The Nation June 22, 2014 by The Nation

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

COLUMN

Averting elite suicide in Nigeria E LITE suicide occurs when a ruling class can no longer provide solutions to the various problems besetting a society. The divisions in the society are such that the dominant factions can no longer agree on a power-sharing formula; or on the principles of booty allocation for that matter. For any society, it is usually a defining moment, leading to a radical dissolution of the ruling group or its drastic recomposition. If matters degenerate into a civil war, it can result in a messy and bloody finale for the nation. From all indications and every available data, the Nigerian state is at the end of its historic tethers. Unable to protect its nationals from a rag-tag religious militia, it has resorted to harassing and assaulting its most prominent citizens, particularly opposition politicians. The great irony of post-colonial nationhood is that it is when the state is at its weakest that it makes out to be strong and maniacally driven. As it has happened in other parts of Africa, it is when all indices point at looming state collapse that its principal actors descend into this type of hysterical bravado. Zaire, Liberia, SierraLeone, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Libya, Ivory Coast etc. When the centre can no longer hold, the same centre holds the rest of the nation to ransom. The Ekiti State gubernatorial election has now come and gone. It was a battle between civilisation however remiss and barbarity however luscious; between light however imperfect and darkness however glamorous. While waiting to see whether the agents of darkness will attempt to snuffle life out of that rampart of integrity and fidelity once again, we must note that the kind of siege on citizens’ fundamental rights that Ekiti witnessed as a prelude to the election is nothing but an act of extreme provocation and tiger-baiting. The brazen assault on freedom of movement and freedom of association that took place at the Akure Airport on Thursday is a brutal rape of one of the fundamental tenets of liberal democracy. All this while a so-called Constitutional Conference is going on in Abuja and mum is the word, as if the charade is insulated against the world of real and pressing politics. Let it be noted that rigging comes in three stages: rigging before the election, rigging during the election and rigging after the election. It is a form of rigging to deliberately create a climate of fear and trepidation before election through sheer intimidation and coercion. This is the psychological equivalent of artillery bombardment before the foot soldiers move in. The citizens or electorate as the case may be or may not be become too demoralised and disoriented to stop vote rustlers as they cart away their electoral patrimony. If this is the type of democracy Jonathan wishes to bequeath the nation after all he owes to it, we wish him good luck. As the Yoruba will put it, you do not stop a small child from climbing the hill of Langbodo. Before now, the Jonathan administration held two major aces with which it can reengineer the country away from imminent disaster. Either it conducted a serious National Conference with sovereign outreach and oversight, or it conducts

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Jega

widely acceptable elections which will give the incoming government fresh legitimacy and authority in a country fast slipping into anarchy and anomie. Neither is a foolproof strategy, but they are both elite-driven processes which allow the political elite to retain the initiative. Passable liberal democracy is the mediation of the rule of the mob or mobocracy and the rule of the lords or plutocracy by the rule of

the enlightened elite. A political elite that appear genetically programmed to ignore this fundamental wisdom is one that is headed for self-destruction no matter how hard the few enlightened among them try. Given the way he has suborned his own Constitutional Conference into glorious and glorified irrelevance with the few remaining members yawning and tottering before television even

as the chairman appeals to the absconding members to return or forfeit their obscene allowance, it is clear that somebody has a cruel and wicked sense of humour. Never in the history of national conference in Nigeria had things degenerated to this level of Rabelaisian farce and sick comedy. What this means is that Jonathan has never been interested and will never be interested in the genuine restructuring of the nation. But even if we can discount and discountenance the National Conference as an expensive charade meant to divert the attention of those who want their attention to be diverted, it is also becoming clearer that Jonathan is also the least interested in genuine democracy or free and fair elections. Nurtured by a culture in which vote-counting is seen as superior to vote-casting, the Nigerian president is not about to abandon a winning formula that had seen him rise from obscurity to stellar prominence. To be sure, we have always maintained in this column that an obsession with elections to the exclusion of everything that goes into the process is sheer electoralism rather than genuine democracy. Democracy is a process; a permanently ongoing project rather than a quick destination. The fixation with elections as the end product of a titanic struggle for democracy often leads to a short circuit of the process and the shortchanging of the electorate. This why in ethni-

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 all-consuming termite tarries It will be consumed by the earth)

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 70 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 excep-

tional 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.

cally riven and regionally polarised nations elections often lead to wider fissures of the fault lines. But for its aficionados, the beauty of liberal democracy lies in the fact that it is an elite driven process which allows the elite to retain the initiative even while sporadically misbehaving. It is precisely at the moment when elections threaten both democracy and the nation that factions of the elite, driven by enlightened self-interest, come together to fashion out an elite consensus. But that possibility remains only if a section or sections of the civilian class do not feel brutalised or humiliated by the illegal deployment of military might in civil affrays. It is clear from the events of the past few months that beyond managing to coopt a few tired and discredited renegades into his presidential bandwagon, Jonathan is not in the least interested in consensus-driven politics. His advisers and the political hyenas feeding on the carrion of the state may continue to deceive him that this is the price to pay for the transformation of the nation which is often driven by brutal necessity rather than popularity pageants. This is about the most heartless canard ever sold to an unsuspecting and clueless fellow. The point is that there is no transformation going on. Genuine transformations require a holistic and integrative base. It amounts to nothing but an itemist fallacy to chalk up developments such as rail renewal, airport refurbishing, phones for farmers and the routine rebasing of the economy as examples of transformation when the fundaments of the state have virtually collapsed. But while corruption and the culture of impunity make any talk of transformation an idle prattle, it is in the realm of politics that the country faces the clearest and most pressing threat to its continued survival. With the Constitutional Conference clearly checkmated as an instrument of political engineering, with the fate of free and fair elections hanging in the balance, and with a military humiliated in unconventional warfare growling in the background like an ill-tempered mastiff, it is a descent into anarchy and anomie. Whatever is going on is not within the normal realm of cluelessness. Something far more sinister may be afoot. We may be on to a well-oiled plot that may end in the violent disintegration of the nation. But it is obvious that Goodluck Jonathan and his cohorts have not factored the rising tide of global opprobrium against the Nigerian political elite as well as the law of unintended consequences into their calculations. Otherwise, it ought to have dawned on them by now that there are better ways of pursuing justice and self-determination in a bitterly polarised nation. Elite suicide does not spare even the faction that precipitates it. It merely accelerates the dissolution of the entire group.

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ITITIZENS of Ekiti State are anxiously waiting for the result of yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governorship election. The results from the wards and the local government areas were being compiled as at press time. Early unofficial results from some wards in AdoEkiti, the State capital, favoured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ayodele Fayose. The election was generally peaceful despite the overzealousness of some of the security personnel deployed for the election. The turn out of voters was high across the state. Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who voted in his home town, Isan Ekiti, acknowledged that it was peaceful but was quick to add: "It's too early in the day to make a sweeping assertion." Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at unit 001, Ogilolo Ward, Fayemi condemned the involvement of those he called busy bodies from outside the state in the conduct of the election.at the level of collation by INEC from unit to ward, local government and state." Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former governor of the state, said he was worried about the whole exercise. He expressed fear over the way the election was being conducted; alleging that the PDP-led federal government had decided to instill fear into members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by arresting some of its OBEL laureate Wole Soyinka lashed out yesterday at the military for allegedly dabbling into politics. He said soldiers should face their constitutional duties and leave politics to politicians. His grouse with the military is the role played by soldiers in preventing some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from attending last Thursday's rally of the party in Ado Ekiti. The aircraft scheduled to fly Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo to Akure on the day was grounded in Benin as was the one that flew Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers to the Ondo State capital. But the governor could not proceed beyond Akure after soldiers halted his convoy and detained him by the roadside for a while. They claimed to be acting on 'orders from above'. The Presidency has denied involvement in the soldiers' action. But addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, Professor Soyinka said President Goodluck Jonathan should tell Nigerians who authorised the soldiers' action. The National Assembly, he said, should in fact set up a commission of enquiry to unravel the brains behind the governors' humiliation. "Supposing the governors were thugs, we will say that what the army did was constitutional. When the army

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

NEWS EKITI DECIDES

Anxiety as Ekiti awaits election result From Adekunle Yusuf, Sulaiman Salawudeen, Sina Fadare, Ado-Ekiti

leaders. He said: "The voting cannot be judged by accreditation. It is when people come out to vote that one can determine if the voting exercise is successful

or not." An observer in the election with the Department of International Development (DFID), Mrs. Fagboyo Margaret, also described the exercise as "a great improvement over the past elections in the country." Rowdy scenes were recorded in a few places

notably ward 10, unit 013 in Ado Ekiti. Trouble erupted after about 10 voters were disenfranchised because they did not sign during the voters' registration. According to the electoral supervisor, the disenfranchised voters were asked to leave the venue

because they were ineligible to vote. A police officer at the polling station told The Nation that the crowd tore his badge during the shoving and pushing. It took the intervention of the soldiers to restore order. The election also almost got out of hand at Governor

â&#x20AC;˘ Voters on queue to vote at Unit 9 Ward 13 in Isan,during the governorship election in Ekiti, yesterday.

Fayemi's polling Unit 009 when some soldiers disrupted the queue formed by prospective voters. There was panic at a point in the town when a police helicopter hovered above the governor's private house. INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode, said the commission had hitches in some places because it was determined not to deploy its officials without the presence of security agents that would accompany them. He said: "I think what we have seen is that polls actually commenced on schedule. In fact, in Ado-Ekiti, poll started on the dot of 8am. Though we have some instances where we commenced the exercise rather late than we had expected, the context in which this happened is because we are trying to mobilise security because we have decided not to mobilise until we have adequate security cover. "We don't want a repeat of what happened in Ilaje, Ese Odo in Ondo State. Our officials are ready but we need security cover before we launch out. We had delay but it is not generalised, not in all cases. You don't expect us to deploy when we don't have security. If there is delay on the part of security agents, I think you should throw it back to them on why they delayed. We all work together and we have an inter-agency consultative forum. We should understand that there is an improvement in Ekiti State compared to what we had before."

Soyinka to military: Stop interfering in politics starts acting like thugs, I see no difference between their action and waylaying the governors. So I am asking the military: when did you take up the job of electoral thugs? The governors should sue whoever is responsible," he said. Recalling the role of the immediate past Police Commissioner in Rivers State, Mr. Joseph Mbu in the political crisis in the state, he said: "When we spoke in this hall, people said what business does Wole Soyinka have with Rivers, what does Femi Falana have in Rivers State? What we were saying that day was that if we allowed this kind of conduct to be accepted, there will be escalation. It will happen in dangerous dimensions in any other place in Nigeria." "We have a responsibility in any part of Nigeria where the rights of the citizens are violated. It does not matter whether the person is a motor mechanic, governor or legislator. We have a responsibility to cry out and to tell Nigerians. "If you don't speak now, it will come to you. And it is going to come with fatal consequences. It is about time we put a stop to that." He continued: "Who gave orders like that? Is it the Chief of the Army Staff? Is it a General somewhere? Is it the

â&#x20AC;˘ Says soldiers should not act like thugs Korofo as they call them? Enough is enough. Fayemi has a name, Amaechi has a name, Oshiomhole has a name. Why is it that those who prevented them from exercising their citizens' rights do not have names? It is always 'order from the top'. "Sometimes we don't even know where the top is. It happened in Rivers State. And now there is 'order from the top' to stop the governors. That type of language should stop. The military is being paid from the public purse. They are now taking sides in a political election. What do we do about this situation? The legislative houses must live up to their duties. They must wake up to their duties." He said a commission of enquiry should be put in place to unravel what actually happened. "We want a specific investigation. We want to know who is responsible. Who gave the order? We want these people to be called to give evidence. All the governors should sue for the violation of their human rights. They should make a case out of it. "Let us make an example once and for all. We cannot continue with this kind of misconduct which makes us a laughing stock all over the world. Can you imagine what

happened in the States just yesterday afternoon. Can you imagine the language that is being used to describe Nigerians. People were asking about what was happening in the wonderland of ours. Some said they heard that some governors were stopped, while one was tear-gassed." "That embarrassment must stop. So we will not be satisfied with anything less than making us know who gave the order. If that does not happen, we will set up a citizens' court. We did it in the fight against Abacha, and for Albashir of the Sudan. We got victims, witnesses and journalists to come and testify on the violation of human rights. "We will ask for international help. If we can't hold it here, we will hold it elsewhere. It will be a shame if we are forced to hold it outside. We will place the government on trial. This must be the very last time that such an incident will happen. I still cannot believe that this thing happened. It appears like some kind of fantasy, some kind of Nollywood film." "Using the military is dishonouring the military. I am talking to the military now. Allowing yourself to be used this way is demeaning

yourself. It is bringing yourself down. And the military has a lot to answer." On the Boko Haram insurgency, Professor Soyinka asked Nigerians to "please support the actions of the security forces in defending the security of this nation," because, as he put it, the sect 'despises democracy.' And on the abducted Chibok girls, he said their rescue is the type of assignment the soldiers should be used for. "The military should be used specifically in bringing back the girls, not embarrassing the governors." He referred to a recent photograph of the President and his daughters on facebook and said: "we all want to pose with our daughters and

children and I am very happy for the President for putting that on Facebook. He must ensure that the military is posted to places where they are really needed, not in any act that violates the constitution." He observed that "What happened in Ekiti is a violation of the constitution and those who are responsible should be exposed and punished where necessary. I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians to accept that this is a very delicate situation. "And to get back hostages is a multidisciplinary task. And I am not holding anyone accountable at this moment for failure in that respect. What we will not accept is the misuse of facilities, especially security forces that should be directed at this priority. The security forces should not be used in any way to sabotage what we fought for."

Nigeria trains 167,000 policemen for 2015 poll

NE hundred and sixty seven thousand police officers have been trained to manage the 2015 elections. The target is to have between 350,000 and 370,000 fully trained police officers ahead of the poll, police spokesman Frank Mba told

AFP yesterday. He expressed confidence that greater preparedness on the part of police will prevent trouble in the elections. Mba said that the success of yesterday's governorship election in Ekiti State was in part due to an increased police presence.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

NEWS

EKITI DECIDES

23 APC leaders, journalists arrested by security men -APC

O fewer than 23 leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and journalists were arrested by security men in Ekiti State yesterday in what the APC described as massive clampdown. In a statement issued in Lagos, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Kolawole, Mr. Awodolu and 22 others were arrested at Egbe-Ekiti and taken to Ikere-Ekiti.

Two leaders were arrested in Ilawe while 11 others were picked up from Ado-Ekiti. Arrested at Ado Ward A units 1, 6, 8 and 11 were Charles Fashuba, Tolu Ajayi, Elesun, Olu Hero, Gboyega Fabuero, all of whom were allegedly pointed out to security agents by a member of the PDP. APC said those arrested, who are the party's leaders at their ward and local governments, were apparently being picked up to prevent them from casting

their own votes, monitoring the election and subsequently being present at the collation centres. ''Ekiti has witnessed a massive turnout of voters despite the massive deployment of troops and policemen, ostensibly to provide security for the election but in reality to intimidate and harass voters to stay away from the polling units. ''Now that the strategy of the PDP-led federal government has failed despite

their over-militarization of the state, they have unleashed security agents on the leaders of the APC to prevent them from monitoring the collation of results,'' APC said. The party said the same security agents have also descended on journalists who were duly accredited to cover the election, with at least five of them forcefully taken to the boundary of Ekiti and Kwara States by a detachment of police men led by Mopol Commander G.B. Seleke. It listed the affected

journalists, who were arrested at Ifaki Ekiti by over 50 mobile policemen, as Jadesola Ajibola of Inspiration FM; Toyin Yusuf, Oyetunji Ojo, Akin Ogunsola, and Aremu Awolola, all of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). APC also said security men, who said they were acting on ''orders from above'', locked out voters and election officials at the Ekiti State Government College, Ado Ekiti (wards 13, unit 18) are agitated. The party listed some of the other infractions as including the following: *The names of APC members are clearly missing on the list brought by INEC officials to Wards 3 and 4

Gbonyin LGA * Harassment of the fiancée and aged father of the campaign manager of Fayemi, Bimbola Daramola, by gunwielding security agents. *Plan to burn ballot boxes if APC should win Ward 2 Ifaki unit 7, LGA Ido-Osi *Fake soldiers purportedly from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, acting under the command of PDP chieftains, are harassing and intimidating voters in Ekiti State. The APC called on local and international observers to pay urgent attention to the infractions and ensure they are rectified in the interest of a free and fair election in Ekiti State.

PDP accuses APC of breaching Electoral Act

•Voters with their cards waiting to cast their vote in Afao-Ekiti during the Ekiti governorship election, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

APC chieftain escapes abduction by suspected security officers A

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Bimbo Daramola, yesterday escaped abduction by security men who stormed his father's house at Ire Ekiti at about 1.30am. In the 12-man team were soldiers, policemen and members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). They forced their way into the compound shouting 'where is Bimbo?' They only met Bimbo's father, Chief Daramola and the younger Daramola's associate, Ms. Sola Salako. Recounting his encounter with the unwanted guests, Chief Daramola described it as a Gestapo like operation. He said: "I opened the door and saw armed men in army and police uniforms. They all carried guns. One of them

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

pointed a gun at her (Salako's) head. "They asked me 'who are you' and I told them a I am the father of Bimbo Daramola. I told them I saw him (Bimbo) briefly in the evening and he left. They pointed guns at me and harassed me with questions I didn't have answers to. "They asked who owns the house I said it's me and that the house is my country home. I am known here. They hit every body with the butt of their guns. They were here for about two hours. I am just recovering. "The experience is better related than experienced really. They told Salako they would carry her if she failed to

disclose my son's whereabouts. When they attempted taking her away, I appealed to them." Salako in her own account said they ordered her to sit on the bare floor and subjected her to sundry indignities. Her words: "They said I should stand up and go towards the gate. I asked them where they were taking me and appealed to them to spare my life. I said I gathered he (Bimbo) came into town but that he did not even come into the house and I did not know where he slept. "I had seen so many people around the house. I advised them to leave for their houses and they complied. I was trying to sleep around 1am when I heard a loud bang on the entrance door. Daramola told reporters that the security men were

acting a script to subvert the rules. His words: "I knew there was a master plan in place to subvert the popular will at all cost. They came to my house and ordered the occupants to lie face down. "But you can almost trace the trajectory. At least three governors - Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) Aliyu Wamakko (Kano) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) were, just last Thursday banned from boarding flights while trying to come to the state for the grand finale of Dr (Kayode) Fayemi's campaigns. They were simply shut out. "That is a demonstration of a group of people who are inconsistent and intemperate. That's why I said to some journalists to ask what becomes of the society from the way they are discharging their powers."

