exploded in Yemen's capital Sanaa on Saturday near the Qiba alMahdi mosque, killing two people and wounding six others, witnesses and a security source told Reuters.

The group said in a statement published on militant Twitter accounts that the attack was targeting the Houthi militia, whose fighters have used the mosque,

located in the old city of Sanaa.

On Wednesday the Sunni Muslim jihadist group claimed responsibility for four car bombs that detonated near mosques used by the Houthis and the group's headquarters in Sanaa, killing two and injuring around 60 people.

The Houthis, who are mainly drawn from the Shi'ite Zaydi sect and are considered heretics by Is-

lamic State, took control of Sanaa in September, a move that culminated in a messy civil war and months of air strikes by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition.

U.N. sponsored talks in Geneva between Yemen's warring parties ended on Friday without a deal.

The Houthis are allied to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who still has the loyalty of much of the army. They are fighting

President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who is exiled in Riyadh, as well as southern separatists, tribal factions and other political groups.

Two coalition air raids early on Saturday hit the alDulaimi air base near Sanaa's international airport, while several others targeted Saada in northern Yemen and areas near the border with Saudi Arabia, witnesses and the Houthis said.

Charleston church shooter planned first to attack college F

AMILIES of Washington- Friends of Dylann Roof,the American gunman who shot and killed nine black people inside an historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina said he first talked about attacking a college campus, the Washington Post and NBC News reported.

The Washington Post reported 22-year-old Christon Scriven, a black neighbor of the suspect said that during a recent night of drinking, Roof said he wanted to open fire on a school. At another point, Roof talked about shooting up the College of Charleston, according to the newspaper.

"My reaction at the time was, 'You're just talking crazy,'" Scriven told the Post. "I don't think he's always there."

Scriven also told NBC News that Roof may have

changed his plans after deciding the college campus was a harder target to access.

"He just said on Wednesday, everything was going to happen. He said they had seven days," Scriven said to NBC News. "I just ran through my head that he did it [...] Like, he really went and did what he said he was going to do."

Reuters could not verify the report as Scriven could not be immediately reached for comment.

Roof, 21, who authorities say spent an hour in Bible study with parishioners at the nearly 200-year-old Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church before opening fire on Wednesday night, appeared via video feed before a magistrate judge who on Friday or-

dered him held without bond.

He has been charged with nine counts of murder and a weapons offense.

As Roof stood silently and expressionless in court on Friday, relatives of the slain worshippers faced him one by one, offering tearful words of grief and forgiveness.

"May God have mercy on your soul," said Felicia Sanders, whose 26-year-old son, Tywanza Sanders, was the youngest person to die in Wednesday's rampage. "You have killed some of the most beautiful people that I know.

Every fiber in my body hurts."

Felicia Sanders was said by a family friend interviewed by CNN to have survived the shooting rampage by lying on the floor and playing dead as

she cradled another survivor, her 5-year-old granddaughter, while her son's blood soaked her clothes.

According to friends and family, Tywanza Sanders pleaded with the gunman as he paused to reload his weapon, saying, "You don't have to do this," to which the suspect replied: "No, you've raped our women and taken our country.

I've got to do what I've got to do."

Roof stared blankly, and glanced downward occasionally, as Sanders and four other family members of the gunshot victims spoke of how he had been welcomed into to the church by the nine people he has been charged with slaying.

The magistrate also drew sharp criticism from some observers of Friday's hearing after saying Roof's family members were "victims" too.

Pope Francis to make first African visit in November

P

OPE Francis will go to Uganda and the Central African Republic in November on his first visit to Africa, the Vatican announced Friday.

The Argentinian pontiff has said several times in recent months that he intended to travel to Africa this year.

"If God permits it I will be in Africa in November, in the Central African Republic and

in Uganda," he said earlier this month.

The confirmed dates of November 27-29 were posted Friday on the official Vatican website.

The announcement of the visit to the Central African Republic came as the authorities there said presidential and legislative elections would take place in October and November -- finishing the week

before he arrives.

Francis will be in Uganda to mark the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's canonisation during the first visit by a pontiff to Africa of 22 Catholic martyrs -- converts to Christianity who were executed in the 19th century.

The Central African Republic is seeking to emerge from brutal inter-religious violence in 2013-2014 which

left thousands dead, while Uganda remains under threat of attack from Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab Islamists from neighbouring Somalia.

After visits to Sri Lanka and the Philippines in January, Pope Francis is due to visit Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay next month.

In September, he will travel to Cuba and the United States.

ATO member Poland said Thursday that the post-Cold War period of peace is "now over", as the European Union grapples with various crises including the Ukraine conflict and terrorism.

Poland's defence minister spoke alongside NATO head Jens Stoltenberg in western Poland while attending the first full exercise of the Western defence alliance's new rapid reaction force -- part of NATO's biggest defence reinforcement since the Cold War. "After tens of years of peace, that peaceful period after the Cold War is now over," Defence Minister Tomasz Siemoniak told reporters in Zagan.

"Because there are more and more crises erupting around Europe... It's not only the Ukrainian and Russian crisis but also ISIS and a number of different crises in northern Africa," he said, using an acronym to refer to the jihadist Islamic State group.

He added that Europe had to do more to defend itself, saying "I think it's a task for all of us to persuade the public that they should be ready to do more before it's too late."

The comments come as Russia and the West are locked in their worst standoff since the collapse of the Soviet Union because of the conflict in Ukraine.

On Wednesday Stoltenberg said the alliance was "implementing the biggest reinforcement of our collective defences since the end of the Cold War", after Russia announced that it would boost its nuclear arsenal this year.