Minister defends heavy police presence

OLICE Affairs Minister Jelili Adesiyan said yesterday that the heavy presence of police and other security agents during the Ekiti State governorship poll was in the interest of peace. He told reporters in Osogbo, Osun State that insinuation that the large contingent of security personnel was aimed at

harassing the public was not true. He said the huge deployment of security men to the state was a key factor in ensuring peaceful conduct of the election. He also denied that he was sent to Ekiti State as part of the PDP rigging machinery. He said he decided to hold the press conference in Osogbo as proof that he was

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo. not in Ekiti on the day of the election as alleged by the opposition. But he admitted being in Ekiti State on Tuesday and Thursday on official assignment as Police Affairs Minister and not to intimidate anyone. Similarly, the minister

denied that the police prevented some APC governors from attending their party's rally in Ado Ekiti last week. "I am not Minister of Police Affairs for the PDP alone, but a Minister of the Federal Republic and I am duty bound to ensure that the lives of all the people of this country are protected," he said at the press conference held at the PDP Secretariat.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in breach of the Electoral Act by engaging in 'electoral campaign' 24 hours to yesterday's governorship election in Ekiti State. The PDP cited Friday's Press Conference addressed by the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in which he alleged militarisation of Ekiti State by the Federal Government and the PDP in the build up to the election. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said the press conference contravened Sections 128 and 129 of the Electoral Act. "Section 99 (1) Electoral Act 2010 (As amended) clearly provides that for the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day," Metuh said.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja "In the same vein, Section 128 of the Electoral Act provides that any person who at an election acts or incites others to act in disorderly manner commits an offence", he stated. "Well meaning Nigerians have been wondering what the Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun meant when he said in a press conference a day before the election that his party will not accept the outcome of any election in Ekiti State that does not comply with best practices and that whoever fails to condemn the acts of impunity being perpetrated by the central government will not have the moral right to condemn the reaction that such action may elicit." Metuh described the briefing by Odigie-Oyegun as illegal, unlawful and immoral and his utterances disrespectful to the person and office of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ekiti on lock down as security agents intimidate, arrests party chieftains

N otherwise peaceful election in Ekiti State was almost derailed yesterday by overzealous security personnel who unleashed terror on the people, many of them leaders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). From about midnight on Friday they went after targets whose names were allegedly compiled by the PDP. Those arrested included the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Kolawole who was picked up from his Iloro Ekiti residence. The security deployed to pick up the Director General of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Mr. Bimbo Daramola from his Ire-Ekiti house did not find him there. They took out their anger on his father, hitting him with the butt of a gun. As soon as it was dawn, hundreds of regular and mobile policemen, soldiers, and personnel of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) poured onto the streets of Ado Ekiti for

From Seun Akioye, Ado Ekiti patrol. Turn out of voters was high and accreditation began early at most polling booths. Some of the voters said while they understood the reason for the large presence of the security agents thy saw no need for their show of force. A combined team of SSS and army officers was said to have been making random arrests only to release those arrested later without any charge or apologies. At ward 11, Unit 10 on St. Thomas Irona, mobile policemen arrested a man for refusing to move fast when asked to leave the line. The Nation correspondent witnessed the police beating the victim before whisking him away to an unknown destination. Three persons were arrested close to Nitel area and later released at St. Thomas. One of those arrested who preferred anonymity said: “I didn’t do anything; I just finished accreditation and was waiting to vote when I was arrested.”

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

EKITI DECIDES

•People checking their names on the voters list at Oke-Ila in AdoEkiti, during the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, yesterday. PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

•Former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo speaking to journalists before his accreditation. PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

•An elderly woman casting her vote at Eyelori Compound Ward 003 in Iyin-Ekiti, during the election, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

•A long queue during the election.

•81-year-old Pa Francis Ogunlade showing off his voter’s card while waiting to vote.

•Another queue of voters during the election in Iyin-Ekiti, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

•1 st Secretary, EU Delegation in Nigeria, Mr. Alan Munday (left) and Communication Officer, Mr. Modestus Chukwulaka, on observing mission of the Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

•Pa Ogunjuyigbe Bamidele, 83, casting his vote at Eyelori Compound Ward Unit 003 in Iyin-Ekiti, during the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

•People checking their names on the voters, list at Oke-Ila in Ado-Ekiti. PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

•Accreditation at Ward 1 Unit 004, Mogun Ilemio, Oye -Ekiti

•Ad-hoc staff waiting for intending voters at Asale Compound Ward in Iyin-Ekiti. PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

•Some women displaying their voters card at Isan Ekiti. Niyi nAdeniran

•The elderly waiting for election officials at Afao Ekiti

•People of Ifaki looking for their names at a polling unit in Ekiti .

•A voter checking for his name at Mary Mount Catholic School in Ado-Ekiti. PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

NEWS

envoy urges unity Boko Haram kills 10 in attack US against Boko Haram near Chibok, says witness A

USPECTED members of Boko Haram stormed a village near Chibok, Borno State, yesterday, killing several people and torching houses, a witness said. Clad in military uniforms, the attackers raided Koronginim in a convoy of sport utility and military vehicles, the witness told Reuters by telephone, asking

not to be identified. The attackers shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) before opening fire and killing “many”, the witness said. “Two of their leaders were giving orders that they should shoot anyone on sight,” the witness added. Some Chibok residents said they could see smoke billowing up over Koronginim. “The attackers still pur-

sued the fleeing villagers into the bush and shot them,” the village’s representative in the Chibok Local Government, Samuel Ogi, told Reuters. “Some of (the villagers) are still in the bush,” he said, adding the insurgents attacked in the early morning and did not leave until midday. A source at Chibok hospital told Reuters that at least

four seriously wounded people had been brought in. Koronginim is about 9 km from Chibok, where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April. The Presidential FactFinding Committee on the abduction said, while submitting its report to President Goodluck Jonathan that 219 of the girls remain unaccounted for.

MBASSADOR Princeton Lyman, Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace, yesterday urged Nigeria’s political leaders to join efforts in the fight against Boko Haram. Lyman, a former United States Ambassador to Nigeria (1986–89), gave the advice in Lagos when he spoke as the Guest Speaker on the theme: “Partnering for Nation Building,” held in honour of Richard Kramer at 80. Kramer is a certified New Home Specialist and a four time Sales Performance Award winner. He is also the Deputy Chief Executive of ‘Sense’, a charity organisation that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf and blind. The envoy said that the fight against the insurgents could only be won through the collective efforts of all Nigerians. He decried the lack of understanding among the political leaders in the country on how power could be shared. “A consensus has broken

down among the elite about the governance of Nigeria. “Before now, there was always an understanding about how power has to be moved and shared even though there were lots of competitions. “This has broken down and you see an indication of this when each side of the political leaders blame the other of being the actual supporter of Boko Haram.’’ According to the envoy, the trend is very dangerous at this crucial time.. Lyman, however, called on the political leaders irrespective of party affiliation to come together as one and deal with the insurgents “Overcoming Boko Haram means that the leadership of the country must come together, all partners, all stakeholders, young and old. “They have to see this as a national crisis and we have to deal with it without regard to party or political rivalry. “It is only then, that Nigeria will get the intelligence, grassroots support and the ability to overcome this plaque.”

EU offers 512m euros grant to Nigeria to develop power, democracy

•R-L: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, his wife, Olufunso and the Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle during the 2014 Public Service Day Celebration Award Night/Talent Show at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta

Brazil to create racial equality hotline

UIZA Bairros, Brazil’s Minister of Secretariat for Policies to Promote Racial Equality (SEPPIR), said Brazilian Government would create a new hotline on “Racial Equality Hotline’’ to receive and refer race-crime reports. Speaking at a news conference at João Saldanha, Bairros said the hotline would be one of the first nationwide services of its kind in the world. According to him, the hotline is scheduled to begin operations in the upcoming months; callers will be able to reach the hotline by dialling 138 within the country. “All racism reports can be quickly received and referred to the competent authorities through the hotline,’’ Bairros said. The government had also been in talks with local authorities and representatives across different sectors of society to create an institutional network in which victims of racism could feel comfortable and protected. The government said when making reports, the network would include the General Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office and civil society organisations. Bairros was accompanied at the conference by former Football Referee, Márcio Chagas da Silva. Chagas da Silva was subjected to racism-motivated attacks in early March, while refereeing a match at the Rio

Grande do Sul state championship. The referee, who recently retired from his position, said:“Unfortunately, the last time I faced racial discrimination, there was no such hotline. “Whoever utters such slurs has no idea how much they hurt a human being,’’ he said. Racism has been more prominent on the Internet during the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, according to the minister. Although numbers were not yet available, Bairros believes racism is not as prevalent as it has been globally in football in the past few months. She believes that this change is a reflection of the “Cup Without Racism’’ campaign launched by the Brazilian Federal Government in May. “Racist demonstrations on the pitch are happening in lesser numbers than expected, and this is a result of our campaign,’’ she said. The minister believes that the World Cup will show the world the racial diversity of Brazil. The images depicting the country’s mix of races are likely to become more frequent from now until the end of the event, the minister said. “The World Cup is important because it gathers people from different cultures, different historical backgrounds and even with different physi-

cal features,’’ he said. Bairros explained that society was changing; the occurrences of discrimination were becoming more public because they were no longer seen as something natural. “The increased visibility of these events is an indicator of the maturity of our democracy,’’ she said. Authorities on the subject believe that the racism seen in football mirrors the daily racial attacks seen off the pitch by the more than 50.7 percent of Brazilians who declared themselves blacks or mixedrace. In recent months, SEPPIR has worked closely with football authorities, referees and organised fan groups to prevent episodes of racism and raise awareness. One of the goals was to publicise that in Brazil, racism was a crime that did not have a statute of limitations and was not subject to bail. According to her, the penalties for the crime range from fines to imprisonment for one to five years as prescribed by the law. In addition to the new hotline, Brazil currently has a National Racial Equality Ombudsman, who has received 1,545 reports of racism since 2011. The Ombudsman offers “100” hotlines to receive reports of discrimination, including homophobia, the minister said. The creation of Secretariat

for racism is another forwardlooking initiative by the Brazilian government. This is the first country in the world to create a Secretariat at the highest level of Federal Administration with Ministry status to address racism. Brazil was also the first country in the world to institutionalise the discussion of racial equality policies and is considered an international model in the area. The SEPPIR was created in 2003 to formulate and coordinate affirmative action policies, promote racial equality and ensure the rights of the black population. The National Congress approved the Racial Equality Statute in 2010. In the recent years, it has also passed laws that create quotas for black people in federal universities, federal technical secondary education institutions and public service. The Quota Law for federal universities, established in 2012, expanded the presence of black citizens in Brazil’s public higher education system. A survey conducted by the Institute of Social and Political Studies (IESP) of the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), the number of vacancies reserved for black, mixed-race and indigenous Brazilians increased. It increases by 225 per cent between 2012 and 2014 and the total number of vacancies increased from 13,392 in 2012 to 43,613 in 2014.

HE European Union (EU) has signed a financial agreement with the Federal Government to give 512 million euros grant (N112 billion) to support the country’s power supply and democracy, according to a statement yesterday. The statement was issued in Abuja by Mr Salisu Haiba, the Head of the Information Unit of the National Planning Commission. It said the Supervising Minister of National Planning, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda, signed for the government, while the EU Commissioner for Development Cooperation, Mr Andres Piebalgs, signed for the union. “The deal was sealed on June 20 in Nairobi, Kenya, at the signing ceremony of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) National Indicative Programmes (NIP) between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the European Union. “This was also in line with the just ended 99th session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Council (ACP) of Ministers and

39th Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Council-European Union (ACP-EU) Council of Ministers meetings. “The support which is spread over seven years beginning from this year covers three key development areas including health and resilience in Northern Nigeria, as well as governance and power supply,” the statement said. It credited Piebalgs as saying that the grant would support programmes in agriculture and rural development in the north as well as electricity and governance in Nigeria. It further quotes the envoy as saying that the union’s development support to Nigeria in 2013 was 100 million euros. Piebalgs said there was a possibility of increasing the grant in future, adding: “this is because if it is well used it makes a great difference both to Nigeria and to us in Europe. “More prosperity among nations definitely leads to more trade and less problems and leads to world peace. So indirectly Europe also benefits.”

Kano to immunise four million kids

OUR million children in Kano State are expected to be immunised against poliomyelitis during the next round of immunisation which begins today. Dr Shehu Abdullahi, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Management Board, made this known in Kano yesterday. He spoke at a one-day workshop organised for Ward Technical Persons in Gwale Local Government Area. According to him, the state government has concluded all necessary arrangements for the successful conduct of the exercise in all the 44 local government areas of the state. He said that all materials

such as vaccines, pluses and other logistics for the health camp had been distributed for the smooth conduct of the exercise. “Health camps have been set up in all the 484 wards across the state as part of the integrated health intervention with a view to strengthening routing immunisation in the state. “The training for medical personnel and other supporting staff has been completed at the state, local government and ward levels,’’ he said. Abdullahi, however, urged members of the public to cooperate with the officials to ensure the success of the exercise.

NEWS

Three killed in Ijebu-Ode Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ALPABLE fear has engulfed residents of Ijebu-Ode over renewed cult clash that left three persons dead. Two feuding cult groups, Aiye and Eiye confraternities, have embarked on the hunting of rival members for elimination, which led to one person gunned down last Friday. Two others were said to have been killed yesterday in a reprisal attack. Over a dozen youth cult members have been killed in Ijebu - Ode in recent months following deadly rivalry between the Aiye and Eiye confraternities. One of the victims, Tolu Adam, suspected to be a member of Aiye was shot dead shortly after taking dinner in Ita Alapo area of Ijebu - Ode by two men on a bike. A revenge attack carried out by suspected members of the Aiye group left one person dead during a local football match at the Moslem Primary School, Isoku area of the town. The third person was killed opposite the state mortuary where he was said to have gone to see the remains of his colleague who was earlier gunned down by suspected members of rival Aiye group. A witness said: “One of them had come to see the remains of a colleague killed. Somebody had called him on phone this morning that his friend had been killed and his remains have been deposited at the mortuary. “He rushed down there to see it, only to be killed by the same boys that killed his friend.” The Nation gathered that a detachment of armed policemen and soldiers attached to the OP MESA have moved into the town to restore order.

Ogungo’s memorial holds today

LL roads lead to Iwata-Ogbo in Odogbolu Local Government, Ogun State today for the memorial of the late High Chief Pa Oreniyi Ogungo, the first Baale of Iwata-Ogbo Community. The ceremony, which kicks off by 11.00 am at IwataOgbo, will be chaired by HRH Oba Lawrence Oguntayo, the Alawuren of OkelamurenOgbo, Ijebu while reception follows immediately at the same venue. Justifying the need for the memorial, one of the coordinators, Otunba Muyiwa Omobulejo, who is also one of the grandchildren of the late Baale, said the family of the late Ogungo deemed it fit to mark the memorial in honour of their patriarch in remembrance of his legacies. Pa Ogungo appointed the family leaders known as Ebi Agemo and 16 Agemo masquerades whose appointments are effected every July of each year. Late Ogungo is survived by five children namely Alase, Odu-Ododo, Onapeju, Seye, Oremade.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Nigeria ranks second in maternal mortality

IGERIA has the worst maternity mortality in the world after India, the founder of Women Advocates’ Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), a non-governmental organisation, Dr Abiola AkiyodeAfolabi, has stated. “Every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under five year olds and 145 women of child bearing age. This makes Nigeria the largest contributor to global and maternal mortality rate. “A woman dies every 90 seconds from complications

•Records 630 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births By Uyoatta Eshiet

during pregnancy or childbirth,” she stated at the weekend during a forum in Lagos. She added: “Globally, over 500,000 women die yearly during childbirth. Approximately 90 percent are from developing countries and more than half of these deaths occur in Sub Saharan Africa.” The forum was supported by Mac Arthur Foundation to train NGOS on strategic approach to educate, organise and mobilise women across the

country to reduce maternal mortality. The event also witnessed the launch of “Not again” campaign to mobilise Nigerians that another woman will not die needlessly at childbirth again. While decrying the plight of women in the country, Akiyode-Afolabi stated that maternal, neo-natal and under five mortality rate in Nigeria is the highest in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. The recent reduction of mortality rate to 630 deaths

per 100,000 live births in Nigeria is still unacceptably high, she added. Akiyode-Afolabi said one of the goals of the campaign is to improve the health of women and children in Nigeria as part of efforts towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). She added the campaign is to raise the maternal and child health of underdeveloped and developing countries to a level equitable with the rest of the world.

•Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan (right) with Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Mr. Li Yong, at the signing of a technical partnership agreement between UNIDO and Delta State Government on promoting SMEs in Vienna, Austria... yesterday.

‘Only APC can defeat poverty in Nigeria’ By Adetutu Audu

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparusi, has declared that only the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the capacity to banish poverty out of the country. He spoke in Ode Ekiti, headquarters of Gbonyin Local Government Area, last week during an empowerment scheme for his constituents. According to him: “APC is the only party that has a well structured blueprint for human capital development.” Faparusi said the long years of neglect caused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had caused a lot of damage to the economy of the state. He declared that the gesture, which is in tandem with Governor Kayode Fayemi’s eight-point agenda on human capital development, was a sincere effort geared towards alleviating poverty among the people. Items distributed include vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles and other materials worth over N20 million to members of Gbonyin/Ekiti East/Emure Federal constituency, which he represents. The lawmaker said the programme will further complement infrastructural facilities like ICT centres, libraries and town halls provided in major towns like Omuo, Ilasa, Emure, Ode and other communities in the constituency.

Ogoni contractors, Shell clash over surveillance jobs

GONI contractors under the aegis of Oil Field Landlord Contractors Association of Nigeria (OFLCAN) have reacted to a statement by Oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), that surveillance contracts awarded to them are not permanent. The group threatened to force Shell out of Ogoni land for planning to deny indigenous contractors the right to handle its surveillance con-

IGERIA cannot operate electric trains for now because of epileptic power supply, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Alhaji Aminu Yusuf, has stated. Speaking at an interactive session with reporters in his office in Zaria, Yusuf said that to successfully operate a fast train system as in other countries, the nation needs a dedicated power line for the rail track. The track, he said, must also be fenced on both sides to avoid electrocution. While commending recent government efforts at re-

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

tracts. The Chairman of OFLCAN, Pastor James Bebe, told reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt that the planned replacement might spark unrest in Ogoni communities. He said SPDC engaged them on surveillance to watch over SPDC Joint Venture oil and gas facilities and alert the company and the law enforcement agencies to threats of

sabotage, crude oil thefts, spills and illegal refineries where necessary. The planned replacement, he argued, negates the original agreement between SPDC and the host communities. He noted that the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) in Ogoni land insists that surveillance and grass cutting contracts should be given to Ogoni contractors to avoid crisis in the communities.

Bebe said: “We have staged several protests trying to stop SPDC from the action of replacing Ogoni contractors with other persons to handle SPDC surveillance contracts. “We are shouting because we know what that could result to, the communities will clash again and the environment will be destroyed.” He added: “Shell has caused a lot of pain to Ogoni people and many lives were lost during 1993 and 1994 crisis.

“To be frank, that pain is still in the mind of the Ogonis. All we are saying is that SPDC should not cause another war in Ogoni but keep to the agreement between them and the surveillance contractors.” Shell General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Mr. Nedo Osayande, stated: “There is no need for peaceful protests by Ogoni surveillance contractors because their contract with Shell is not a lifetime contract.”