U.S., allies conduct 16 air strikes in Iraq, six in Syria

U

.S. and coalition forces targeted the Islamic State on Friday with 16 air strikes in Iraq and six in Syria, the U.S. military said in a statement on Saturday.

In Iraq, one strike hit a checkpoint for the Islamic State and also destroyed a storage container near Al Qaim, according to the statement.

Striking a checkpoint is intended "to reduce their ability to restrict the movement of, and extort from, the population in Daesh-held areas," said Colonel Wayne Marotto, chief of public affairs for the Combined Joint Task Force, in the statement, referring to the militant group as "Daesh."

The brunt of the force, though, was near Mosul, where six strikes hit a tactical unit, staging area and tank, while destroying a heavy machine gun and Islamic State building. There were also strikes near Baiji, Falluja, Makhmur, Ramadi, Sinjar and Tal Afar.

In Syria, coalition forces struck targets near Al Haskah, Ar Raqqah and Tal Abyad.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

NEWS

Political Science in Nigeria: Looking to the future

S

INCE I got myself involved in the discourse over the whole issue of disciplinary relevance of the humanities and specifically philosophy, which caused me to advance a case for the rebranding of humanities in terms of pedagogy, curricula and praxis, the response I have been receiving had set me thinking on the fate of political science and the social sciences in the context of the concerns of that debate. This contribution and the next one therefore attempt to share a bit of my thought on this all important subject matter.

Political science remains the discipline that gave me the theoretical weapon that had enabled me come to term with thinking about Nigeria from the perspective of the public service and its urgent reform. If the major actors that founded the discipline in NigeriaDudley, Essien-Udom, Ezera, Ake, Ekeh, Akinyemi, Gambari, Ogunsanwo, Oyediran, Awa, Nnoli, Ayoade, Adebisi, Ekpebu, Adekanye, Adeniran, Oyovbaire, Jinadu, Olagunju, Elaigwu, Nwosu, Aaron Gana, Gboyega, Otubanjo, Jega, Takaya, Kyari, Bande, Onwudiwe, Onyeoziri, Occuli, Okunade, Amuwo, Agbaje, Ihonvbere, Said Adejumobi, Osagae, Adisa, Dunmoye, Nwolise, Akinterinwa, Joy Ogwu, Egwu, Olukotun, Suberu, etc.are either dead, semi or fully retired or in the diaspora, where is that discipline headed? How are the current generation of political scientists in Nigeria holding up against the onslaught of disciplinebashing that has afflicted the social sciences and the humanities, especially with the coming of STEM-science, technology, engineering and mathematics?

If, according to Thomas Carlyle, economics is a dismal science, has political science become more dismal? Haven't political scientists also succumbed to the 'publish or perish' principle that ensures promotion on the basis of facile articles that have not illuminated our collective experience as a nation? How

S

ByTunji Olaopa do or should political scientists answer to Nigeria?

How do functionalism, constructivism, democratic theory, game theory, prebendalism, elite theory, dependency theory, prisoner's dilemma, iron law of oligarchy, institutionalism, behaviouralism, MarxistLeninism, Dutch and double Dutch theory, Westphalia concept of world order, and all the others affect the way we perceive our predicament? If Nigeria's GDP averages 7% annual growth rates, how does that translates relative to mystery index/poverty rate and consequent political behaviour, for instance? What is the state of political science scholarship in Nigeria?

Let us answer that question by starting from the basics: What do political scientists do? They study politics, political processes, political institutions and political behaviour. Or, to put it another way, political scientists are concerned with power and power relations.

They are interested in answering the question of who gets what, when and how, from as small a component as the family, down to a somewhat larger component as the Afijio local government council then on to the national level of Nigeria's political economy and even to a global power relation between the developed and the developing countries of the world. And they are interested in achieving a scientifically objective analysis that eschews bias and sentiment in an attempt to come to methodologically sound conclusions that can aid governance policies and paradigms. Thus, for instance, a political scientist would want to interrogate the political economy dimensions to how income distribution within the Nigerian society, within the last fifteen years, has generated a huge poverty level.

Or, s/he may be interested in the question of how the electoral processes constitute

• Ekeh a veritable factor in the measurement of democratisation in Nigeria.

Why is political science important? This question seems superfluous given our definition of what political scientists do. Yet its significance derives from the fact that political science has also been boxed into a siege mentality in a modern world given the pre-eminence of science and technology and the other STEM disciplines.

Political scientists have been forced everywhere to defend the relevance of their disciplines. And that is in spite of its appellation of being scientific! But this is only one side of the story, especially in Nigeria. The other side is that most political scientists in Nigeria have been forced into exile by the very political processes they are supposed to analyse and understand.

One can, as a telling illustration, ask the question: Why would the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS); National Council for InterGovernmental Relations (NCIR) - dedicated to research into our peculiar brand of federalism etc, - not have resurrected sixteen years into democratic governance, if indeed they died through suffocation in the heat of militarism? Where is the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) beyond just routine annual conferences? This last question isn't a request for spatial location but a serious interrogation of the state of

• Ihonvbere political science in Nigeria at both the pedagogical and research levels. In other words, does the discipline of political science in Nigeria lacks an active professional gatekeeping to channel research and pedagogical energies?

Mario Vargas Llosa, the Peruvian writer, captures the cynicism that pervades the study of politics. For him, 'Real politics...has little to do with ideas, values, and imagination...and everything to do with manoeuvres, intrigues, plots, paranoia, betrayals, a great deal of calculation, no little cynicism, and every kind of con game.'

Have Nigerian political scientists succumbed to the latter and forgotten the former?

Or have we retreated to the sanitised and air-conditioned atmosphere of the conference halls where we release communiqués without bites?

If not, where are the profusion of ideas, values and imagination? Where is the distinct political science voice on matters of policy intelligence and articulation in Nigeria?

When I made the hard but final decision, in 1980, to pursue political science as a career path, I had a distinctive understanding of what it would enable me to do. I was coming from a particularly strong reading of Plato's Republic and the connection of philosophy to the political reorientation of society. My parents couldn't understand my obsession with philosophy. So, I switched my

• Elaigwu focus: Since it was the manipulation of power that led to the killing of Socrates, the study of power and power relations-the main staple of political science-offers a significant avenue to come to term with the dynamics of the Nigerian society and its own unique predicament. I was not disappointed. And then I eventually met and read political scholars who wrote and taught with passion. They all understood what Noam Chomsky considered the responsibility of the intellectuals everywhere: Speaking the truth and exposing lies. They facilitated the tight connection between political research and policy analysis. This is one of the reasons why the death of Professor Kunle Amuwo was too hard for me to take. He represented a tradition I met in the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan.

That tradition was a vigorous injection of the Nigerian political scientist into the tragic divide between the state and the society configuration. This, for me, is where the action of political theorising in Nigeria is. It is within the state-society space that power is used and abused.

It is that space that spawns corruption, poverty, crime, terrorism, and bad leadership.

That space also generates reforms and revolutions. And depending on what we do, it can also either generate abject resignation to autocratic manipulations or invigorate democratic governance and

consolidation.

Nigeria and her plural complexities constitute a real theatre for political analysis. It should, by that fact alone, generate serious pedagogical programmes that bring government policies and personalities live into the classrooms for methodological interrogations and interactions. The Boko Haram insurgency is a terrible challenge to the Nigerian Political Science Association and the multiplicities of our methodologies. We have become too academic in the face of serious politics! And the greatest problems of Nigeria will not be solved in sterile conferences and dusty journals; we will begin to solve them when political science pedagogy articulates a new direction for research that interacts with policies and those who make them.

We must not only bring Nigeria actively into the average political science classroom, but we also actively apply our methodologies and ideas to Nigeria by a vigorous invasion of her public spheres where we confront policies and policy makers in sincere battles for the soul of our Fatherland.

And political science possesses a larger responsibility: It can chart a path for political responsibility that can become a template for other social science disciplines.

Isn't that what the NPSA welcome note intends on its website?

If we can manage all these, then maybe the early avatars of the discipline that had fought a good fight would no longer resent their retirement. And then just maybe, we can all settle down to more enlightening answers to the ancient question of who gets what, when and how.

- Dr. Olaopa is Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Communication Technology Abuja. Nigeria tunji.olaopa@commtech.gov.ng tolaopa2003@gmail.com

Saraki/Lawan: Before the crucifixion of Mark

INCE the election of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the Senate last June 9, there has been a subtle but noticeable effort in an angle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to carve a subterfuge role for Saraki's predecessor, Senator David Mark, in the dramatic poll between Saraki and Senator Ahmed Lawan.

Ordinarily, such innuendoes and half-truths would have been left in the realms of half-literate and back-street urchins but where respectable men and women begin to buy into such fabricated lines as ecclesial truth, it becomes mandatory to revisit the events that characterised the election.

The immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark's pre-occupation before last June 8 was to provide a leadership for Senators-elect on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to present a credible opposition to the APC. Senator Mark held series of meetings with PDP's stakeholders as well as Senators-elect on

By Kola Ologbondiyan

the platform of his party with a view to achieving a consensual approach to his party's position.

He did likewise for House of Representatives members-elect of the PDP stock. He desired and worked to ensure that PDP Senators as well as Members-elect were united in their choice of presiding officers.

It is also imperative to state that both Saraki and Lawan as well as their respective promoters expectedly sought the support of the PDP Senators-elect and also importantly the support of Senator Mark. The stage was set for the election of the presiding officers.

On the night of June 8, a meeting was held at the residence of Senator David Mark. Present were the governors elected on the platform of the party, a handful mumber of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the senators-elect. The agenda of that meeting was to decide the course that the caucus would thread.

As the meeting progressed, no

•Mark

fewer than three grounds were formulated - to present nominations for Senate President and the Deputy Senate President; to support APC for President of the Senate with a PDP-member Deputy Senate President; and, to turn down the two major contenders - Saraki and Lawan - then

support another candidate.

The first ground crashed as Senator Mark made it clear that he will not join the race for Senate President. The third ground also collapsed as the timing was considered inexpedient. The meeting was left with the second formulation - supporting APC Senate President and PDP Deputy Senate President.

There was a need to choose between Saraki and Lawan who the APC candidate would be since the immediate past Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu did not decline to be Deputy Senate President.

Both Senators Mark and Ekweremadu however opted not to cast a vote in the mock election. When the lot was cast, Saraki garnered 28 while Lawan won 17 votes. The meeting then resolved to support the candidate with a majority vote, Saraki, and that Ekweremadu

will run as his Deputy Senate President. It is important to stress that decisions like these are never cast in iron. Sometimes, they could be re-defined by political expediency.

When the meeting closed, it was already 3am and the Senate Inauguration had been scheduled for 10am by a Proclamation issued and signed by President Muhammadu Buhari and presented to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA) Alhaji Maikasuwa.

President Buhari's proclamation was not addressed to Mark as he (Mark) had ceased to be the presiding officer of the Senate since the previous week. He was on the floor of the Senate like every other Senator-elect to cast his vote for a President of the Senate and take his turn for oaths.

It is therefore ludicrous for any of the clans of APC to accuse the two-term President of the Senate of manipulation of the electoral process that gave Saraki a unanimous victory.