‘Why Nigeria can’t run electric train’ From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

vamping the rail transport system, he pointed out tracks are being rehabilitated while new ones are being laid. He dismissed claims that the nation is still celebrating locomotive trains when the world is fast transiting to electric trains. According to him: “There are modern day locomotives which run on what you call DMU. The one that was inaugurated recently is called Diesel Multiple Unit which is hybrid. We cannot have electric

train now because of our power sources. “The nature of power supply we have cannot support the train system because it is not constant. “You may say let us have dedicated transformers or generating sets for the train. But it cannot be in one station and so, it will be too cumbersome. “I am sure that it is due to lack of constant power supply that is responsible for us not having electric engines.” He explained further:

“Secondly, we need dedicated right of way, fenced. It has to be fenced because if you touch that line, you will die because there is light on the rail track and the train taps the current from the track. “So, there are two basic things. You must have interrupted power supply and then you must have dedicated right of way, which animals and human beings are not allowed to cross or have access to. That is very costly.” Yusuf went on: “You can imagine the cost of fencing

from here to Lagos. So, we can begin from the one we have now and graduate to the electric train in future. “If you bring electric train now, it will not work because it can be going and in the middle of the bush, it will stop because of power failure or animals will come and cross the lane.” The Abuja-Kaduna train, he said: “is going to be electric train but diesel multiple units. It is on standard gauge, single track and not electrified. “

stated this during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja. She said it would require huge investment to achieve Millennium Development Goal

(MDG) target on sanitation ahead of the 2015 deadline. According to her: “The population of Nigeria with access to basic sanitation and hygiene has been fluctuating from 37% in 1990

to 34% in year 2000 and it has gone up to 41% in 2012 under national assessment. “This is however far from our set national target on MDG of 65% by 2015 and 75% by 2020.”

Benue, Cross Rivers receive $5m grant for sanitation

ENUE and Cross Rivers States have received $5million to promote sanitation in their communities. The grant was provided by Water Supply and Sanitation

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Collaborative Council (WSSCC) through the Global Sanitation Fund. The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe,

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

'Funding, biggest challenge of FRSC' From: Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE Chairman, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Technical Committee in Osun State, Prof. Joseph Fawole, has identified funding as the biggest challenge facing the agency. He lamented that inadequate fund makes fuelling of operational vehicles of the agency tough, a situation he described as unacceptable. In his paper presentation at the FRSC RS 11.1 Sector Retreat 2014 at the Foreign Link College Moro, Osun State, he said the FRSC has achieved tremendous success in service delivery because it embraces what is contained in the FRSC SERVICOM CHARTER. He noted that the FRSC was among the first few government organisations to embrace Service Compact otherwise known as SERVICOM. The FRSC, he said, since joining the SERVICOM charter has embarked on awareness and sensitisation campaign in all its commands. Commending the state government and the state FRSC Technical Committe, the Osun State Sector Commander, Muhammed Alhassan Husaini, said the sector urgently needs at least five patrol vans to aid its operations. He said the vans would be stationed along Ikirun, Ila and Gbongan routes and two of the vehicles would be for smooth operation at the sector command headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital.

â&#x20AC;Śtrains Special Marshals in Ogun By Tosin Adesile

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Special Marshals is the largest volunteers carrying out law enforcement activities in Africa, its Zonal Commander for Lagos 2, Corps Commander, John Meheux, has stated. He spoke in Lagos at the 1st competency training for Special Marshals in Ogun State at the weekend. Meheux congratulated the Sector and the State Chapter Commander of the Special Marshal for organising the training. The programme organised to phase out ignorance among Marshals had as its theme "Capacity Training for Special Marshals". The State Coordinator, Special Marshal and Partnership in Ogun State, Elder Emmanuel Fagbenro, said the major reason for organising the programme is to serve as" training the trainers" as participants will go back to the various units in conjunction with supervisory command to train other members.

NEWS

OSRC crisis: Two senior officials redeployed, others queried

Oyo, Lead City varsity partner on budding entrepreneurs

suspended on the same issue Workers in the corporation recently called for the immediate removal of the Director- General, Mr. Ladi Akeredolu -Ale, for alleged maladministration. They also pleaded for dissolution of the corporation's board over alleged poor working environments and insensitivity to their welfare. It was gathered the management accused the aggrieved workers of attempted assault on the DG and illegal protests.

the pathetic situations in the establishment, especially its poor infrastructure. The worker said: "Our offence is that we told the panel the developments in the corporation, which call for urgent attention of the state government to rescue the corporation from total collapse. "The corporation is living in the glory of the past; the decay in the infrastructure of the corporation, which has been put in place since the regime of former Governor Adekunle Ajasin over 20 years ago was an eye sore."

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

According to one of the affected workers, the action of the management amounts to outright victimisation for pouring out their minds on

He noted that the corporation that generates nothing less than N3 million monthly can no longer afford to renovate its building.

HE crisis in Ondo State Radio Vision Corporation(OSRC) deepened yesterday with the deployment of two senior officials from the station to the Government Printing Press. The two officials, Mrs. Nike Thompson and Mrs. Titilayo Adegun, are Director and Deputy Director respectively in the stateowned media outfit. Other workers who received queries in the News and Current Affairs Department included the former OSRC NUJ Chairman, Taiwo Ibitoye; Sola Obagbemisoye,Wahab Bankole,Akinwumi Abodunde, Obafemi Sogbe, Lanrewaju Cole and Bashiru Sanni.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Sources hinted that the management's action was hinged on their appearance before the panel of inquiry headed by the former Head of Service (HoS) in the state, Mr. Ajose Kudehinbu, where they exposed various lapses in the establishment. The panel was set up to look into the rots in OSRC with a view to bringing the desired changes and improve the working conditions of workers. It was learnt that queried workers who could not give satisfactory response would be suspended. Some workers in the station's Lagos office, it was gathered, have also been

â&#x20AC;˘Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (right) receiving the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar (middle) at the house of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Chief Arisekola Alao when he paid the family a condolence visit. With them is the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Suara Aruna (left). PHOTO: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

2015: 500 councillors pledge support for Ikuforiji

OUNCILLORS from the 57 council areas in Lagos State have pledged their allegiance and total support for the quest of Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji to succeed Governor Raji Fashola. The councillors, including supervisory councillors, numbering over 500 were led by Hakeem Sulaimon to offer their support at a parley with Ikuforiji at the weekend. The Speaker, they noted, had paid his dues and would readily fit the shape required by the state to continue with the good work of Fashola.

RADITIONAL rulers from Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa areas of Oyo State yesterday paid condolence visits to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 over the death of his close, friend, Alhaji Abdulazeez ArisekolaAlao. Former Lagos State governor, Lateef Jakande, and the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson, also condoled with the paramount ruler. The traditional rulers described the death of the Aare

By Oziegbe Okoeki

They attributed the enviable heights attained by the Lagos Assembly, which has made so many people to describe it as the foremost House in the country, to Ikuforiji's efforts. While paying tribute to his legislative and leadership acumen, which has seen him as the longest- serving Speaker in the country, the councillors noted Ikuforiji would be a good answer to clamour by Lagosians for continuity in the administration of the state.

They likened Ikuforiji to the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who served two terms as speaker, saying that Ikuforiji would bring his wealth of legislative experiences acquired over the years to bear on governance once elected as governor. The councillors recalled they were sadly regarded as mere errand boys years ago but said they owed their new elevated status to Ikuforiji. The Speaker, they said, facilitated training and workshops for their empowerment within and

outside the country. The Councillors demanded for assistance of the House for prompt payment of their severance allowance, saying it is long overdue. Ikuforiji expressed appreciation to them for making their impact felt at the grassroots, pointing out that but for them, Lagosians would not have felt government's impact. He said only God crowns His choice for any position, saying he is seeking to take over from Governor Fashola to serve the people.

Arisekola- Alao: Jakande, traditional rulers, others commiserate with Alaafin From Durojaiye, Oyo

Musulumi of Yorubaland as one too many and the greatest shock of the year. They stated that the deceased was a great philanthropist whose contributions to peace and development in the state, South-west and the country remain indelible. They also commiserated with the state government and asked God to grant the Alaafin

long life and good health. Jakande and Lawson said Arisekola-Alao would forever be remembered for his diligence, honesty of purpose, service to the needy and commitment to the will of God. The Oyo traditional Council (Oyo Mesi) led by High Chief Yussuf Layinka 1 described the demise as saddening and a great loss to the state.

While commiserating with the deceased's family, the Alaafin and Governor Abiola Ajimobi, they prayed for successful completion of his administration. The retired Oyo Methodist Arch Bishop, Most Reverend Ayo Ladigbolu, said despite his abundant wealth, the deceased remained humble, respectful, generous, caring and god-fearing.

HE Oyo State Government and Lead City University have begun a partnership on grooming, empowering and raising more entrepreneurs in the state. While the private university, which is located in Ibadan, the state capital, provides the training framework and liaise with funding agencies, the government provides start-up capital, intending entrepreneurs and institutional support for the project. Governor Abiola Ajimobi promised that his administration would give more support to micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and the entire Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the state. Ajimobi, who was represented at the conference by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Olalekan Alli, said SME is pivotal to economic development of any nation, adding that it helps to make the desired difference. Ajimobi promised to establish business development centres and industrial estates free from encumbrances. The Director, Lead City University Consult, Dr Olajumoke Familoni, commended Ajimobi for a quick response to the partnership proposal. She disclosed that the project would soon be extended to Lagos and other parts of the country.

Go for membership drive, Ondo APC urges excos From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HAIRMAN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Barrister Isaac Kekemeke, at the weekend charged the new local government executives of the party to embark on massive membership drive. He spoke in Akure, the state capital, at the inauguration of the party's executives in the local government areas of the state. Kekemeke said winning more members will ensure the victory of the party in the next elections across the state. According to him: "I urge you as drivers of the party's vehicle in your local governments to log-in into the vision and embrace the declaration with a view to internalising it." He expressed optimism the APC would form the government at the centre when the next elections hold. Kekemeke lamented governance has taken a back seat in Ondo State. He said: "LP's government has impoverished the citizenry by taxing everybody and everything. "Government is on leave and only strategy and politics are expedient; our collective wealth have become personalised as there is hardly money for anything except to promote our governor, the new emperor as the international and national leader of LP."

Kano delegation in Abia to secure release of detained indigenes From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

HE Kano State Government yesterday dispatched a powerful delegation to Aba in Abia State to seek the release of its indigenes among the 486 traders arrested by security operatives last week in Aba. The Commissioner for Information, Dr Danburan Abubabar, who disclosed this in a telephone chat, explained that the delegation had since arrived Abia State and has commenced discussions with the state government officials. The team, led by the Commissioner for Special Duties, General Idris Dambazau (rtd.), was mandated to determine the specific number of Kano indigenes among the detainees and the nature of their offences. Abubakar, who is currently attending a retreat in Kaduna, explained that the delegation was also directed to ensure the welfare of the state indigenes while in Abia. ''We directed the delegation to secure their release if they were not found guilty of the offences levelled against them and bring them back home. ''We will not accept a situation whereby the fundamental human rights of our innocent citizens are infringed upon,'' Abubakar said. According to him, Kano state government would not fold its arms and allow its innocent citizens to be harassed, molested or assaulted wherever they might found themselves in the country. ''Also, the committee was directed to immediately report back its findings to the government for necessary and appropriate action,'' he added. 486 persons suspected to be Boko Haram members were arrested last Sunday in Abia by security operatives. The arrested persons claimed to be on their way to Port Harcourt to seek employment.

Arisekola's death, an incalculable loss, says Obasanjo From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

NEWS

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday mourned Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Alao Arisekola. He said his death is "evidently an incalculable loss" to Nigerians and the global business community." In a letter addressed to the late business' family by his media aide, Mr. Tunde Oladunjoye, Obasanjo described Arisekola as "a devout Muslim who will be long remembered not only on account of his great love for others but also for his total devotion to Almighty Allah." The former president said: "He was a man of many parts and a devout Muslim, who undoubtedly wielded a strong influence on the religious and social development of Muslim faithful throughout Yorubaland and beyond."

ARREST OF 486 BOKO HARAM SUSPECTS IN ABIA

Allow security agencies to work, Abia tells Jigawa lawmakers, Northern groups

HE Abia State government has labelled Jigawa lawmakers who threatened to sue it over the arrest of 486 Boko Haram suspects in Umuahia as lawbreakers. It said the lawmakers and northern groups trivialising the arrest should desist and focus on issues that will promote unity in the country. The suspects were arrested by soldiers while travelling in a convoy of 35 buses last Sunday morning. Abia described the anger of the northern bodies targeted at it as misplaced, saying vigilant military officers and not the state arrested the suspects. Governor Theodore Orji stated these yesterday in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ajunwa. The statement reads:" The attention of the Abia State Government has been drawn to the statements credited to some lawmakers in the Jigawa State House of Assembly, where the latter had vowed to drag the Abia State government to court

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

over the arrest of its citizens among the 486 Boko Haram suspects. "The state government also has noted with dismay the reckless and unguarded utterances coming from some northern individuals and groups pretending to be the voices of the people of the North. These unpatriotic elements for no just cause have deliberately employed all kinds of guerrilla tactics to tarnish the good image of the Abia State government simply because it exposed and alerted the nation including the international community on the arrest of 486 suspected Boko Haram members by a team of vigilant and gallant soldiers on routine patrol at Aro Ngwa and Imo Gate along Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway." The arrest, it said, has nothing to do with the state, saying it should be praised for creating

an enabling environment for security forces to operate. The state added: "As a responsible government, we want to state categorically that Abia State government had at no time ordered the arrest of the 486 Boko Haram suspects travelling in a convoy of 35 buses. "Instead, the suspected Boko Haram members were arrested by a team of vigilant soldiers on daily routine patrol at Aro Ngwa and Imo Gate along the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway, on the suspicion that occupants of the 35 buses were travelling at odd hours. "The position of the Abia State government is that the security agencies should be allowed to thoroughly investigate the matter. Those meddling into this matter through their reckless and unguarded utterances aimed at weeping up sentiments for the detained suspects are the real problems of this country." It described attempts to

trivialise the arrest as "laughable and diversionary." "Instead of the lawmakers to praise the Abia State government for providing the security agencies the enabling environment to discharge their constitutional duties they are busy chasing shadows. "Their utterances showed that they are lawbreakers and not law makers," Abia government stressed. It challenged the lawmakers to come to "Abia to understudy how the robust synergy and relationship existing between the executive and State House of Assembly have ensured the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity being experienced in the state today. "Abia State government has not breached any law so we are not afraid of any law suit coming from the Jigawa law makers or any other group. The Jigawa lawmakers should come to Abia to be coached on the business of law making. The difference is clear to all."

â&#x20AC;˘Chief Paschal Dozie (middle), Dr. Christopher Kolade (left) and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi (right) at the dinner in honour of the co-founder of Arthur Andersen, Mr. Richard Kramer,who turned 80 in Lagos... at the weekend

Delegate to colleagues: Don't play politics with suspects A

member of the ongoing National Comfernce, Mrs. Salome Jankada, has warned her colleagues against playing politics with last week's arrest of 486 northerners in Aba, Abia State. Jankada, a former minister of Youth Development, faulted the views of northern delegates at the conference who wanted the arrested men released immediately. The arrested persons are suspected of being Boko Haram members. They were travelling in a convoy of 33 mini buses to Port Harcourt to 'seek employment' as they told the police. When a delegate, Chief Sergeant Awuse brought the matter to the attention of the Conference last Thursday, a northern delegate, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, from Jigawa State threatened serious consequences for the country if northerners are arrested indiscriminately in other parts of the country.

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

He said the security situation in the country is precarious and security agencies should do nothing to worsen the situation. His sentiments were echoed by several other northern delegates. However, Mrs. Jakanda, herself a northerner said: "Whatever they were, that number was one too many to approach a state at that time of the night. "The point of order raised by our colleague to me was very well made to the extent that Nigeria is practicing a mono economy, as it were, and it is oil that is sustaining us. "You get to Port Harcourt, you see oil installations here and there. We want to assume that for a number of people as at that time to head to a place is something that should not be

taken with levity. That is if we take the security situation of our country at present into consideration". The former minister said her position has nothing to with sectionalism as the business of the Conference ought to be about Nigeria. She added:"I am from Wukari in the southern part of Taraba, that place is burning. As we speak, my people are under curfew. I know how it feels. That was how people were complaining before the curfew. "On this matter, the delegate is only bringing to our notice the need to aware. If by any chance Port Harcourt is bombed, then we are done for in this country going by our dependence on oil. "It breaks my heart, as privileged elders in this Conference each time we discuss national issues with parochial, selfish passion. "We were expected to be

nationalists by the President that chose us so that as we tackle the issues that brought us here, we don't discuss and decide issues along regional or sectional lines. "We were expected to learn to speak our minds and not our mouths since we have all agreed that we cannot compromise the unity of this country". "But a situation where delegate A would stands up and defends his part and delegate B was also talking and defending his or her region, we would have fallen short of the expectations of Nigerians looking up to us out there. "This is the first point of synergy, togetherness and that is the business that brought us here, to find a way forward. "So if we are now talking on this floor and looking at the sectors where we come from, we can as well go back to our homes. "I truly believe that the President has not brought us here to further dichotomise Nigeria."

CAN carpets JNI * Accuses Muslim group of supporting Boko Haram From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday faulted the claim by Islamic group, Ja'amatu Nasril Islam (JNI), that the arrested 486 northerners in Abia State are traders. It said the swift reaction of the Islamic group before security operatives concluded their investigations is condemnable and hasty. The apex Christian body said JNI has exposed its sympathy for the radical militant group. To CAN, security agencies should ignore the submissions of the JNI and proceed with investigations of the suspects. It said: "Everyone of them must be subjected to thorough investigation. The threat by Boko Haram to export its cruelty to the southern part of Nigeria must not be underestimated. "CAN pleads with our security agencies to take initiatives by acting rather than reacting to events, especially at this trying time." A statement in Abuja by the National Secretary of CAN, Dr Musa Asake, said: "The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), is not against Muslims for we are working together to build the Nigeria of our dream. "However, of recent CAN has noted the deliberate policy of the Ja'amatu Nasril Islam (JNI) and some unabashed sympathies of Boko Haram, to give inaccurate report on matters they know little or nothing, especially when Muslims are at the receiving end. "As the umbrella body of Christian faithful in Nigeria, CAN will not play the ostrich when the evil prospect of Islamic terrorism spreading to Southern Nigeria is being explored by Boko Haram. "It has therefore, come to the attention of CAN that some Muslim hirelings are behaving in an extremely submissive way in order to please those in authority at the JNI. "This is why we in CAN are not surprise in the least with the reported reaction of the JNI and its cohorts that the 486 people arrested in Abia State while travelling in over 33 Hiace Hummer buses at 2 am along Enugu- Port Harcourt Expressway last Sunday are traders. "The JNI expressed concern over what it described as repeated crackdown on innocent Muslims in the name of Boko Haram." It added: "Are Boko Haram members Muslims or non Muslims? JNI claims that the suspects are Muslims who go about their lawful businesses in their own country. "Yet, the JNI did not show us the portion of the "constitution" of Boko Haram that forbids traders from joining the terror group. "Let the JNI tell us the livelihoods of members of Boko Haram, since it seems to have very deep information about the characters, constituents and operational limit of Boko Haram. "We condemn this bellicose attitude of the JNI each time matters of national security involving Muslims are being handled by security agencies on account of their misdeeds.â&#x20AC;&#x153;

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014 Egypt confirms mass death sentences against Muslim Brotherhood

South Korea soldier shoots dead five comrades near border with North

N Egyptian court confirmed yesterday death sentences against the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and 182 supporters, a strong sign that the crackdown on the group will continue under new President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Mohamed Badie and other defendants were charged over violence that erupted in the southern Egyptian town of Minya following the ouster, led by former army chief Sisi, of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, a senior Brotherhood member, last July. One police officer was killed in the violence. The court's decision came two months after it referred the case against Badie, general guide of the now outlawed Brotherhood, and 682 other defendants to a top religious authority, the first step to imposing a death penalty.

SOUTH Korean conscript soldier shot and killed five of his fellow unit members and injured five others late yesterday at a guard post near the heavily armed border with North Korea, a South Korean official said. The exact circumstances of the incident at the remote guard post were not immediately clear and the official could not provide further details, although there was no indication that North Korea was involved in the incident. The incident took place in the Goseongcounty, a mountainous region that borders the North on the eastern end of the peninsula. South Korea's Yonhap news agency said there was an operation to capture the conscript who is believed to be on the run carrying a firearm and live ammunitions. All able-bodied South Korean men must serve about two years under a conscription system that makes up a military of more than 600,000 troops aimed at deterring aggression by North Korea, which is one of the world's most militarised states.

Chinese police shoot dead 13 attackers

HINESE police shot dead 13 attackers in the restive far-western region of Xinjiang yesterday after they rammed a car into a police station and detonated explosives, Xinhua news agency said, in the latest of a series of attacks to worry Beijing. China has been toughening its response to violent crime after a spate of attacks around the country, centred on Xinjiang, the traditional home of Muslim Uighurs. China has blamed previous attacks on Islamist separatists in the region, who they say are looking to establish an independent state there called East Turkestan. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for Saturday's violence. "The gangsters drove a truck to ram the building of the public security bureau of Yecheng County in southern Xinjiang and set off explosives. Police shot and killed 13 attackers at the scene," Xinhua said, adding that three police were slightly wounded.

Uganda in terror piglet probe

OLICE in Uganda said yesterday they were testing two piglets for "terrorism related material" after they were sneaked into the country's parliament by two anti-corruption protesters. Seven police officers who were on duty outside parliament have also been suspended over the embarrassing security breach and detained on charges of neglect of duty, police deputy spokeswoman Polly Namaye told AFP. "The investigators are to test the animals for terrorism related material. You never know, there could have been another motive other than a protest," she said. "This is a standard practice in investigations, leaving out no chances."

â&#x20AC;˘ Emergency responders help an elderly woman following a reported barrel-bomb attack by government forces on the Shaar neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday. Syria's war has killed more than 162,000 people and forced nearly half the population to flee their homes. AFP PHOTO

Militants seize Iraq border S post, kill 30 UNNI militants have seized an Iraqi crossing on the border with Syria after a daylong battle in which they killed some 30 Iraqi troops, security officials said yesterday. The capture of the Qaim border crossing deals a further blow to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, which has struggled to push back against Islamic extremists and allied militants who have seized large swaths of the country, including the second largest city Mosul, and who have vowed to march on Baghdad. Police and army officials said the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and allied militants seized the crossing near the border town of Qaim, about 320 kilometres west of Baghdad, after battling Iraqi troops all day Friday. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to media, said people were now cross-

ing back and forth freely. Sunni militants have carved out a large fiefdom astride the Iraqi-Syrian border and have long travelled back and forth with ease, but the control of crossings allows them to more easily move weapons and heavy equipment to different battlefields. The fall of the border crossing came as al-Maliki faces mounting pressure to form an inclusive government or step aside, with both a top Shiite cleric and the White House strongly hinting he is in part to blame for the worst crisis since U.S. troops withdrew from the country at the end of 2011. Grand Ayatollah Ali alSistani, the most respected voice for Iraq's Shiite majority, on Friday joined calls for al-Maliki to reach out to the

Kurdish and Sunni minorities a day after President Barack Obama challenged him to create a leadership representative of all Iraqis. Al-Sistani normally stays above the political fray, and his comments, delivered through a representative, could ultimately seal alMaliki's fate. Calling for a dialogue between the political coalitions that won seats in the April 30 parliamentary election, alSistani said it was imperative that they form "an effective government that enjoys broad national support, avoids past mistakes and opens new horizons toward a better future for all Iraqis." Al-Sistani is deeply revered by Iraq's majority Shiites, and his critical words could force al-Maliki, who emerged from relative

obscurity in 2006 to lead the country, to step down. On Thursday, Obama stopped short of calling for al-Maliki to resign, but his carefully worded comments did all but that. "Only leaders that can govern with an inclusive agenda are going to be able to truly bring the Iraqi people together and help them through this crisis," Obama said. The Iranian-born alSistani, believed to be 86, lives in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, where he rarely ventures out of his modest house and does not give media interviews. His call to arms last week prompted thousands of Shiites to volunteer to fight against the Sunni militants. His call to defend the country has given the fight against the Sunni insurgents the feel of a religious war, but his office in Najaf dismissed that charge, saying the top cleric was addressing all Iraqis.

Jihadists execute three Syria rebel officers

IHADISTS from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have executed three officers of the Western and Arab-backed rebel Free Syrian Army, a monitor said yesterday. The bullet-riddled bodies of the three were found on Friday, two days after suspected Islamist militants kidnapped them in the oil-rich eastern province of DeirEzzor, said the Syrian Observatory for Human

Rights. ISIL, which grew from the ranks of Al-Qaeda before splitting with the global terror network, is active in both Syria and neighbouring Iraq and seeks to set up an Islamic state that straddles both countries. But the radical group has faced a major backlash from other rebels fighting to topple the Syrian regime and from Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, Al-Nusra Front, amid

accusations of atrocities in Syria's three-year war. The FSA this month called for help from "friendly and brotherly Arab nations" to fight ISIL in DeirEzzor. Rebels in Syria, including Al-Nusra Front militants, have been battling ISIL since the start of the year, in fighting that has reportedly killed more than 6,000 people. The clashes have mostly raged in the north and east

of the country, and on Friday ISIL seized control of the areas of Hafez and Muhassen in DeirEzzor. The FSA officers executed by the jihadists had been kidnapped in Hafez, the Britain-based Observatory said. ISIL has been battling Iraqi government forces since June 9, when in launched a lightening offensive in the north of the country.

Hundreds protest alleged Afghan election fraud

UNDREDS of Afghans protested in the capital yesterday against alleged fraud in last week's presidential runoff, forcing a closure of the airport road amid escalating tensions over what Western officials had hoped would be a smooth transfer of power. Former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, who is running against Ashraf GhaniAhmadzai, a former finance minister, has accused electoral officials and others of trying to rig the June 14 vote against him. Abdullah announced this week that he was severing ties with the Independent Election Commission and would refuse to recognize any results it releases. He also suggested that the U.N. step in, an idea supported by President Hamid Karzai, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. The IEC's official timetable says initial results are due on July 2. Around a thousand Abdullah supporters gathered in Kabul to protest against the electoral commission, accusing it of fraud and chanting: "Our vote is our blood and we will stand up for it!" Hundreds of anti-riot police surrounded the demonstration, which was peaceful. "We gather today to protest against the election commission, which is not an independent commission at all. They are conducting fraud for a specific candidate," said Mohammed GhaniSharifi, a 23-year-old protester.

WORLD NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, 12 JUNE 22, 2014

Why we must not forget Chibok girls, by Gordon Brown Former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, was in Nigeria recently and visited Chibok where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted from their hostels by Boko Haram in April. As the girls enter their third month in captivity, Brown, in this piece, calls on the world not to forget them.

HESE are the names and faces of some of the more than 200 Nigerian girls who were abducted from their school dormitories eight weeks ago. Each girl has a story, a future they had planned, a family anxiously waiting for them at home. I was shown these pictures after visiting Nigeria this week. I met the leader of the community council in Chibok, the town from which the girls were abducted. Slowly and with tears in

his eyes, he flicked through a file in which he had recorded the names and photographs of the girls. Not even the police and Army have managed to compile such detail he has amassed from talking to the parents of the kidnapped teenagers. The file has 185 pages - one for every girl. Each page has a photograph, and beside each passport-sized picture some stark facts - the girl's name, her school grade and the date of abduction. For the other 19 ab-

ducted girls, he has yet to locate photographs. He will. The community leader and the girls' families have given permission for their names and photographs to be put into the public domain so the world is reminded of the missing girls. He is being helped to publicise this by Arise TV chief Nduka Obaigbena. There is also a file on the 53 girls who escaped by running for their lives from their Boko Haram kidnappers. I have spoken to three who

fled. All want to be doctors and work as medical helpers in their communities. But for now, their lives are on hold. They are unable to finish their exams, unable to find a safe place to study near home and are still in fear of another attack from Boko Haram. They have lost a year of their schooling and they are traumatised by the kidnapping of their friends. For a teenage girl, eight weeks in captivity could have life-time consequences - and for their families it is torture. The idea that your daughter should go to school one day and never return is every parent's nightmare. Not to know whether they have been molested, trafficked or are even alive is a living hell. Yet this civil rights struggle is being fought out, brutally and - for most of the time shamefully unobserved. On one side, terrorists, murderers, rapists and cowards, hell-bent on acts of depravity. On the other, defiant, relentless, brave-beyond-comprehension young girl-heroes and boy-heroes desperately fighting for a future but, sadly, in a world largely oblivious to their plight. In Britain and in the United States, we do find out. We do learn about abuse and horror from across the globe and we do react. But it's often too late, and then, inevitably, it's always too little. We should not fail young people, but it seems like we always do. But we can't forget. We owe them. We can't give up because they won't have given up. During the past eight

weeks, the world's attention has been drawn to India, where a gang raped and then hanged two girls seen as property to be passed around 28 Indian youths. There has also been public outrage at the death sentence over a young Sudanese mother simply because a woman is considered to have no right to her own religion. And this week, in Iraq, extreme Islamists are fighting for demands that include changing the constitution to legalise marriage for girls as young as eight. The killings, the rapes, the mutilations, the trafficking and the abductions shock western eyes because the assaults seem so out of the ordinary. However, they are not isolated incidents, but part of a pattern where the violation of girls is commonplace. A pattern where girls' rights are still only what rulers decree and where girls' opportunities are no more than what patriarchs decide. Consider this. This week, and every week, at least 200,000 school-age girls in Africa and Asia - many just ten, 11, 12 or 13 years old - will be married off against their will because they have no rights that can stop this occurring. Thousands more will be subjected to genital mutilation because they have no power to stop a practice designed to make them acceptable as child-brides and for adolescent childbirth. And girls as young as eight, nine and ten will be in full?time work, down mines, in factories, working the fields and in domestic service. Many

will be trafficked into prostitution as part of a subterranean world of slave labour. They are children who have a right to be at school. Today, almost 70 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are in the midst of a liberation struggle that has yet to establish every girl's right to life, education and dignity. It is girls themselves who are doing more than the adults to demand their rights. A few weeks ago I spoke to 2,000 girls in Pakistan, where, in 2012, schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen after speaking up for the right of girls to be educated. I had found girls who were angry but cowed into submission. I found that they are a vociferous campaigning group, determined not to allow Pakistan to fail to educate girls. But they need the world to see their freedom fight. There is an old saying that I don't agree with but goes along the lines of 'children should be seen and not heard'. It should be rewritten. The girls and boys I have encountered in Nigeria, Pakistan and a hundred other countries need to be heard. They need to be heard loudly. They need to be heard often. Only then will the world listen. â&#x20AC;˘ Brown is a former British Prime Minister and currently United Nations Special Envoy For Global Education â&#x20AC;˘ Story: Courtesy of Daily Mail â&#x20AC;˘ Photos: Courtesy of This Day/Arise News, Sky Channel 519

Ropo Sekoni

Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

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

HEN the United States of America reduced crude oil imports from Nigeria from over one million barrels per day (bpd) in December 2009, to 352,000bpd, representing a loss of about 70 per cent of the United States’ market, some people thought that it was only a matter of time for Nigerians to start drinking their crude oil. Statistics indicate that Nigeria was the third largest supplier of crude oil to the United States as at 2010, with the US accounting for 43 per cent of Nigeria’s exports. However, today, crude import from Nigeria to the US has fallen to an all-time low of 250,000bpd. But, trust our public officials, they quickly countered that the world would not come crashing on Nigeria simply on account of the US’ action, caused by the discovery of shale oil. Now, China, one of the biggest importers of our crude oil, is to follow suit. However, as I was putting this piece together on Friday, a story emerged to the effect that Russia has replaced the US as top importer of Nigeria’s oil, with China and Malaysia following closely. Our planners must be beating their chest that they said so. But, should China carry out its threat to reduce oil import from Nigeria, we will be under pressure to find large-scale buyers for our Brent crude, the mainstay of the nation’s economy. China imports about 900,000 barrels of oil from Nigeria daily. For how long do we have to rely on providence to solve problems that we can solve ourselves? My emphasis will however be on the China angle which fascinated me because, while reading the China story, you would see a country with a working system; a country with planning and a country with a purpose; a country which knows where it is going and is charting a workable path to get there. In spite of the fact that there may not be any immediate threat to Nigeria’s oil revenue as a result of these developments, it all the same should be source for concern. This may sound alarmist to the country’s rulers. If it does, that will not be strange. It has been like that since the days of Noah; it has been like that for decades in the country, with rulers simply wishing away things they are doing practically nothing to avert, or wishing into existence things they are doing practically nothing to bring about. It is curious that Nigerian authorities are not seeing the danger in these developments. I may be wrong in my assumption though; but the point is that I cannot see the evidence that they sense any danger ahead, whether in their actions or even in their body language. And if they do, it is not clear what they are doing to avert the looming disaster, should something drastic happen to oil prices; or in the event that customers who buy the bulk of our oil stop patronising us. Maybe they are, in their usual illusion, wishing it would never come to pass, or that God will always make a way where there is none. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who

Danger signals we are ignoring

China, too, wants to cut oil import from Nigeria!

•Xi Jinping

made the disclosure about China’s plan to reduce its oil import from Nigeria added that his country “needs a revolution in the way it produces and consumes energy, as demand continues to rise and supply challenges mount.” Then, the kind of issues they discuss at China’s ruling party’s meetings tell you at a glance that the country is a serious one. According to reports, Xi told a meeting of Communist Party officials that China, already the world’s largest energy-consuming nation, needed to “restrain irrational energy consumption” and impose controls on overall energy use. They discuss policy matters, not petty political matters like our own rulers are won’t to do, about how to ‘capture’ states in elections even when there is nothing to show for the states they ‘captured’ in the past, or intruding into matters that they should absolutely have no business with in the first place. The height of pettiness, you would say! Then the evidence of planning is seen in China’s projections for energy use. Its commitment to controlling overall energy use is encapsulated in its 2011-2015 plan for the energy sector, in which it wants to keep total consumption to within four billion tonnes of coal equivalent by 2015. Xi also talked about diversifying into the non-coal energy sources, given that coal currently supplies about two-thirds of the country’s total primary energy demand. He sees the danger in that. We used to have development plans that we scrupulously followed; today if they exist, it is only on paper. We seem to live by the day now in the expectation that tomorrow will take care of itself.

“It has always been my position that it is a blessing in disguise that succesive governments’ eyes have been blinded to the other resources that this country is blessed with. And the reason is simple: such resources in the hands of prodigal public officials can only spell doom, not only for the present generation, but also for generations unborn”

Moreover, many of those who have held leadership positions in the country, including the incumbents, must have read the economics book by O.A. Lawal decades ago where the author told us about the dangers of having a monocultural economy, that is relying on only crude oil for the country’s survival. Over the decades, it has turned out that the best our rulers have done to diversify the economy is pay lip service to it and that is one of the reasons we have to catch cold whenever there is any hitch in the international oil market. But this carefree attitude and disbelief about serious issues should not be surprising because we cannot learn any lesson in any other sector when we have refused to learn any in politics. The Late Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of the Republic of Ghana it was who said, ‘“Seek ye first the political kingdom and all else shall be added onto you.” This was Nkrumah’s charge not only to Ghana but to the entire African continent. We have seen the place of leadership in Ghana’s development just as we have in the case of China and even Malaysia and India. That we have remained a potentially great country perpetually shows we still have chronic challenges with leadership. And that is not difficult to see; the same way it is not difficult to explain. For instance, we signed the historic declaration of the Millennium Development Goals; yet it is now clear that a few months to the deadline, we cannot come near the goals. We say there is no money to achieve the target, yet, before our eyes, money is being stolen in billions and where it is not stolen outright, it is grossly misappropriated. A case in point is that of petroleum resources minister Diezani AlisonMadueke who was asked by the House of Representatives to come and defend the allegation that she spent N10billion on private jets in two years. Instead of honouring the invitation, she started chasing shadows and shopping for leeway to escape appearance before the House which has the statutory right to inquire into such matters. The best that her principal, President Goodluck Jonathan, did on the matter was accuse the House of inviting her frivolously! It has always been my position that it is a blessing in disguise that succesive governments’ eyes have been blinded to the other resources that this country is blessed with. And the reason is simple: such resources in the hands of prodigal public officials can only spell doom, not only for the present generation, but also for generations unborn. This is much more so that those of us of the present generation have been shocked to the point that nothing bothers us again. So, if we allow some people to eat up our today without protesting, God should at least protect our children from the rampaging vultures that also want to eat up our children’s tomorrow.