Rather, what has confounded every parliamentary politics watcher is how Senator Lawan, with his mastery of parliamen-

tary practice and procedure, could be easily snookered through a yet to be confirmed scheduled meeting with President Buhari. Did it not occur to Lawan and his handlers that a presidential proclamation, which is a public or official announcement of an important matter, can not be reversed through mere text messages to APC Senators-elect only in a chamber populated by the two major parties?

Senator Mark can not be crucified for the failings of the APC apparatchiks. His actions in the horse trading and election of the Presiding Officer for the Senate last June 9 was honest, noble and sincere.

Above all, Mark deserves to be commended for his statesman rejection of a ploy to drag him to contest for the Senate President when it became obvious that majority of the APC senators-elect had absented themselves from the floor.

•Ologbondiyan, served as special adviser (media and publicity) to the immediate past president of the Senate, Senator David A.B Mark

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015

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SPORTS THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Ogun takes over June 12 memorial tournaments

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HE annual June 12 M e m o r i a l Tournament put together by former Abiola Babes skipper and exinternational, Taju Disu, has been taken over by the Ogun State government.

The tournament is in honour of late business mogul and politician, Chief M.K.O Abiola who turned around the face of Nigerian football at the local and national levels.

According to Disu, who was impressive in the heart of Abiola's Babes defence line in the 80s, the announcement was made at the end of this year's tournament on June 12, at Abeokuta.

Disu, who was a part of that great Abiola Babes side that played in four straight FA Cup finals, winning two in the process, said he was elated that the state government has seen something good in what he has been doing for six years without break.

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JUNE 21, 2015

NFF to investigate Keshi's application

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it will investigate reports that national team coach Stephen Keshi applied to manage Cote d'Ivoire.

On Friday, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced it had received 59 applications in the race to succeed Herve Renard.

The list will be then be narrowed down to three who will be interviewed.

The FIF initially published the name of every

man to declare interest in the job, including Stephen Keshi. He is still employed

by Nigeria having signed a new deal in April.

The page on FIF website listing Keshi and 58 other applicants for the Elephants job has been taken down but the NFF insists that will not prevent 'a full investigation'.

"The NFF will open a full investigation to determine whether Mr Stephen Keshi actually applied for the vacant Ivory Coast job," NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire

told BBC Sport.

"There will be no hasty decision. We hope to get a full part from the Ivory Coast football federation before making an official statement."

Keshi returned as Nigeria coach for the third time in April by signing a two-year contract with the NFF. In his first spell he won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but the deal was not renewed after the 2014 World Cup. He later returned on a

match-by-match deal, which ended in November 2014 after failure to reach the 2015 Nations Cup. As caretaker coach, Keshi endured a turbulent 2014, in which he was sacked by the NFF and only reinstalled after intervention from then Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan.

Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player with Nigeria in 1994, declined to comment on his decision to apply to manage the African champions.

Holmes in search of talents

By Yetunde Oladeinde

H

OLMES Inter S c h o o l Competition (HISC) held its second stakeholder meeting during the week. The event had Holmes executives and other stakeholder's in attendance at the Isolo Local Government hall in Lagos and x-rayed ways to make participation in school sporting activities , academic and culture memorable and exciting.

The initiator of the project, Emeka Ikwuagwu George, CEO Holmes Viu Properties promised that the maiden edition will be very exciting. “Online registration is allowed and we have three sub committees and one central head planning for the grand finale which would take place in October. We have been facing some bottle necks but we assure that competition would take place because it is something that we are passionate about. “ George informs that: “The cardinal reason for the initiative is the needs to encourage young people discover talents and create the platforms. We want them to be busy and creative. The children would be grouped using exponent 22 for the sporting activities which would be based on age, height and weight. So whether you are in primary or junior secondary school, so far as you fall under exponent 22, then you qualify'.

He adds that: “For all our

Serbia beat Brazil in historic U-20 World Cup win

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ERBIA pulled off a historic 2-1 win in extra time to beat heavily favoured Brazil in the final of the FIFA Under20 World Cup in Auckland on Saturday with a solo wonder goal from Manchester United's Andreas Periera.

The scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation play and the creative Nemanja Maksimovic put away the winner with two minutes remaining in extra time.

He pushed a through ball from Andrija Zivkovic past

Jean to bring success for Serbia who were in the tournament for the first time as an independent nation, although their Yugoslavian predecessors had won in 1987.

The gentle tap left the Brazilians in despair, with their dreams of atoning for an embarrassing 2014 when they suffered a record 7-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup semi-finals left in tatters.

Maksimovic had earlier set up Serbia's opening goal in the 70th minute with a cross ball to Stanisa Mandic

who slammed a close-range shot past Jean.

But they had little time to celebrate that goal as Brazil struck back almost immediately with a brilliant solo effort by substitute Andreas Pereira.

The Manchester United youngster weaved his way through the Serbian defenders and whipped the ball past a diving Predrag Rajkovic to send the game into extra time.

Brazil dominated the early stages of the game with Jean Carlos and Gabriel both testing

Rajkovic, while just before half-time Sergej Milinkovic had a free header on goal at the other end of the field but Jean pulled off the save.

After the break Danilo had a chance for Brazil that went over the bar and Gabriel was wide with another shot as the South Americans continued to do most of the attacking and put pressure on the Serbian goal.

But it was Mandic who broke the deadlock after 70 minutes when Maksimovic had broken down the right side.

Traore's double earns Mali third place

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DAMA Traore produced two terrific long-range strikes to help Mali beat 10man Senegal 3-1 and clinch third place at Fifa's under-20 World Cup at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

Traore had brought his side back into the game after Senegal's Ibrahima Wadji had opened the scoring in the 64th minute, when his left footed free-kick curled away from Ibrahima Sy in the 74th.

It was Traore again for Mali to give his side the lead.

He blasted a right foot shot past Sy, who had saved a 76th minute penalty from

•Nets adidas Golden Ball

Falaye Sacko, to put Mali 2-1 up with less than seven minutes remaining.

Sacko's day got worse when he handled the ball in the area about two minutes after Traore's second goal, though Djigui Diarra pulled off a superb double save when he stopped the Malick Niang spot kick and the follow-up attempt.

Mali completed the victory when Diadie Samassekou caught Senegal's' defence napping at a free-kick to slot home the third in added time.

Senegal defender Moussa Ba had been sent off in the final minute of the first half

by Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha for his second yellow card.

The frenetic final 25 minutes were a contrast to the opening half, when opportunities were rare and fouls were frequent between the west African neighbours.

The victory equals Mali's best ever placing at the Fifa under-20 World Cup. They also took third place in 1999 in Nigeria, beating Uruguay 1-0 in the play-off match with Roma's Seydou Keita scoring the winner.

Traore, the Mali's talisman also smiled home with the adidas Golden Ball

as the most outstanding player of the tournament. It has been a joy to watch this young man play in New Zealand. There is no doubt that Mali's technically outstanding, highly intelligent midfielder has shaped his team's play, distributing balls, setting the tempo and providing structure to the African side's build-up play.

The 19-year-old Lille player's four goals and three assists played a major part in making Mali the surprise package and crowd favourites of these finals and earned him the welldeserved accolade of player of the tournament.

Dunga: Neymar suspension a loss

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U N G A h a s d e s c r i b e d Neymar's fourgame suspension, which rules him out of the remainder of the Copa America, as a huge loss, not just for Brazil, but for the entire tournament.

The Selecao face Venezuela in Santiago on Sunday and must win to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals and are facing the prospect of doing so without their talisman and captain.

The Barcelona star's headbutt on Colombia's Jeison Murillo and alleged misbehaviour towards Chilean official Enrique Osses in the tunnel following the Group C encounter on Wednesday night earned him a stiff punishment from Conmebol, meaning Brazil's quest for a first Copa America since 2007 has been made all the more difficult.

Despite Neymar's absence, Dunga was reluctant to condemn his skipper's actions, instead placing the blame for his sending off on the tactics of the Colombian players who agitated him.

"Neymar is a huge figure in football," he said. "The attention on him is big also.

Everybody who likes football wants to see him on the field - like Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez. With him, the spectacle would be better, with more quality.

"If each one of us who made a mistake was cut, no-one would be here.

We're here to make them grow, not to search for guilty ones."

Fatai joins Sparta Prague

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ORMER Nigeria U20 star Kehinde Fatai has joined Czech Republic giants Sparta Prague, AfricanFootball.com can exclusively report.

The former Astra Giurgiu striker signed a three-year deal with the club on Friday and told AfricanFootball.com he is delighted with the deal as he looks forward to greater things with the club.

"I have joined Sparta Prague. I signed a three year deal with them,” he told AfricanFootball.com “I am very happy to be here, it is a big club and I am looking forward to greater days with the club.

I am thrilled with the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League."

Fatai scored 14 goals for Astra Giurgiu in all competitions last season.

The former JUTH FC forward has played in Romania since 2008 except in 2013/2014 Season when he played on loan with Club Brugge in Belgium.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 21, 2015

Rio: English players are overpriced

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ORMER England captain Rio Ferdinand has questioned the value of English players in the transfer market.

Ferdinand, 36, retired from football in May and was the world's most expensive defender when he joined Manchester United for £29.1m in 2002.

"English players are so overpriced right now it's a joke," he said.

However, England internationals such as James Milner and Tom Cleverley have agreed deals with Liverpool and Everton on free transfers this summer.

Defender Micah Richards also moved to Aston Villa for free, Tottenham signed full-back Kieran Trippier for £3.5m, while Burnley will be due compensation when striker Danny Ings joins Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have been linked with a £50m move for 21year-old Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer, and Manchester City have had a £40m bid rejected for Liverpool's 20-year-old Raheem Sterling. The Reds value the forward at £50m.

Kane has scored 36 goals in 77 appearances for Spurs including 31 last season while Sterling has played 124 games for Liverpool.

Ferdinand feels foreign players such as Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez represent better value by saying on Twitter: "Aguero £38m and Sanchez £32m."

Andy Carroll remains the most expensive British player signed by a British club, after Liverpool paid Newcastle £35m for the striker in January 2011. He played just 46 Premier League games for the Reds, scoring six goals.

SPORT EXTRA 71 Arsenal contact Dortmund for Bender

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HE disciplinary committee of Nigeria Football Federation has summoned the country's skipper Vincent Enyeama to appear before it on Tuesday over a query he tore right in front of top officials.

AfricanFootball.com was first to report that Enyeama will face the NFF disciplinary committee after he tore the query asking him to explain his unguarded statement against the NFF's choice of Kaduna for a recent 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad.

According to the NFF official site, the committee, headed by Chris Green, wrote: “You will recall that you were queried by the Nigeria Football Federation for your uncomplimentary remarks with regards to safety and security in Kaduna State, host of the Nations Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Chad Republic.

“You received the query letter on June 13th, 2015, and refused to reply to the query up till now, which is well over the 48 hours deadline given to you to reply to the query.

Consequently, the NFF has referred the matter to the disciplinary committee for adjudication.