How not to tackle terrorism

From Rasheed Alao

WANT to concur to the notion that there is never a bad peace or a good war. It is a pity for Nigeria to be listed among the sixty-one (61) war ravaged countries and party to a total of five hundred and forty (540) different militias – guerrillas, extremists, separatists and anarchic groups worldwide. The lack of peace is ranged between civil war, war against rebel groups, uprising against government, war against secessionists, war against fundamentalists or war against narcotraffic groups. Apart from civil war, Nigeria in 2009 started facing security challenges as a child play from Boko Haram (BH) which until today uncontrollably graduated to devastate the international reputation Nigeria has been enjoying since independence. President Jonathan unfortunately inherited the insurgency from his former boss Late Umar YarAdua who was instrumental to dialogue cum amnesty to resolve youth restiveness and militancy in the treasure-trove ofNiger Delta. Mr. President also need to employ YarAdua dialogue/amnesty style to solve insurgency in the North East so that part of billions of naira earmarked annually for security can be used for BH amnesty, so as to broker peace. Except on a personal relation, no sane country, individuals or group of investors, for security reason, will prefer Nigeria as their target country for investment even in the safest zone of the South West. The insecurity of the country has laid off many potential investors from Nigeria while Nigerians in the diaspora are treated with utmost disdain. Since 2009 Nigerian Foreign Direct Investment has nosedived which translates that without the insurgency that led to total paralysis of economic activities in some parts of the country, Nigeria would have long topped Africa and in particular surpassed the competing South Africa in respect of the recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing. I would admonish all Nigerians to go back to God for divine intervention with one united soul on the security challenge facing the country. Mr. President seriously need to convene an inter-faith national prayer summit in Abuja through Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) from across the 774 Local Government Areas to pray against the fanatical insurgency that has claimed thousands of innocent souls. Another way forward, it will be a good omen for President Jonathan to patriotically realign with past Presidents and Heads of State specifically former President Olusegun Obasanjo. To counter terrorism and guarantee maximum security in the country, Mr President should inaugurate a high-powered national dialogue committee called Presidential Committee on Anti-Terrorism (PCAT) to be headed by Chief Obasanjo. Discounting sentiments, it is only Chief Obasanjo, the Nigerian twice President who stabilized the country during war (1976-1979) and during peace (19992007) can design an everlasting counter-insurgency measures in the country, if permitted. The peace-seeking PCAT that will dialogue with Boko Haram group may comprise all former Presidents and Heads of State, Vice President, National Security Adviser to the President, Defence Minister, Service Chiefs, Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives and all Northern Governors. Let me state that the country is presently at war cum crossroads. A war that, if care is not taken, can spill to the so called war-free geo-political zones after clearing the North East as the ongoing operation fire-for-fire in the NE will not nib terrorism in the bud. Finally, I would like to persuade all of us to fervently continue praying and fasting as one family for a one and united Nigeria. Alao is a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

COMMENT

June 12 and the post-military journey so far

The near failure of the Nigerian state brings to the fore many problems that the June 12 Struggle was meant to solve

HEN Western leaders want to amuse themselves or get Nigerians excited about their country, they say that Nigeria is a leading democracy in Africa. This assessment may not be totally false. How many countries are truly democratic in Africa? Nigerians themselves also enthusiastically warn each other about not destroying the democracy brought to them at the end of the June 12 crisis. Even some of the NADECO leaders who lost men and women to the struggle for restoration of democracy and federalism even join stakeholders of the post-military ethos to call on critical democracy activists to give the country’s nascent democracy a chance. June 12 may seem far enough to be forgotten by many, but not far enough for proper audit of what was struggled for in relation to what came to be after Abdulsalami Abubakar’s transition to electoral democracy. The best way to remember the hero of June 12 is not just to call on the federal government to name some edifice after him. Chief M.K.O. Abiola deserves more than that. He deserves to know that he, his wife Kudirat, and many others killed during the struggle against Sani Abacha’s military dictatorship had not died in vain. He deserves to be reassured that Nigeria has democracy for itself and its constituent units, the kind of non-authoritarian rule that assures citizens of all nationality groups that the country is as much theirs as it is of those whose members may happen to be in power at any given time. If Abiola were to see the Nigeria of today, the Nigeria that was ruled by those who benefited from the struggle against military dictatorship and for which he and many others dear to him lost their lives, he would likely marvel at how distant the result has been from the goals of the June 12 Struggle. Although he was in confinement most of

the time until his sudden death, Abiola was fully aware of the three broad themes of the June 12 Struggle: restoration of the presidential mandate given to him by Nigerian voters from all sections of the country; de-militarisation of the polity and restoration of democracy; and political re-structuring of the country through the process of a sovereign national conference. Most unfortunately, Abiola did not witness the realisation of any of the goals of the struggle. The only thing he saw was the death of Abacha but it was not Abacha’s death that was a goal; it was the death of military dictatorship that was one of the goals of NADECO/NALICON/JACOM/ World Congress of Free Nigerians, etc. However, many of Abiola’s supporters were able to see some change after the death of Abacha and emergence of Abubakar. In all, just one of the goals became a reality: the de-militarisation of the polity. Democracy as a political culture did not result from the struggle, even after the departure of the military. Political re-structuring of the country through the process of a sovereign national conference with the hope to extend the culture of freedom to be and equal opportunity to develop to each of the country’s nationalities did also not result from the struggle. Without doubt, there was some election that brought in a post-military civil rule, referred to by people as transition to democracy. The transition made it possible for several pro-Abacha politicians to become governors and party leaders, just as it made it possible for a few NADECO members become governors: Bola Tinubu, Lam Adesina, and Bisi Akande. Nigerians and their international friends were quick to welcome the end to military rule in the country as democracy. Critics among them saw Obasanjo’s emergence as president as the beginning of a transition to democracy. Within sixteen years of the exit of military rule, several NADECO leaders had died before they could do a proper audit of the struggle for democracy and its outcome: Bola

Ige, Anthony Enahoro, Papa Onasanya, Papa Adesanya, while many others are still saying that Nigeria is still transitioning to democracy. While the judgments of professional historians of the June 12 Struggle are being awaited, it is proper for lay observers and participants in the struggle to look back 21 years after the annulment of Abiola’s presidential election, to relate the left and right sides of the country’s political ledger. It is not even clear if the country is doing well on the mere ritual of democracy: periodic elections. It is still on record that the June 12, 1993 election remains the freest and fairest in the country. Elections thereafter had been afflicted by various forms of irregularities: late and inadequate supply of voting materials; ‘scrambled’ electoral registers; improper counting of votes; violence before and during elections; intimidation of voters by ruling parties; even abrogation of citizens’ freedom of movement; etc. If reports about preparation for Ekiti gubernatorial elections are anything to go by, citizens are even being frightened by over presence of military personnel in their communities. In effect, the goal of restoration of democracy has not been achieved, even in the core communities of NADECO. The goal of political restructuring of the country appears as far from realisation as it has been since the emergence of post-military rule. In 2005, the first post-military head of state, President Olusegun Obasanjo, after dismissing calls for restoration of federalism as a ploy for secession, organised a political reforms conference that was designed to miscarry. At the end, nothing came out of the political reforms conference, and the rest is history. Obasanjo’s successor, President Umaru Yar’Adua, ignored calls for true federalism and returned the country to the discourse of unity at all cost, reminiscent of the days of military autocracy. President Goodluck Jonathan followed the footstep of Yar’Adua by first ignoring calls for political restructuring, encouraging Nigerians

to allow the existing structure to work by committing themselves to the country’s unity. A few months to the end of his tenure as substantive president, Jonathan called for a national conference. His critics claimed that his call for a conference was at the instance of disgruntled, scoresettling NADECO members who urged him to use a national conference to disorganise his political opponents in and out of his party. Contrarily, his supporters assured Nigerians that the president was genuine about his call for a national conference to re-launch Nigeria. So close to the end of the conference, if reports about the conference are anything to go by, there is no reliable sign that the conference would lead to any political restructuring or restoration of federalism. In effect, Abiola and those who joined forces with him to struggle against annulment, military dictatorship and unitary governance, appear to have gained just one thing: withdrawal of military generals from direct governance of the country. Since the advent of post-military governance, citizens have also had to experience other forms of frustration that were not evident before and after June 12. A sectarian group that holds the country by the jugular and has because of un-abating violence against citizens and institutions, has compelled Western powers to assist in ending the menace of Boko Haram. Boko Haram has created unprecedented security challenges for the country that brought negative assessment of the country’s security from foreign observers, thus increasing citizens’ confidence. The near failure of the Nigerian state brings to the fore many problems that the June 12 Struggle was meant to solve but had failed to solve and many more that had come from failure to address problems militating against peace, progress, democracy, and development in the country. The celebration of the 21st anniversary of June 12 should call for deep reflection on the part of those who want to create a good life for their people on how to address the problems that continually threaten proper governance, cultivation of democracy, and freedom of persons and cultures in the country.

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

Teach or preach? Faith-based universities must learn to moderate religious requirements

N many ways, universities established on the basis of an explicit adherence to a religious belief continually struggle to reconcile many apparent contradictions: the polarities of faith and knowledge; the contradictions of conservative attitudes and liberal enquiry; the apparent opposition of theocentricity and humanism. Nowhere is this dilemma so apparent as in the case of Nigeria, where the bold attempt by religious institutions to make a positive difference at the highest level of education has had unintended consequences. The latest manifestation of such consequences was seen recently when Bingham University, New Karu, Nasarawa State, an institution owned by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) church, suspended no fewer than 1,000 students for failing to attend a statutory mid-week service. They are to stay at home from June 12 until June 23, 2014, after which they are to return with signed letters of undertaking to be of good behaviour to be attested to by their parents or guardians. On the face of it, this action might be deemed an unremarkable procedure: a rule was broken and sanctions were applied; a common occurrence in tertiary institutions all over the world, regardless of whether they are devoutly religious or consistently secular in orientation. Indeed, it could be argued that such measures are an intrinsic part of university life itself. There cannot be any doubt that no university can afford to sit and watch its basic regulations flouted. The affected students knew what they were signing on for when they accepted Bingham University’s offer of admission. In all probability, the university would

UR attention has been drawn to the article titled Kwara; Still a battle of siblings in your edition of Sunday, May 11, 2014. Much as we appreciate the efforts of The Nation to do this analysis on Kwara State political situation at present, there is still a need all the same, to correct some impressions this analysis could have created. Firstly, it is not correct that Kwara Central District which is made up of Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South and Asa Local Government Areas of the State controls 55% of total votes cast in Kwara State during elections. Though your analysis did not indicate the parameter used to arrive at this position, I will like to avail you with some facts. In the 2003 governorship election in Kwara State, for instance, the total votes cast in Kwara Central was 222,359 representing 38.15%; Kwara South 204, 809 representing 35% and Kwara North155,423 votes to represent 26.68% of the vote . You can, therefore, see that the combination of Kwara South and North Districts made 61.84% leaving the Kwara Central with its 38.18%. The Grand total votes in that election was 582,591 votes. Also, in 2007, the Kwara Central recorded 37.01%; Kwara North had 32.02% and Kwara South recorded 30.975 of the 797,854 votes cast in the governorship election while in 2011, Kwara Central had 41.27%; Kwara North had 24.35 and Kwara South had

have repeatedly stressed its status as a faithbased institution and must have emphasised the importance of strict adherence to its rules, especially those related to religious observance. Like similar schools, the university is particularly concerned to graduate students who will combine intellectual depth and technical ability with a pronounced moral uprightness founded on strong Christian values. Its mission is “to produce men and women who will catalyse the revolution in self-reliance at all levels of a Godly society.” The mid-week service is an integral part of life at the university. The students knew when it would hold and where it would take place. Just as importantly, they knew what the consequences for failing to attend it were. The fact that so many of them failed to attend the service – about 40 per cent of the total student population – is a testimony to their widespread disobedience of a fundamental regulation. It can therefore be said that the punishment they received is appropriate to their infraction of laiddown laws. However, this is where the essential ambiguity of being a faith-based university comes TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye •Deputy Editor Olayinka Oyegbile •Associate Editors Taiwo Ogundipe Sam Egburonu

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

in. The suspension of 1,000 students for the same offence does seem to be excessive. Why so many students? How could they defy a laid-down law with such impunity? The point is that such widespread defiance by students who should know better could have deeper causes. As previous incidents at Ajayi Crowther, Bowen and Caleb universities have shown, religiously-inclined tertiary institutions have had problems which stem from a perceived over-zealousness with which rules and regulations were enforced. Students in such schools are often policed with a rigour that secondary school students will find irritating. Some of the laws are mystifying: restrictions on the use of make-up, fashion accessories, phones and other IT equipment; rigidly-prescribed mealtimes; medieval-era curbs on mixing between male and female students. Such constraints are at odds with the notions of maturity expected of people who are, after all, university students. It is difficult to see how many of these restrictions will help to make them confident and self-assured individuals who can face challenges with equanimity. Universities are supposed to prepare students for the rigours of life; the seemingly over-protective nature of these laws may actually make them less-prepared for the world. Faith-based universities have a very important role to play in the reformation of Nigeria’s beleaguered tertiary education system. The nature of that contribution will however be enhanced if they seek to equitably balance their religious imperatives against their educational objectives.

LETTERS

Kwara: No battle of siblings! 26.1% of the total votes of 527,376 in the election. Kwara Central, from these data cannot therefore be said to have 55% of the votes in the state as your newspaper alluded to. It is not true also, that Mr. Dele Belgore rooted for Chief Iyiola Oyedepo to emerge as the Chairman in the 15th to 16th April, 2014 Kwara State Congress of PDP. Rather, Mr. Dele Belgore rooted and supported one Revd. Olubunmi Olusona; a die-hard loyalist of his, for the position. He however could not get enough support to be reckoned with, among the gladiators jostling for the position and therefore completely lost out in the political permutations of the groupings that came together for the emergence of Chief Oyedepo as PDP State Chairrman in the said congress. By implication, Dele Belgore’s group which Revd. Olubunmi Olusona represented lost out. How then can the new executive that Dele Belgore apparently had no input be dominated by his loyalists who lost out in the congress? Similarly, you indeed averred in the said article particularly in paragraph 3 that Kwara PDP still boasts of prominent stakeholders like

the chairman, Federal Character Commission, Professor Abdulraheem Oba, former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Bio, the Senator representing Kwara South, Senatorial District Senator Simeon Ajibola, Mr.Dele Belgore, Hadjia Muinat Shagaya, Col. Abdulwahab Ademola Lawal (rtd), Alhaji Adbulrahaman Abdulrazak, Chief Joel Ogundeji (Former Deputy Governor), Deacon John Dara, Special Adviser to the President on Legislative Matters; Senator Suleiman Ajadi to mention a few. If all these people are the leaders of PDP in Kwara State, how then can Kwara still be a battle of siblings with these array of tested politicians, one may also ask? In addition, your assertion that Senator Gbemisola Saraki’s loyalists emerged Chairmen in 14 of 16 Local Government Areas of the State is not true. Senator Gbemisola Saraki cannot boast of her loyalist’s emergence as a Local Government Chairman of the party in Ilorin West; her Local Government of origin not to talk of the 3 other local government Areas that made up her Kwara Central Senatorial District. Neither can that be said of the other remaining 12 Local Govern-

ment Areas of the State. Also, if it is true that Senator Gbemisola Saraki’s loyalists emerged Chairmen of 14 of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. The question that will readily come to mind and keep one wandering is “how come that Senator Saraki’s candidate for the State Chairmanship slot, Chief Fagbemi was prevailed upon to step down for Chief Iyiola Oyedepo who eventually emerged as the PDP Chairman in the congress as averred to in your article, when she had them (her loyalists) as chairmen in 14 of 16 councils of the state in her kitty. Does a person with a majority in his or her hand in a political contest step down for a person with a minority?. Or, does a winner quit for a loser in any contest? It is equally not correct, that either the presidency or the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party has endorsed any zone in the state to produce the next governorship candidate for 2015. We have recorded a good number of followership in the state since President Goodluck Jonathan came to hold a unity rally earlier in the year and the party has since been waxing stronger. Yes, it is true that anyone in politics must have

interest in one thing or the other, but in the course of doing that, nobody has been anointed for any position by either the presidency or the national body of PDP. It may interest you to know also, that since the present democratic dispensation started in 1999, the Kwara Central District had produced governors in persons of late Mohammed Lawal and the immediate past Governor Bukola Saraki. They held the positions for twelve solid years out of the fifteen years this democracy had so far lasted. While Late Governor Lawal was in office between 1999 and 2003, Bukola held sway between 2003 and 2011. For anybody to still be canvassing for Kwara Central now to produce the next governor is to say the least, very unfair, unjust and out-rightly inequitable. If anything, it should be a fair arrangement, that the Kwara South District which produces the incumbent governor in person of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; who has just spent three years on saddle be allowed to produce the governor for more years to make up for the number of years (12 years) that the Central District had used.

Finally, kindly see what the PDP Chairman himself, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo said in an interview with a newspaper in a response to a question that some individuals financed him to win at the congress. “It is not true. The truth is that my leadership of the party is brought about by Almighty God. In fact, the way it developed was not my making. God has sent me here on an assignment and that is precisely what I will do. In the process of my emergence as the chairman, some groups and individuals may have made some contributions, but there is no single individual that can claim to have financed my ambition and that of other executive members. There were two factions in the party during the election of the state executive members: The Freedom and Unity groups. They were made up of many leaders in the state. Those leaders came together one way or the other to sponsor some candidates. I am a beneficiary of the Unity group, but there is nobody in the Unity group that can say that I am his sole candidate and I am in his pocket. I have no special allegiance to anybody or the entire executive. I am totally committed to the growth of PDP. There is nobody that has the majority of his or her candidates in the executive of the party. By Jimoh Lawal 6, Joseph Tokula Street, GRA, Ilorin

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COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Ekiti 2014: God is our bulwark against principalities and powers Until the introduction of the agent of darkness into this election, it was going to be a relatively easy race for the governor because of his stellar performance

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N Ekiti, it is grace against might’. As you read this, the result of the governorship election in Ekiti State, held Saturday, 21 June 2014, is being awaited. In the run down to the election, we have seen a massive importation of thugs into the state by the PDP, plane loads of fake police and army uniforms as well as huge funds for buying votes in what they call ‘see and buy’ have been reported arriving the Akure airport en route Ekiti just, as confirmed by the Inspector-General of Police, 22 persons have been arrested thumb printing ballot papers for the PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose, in a hotel belonging to the Director-General of his campaign. In all, a PDP-led federal government, beaten hands down by a rag tag Boko Haram, has found all the time, energy and single-minded determination to manipulate and shamelessly rig the election. In our fight against this atrocious agents of darkness, God Almighty has been our hope and bulwark and we have, therefore, ceaselessly sought his face as we are enjoined to do in Romans 12;12 which says ‘rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayers.’ I have adopted for the week, Pastor Dipo Bamidele’s ministration at one of our recent prayer sessions which he titled: GETTING PAST RIVER JORDAN (Text: Joshua 3:1-5) “Early in the morning, Joshua

and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to Jordan where they camped before crossing over. After three days, the officers went throughout the camp telling the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go. Keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark. Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Introduction: When the Lord brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt, He led them toward the Promised Land. It took them two years to make that trip. When they arrived at Jordan, all they had to do was enter the land and lay claim to what God had given them. Rather than go forward in faith, they refused to claim their inheritance in Canaan. They wanted to turn around and go back to Egypt. And for their lack of faith God made them wander for 40 years. The past is now behind them but there is one final obstacle - the Jordan River, which is, ordinarily, only 100 feet wide and God could have made them cross it at that time. Rather, God brought them to the river at the time of harvest when it was 50 times wider, swelling to a mile in width. Why did God bring them there at a time it would not be easy for them to cross, just like the agents

of darkness and retrogression are here with us in Ekiti representing our River Jordan? • God knew that we were getting too comfortable with victory and needed to remind us that we still need Him - they can’t cross Jordan under their own steam. • He needed to teach them to exercise more faith. •They needed to know that only God can guarantee their safe crossing. •He wanted them to know that He alone determines the place of our comfort and rest. The significance of crossing River Jordan? It is a symbol of victory and deliverance into a place of recovery. (The recovered axe head- 2 Kings 6). It is the final trip from the land of promise to the land of fulfilment and Ekiti will fulfil its promise. Amen. Until the introduction of the agent of darkness into this election, it was going to be a relatively easy race for the governor because of his stellar performance. But God wanted his victory to be bigger, convincing and beyond contention. And that is our portion in Ekiti! Therefore, God brought an opposition not to defeat us, but to make us seek Him and to depend more on Him in crossing our River Jordan. In the last three years we have been at the Promised Land in Ekiti. But we need to move beyond that into the Land of Fulfilment. This is the reason for this hardened opposition. How to cross River Jordan:

Joshua 3:3-4 To cross our River Jordan, we must know what God is saying, we must carefully follow Him and honour Him in victory for He says: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.” (Joshua 3:6, 7 NIV) PRAYER POINTS: 1. Recovery Miracle: At the bank of River Jordan, it is possible to lose the tool for victory (like the lost axe head). Likewise, in an election like this, it is possible that some grounds may have been lost inadvertently. Therefore, we pray: Lord, let your mercy overcome any spirit of error and give us speed to recover lost ground in all areas. 2. Silencing Miracle: 2 Kings 2:7 - When Elijah and Elisha got to the bank of River Jordan, the 50 men of the sons of the prophets were at the bank of the overflowing river waiting to rejoice at their failure and humiliation. But Elijah took his mantle and parted the river. We pray - O God of Elijah, provide us with divine empowerment with which to overrun those planning to rig and overwhelm Ekiti with federal might and put them to shame. 3. The Bowing Miracle: After God took Elijah to heaven in a chariot of fire, Elisha used the mantle he took from Elijah, parted the Jordan and walked through it to the other side. The same fifty sons of the prophet waiting to see how he will return all came to him and bowed before him. So, we pray - O God, give us victory that will convince the enemies that You Lord, are our shield and

buckler, and make them bow. 4. Testimony Miracle: Joshua 4:5-7 River Jordan is a place of testimony. Joshua instructed the children of Israel to pick a stone from the bed of the river as a testimonial to the parting of the river. We pray - O God, give your son, Kayode Fayemi, a victory that will become a permanent testimonial to the defeat of the agents of darkness in Ekiti and Yoruba land, indeed, in Nigeria. 5. Cleansing Miracle: 2 Kings 5:14 -Naaman dipping in Jordan 7 times to cleanse him of the reproach of leprosy. Prayer Point - Oh God, cleanse every member of the JKF team of any reproach that can cause embarrassment or failure in his re-election bid and cause that leprosy to overwhelm the enemies of Ekiti wherever located. Miracle of Timing: Habakkuk 2:3 AMP “For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfilment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behind hand on its appointed day.” Prayer Point - Oh God, hasten your promise of using Gov Fayemi to lead us to the Land of Fulfilment in Ekiti, come June 21, 2014. Conclusion: This is the season when people run around making sacrifices, visiting mediums, witches etc; but the scripture says in Numbers 23:23 :”There is no power that can defeat the people of Jacob. There is no magic that can stop the Israelites. People will say of John Kayode Fayemi and Ekiti: ‘Look at the great things God did!’ “ (Numbers 23:23 ERV) Concluding, we pray: O God, visit and neutralise every evil power and every evil force arrayed against Governor Fayemi and his team as they cross River Jordan into the Land of Fulfilment. And so shall it be, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

When déjà vu turns to déjà vus, we are looking at a tragedy of errors It is very easy to enthrone errors; all you have to do is suspend good sense

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M sure you will agree with me that one of the most bizarre election campaigns took place at Ekiti State this year. I could not believe my ears and eyes when I heard and read the governorship campaign promise by one of the candidates made to Okada riders that he (the candidate) would allow them (Okada riders) to run without hindrance, in other words, wild, in the state if they would elect him into the office. I said ‘What, in this modern world of magnetic trains?!’ Since then, I have kind of held my peace on the matter because, let’s face it, there are some things that are not worth replying to. And I would still not have reacted but for the fact that history appears to be repeating itself in the state because men refuse pointblank to learn from it. We remember distinctly haven travelled down this road, once, twice or even thrice upon a time, when the federal might attempted to impose its will on the people of the southwest in particular. In each case, that federal might was either torpedoed by the military or the tribunals. Those happened in the seventies, eighties, nineties, and/or two thousands, if my memory serves me right. Since that time, and with every succeeding torpedo, men have not learnt their lesson to heart. Let’s see now, Nigeria’s population is said to be about One Hundred

and Sixty billion (dubious figure in itself), out of which less than five hundred thousand (hey, I have to be generous!) are in government all over the federation. Now, out of this number, less than fifty thousand constitute executive and legislative (I am still generous, man) arms who insist on appointing the destiny of all the states for them, beginning with Ekiti State. So, Ekiti State is commanding the attention of the world right now. Correct me now if I am wrong, but I understand there are more federal policemen in that state right now than you will find in all of Nigeria’s trouble spots combined. There are also more soldiers in Ekiti now than those fighting the intractable boko haram in the north east by the ratio. Trouble is, each time soldiers have to be used against the people this way always tears something out of my heart. People are not only demeaned, they are practically put in harnesses like dogs, all for one miserable election, which is so sad. I’ve mentioned before that I was once in a European country where the Election Day hardly attracted any attention from people going about their normal work and business – no shut-ins, no curfews. Why then do we treat each other like animals around here? Indeed, to show its seriousness, the same federal might has even sent the minister for defense, who is of a different party from that of the incum-

bent governor, to the same state to remind the soldiers not to fall asleep on duty. The question is which duty? Now, that tells me we are looking at a theatre of war or comedy. Let’s pray it turns out to be comedy. Does this not give you that feeling of déjà vu? You know what that is, don’t you? Remember when you find yourself walking your road and you have no idea of the time you walk past your own gate until you fetch up four houses down the road because you are deep in thought? And you are only able to call yourself to mind when the dogs’ barks are more violent than the insipient ones you are used to in your own gate? Then you tell yourself, ‘Here I go again; tenth time this year alone’? That’s déjà vu. When you collect ten of them, then that’s déjà vus, according to my dictionary. When ten déjà vus happen, you know you are due on the Alzheimer’s Farm. You don’t know what that is? That’s where you go and all your people forget you are there. Why, even you forget you are there! Now, where were we? Ah yes, two things, but first things first. When a governorship candidate begins to promise a group of people that he would place them above the law if they elect him into power, gentlemen, I think we may have a problem. It not only stinks of absurdity, it smells of one giant, horrific piece of irresponsibility, and everyone can smell it except the people concerned. Worse, the same candidate proceeded to announce his intention of distributing, in broad daylight, bags of rice

to students. I had only one reaction to that: was he drunk? Unfortunately, people turned up to catch the bags of rice he was throwing up in the air and I had only one reaction to that too: were they that hungry? It turned out that they were. Ahhhhhh! I am told that the people who went to collect that rice largesse arrived the venue as early as six in the morning to start a queue. That should be instructive for a listening government that there is something very wrong in the land. Now, let’s look at our calculation again. From that addition and subtraction, we concluded that more than one hundred and fifty million Nigerians are not in government. Let us be more generous again and say that a further ten million people can feed themselves without recourse to scrambling for the rice thrown up by a desperate politician. That still leaves about one hundred and forty million people. Gentlemen and ladies, we do seriously have a problem because this is the figure of those who rise up early in the morning to go and catch the rice flying in the air. This is the group that is hungry and deprived and alienated by the system where a governor awards himself a pension sum of one hundred million Naira, is it a month or a year now? I cannot tell. I should have thought that everyone in and out of government circle would refuse to be amused and be concerned and immediately institute something that would fillip the system. Clearly, it is a disaster waiting to happen. Can you

imagine one hundred and forty million trying to crash a gate? I think Armageddon can be better imagined. Rather than act to prevent that disaster, it appears our state and federal governments are more concerned about winning an election; hence, the soldiers. Talk indeed of arrogance. That takes us to the second thing. Flooding a place with soldiers is nothing but a display of brute force, which, in all my years, has never succeeded in arresting the march of truth. I believe we all know it. All of history will testify to this one fact: good programmes that focus on people’s welfare, coupled with building a just and egalitarian society, advertise a politician’s chances better. Give us a good transport system. Give us abundance of food. Give us good infrastructures. It is erroneous to think that with a sufficient number of soldiers in place, the people can be made to do what the government wants and truth will just put on a hat and go on holiday. Fat chance. There is no number of soldiers and lock-downs that will keep truth in the locker. It has a way of silently walking in, removing its hat, and sitting down unannounced, to everyone’s chagrin. It is very easy to enthrone errors. All you have to do is suspend good sense. So far, it appears good sense has been suspended in the matter of Ekiti State in order to further enthrone more errors until it becomes a veritable tragedy or comedy. Let’s just hope it does not become a tragedy of errors. To prevent that, I think this arrogance must end.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

COMMENT

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From a lone, bedside viewership: football as therapy and as metaphor for life T

O the billions of passionate fans of football all over the world, I tender my apologies: I am no longer a great lover of the game. Tennis now has my almost undivided passion. Of course, I had once been a wildly enthusiastic watcher of football. I had even played it on a more or less active basis until my second year as an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan when I was a member of the Kuti Hall winning team of 1968-69 in that year’s inter-hall soccer competitions. As a matter of fact, that was my last year of active interest in football, definitely as a player, but as also as a follower of the sport. All of this as a kind of background information for the totally unanticipated manner in which this past week, I once again found myself a captive and enraptured watcher of football games as I joined the billions around the globe glued to television sets as the FIFA World Cup 2014, Brazil started. Wonders will never end; and they will happen in the most unexpected of places and under the most unlikely circumstances. Arriving in Berlin two days before the beginning of this global football fiesta for a three-month research fellowship at the Free University of Berlin, I had come completely exhausted from the manifold tasks and chores of taking care of a family member who had been dangerously ill. Very strangely, literally within hours of arriving in Berlin, I too fell ill. And my illness took a very sudden and equally very swift downward path such that by my second day in Berlin, I was completely bedridden. There is no reason for me to give details of the symptoms beyond the fact of complete loss of appetite and severe restriction of physical movement. My hosts insisted on my seeing a doctor and I think now, with a layman’s guesswork, that with the addition of this doctor’s recommended drugs with the medication I normally and routinely take everyday, I became over-medicated. Even if I’d had the desire, I didn’t have the will, the focus to read anything. That’s how I knew that I was probably over-medicated. I have lived long enough to know that when you are not eating well, you are severely restricted in your movement around your house or your apartment and you are over-medicated, you have to get a grip on your mind. At such moments, your mind is the master of your destiny. When all else about you is floundering, the mind takes charge, takes over – even if you are not conscious that that’s what’s happening. Thus, even though I have no other way to put it than to say that my mind was lazily but determinedly looking for something worthwhile to do, something to challenge it or even simply keep it occupied, that’s what happened when I chanced upon the FIFA 2014 games. I say “chanced” deliberately, for I wasn’t looking for the FIFA games; I was looking for any-

foundly discomfiting experience of watching the surpassing mastery of Louis Suarez, a man I intensely detest, a man who has the morality of a horse thief and the uncouth attitudes on and off the pitch of a raw, unschooled bully and bigot. He was a one-man demolition squad to the English team. This man it was who in the 2010 FIFA World Games cheated Ghana out of making it to the semi finals by cynically and unconscionably using his hands to block an almost certain goal at the dying seconds of a quarter final match. This man it was who, Mike Tyson-like, used his teeth on the neck of Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United when he felt frustrated by a tackle by the former Man U captain. This week, this same man had the whole world at his feet in his display of matchless quickness and dexterity. One man against eleven men? That’s how it felt. The gods of soccer, it seems, have a different morality than yours and mine. But not entirely. For the Netherlands versus Australia match brought everything back to normality. The better side won and the side that lost fought a hard, proud battle and left the field with heads unbowed. And I, on my sick bed and after watching only three games, felt as if I had read or written a whole bookshelf of titles on life and its imponderables. I know of no sport, no game like football to teach you so much in such little or compressed time. My therapy is not complete but I think that the metaphors are rich enough to keep my mind working. And that way lies recuperation. And indeed, I have been going out of the apartment since yesterday.

thing at all in English among German TV channels when I stumbled on the games. It so happened that the first game I watched was the Spain versus Mexico match. I had missed the earlier drubbing of Spain by the Netherlands by 4 goals to 1 which still has the whole soccer world stunned. Now I should perhaps let the reader know that I have no favorite clubs or teams, none whatsoever. When I watch football, either of two things happens. First, I very quickly decide which team has better, more skillful and gifted players and that’s the team I root for. Or, secondly, if a team is so obviously the underdog but shows a fighting spirit, I root for it. It was for the first reason that I was rooting for Spain against Mexico in that first game that I watched from my sick bed; they seemed to be a hundred times the better side than Mexico. Right through the first half when Mexico scored two goals, I was completely unshaken in my expectation that Spain would win. They were playing well. And they had fire in the belly. But then with about twentyfive minutes left, my mind told me emphatically that Spain was not

going to score any goals. Even if they had another whole half time, they couldn’t and wouldn’t score. I was very surprised by the absolute certainty with which my mind came to this conclusion without any apparent rational or conscious process. And as this “prediction” by my mind was being fulfilled in the dying minutes of the game, the reasoning process that my mind revealed to me of its operations was so simple, so elemental and so elegant in its essence that it literally took my breadth away: the Mexican team was playing like a force of nature, as if they were powered by a tropism that comes from and is in synch with the movement of the planets. Let me put this in simple language. While the Spanish players, supremely confident of their passing skills, always waited for the ball, the Mexicans relentlessly and tirelessly went for and after the ball. No sooner had the ball got to a Spanish player than immediately, seemingly out of nowhere, a Mexican player was there to contest the possession of the ball. It is not a particularly flattering image, but the image that came to my

mind was the impossibility of keeping flies from the frothing surface of a keg of fresh palmwine. Consistent with their chesslike strategy of dominant possession of the ball through near-perfect passing, the Spaniards played text-book soccer that was impressive to behold. But with their uncontrollable pacing and their restless energy, the Mexicans consistently threw a spanner in the works of the well oiled Spanish machine. How do you contain greased lightning? How do you deal with cold sweat? How do you play against players who seemed drawn to the ball the way iron pellets are dawn to a bar of magnet? Altogether, I have watched only three matches, Spain versus Mexico; Netherlands versus Australia; and England versus Uruguay. When you watch soccer alone and from a sick bed, you become a one-man crowd that contains the entire world within yourself. This is caused or perhaps heightened by the fact that the visual material is dissociated from the audio – which is entirely in German. In the England versus Uruguay match, I had the pro-

Erratum: In last week’s column I made a very erroneous calculation of the ratio between the minimum wages of Nigerian workers and the salaries and bonuses allegedly being paid to our parliamentarians. In my erroneous calculation, I put the ratio at 1 to 106. But I have since discovered that in my calculation, I used the annual earnings of the minimum wage workers against the monthly earnings of the Senators and Honourables. The correct thing to do is of course match annual to annual, not annual to monthly wages and earnings. By my recalculation the ratio is actually 1 to 1278, not 1 to 106. There are no rationales of productivity or indices of national interest to justify such a chasm between what Nigerian lawmakers make and the earnings of the millions of people they purport to represent. The morality involved is simple and uncomplicated: the thieving “barawo” morality of foxes placed as guards over the henhouse. Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

COMMENT

HIS second part of the conclusion takes up the other major issue arising from this essay, namely, the question of expecting religion to produce miraculous solutions to problems of individual wellbeing and worldly success, as well as to vicissitudes of national socio-economic stability. Doubts about the appropriateness of interminable prayers and vigils as a means of national salvation, and as remedy for personal problems arising from failure of governance have always been contested by claims that these religious shows are playing a crucial role in the contemporary socio-economic circumstances. In truth, nobody can dispute the fact that the comprehensive cure-all religious revival has become the last resort for the terminally ill and sufferers from chronic diseases who cannot afford hospital care. But the salvationist revival is also regularly patronised by people who are driven by ambition and worldview-conditioned disposition to seek advancement, fame or wealth through metaphysical “power” from any source. The very poor and even the average individual seeking miraculous healing, or the ambitious as well as the power elite craving “spiritual power” from the soothsaying prophet, are, therefore, bound to continue to make prosperity clerics relevant for some time to come. Apart from this evidence of some kind of relevance, however spurious, there are “testimonies” of miraculous interventions in several human adversities. But whereas such testimonies are never subjected to independent, informed, verification, press reports are common about people being paid to come forward and testify to fake miraculous cures at revivals and healing/deliverance sessions. About two years ago, a popular Nollywood actor, before he eventually died in hospital, denounced a pastor who had exploited his illness to fake, on television, a “miraculous” cure from stroke. Yet, it must be conceded that there are also “successful” bureaucratic executives, business men and academics who are distinguished members of the prosperity churches. Several of these men and women are personally very close to the most influential charismatic preachers, and a few prominent ones among them have had their prophetic “breakthroughs” into prosperity, by converting public resources into personal profit as it has turned out. These living testimonies to the power of prayers to produce miraculous abundant prosperity include Madam Cecilia Ibru of the Oceanic Bank, who was eventually convicted of stealing depositors’ money lodged in her bank. As narrated in the third of this four-part essay, the case of another prima-facie thieving bank executive, incidentally an ordained pastor of one of the biggest Pentecostal churches, is also reportedly being subjected to “divine” intervention by a highly influential but hypocritical prosperity preacher, whose suavity and piously authoritative mien have won him fame among the ignorant faithful. However, every Pentecostal prosperity “breakthrough” is not due to embezzlement of funds. As in other areas of social relationship, the prosperity churches have developed informal networks with high-ranking officials of the major government bureaucracies, the corporate business world, and of course the political establishment, for the dispensation of favours, jobs (local and foreign) and contracts. As the highly

Prayer and the prosperity hustle (4)