“You are by this, invited to appear before the disciplinary committee of Nigeria Football Federation sitting on Tuesday, 23rd June, 2015 at the federation's secretariat in Abuja. The committee sitting will commence at 11am prompt.”

A

Enyeama faces disciplinary action

Team Nigeria dominate Lagos FIBA Africa Tour

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EIGNING Women's League Most valuable player, Chioma Udeaja, kept fans on their feet with a dominant performance in the paint as Nigeria's senior women's team powered to a 21-2 win over Ghana in the first round of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 3x3 Tour at the National Stadium in Lagos.

Udeaja put up 7points and 6 rebounds while teamates

Atosu Upe, Nkechi Akashili and Primeiro Agosto guard Sarah Ogoke added 7 points, 4 points and 6points respectively with Ogoke and Akashili grabbing 6 rebounds each in the dominating performance.

Sarah Ogoke after the win said she's confident Nigeria will make it to the finals " We played pretty well, Chioma was huge for us in the paint and we have good

shooters with myself, Nkechi and Upe, so I'm confident its gonna be difficult for anyone to stop us".

The Nigerian Under 18 Boys equally followed up the trail of victory blazed by the senior women as they pipped their Ghanian counterparts 12-11 thanks to Godslove Linus who hit a late 2 point shot from outside the arc to finish with

7 points while team mates Ebuka Kanu and Kenoye John combined for 5 points respectively.

The Under 18 girls then made it a clean sweep for Nigeria in the first round with a convincing 7-13 win over Benin Republic, and Liberia U18 Boys pipping Ghana 11-8.

The competition ends today with winners getting cash and other prizes.

ARS: Yaya Toure targets new football stars in Nigeria

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OTE d'Ivoire captain and African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure has revealed that he is looking forward to discover a player of his status in Nigeria as the Season Five of the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) kicks off on June 22 across the country.

The Manchester City midfielder said this during the official unveiling of the competition in Lagos during the week that he is hopeful that more stars would come through the tournament.

The annual football has been providing opportunities for budding stars around Nigeria to showcase their football skills and secure a

bright future.

Among the products of the past editions include Flying Eagles' captain, Musa Muhammed as well as Al Hassan Ibrahim Abdullahi who were discovered in the ARS 2011 edition. Others are Zahradden Bello and Flamingos 2014 star, Vivian Ikechukwu who were products of the ARS 2012 edition.

“This kind of initiative is what I have always yearn for because when I look back to where I'm coming from, there are lots of talented youths here in Nigeria who needs this kind of programme to be able to achieve their dream. There

so many Yayas out there waiting to be discovered”, he noted.

"Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have a great deal of success on the field. However, I know that the strongest performances come only when you commit 100 percent to the task at hand and display the strength and mettle to give it your all. I will continue to be committed to this programme so that we can give as many kids as possible the opportunity to become something in life,” he added.

Speaking on the choice of the four-time African Footballer of the Year, Chief

Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya said: "We have a tradition of going for the best. Yaya Toure is not only the best footballer for this year, he was the best last year, best three years ago and that is what we stand for. We buy our dream to showcase that whatever you do, you can be the best. That hardwork is the only way to success. By our concerted effort we will definitely take grassroots football in Nigeria to higher grounds and bring back the lost glories of our great country in football,” he added.

Platoon 6 wins Cowbell NYSC Volleyball competition

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LATOON 6 has emerged winner of the Lagos NYSC Batch A, Stream 2 Female Volleyball Championship, sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria, makers of Cowbell, Top Tea and Onga.

The match played on Thursday, at the NYSC Orientation Camp, IyanaIpaja, Lagos, saw the Champions defeating their counterparts from Platoon5, two sets to one, after a fascinating encounter that lasted about 90 minutes.

Udeh Doreen Chiamaka of Platoon 6 also emerged as the Most Valuable Player, MVP of the match.

“Stand up, stand up for

the champions…” was the song that rented the air from the ecstatic NYSC Corps members and supporters as Mr. Cyril Akhanemhe, the Lagos Sate NYSC Director handed the trophy to the captain of Platoon 6 team.

The Director praised the efforts of Promasidor Nigeria towards the success of the tournament.

He equally noted that the championship has provided a platform for the State's NYSC to fish for quality talents that can represent the state and the nation at i n t e r n a t i o n a l c h a m p i o n s h i p s .

Akhanemhe added that the company has consistently

created excitement for the Corps Members lodged at the Orientation Camp and that it has continued to make their stay there enjoyable.

Mr. Uduak Isang, Regional Sales Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, who had earlier presented medals to the silver-winning Platoon 5 team, commended the two teams for the determination and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed in the finals. He promised that Promasidor Nigeria will continue to support sports and healthy lifestyles among Nigerian youth. According to him, the tournament has, over the years, become what Corps members in the state

look forward to; promising that Promasidor will not relent in its efforts towards developing the sporting

skills of the youth in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Platoon 7 won bronze medal in the contest.

•Lagos State NYSC Director, Mr. Cyril Akhanemhe, presents the trophy to the victorious Platoon 6 female volleyball team.

RSENAL fans in the Football Transfer Tavern hope Arsene Wenger can finally pull off this signing after Metro revealed they had been linked once again with their long term target Sven Bender, from Borussia Dortmund.

The ball playing midfielder is still wanted by Arsenal despite the rise of Francis Coquelin in the first team, because he lacks experience and he has not been tested for the duration of a whole season.

Also there is no harm in having strength and depth in certain areas because this also provides competition for places.

Bender has been on the Gunners' shopping list for the past few years and now reports in Germany suggest that Arsenal are still keen to sign the 26-year-old.

It is believed Wenger is willing to offer him more than his current £41,000-aweek wage and according to Bild, there has been contact between the two clubs regarding a possible transfer.

Premier League rivals Southampton and Liverpool are also interested in the midfielder, which puts pressure on Wenger to complete the move as soon as possible.

Liverpool turn to Liorente, Bacca

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IVERPOOL are turning their attentions to the Juventus striker Fernando Llorente and Sevilla's Carlos Bacca after refusing to meet the £32.5 million release fee to sign Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.

Llorente is expected to be made available by the Italian champions, who are reshaping their attack this summer and signing Atlético Madrid's Mario Mandzukic, while Sevilla have insisted, so far, that Bacca is not for sale.

There is understood to be a €30 million (£21.4 million) release clause in Bacca's contract, which Sevilla say has to be met, while Juventus may try to hold out for as much as €20 million (£14.3 million) for Llorente but will probably let him go for less.

Liverpool are determined to add to their strike-force and had targeted Benteke, having signed Danny Ings, for a fee to be set by a tribunal but which could be £5 million to £7 million, although they will not bid anywhere near the Belgian international's buy out clause. As that interest has started to cool, possibly to see whether Villa lower their asking price, Liverpool are examining the possibility of signing either Llorente or Bacca.

Llorente, the Spanish international, is 30 while Bacca a prolific goalscorer in La Liga, who is representing Colombia in the Copa América, where he was sent off with Neymar in the fiery group game against Brazil is 28.

QUOTABLE “We don’t fix our salaries, this is the work of Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission. People should take the benefit of Freedom of Information Act to seek information on that from the agency, I do know that our salary is not in the region of N1million per month.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 9, NO. 3253

—Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara on the raging controversy over legislators’ allowances

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F the All Progressives Congress (APC) is honest enough to admit it, the party will confess it is reeling under the weight of two major problems, the resolution of which will determine its future and staying power. There are indications it has a future, one way or the other; but whether it will hang in there for much longer than its enemies wish it, is not quite as clear. The first problem is a bundle involving the unresolved and convoluted mess that accompanied the June 9 National Assembly leadership elections, the intrigues by some prominent party leaders to position themselves well for future battles they know are inevitable, and the deathly struggle between the party and its legislators over the elections of top NASS leaders. This bundle will test the nerves, patience and wits of party leaders. There are no guarantees the party will resolve all these problems amicably, or build and administer enough safeguards to ensure that whatever crises are evident at the top levels of the party will not course through the less disciplined, less philosophical ranks.

The second major problem is a rather straightforward one. The refusal or timidity of President Muhammadu Buhari to assert himself as party leader has created a vacuum that is being exploited by many party leaders who view his reluctance as an opportunity to foist their own agenda and loyalists on the party. The NASS leadership elections, which produced Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon Yakubu Dogara, showed clearly how different agenda are competing for supremacy in the party, and how loyalists of party leaders are already fiercely positioning themselves for the coming battles and the spoils of war. The APC is an amalgam of three or four parties with different orientations and worldviews. None of the constituent parties had been completely assimilated before APC’s momentous poll victory in March and April was achieved. Nor had the party, before the crisis broke out, built and propagated an ideology as its lodestar, by which party leaders and members were expected to plot their directions in national affairs.

The first problem is truly fundamental, and it goes deep into the foundation of the party’s seemingly intractable crisis. Given the intensity of the struggle to achieve dominance in the party, ambitious party leaders will fight bitterly to position themselves in vantage positions in the coming months, if not years. The struggle is at the moment manifesting in the effort by future presidential aspirants to secure top legislative positions or begin the process of knitting watertight alliances to make their ambitions feasible.

APC’s unsteady gait However, what is really at play in the APC today is much more than securing top posts and cobbling alliances. Looking at the continuing and increasingly fierce fight for the remaining legislative positions, it is evident that a struggle to control or hijack the party itself has begun. Groups and party leaders are engaged in a fight with current executives of the party to fill legislative positions. The objective seems to be to weaken the party, render it incompetent in exerting influence on the party’s elected members, turn it into a toothless advisory body, and perhaps eventually take it over.

At the moment, the APC is being isolated from its elected members and future presidential aspirants, not by choice, but apparently because powerful elements within the party have begun to defy and countermand the party’s decisions. Previously, it could bark and bite, as it showed when it conducted its first presidential primary last year. The party was in control of the processes, and no one was left in doubt who wielded more influence, the party or individuals. There are arguments that the party has not been clever enough in striking a balance between its enormous power and the needs and desires of its members. The current rebellions in the legislature and among other powerful party members are said to be a reaction to that lack of balance.

The possible overthrow of the current leadership of the APC is, however, a worst-case scenario. It is indeed hypothetically possible for the ongoing struggles within the party to lead to a better balance in the relationship between the party and its members. Current battles may therefore be considered as a teething problem until a consensus on party structure, operations and power relations have been

achieved. But it is also possible that, like the PDP, the struggle for party control may tip over into unrestrained instability if no clear winners emerge. One way or the other, the volcanic APC, which is still in the process of formation, must cool down into a shape. It became active barely two years ago before it had time to acquire definite properties. Now, as the ruling party, it has been thrust into the thick of a national economic crisis, and must find ways to grapple with that crisis of monumental proportions, as well as define its own essence and properties in a way that joins party members and leaders in a stable and mutually beneficial relationship.

The second major problem confronting the APC is also huge, but not as complex as the spillover crisis from the NASS elections and the inflammable relationship between the party, its leaders and regicidal legislators. If President Buhari is chary of involving himself both in running the APC and showing his hand in the legislature, it is suggested that the unsavoury effects of former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s meddlesomeness in the legislature could be responsible. Under President Obasanjo, the legislature was cajoled into becoming an arm of the ruling party and a spineless appendage, like most other national institutions of the day. Consequently, the party became a superfluous institution, and the National Assembly a weak, confused and ineffective arm of government incapable of checking the excesses of the executive.