•Christian worshippers By G.A. Akinola

placed church member and the charismatic prosperity peddler exchange favours on behalf of protégés and relations, ensuing “breakthroughs” are usually attributed to the power of prayer, or to divine intervention. Thus God himself becomes associated with the running of a church like a cult, while the pastor cannot see anything questionable about the transparency of his acts. This brings me to the nagging question: why, in spite of the brisk expansion of religious houses and despite the frenetic, unthinking fixation on prosperity prayers, the human condition in Nigeria, the prospects for the future, and the social/spiritual values of the people, have all continued to plummet? This question has always been disingenuously parried by religious entrepreneurs and the faithful as follows: “But for prayers, things would have been even worse…”, a fatuous, even insincere evasion of the question’s import, namely: if praying can avert the consequences of human folly and evil, or if, indeed, praying can produce prosperity and stability, regardless of the unrelenting wickedness and profligacy of rulers, why have Nigeria’s praying houses failed to turn the country’s dismal social and economic fortunes around? The answer to this question centres around one fundamental issue: each new church or mosque, while professing commitment to evangelisation, is generally a commercial venture in the prosperity-hustle bandwagon. To this extent, the churches and mosques constitute another major unproductive/irrational means of distributing the booty from petroleum. Moreover, even the most highly educated clerics are unschooled in, and thus ignorant of, the problems of religion and society. Hence charlatan prosperity preachers end up compounding these problems. Besides, as pointed out earlier, the famed Jewish financial/ business reputation, plus their legendary capacity for survival, as well as the wealth/prosperity which the West has generated through modern capitalist enterprise, are all products of

practical religious ideology/ ethic (not to mention industry, thrift, and management) rather than of puerile faith in superstitious religious doctrines. How much worse, then, must things get before the prosperity magicians and the faithful admit the futility of their reliance on metaphysical solution to mundane problems, or the folly of expecting pious wishes (prayers) to perform the practical functions of good governance? Taking one aspect of social stability since the civil war, we know that from the 1980s the country drifted from communal/ethnic upheavals to the religious/ethnic conflicts in northern Nigeria following the smuggling of the country into the Organization of Islamic Conference. From then onwards, the crisis escalated, as they were compounded by the political gerrymandering that attended states creation and the establishment by all-powergarnering military governments of politically inspired local governments, which trampled over the rights of indigenous majority populations. Since then, the Plateau, followed by the Benue, have become killing fields. In stepped General Gowon with his prayer carnivals by which he would establish peace and prosperity all over the country. Today, several years after “Nigeria Prays” was launched, how much peace is there in his own home Plateau? What was Gowon doing when the political schemes that have been yielding perennial harvests of death were being hatched? And what positive steps is he taking to see that the fundamental causes of the ethnic/communal conflicts in the region are addressed. The Nigerian oligarchy and successive ruling cabals have become so inured to the avoidance/repudiation of rationality in governance that public policies have tended to betray underlying currents of irrationality. Popular attitudes and dispositions, especially to religion, have suffered from the same tendency. Consider for example, the squabbles over ethnic preferences for the post of president typified by Edwin Clark’s campaign that since other presidents have had two terms to compound Nigeria’s problems, his kinsman Jonathan, too, is entitled to flounder for one more

term. The hustle and hysteria that attend the invocation of divine powers in the pursuit of prosperity, too, especially in the so-called crusades and vigils are certainly more emotional than rational. But it is partly in such atmosphere that prosperity magicians make their living, and it is rational for them as well as for their power-elite allies, for whom frenzied religiosity is a political safety valve. The only losers are the people in general, as well as the poor faithful, who are driven by the rationality of desperation to seek salvation from prosperity charlatans. Closely related to the politically inspired climate of the non-rational is the moral/intellectual core of Nigerian rulers. Unless one presumes that our presidents and other high-ranking officials in the land are more plain evil and criminally inclined than dumb, (although much of the evil and criminality is encouraged by impunity) one will be unable to make sense of how the Nigerian state has been steered to the present shoal. For example, these rulers have imposed or schemed into existence, with the ever-conniving political elite, a financially ruinous political and bureaucratic system, the operation and control of which is now arguably the object and substance of governance and politics. And that system is so highly centralised that it obstructs local productive and development initiatives. Our once vibrant higher education system has been undermined by the abuse and the vainglorious objectives of incumbent presidents and political magnates to establish universities in their own villages, or to build their own private ones with stolen public money. And in the last decade or so, this same class of rulers have resorted to manipulating neoChristianity in the same way that militant Islam was exploited until things got out of hand such that the country is now faced with the Boko Haram full-blown war! The potentials for future trouble, also, of the current informal alliance of the political establishment with the most visible and noisy sect of the church, if not with the Christian church in general, can be hidden only to the myopic. Overall, then commerciali-

sation of praying, and the prosperity hustle are a manifestation of the problems of religion and society. And the problems of religion and society are, fundamentally a function of poor leadership, weak institutions, failure of governance, and practical collapse of values. The problems of religion and society are also partly due to popular superstitious religious beliefs, social/ emotional insecurity/disorientation, and faith in supernatural intervention in existential matters, promoted by charlatan clerics, whose fame and fortune are made from exploiting the credulous faithful. One other major issue, the doctrinal status of Islam and Christianity (the adopted alien faiths) has exercised cultural and other influences on religion since these faiths began to subvert and displace the indigenous belief systems. Claiming that they were revealed by God himself, these faiths declared themselves the only true religions. More surprising still, Nigerian converts whose consciousness of their history and cultural identity had become fatally disoriented, agreed with the proselytising agents of the “civilising mission”. The indigenous religions have accordingly been declared evil and demonic, and people estranged and alienated from ancestral cultural practices. Yet, this prejudiced but self-assured attitude, especially among “educated” clerics bespeaks nothing but crass ignorance about religion in general, and the alien adopted faiths in particular. For example even scholars of religion and society are often innocent of the evolution and substance (rather than the superstitions) of their adopted faiths. How, then, can they discern the implicit ideological/nationalistic undertones of the sacred books of these faiths, let alone their disguised culturally subversive/imperialistic potential? What makes the director of the Mathematics Centre at Abuja to view the Bible as literally the Word of God, and to declare that it is “increasingly being confirmed by science”? What are we going to do about the African mind’s bondage to the romantic appeal and aura of Semitic/ Christian mythologies with their outdated perceptions of reality and their tendency to promote obscurantism and self-alienation? Some weeks ago, apropos the agenda for the “National Dialogue”, a number of western Nigerian Muslims denounced being implicitly associated with Yoruba cultural heritage, in view of their putative universal Muslim identity. Such people are to be pitied for not knowing that the cultural community predated the religious association, or that religion was instituted for man and society, and not the other way round. Besides, in Judaism/Islam, religion has, historically, been a means of fostering/advancing the national/cultural identities of Hebrews and Arabs respec-

tively. In Nigeria, the alien Islamic faith has so effectively executed its ideological brainwashing that the Muslim believer no longer acknowledges any ancestral heritage besides the Islamic of his religious adoption. So, welcome to our Muslim faithfuls stridently renouncing their Yoruba ancestral cultures in favour of a putative universal Muslim cultural identity, which is the same thing as Arab/Middle-Eastern cultural trappings. One hopes that much of this is political posturing. However, if it is a genuine reflection of orthodox doctrines, some people are treading the path that leads inexorably to Afghanistan! Ironically, it is Africa’s romance with alien cultural ways and the virtual abandonment of ancestral religions that are at the roots of much of our current predicament. Having submitted, unlike China, Japan and India, to the cultural castration of Christianity’s “civilising mission”, our nationalist leaders neglected to chart a programme of cultural decolonisation at “independence”. Our universities have also failed to see the need for studying the human experience in the Orient, in order to learn how the above countries (particularly India, which was colonised for over three-and-ahalf centuries more than Africa was) have achieved stability, development and prosperity without mortgaging their souls, their identity, and prospects of development to the ambiguous influence of alien religions. The failure of the ideological and spiritual content of the Abrahamaic faiths to cope with Africa’s postcolonial problems therefore calls for a rethinking of what can be salvaged from the ruins of our native religions, a task that cannot be undertaken without a drastic overhaul of our moribund and culturally neo-colonial education system, and without a decolonisation of the African psyche’s bondage to alien superstitions. Far more urgent is a deliberate programme for saving this country from destruction by fanatics of the rival alien Islamic/Christian faiths. First, all public radio/tv media should stop broadcasting religious programmes forthwith. They promote dangerous rivalry/conflict, apart from spreading noxious, reactionary propaganda unfit for impressionable minds. Governments which won’t fund radio/tv media without money from religious programmes should compare proceeds from such programmes with the cost of religious conflicts/wars. Patronage/promotion of any faith through hajj/Jerusalem pilgrimages and state house public religious services should also cease. Hopefully, with a reformed education system and a rehabilitation of ancestral religious cultures and philosophy, there may be a demystification of, as well as a liberation from, the tyranny of the proselytising faiths. Provided economic recovery is also achieved, this may sound the death knell of alien religious superstitions and the predatory activities of religious entrepreneurs. The moral essence, plus the spiritual and other values of religion, can then, as in the advanced countries, assume their due role in society. Akinola writes from New Bodija, Ibadan

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

APC: Challenges before Oyegun

Abia 2015: Rumble in Abia PDP over Ihejirika PAGE 21

PAGES 20

•Ngilari

To strengthen democracy, we have to be vigilant

•Marwa

PAGE 22

•Gundiri

•Madaki

Fresh crisis in Adamawa PDP over imposition A

SPIRANTS from the Adamawa South and North Senatorial Districts jostling to win the 2015 governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been technically ruled out of the race going by a recent statement credited to the state chairman of the party, Chief Joel Hammanjoda Madaki. A few weeks ago, the septuagenarian politician reportedly disclosed that the PDP governorship ticket has been zoned to the Central Senatorial Zone and expectedly, aspirants from the North and South districts are crying blue murder over the decision, with not a few of them describing it as Madaki’s personal opinion and not the party’s. If the alleged zoning policy remains unchanged, the ambition of leading aspirants, including that of the deputy governor of the state, Bala James Ngilari; former Military Governor of Lagos and Borno states, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Dr. Dahiru Ahmed Modibbo and Dr. Umar Ardo,

An alleged plan by the leadership of the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to impose an aspirant as the party’s 2015 governorship candidate is raising eyebrows among the party’s rank and file. Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo, reports may have gone up in smoke. Ngilari, Marwa, Ardo and Modibbo all hail from the North Senatorial Zone. This development, findings revealed, has thrown the camps of some of the aspirants in disarray, particularly that of Ngilari and Marwa, who were already oiling their political machineries in readiness for the battle ahead. Until recently, Ngilari and Marwa had fancied their chances of clinching the governorship ticket following alleged assurances from the Presidency and PDP national headquarters that a level playing field would be provided for all aspirants irrespective of the senatorial zone they hail from. The deputy governor’s confidence was boosted after he allegedly received “firm

commitments” from very high quarters that he was the man to beat for the PDP as compensation for declining to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his principal, Governor Murtala Nyako. On Marwa’s part, his decision to dump APC of which he was a founding member was premised on an alleged deal he reached with the national leaders of the party that he would be accorded all rights and privileges for all party members and indeed all governorship aspirants. Is Madaki acting a script? There are strong insinuations that the PDP chairman’s zoning statement was the unveiling of an alleged secret plot by certain powerful figures in the party to impose Awwal Tukur, the eldest

son of the former National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as the party’s 2015 governorship candidate. Madaki’s emergence as the chairman has been credited to Tukur, who, while he held sway as the PDP numero uno, dissolved the party’s former executive council headed by Alhaji Umaru Mijinyawa Kugama, which was loyal to Governor Nyako. The crisis that ensued after the dissolution of the Kugama-led council remained intractable, leading to Nyako’s defection to the APC. Sources told The Nation that the younger Tukur, barring any unforeseen circumstances, is likely to emerge as the PDP candidate in the 2015 general elections. A source close to one of the

aspirants however insisted that the zoning policy does not favour Awwal Tukur, whose father hails from the South senatorial zone, but allegedly claims the Central Senatorial District where he was born. A 1987 Law graduate from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Tukur is the Group Managing Director of Daddo Group, which plays big in the aviation, commodities and the oil and gas sectors. He also served briefly as a Special Adviser to his father during the latter’s reign as PDP National Chairman. Gundiri also stands a chance Beside Awwal Tukur, another aspirant, Marcus Gundiri, who also comes from the Central Senatorial Zone, is being touted as capable of springing surprises at the PDP governorship primary. Gundiri, along with Marwa

•Continued on Page 20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

POLITICS

APC: Challenges before Oyegun Following contentions over the outcome of the recently concluded National Convention of All Progressives Congress (APC) in which Chief John Odigie Oyegun emerged the National Chairman, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports that the former governor of Edo State and his team have urgent tasks of reconciling the aggrieved

HE National Convention of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) has elected John Odigie Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State, as the new National Chairman of the party. He was elected a fortnight ago at the party’s National Convention held in Abuja. Oyegun contested the position unopposed after a former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, some minutes before voting, announced that he was stepping down for his opponent. Prior to the commencement of the convention, there has been a very tense rivalry for the position between Oyegun and a former foreign affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi. But Ikimi eventually did not feature in the election for the plum job. Oyegun takes over the mantle of leadership of APC from Bisi Akande. While preparing himself for the arduous task of leading the party to oust the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Aso Rock in 2015, the former Edo helmsman will urgently have to confront some immediate challenges facing the party. The new APC boss will not be lacking in quality support in the tasks ahead as former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni was elected the Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC, while an ex-National Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) Lawal Shuaibu, became the Deputy National Chairman (North). Also, the erstwhile Interim National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lai

•Odigie Oyegun

•Ikimi

•Sheriff

Mohammed, was returned as the substantive spokesman of APC. He clinched the position unopposed. Oyegun is expected to be aided in steering the ship of the party by these tested administrators. The task ahead is by all means huge. He has been elected to administer a party which some analysts insist, is on the verge of changing the power equation in Africa’s most populous country come 2015. To do this, the APC must keep its house in order all the way to the next general elections and beyond. Pundits say the troubled ruling PDP is waiting in the wings for crises to brew in Oyegun’s party so as to reap from the confusion that may follow. Preventing a major intra party squabble, especially as a fall-out of the just concluded party conventions, is the immediate task to which the new APC chairman and his team must confine themselves unrelentingly. Already, indications emerged that former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff, along with some other aggrieved leaders of the party, including Chief Tom Ikimi, are being wooed by the PDP over the outcome of APC’s maiden national convention. The Nation learnt that the emergence of Oyegun as chairman and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, as National Secretary did not go down well with Sheriff, who reportedly sponsored the candidature of former foreign affairs minister Ikimi and Kashim Ibrahim Imam for the two prime positions in the party. Sheriff and his group, according to a

report are currently aggrieved and hurt by their inability to clinch plum positions within the party’s hierarchy. This explains why the group is being wooed by the ruling party. Recently, Sherriff and his group described the outcome of the party congresses as a witch-hunt. All his associates including Kashim Imam, Umar Duhu and Tom Ikimi lost out in the power play within the party. Also in the South West, the former governor of Ogun State and chieftain of the party, Chief Olusegun Osoba who has been at logger-head with the incumbent governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his associates, like that of Sheriff, are being wooed by PDP. The senator representing Ogun East and an ally of Osoba, Adegbenga Kaka, in an interview with a national newspaper said, “For now, I can only speak for myself. I am sure we will meet, harmonise our position and make it known at the appropriate time.” The Chairman of the PDP in Ogun State, Chief Bayo Dayo, according to a report, confirmed that the party was discussing with the APC group led by Osoba. The former governor and his group, including the sitting deputy governor in Ogun State, boycotted the national convention of the party, an indication that, they may not be pleased with the party. But Senator Akin Odunsi representing Ogun West, a strong associate of Osoba, has said Chief Olusegun Osoba’s associates within the APC in Ogun State will not leave the party, despite the crisis rocking the state chapter.

He said the crisis could be resolved if the national leadership does the right thing. Reacting to speculations that Osoba and his loyalists are planning to dump the party, Odunsi said: “It is a wicked and unfounded rumour. Though our group appears to be a beautiful bride for a lot of groups to approach, we are not leaving because APC is our party. “We are not leaving APC. The landlord does not leave his house for the tenant. Nobody can stampede us out of APC. We are appealing to our members to remain steadfast and undaunted. Though we have been cheated, we should remain faithful to the party and we believe justice will come our way. “The party leaders should be guided in their decision by the party’s guidelines on the conduct of congresses. If the party takes the bull by the horn, I assure you that a lot of our members who are drifting today will come back,” he said. For Oyegun, as he assumes duty at the helms of affairs of APC in Abuja, the task of ensuring that the grievances of these pockets of aggrieved party leaders are resolved so as to keep them and their supporters in the party, is an immediate one. As if to show the readiness of the Oyegun–led APC National Working Committee to tackle the assignment promptly and successfully, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, when contacted, said the party will respond to the grievances raised by Ikimi and the others in due course.

Fresh crisis in Adamawa PDP over imposition Continued from page 19

joined the PDP from APC in protest over the decision to hand over the structures of his former party to Governor Nyako, who had just joined from PDP. His ambition to govern Adamawa State is not a hidden fact. As the candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011, he posted a good showing at the governorship election, coming a close second to the then PDP candidate and incumbent governor, Murtala Nyako. But his albatross may be the decimation of his political structures, which was caused by the refusal of some of his key supporters to team up with

him in his new political abode. The PDP aspirants In all, close to 20 PDP chieftains are allegedly warming up to contest for the party’s governorship ticket. They include Bala Ngilari; former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, Dr. Umar Ardo, Dr. Dahiru Ahmed Modibbo, a former Minister of State for Health, Barrister Idi Hong, Alhaji Sabo Jimeta, Gen. Buba Marwa, Marcus Gundiri, Awwal Tukur and Barrister Jerry Kumdisi, amongst others. APC poised to capitalise on PDP’s slip As the ruling party in the state, APC, according to political pundits, holds the ace in the 2015 governorship race.