President Buhari is believed to be concerned that both the APC and NASS could be disemboweled by undue interference from the executive branch. Pursuant to this, he has tried to stay aloof from the party as much as possible, and refused to signal openly where

Time for Buhari to inspire and set the tone

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HILE addressing Nigerians in South Africa during his last African Union (AU) trip, President Buhari wondered why Nigerians were so anxious to see him appoint his ministers.

He would do so eventually, he promised, without making mistakes. He attributed the slow pace of appointing ministers to the Goodluck Jonathan’s transition committee’s non-cooperation with his own transition committee. President Buhari appears unable to understand Nigerians who worry about his pace. While they may be wrong to stampede his government, they are not wrong to want some inspiration and tone-setting from him after more than a decade of appalling governance by the PDP. Apart from learning to listen to his countrymen, President Buhari must also find efficient ways to address their fears. They may sometimes be wrong; but they know the president won’t always be right. More importantly, given the antecedents of the president himself, and what the country knows of him, they know he is not infallible and is advanced in age. They knew who he was and what he was capable of doing before

•Buhari

•Oyegun

they voted him into office. It is pointless of him to excuse his weaknesses, such as his age, or justify his pace on account of extenuating circumstances. What in fact he should worry about is living up to the image which his supporters and admirers have of him. They see him as firm, courageous, intolerant of slothfulness and corruption, and patriotic.

So far, however, while he may have embarked on a methodical approach to tackling the crises bequeathed him by the last government, the people are yet to see the Buhari they knew more than three decades ago, and the Buhari who had stuck stubbornly to the princi-

ples that have ennobled his life and politics.

They want him to begin to set the tone for change in every area of national life, starting from any part of the decayed national system. They know he does not even need to appoint ministers before he sets the needed tone. If only he will bark, they reason.

If his supporters are worried, it is because they fear they may be seeing a president who appears petrified by the constitution. They need him to respect the constitution and the laws of the land, and not be tempted to indulge in the self-help and impetuousness of many decades ago. But they more keenly want him, within the ambits of that same constitution, to thunder through the land almost like a lawgiver, the palladium of moral, political and judicial rectitude. If they feel nothing significant has changed since he assumed office, he must understand their perspectives and fears, and give them the substantial change they ask for and deserve. All they ask of him is that while he is assembling the first-rate team he promised, let him set a mighty, incontrovertible and magnificent tone for how Nigeria should be ordered, governed and viewed.

his preferences lie in terms of the leadership of the legislature. His aloofness, it is however argued, has led to a few powerful individuals in the party attempting to force their way into special positions in the legislature, and perhaps soon into the party’s leadership. It is, therefore, agreed that a vacuum exists in the party, which a number of individuals are attempting to fill. One of the best ways to resolve the problem, some say, may be for the president to exercise his powers and authority over the party in cleverer and less destabilising ways than Chief Obasanjo executed over the PDP. Until President Buhari gets involved in APC affairs, the struggle for dominance will certainly continue. Nigeria is not yet a developed democracy. And though the president has reechoed United States President Barack Obama’s declamation on the evils done to democracy and governance in Africa by strongmen, he must appreciate that the current state of Nigerian democracy calls for intelligent interventions.

But for President Buhari to intervene sensibly in the APC and stabilise its affairs, he must demonstrate deeper and uncommon understanding of democracy as a concept and Nigerian politics in practice, and reflect in his actions and ideas a vision of where he hopes to take Nigeria, and if possible, also Africa. It is not certain that the president has such perspectives. If he does not, his aides and advisers should help him conceive a brilliant and workable perspective on Nigerian politics and democracy.

Above all, he must demonstrate the push and will to get involved. If he does not, the party that brought him to power will eventually be hijacked by forces whose ways and manners may be inimical to his presidency, while those individuals whose ways and manners he is accustomed to and approves may be replaced by people of suspect altruism and self-centered goals. It is not an option for him to avoid dirtying his hands with party problems and affairs.

If he does not, his party could become destabilised. It will clearly not be in the interest of his presidency for his party to engage in interminable battles that will distract, confuse and debilitate him.

Saraki’s consolidation trips

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MONG the few trips Senate President Bukola Saraki has undertaken since he emerged president of the senate, his visits to former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, stand out for what they signify. Senator Saraki has been under some strain concerning the manner he emerged Senate President. With 51 All Progressives Congress (APC) absent from the senate on June 9 on account of a meeting they were to hold with President Muhammadu Buhari, the senate leadership election was conspiratorially held by affirmation in a matter of minutes. The snap ‘election’ was held perhaps because Senator Saraki had defied his party which preferred other candidates for the senate’s leadership positions. Since then, neither Senator Saraki nor his party had known peace.

To mitigate the doubtful legitimacy of his position, Senator Saraki has embarked on panic trips to the nation’s opinion moulders and respected former leaders, especially the vociferous ones among them. This is where Gen Abubakar and Chief Obasanjo come in. The Senate President visited Gen Abubakar last Thursday, and Chief Obasanjo last Friday. It is not clear what they discussed, but it is almost certain he is attempting to legitimise his heretical move against his party, especially the aspect of conspiring to elect a PDP senator as the Deputy Senate President. Whether Senator Saraki can force a fait accompli on his party is not certain; but if he is to secure any legitimacy at all, he will have to do it through his party, not by the imprimatur of party outsiders.

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