Despite all odds, the party seems to have surmounted the obstacles it initially encountered as a result of the defection of key members to the PDP. The alleged final onslaught on the party, which could have led to the impeachment of Nyako appears to have been doused following the intervention of the Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recently brokered a truce between his colleague and members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly. While Nyako has kept his succession card close to his chest, some sources claimed a consensus is building around the candidature of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the former Chairman of the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fly the party’s governorship flag next year. Ribadu, who was the defunct ACN’s presidential candidate in the 2011 general elections, has yet to disclose his game plan for 2015, but some stakeholders in his party have allegedly zeroed in on him as the man with the name, clout and image to defeat any candidate presented by the PDP in the state. The deciding factor for the party, however, will be how the key leaders in the party in the State such as former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and Governor Nyako are able to reach a consensus on who to present as the party’s candidate.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

POLITICS

Abia 2015: Rumbles in Abia PDP over Ihejirika’s ambition Since the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika’s 2015 governorship ambition became public knowledge, stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abia State chapter, are at a loss on how to reconcile the alleged zoning agreement, reports Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu. pirants from Isiukwuato have shown

NTIL last week, when the governorship ambition of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, made headlines, only top stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and selected leaders in Isuikwuato area discussed it in hushed tones. Reports confirming his entrance into the race his ambition of was finally made known “in Maryland, USA on June 1 at the residence of Dr. Okey Nwadiuko, a native of Isikwuato.” The report quoted a source at the meeting in Maryland, as saying that “Ihejirika told the gathering of Isikwuato people and their in-laws that he would contest the 2015 governorship election in Abia State.” Until then his rumoured ambition was considered impossible within PDP, primarily because of Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji’s declared resolve to hand over the party’s 2015 governorship ticket to an aspirant from Ukwa/Ngwa axis of the state. Our investigation, however, shows that the governor’s position notwithstanding, the General’s helmsmen had all along been soliciting support secretly from key political leaders across the state even before Ihejirika’s formal retirement. “The challenge,” according to a source from Ovim in Isuikwato area, “was the alleged zoning agreement which our brothers from Ukwa/Ngwa axis are emphasizing. We are convinced that a state like Abia will be the better for it if a candidate like General Ihejirika is allowed to be at the driver’s seat of ship of our state at a time like this. I think what a state like Abia needs at a time like this is a man with Ihejirika’s exposure and connections. It has taken us over four months to sell this idea. At first it was stoutly rejected from the other zone, but today, many supporters across the state have assured us that what we need, more than zoning, is the right candidate to deliver dividends of democracy to Abians,” he said. Isuikwuato v Ukwa/Ngwa Our investigation however shows that since reports confirmed Ihejirika’s interest for the Abia State governorship seat, the battle line has finally been drawn between his supporters, especially his supporters in Isuikwuato and the aspirants from the Ukwa/Ngwa area. We gathered that while most political leaders from Ukwa/Ngwa area will not hear of any plot to deny them this chance of producing the governor of the state, there are no signs they are willing to unite and present a single candidate. Some of the analysts who spoke to The Nation this week said it is not fair to lump up the issue of uniting under one aspirant from Ukwa/Ngwa with the argument that Isuikwuato local government and other local government areas should steer clear of the governorship post in 2015. One of the respondents, Dr Francis Udoka, a political activist in Abia said, “this battle is interesting in several ways. One, while the area referred to as Ukwa/ Ngwa axis is made up nine local government areas, Isuikwuato is only a local government area. But it seems today that the matter is not as

•Orji

•Nwogu

simple as that. The issue seems to be more of senatorial zones than just local government areas. According to him, “Abia is divided into three senatorial zones; North, Central and South.” He pointed out that the North and Central Senatorial zones have taken their turns while it remains the South. “So, in 2015, it is only fair that this zone be supported by all to produce a governor for the state,” he said. If this argument is to be accepted by all, it implies that the position would be reserved for the area referred to as Ukwa/ Ngwa. But Isuikwuato political elites, who are sponsoring the candidature of one of their sons, General Ihejirika, are arguing that although the local govern-

•Ihejirika

•Abaribe

ment area is part of Abia North, which produced a governor in the person of Orji Uzor Kalu, from Bende Local Government Area, they are supposed to produce the next elected governor of the state going by their reading of an agreement reached at the formation of Abia state. Their contention is that the acronym, ABIA, means a unity of four distinct area: Afikpo, Bende, Isuikwuato and Aba. Afikpo area, according to their argument produced the first governor in the person of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu. Then, Bende produced the next governor in the person of Orji Uzor Kalu. So, the third area, Isuikwuato, is supposed to produce a governor for the state before Aba area (Ukwa/Ngwa). As a result of this claim, even before Ihejirika declared his ambition, other as-

interest for the plum job in 2015. One of them is the owner of Master Energy Group, Chief Uche Ogah. Before last week, some commentators alleged that Ogah may be fronting for the general. Now that Ihejirika has reportedly joined the race, it remains to be seen if Ogah will continue his mobilization efforts and if other aspirants will still emerge from Isuikwuato. Udoka however faulted the argument put forward by Isuikwuato political strategists. As he puts it: “Senatorial zone has become the basis for sharing political positions in the state. If the Abia Charter of Equity is still working, after his eight years tenure, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu would not have handed over power to Gov. Theodore Orji who is from the same old Bende zone. Abia South should be supported to produce the next governor to ensure the peaceful coexistence of the component units of Abia state,” he insisted. As would be expected, aspirants from Ukwa/Ngwa, who until last week did not expect an aspirant like Ihejirika, have also been quoted in media reports to have stoutly criticized the general’s entrance into the race. One of such aspirant is Chief Friday Nwosu, a legal practitioner. He was quoted as saying: “If the Ukwa/Ngwa people become governor in 2015, it will be in line with the dreams of the founding fathers of the state who initiated the Abia Charter of Equity to promote unity among the component units in the state. “We had a slogan, “Onye aghala Nwanne ya” (Be your Brother’s Keeper); but it seems some brothers have forgotten the slogan in political positioning of the state. So, if an indigene of Ukwa/ Ngwa zone emerges Abia state governor in 2015, it would go a long way to correct the imbalance in the political structure of the state. Most importantly, Gov. Orji has declared that after him, a person from the Ukwa/Ngwa zone, particularly Abia South, will be the next governor. He has told people at several fora.” Such criticisms notwithstanding, it is obvious that Ihejirika’s interest has raised the stakes for Abia governorship race not only in PDP but also in other political parties participating in the election. This is because of the seeming agreement by all the political leaders in Abia State that the army boss made great impact in helping to curb the security challenge in Abia State when he was in service as Chief of Army Staff. So, even before his retirement, plans to draft him into the race were discreetly discussed. Aspirants for Abia hot seat General Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika Even before his formal retirement as Chief of Army Staff, it was widely rumoured that he may have been anointed for the top job from Abuja. The rumour however gathered flesh as far back as May, 2014 when some mysterious colourful posters of the retired army general reportedly flooded major streets of Umuahia, the state capital. Some of the posters, which bore the flag and logo of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called on Ihejirika ‘to come and do more for the people of Abia State.’ That was long before the •Continued on Page 24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

POLITICS

OME observers are of the opinion that Boko Haram insurgency constitutes a threat to 2015 polls, do you share this view? I am a practical and realistic politician. The fact is this security challenge is a major problem before us. We have to face the reality that what we have is naked terrorism. The only way out of it is that all hands must be on deck. It is not a question of saying it is the responsibility of President Jonathan. Everybody must hold himself or herself responsible for making sure we end it. We have also agreed that we need the intervention of the international community and they have joined forces with us but mark you; terrorism is new to this country. The earliest reference that you can make is 9/ 11. When the 9/11 happened, it took many years before the United States of America can nail Osama. I keep reminding people that when I went into the Senate in 2005 as against 2003 because of legal battles, two months after I was sworn-in, I put in two bills, one, antiterrorism bill and two, establishment of anti-terrorism agency. The reason was clear; I was trapped at the Pentagon during the 9/11 and for me that witnessed that, it was clear to me that we needed to prepare for that rainy day. Maybe if we had gone through those bills and established an anti terrorism agency, by now, we would have been on top of the situation. It is a long story regarding what happened, how President Obasanjo got the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to bring in another bill, word-for-word, what I proposed. Here we are. Our security agencies are just going through first training to be able to acquaint themselves with the act of terrorism. That is why I said we need to hold ourselves together, be united and committed to fight the battle because the enemy will not let go. I have never dreamt in my life that things could get to a stage where I will see a Nigerian carrying explosive tied round his waist and get it detonated to be able to wipe off other Nigerians. I believe that we will overcome this. Nigerians have a way of overcoming this kind of problem; they have a way of coming together and making sure that Nigeria remains a great country. And that which is the Nigerian spirit will help us to overcome the present challenge that we are facing and I see us going through the 2015 general election in a most successful manner. As a former Senator, what is your take of the present Senate? I am must say I am very proud of the Nigerian Senate because they are very mature. They have helped to strengthen and sustain our democracy by the way they handled recent issues that threaten the nation’s democracy. I want to commend in a very special way the leadership of Senator David Mark.

BEN OBI Vigilance necessary for strong democracy

•Obi

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, in this interview regrets non -establishment of anti-terrorism agency in Nigeria since 2005, when he first sent two bills to the Senate on anti-terrorism. The former Senator, who was trapped at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terror attack in America told Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, that if the bills were followed up, the country would today be on top of Boko Haram insurgency. He spoke on other issues, including violence and Ekiti governorship election, National Conference, etc. Excerpts He has shown that he is a man of great experience, a brilliant soldier and an astute politician and a patron of good work. Recently, your office organised a sensitisation workshop to ensure violence-free governorship election in Ekiti State, but many of the governorship candidates, including Governor Kayode Fayemi of APC, did not attend the workshop. Would you accept the view that their absence was a big minus? During the sensitisation workshop in Ekiti, a good number of the candidates did not come. According to them, they were involved in one campaign or the other. There is one policy I attach to the sensitisation workshop. I ensure that I personally speak to all the candidates. In the case of Ekiti, I spoke to each of the 18 governorship candidates, from the present governor to the former governor. I got their confirmation that they would attend, that the date was okay. My conscience is clear.

The main thrust of the workshop is the pursuit of free, fair and transparent election—one man, one vote; one woman, one vote; one youth, one vote; and one governor, one vote, which is the cardinal principle of my principal, President Goodluck Jonathan. That is why the President encourages that kind of workshop and approves of it, saying ‘go and make sure that you create an atmosphere that will be devoid of rancour and violence.’ To that extent, I have done what I know I should do. The Chief Security Officer of the governor and the protocol men came and said the governor was on his way. Being a state chief executive, anything could have cropped up that would have warranted his absence. But the important thing is that officials that conduct elections—INEC, security agencies, diplomatic corps and the diplomatic community and other bodies that assist in election were present at the workshop. It

is all about making sure that the election comes out well. The operatives are the ones that really count in as much as you expect that the candidates will cooperate. What is your take on recurring political violence during governorship elections, in spite of the sensitisation workshops your office organises, considering that in this age and time, other countries, including fellow African countries like Ghana are having violence-free polls? All politics, they say is local. We have our style of doing things and Nigeria’s style has been like that. Before 2011, can you beat your chest and say I know of any election apart from the June 12, 1993 election that you can refer to as an election? Can you hit your chest also and say this is an election that international and local observers say this is it? We are hearing such now. We are hearing international and local observers saying, ‘yes, you are getting there.’ We are not there

yet, there is still a lot of room for improvement. We have to understand that we are a country where a lot of people want to express themselves in their own way or manner. And if you say, ‘this is wrong,’ they say, ‘how dare you tell me this is wrong?’ They feel they have control of the situation. We must exercise a lot of caution on how we talk to our people. I try in my own way as Inter-Party Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan to communicate with the opposition parties knowing that I belong to the PDP and also knowing that the success of my job depends on how I can interact with the opposition. So, I try to do things in a way that will give them some sense of confidence. Whatever I say to them is nothing but the truth. So, how would you assess Nigerian’s democracy 15 years after? So far, so good; that we are experiencing handover from civilian to civilian is a major achievement because one shift of ground will take us many miles down the road and I don’t think that is what we want to experience. Our democracy is growing by the day, we have not got there yet, we still have room for improvement and I hope as we move on we will make our mistakes, fumble and stumble but we will head in the right direction. About nine years ago, the US predicted that Nigeria may break up before 2015, as a Nigerian and an adviser to Mr. President, are you not bothered? We will see the end of 2015. Nigerians don’t toil with the unity of their country. When you watch delegates at the National Conference, you will see that the atmosphere is charged. But when it comes to issues that relate to Nigeria’s unity, they become like babies as if they have never said anything in the past that threatens Nigeria’s unity. These are the facts on the ground. Before the commencement of the National Conference, there were fears that such a conference may get out of hand and may spark off debates that may lead to decimation of the country. Given the performance of the conference so far, are you worried or satisfied; do you think the confab will strengthen democracy and unity of the country or will the delegates ultimately sacrifice the country’s unity? Please take time and look at the list of delegates; each zone is represented by its first eleven and if these people will sacrifice Nigeria, then I think Nigeria needs to be sacrificed. If the quality and the calibre of people at the confab will rise to say let Nigeria be sacrificed, then, so be it. To strengthen democracy, we have to remain vigilant, what some people were trying to do is to destabilise the country and the administration so that they will have a free road to deepen the problem and they will say that our hard-won democracy has failed. Again, I say Nigerians will need to be very vigilant and do things that will keep us united, fighting the cause of the country.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

POLITICS

Adeola and the Yayi factor in Ogun

T started like a whispering campaign a few years back in Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State. A certain Hon. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Alimosho Federal Constituency of Lagos State at the House of Representatives was staging a homecoming to his Ogun State home base. The Pahayi, Ilaro indigene was a two term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly where he was the chairman of the key Finance Committee consecutively. Back in Lagos, he has popularised his nickname ‘Yayi’, a shortened form of the Yoruba name ‘Omoyayi,’ meaning a ‘distinguished’ or ‘worthy’ son. Essentially that sobriquet reflects his exemplary life and large heartedness in touching the life of people individually and communally with his resources. This was what he imported into Ogun State that soon caught on like wild fire particularly in Ogun West District. In relatively no time at all, Adeola, an All Progressive Congress (APC) politician was able to endear himself to the high and mighty as well as the downtrodden that are in the majority in this area. From traditional rulers to clerics and all others, it was marveling all round to the people of the area that they have such an illustrious son that could make a difference in the development trajectory of the area staying away in Lagos for so long. For the downtrodden, it was admiration for the humility of one they have come to see as a role model to stand up for them at any level. His large heartedness in festive times and to those he came across was confounding to many. Predictably his activities became the common denominator in Ogun West political calculation as the formal greeting associated with him, “Yayi ni oo, Yayi ni jare” was on the lips of all. It would be rare if the feat of ‘Yayi’ in endearing himself to his people in such a dramatic fashion comes without traducers who would want the tepid socio-political tempo that the district has been noted for to continue to keep silent. Some were just pissed off with the ‘overnight’ grassroots popularity of Adeola. Others were concerned that his philanthropy dwarfs anything they are used to and that he may make them irrelevant in the scheme of things. But they have nothing to attack him with except his shinning success in “foreign land.” They argued that he should continue his sojourn in Lagos as if it is a crime to achieve success in Lagos, a trait that many illustrious sons of Ogun State and indeed Nigeria have followed. Unknown to most of them is the fact that even before his visibility, Adeola is a known face in several parts of Ogun State , including the state capital Abeokuta, Joga Orile and Ilaro. So he cannot be regarded as a ‘stranger’ but what Yorubas will call ‘Omowale’- a son who after a meritorious stint in a foreign land returned home to take his rightful place. Based on his antecedents and his wealth of experience as a legislator, Adeola is aspiring to represent the Ogun West Senatorial District at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. So far, that ambition, which he is always

Adoke: For justice or injustice (1)

•Adeola By Kayode Odunaro

quick to tell anyone is not “a do or die affair” has received endorsement from key politicians and leaders of thought from the district and beyond. For once, the leaders and indeed the people of the district see in him a true representative that will carry his people along as well as protect their core interests in Ogun State and Nigeria. The ground swell of support transcends party lines as Adeola is known for carrying everybody along in his philanthropic activities with many vowing to support his ambition on non partisan basis. So, who is this man making waves in Ogun West? Adeola was born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ayinde Adeola Ogunleye of Ago Isaga, Ilaro at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital on August 10, 1969. He grew up in Alimosho where he began his education at State Primary School in Alimosho, Lagos. He proceeded to Community Grammar School, Akowonjo, Lagos, for his secondary education. His quest for knowledge took him to Ondo State Polytechnic, Owo, now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State where he bagged a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting. He is a distinguished Chartered Accountant-Associate Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN). A man of variegated experience in both private and public sector finance, Adeola had a stint with “The Guardian Newspapers Limited” for 12 years and rose to the position of Accountant. In a profession where private sector experience is key for proof of competence Adeola proceeded to Olatunji Omoyeni & Co, a chartered accounting firm, where he led the audit team for several years and was later promoted to the position of a Senior Auditor. He later established his own company, SOOTEM Nigeria Limited, where he was the

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Following his decision to join active politics, sometime at the dawn of the 4Th Republic, Adeola was nominated by then ruling Action Congress (AC) and was subsequently elected as a member to represent Alimosho State Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2007 to 2011. A man of immense financial and political skills, he was reputed to have been instrumental to the enactment of the law that strengthened the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, a legislation that catapulted the revenue of the state from N5billion monthly to over N20billion! Without doubt, his sterling performance in public service of Lagos State naturally promoted him to the Federal Legislature when he was elected to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives in 2011 which will culminate in 12 years of unbroken legislative experience at both state and federal legislature. And when the committees of the House were inaugurated by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal for members, he got the position of the chairman of the only constitutional committee, the Public Accounts Committee of the House. His performance in that committee in relation to exposing monumental corruption and sharp financial practices of government agencies has attracted national acclaim and made him a man his people want as a true representative. No doubt the people of Ogun West and indeed Ogun State have in Adeola, a distinguished son with vast financial and legislative experience that can make a difference to the political and socio economic development of his people and state. The race for the exalted seat is on and from all indications, Adeola appears very much the candidate to beat, all factors considered. — Odunaro wrote from Abeokuta.

COULD not help musing over the role of the Attorney General of the Federation in building a solid democracy as it was announced during the past week that the charges against the eldest son of the late maximum ruler Sani Abacha were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation. Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, did not have to advance reasons and found no basis to do so to a bewildered nation. It was enough that he was exercising the powers conferred on him by the law of the country. In the next few weeks, I intend to look at the office, those who have been saddled with the task of handling the assignment, how they fared, what is expected of the holder of the office, Mohammed Adoke Bello as AGF and the way forward. It is one high office of the land that plays a very important part in our lives, behind the lens of cameras and the attention of the people. The Attorney General of the Federation doubles as the Minister of Justice. He initiates cases on behalf of the state and could discontinue trials without adducing reasons. He is such an important officer of the temple of justice that the moral standing of the Republic rests mainly on his shoulders. The office is expected to be filled by a man or woman of conscience, a very senior member of the Bar and one who could be trusted to advise the Chief Executive of the Federation on the legal implication of decisions being taken. He is a member of all major judicial bodies and sits prominently in the Executive Council of the Federation. He is the only minister whose qualifications are spelt out in the constitution. While the President is free to appoint a farmer his minister of sports, or a pharmacist his information minister, he is bound to look at the roll of ranking lawyers in appointing his justice minister. Many of the previous attorneys general have been colourful, academically sound, but controversial. The very first, post-independence, Dr. Taslim Elias, was many men packed into one. He was a Professor of Law, Dean of Law at the University of Lagos and later Chief Justice of Nigeria in succession to Sir Adetokunbo Ademola. In realization of his worth, even after he had been eased out of office by the brash General Murtala Muhammed, the International Court of Justice at The Hague found a Bench for him. He remains a legend till date. However, his role in the persecution of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo calls to question his moral standing and courage to stand for the truth. As Awo was being pilloried at the House of Representatives, Elias leant the weight of his exalted office to the perverted process adopted. He was succeeded by GCM Onyiuke who only served the short-lived Ironsi administration. Under Onyiuke’s watch, the controversial Unification Decree of 1966 that bred distrust and probably informed the pogrom and subsequent counter coup of 1966 was enacted. Elias was brought back by Gowon and served till 1972 when he was made to succeed Sir Adetokunbo as CJN. As AG, he was succeeded by Nabo Graham Douglas who served dutifully under the Murtala regime and was succeeded, at the assassination of Murtala, by Daniel Ibekwe who occupied the office only from February to November 1976. Augustine Nnamani was Obasanjo’s AG. He served the military regime with all his endowment and was handsomely rewarded with an admission into the Inner Bar as well as elevation to the Supreme Court at the end of his tour of duty in the office. By October 1, 1979, Richard Akinjide who is still best remembered as the exponent of the twelve two-thirds formula was appointed in succession. He was a giant at the Bar, especially in the politics of the Bar. He was a wellgroomed politician who would do anything politically to frustrate Awolowo. Thus, for the four years that he filled the office, he did whatever was necessary to sustain the regime and give legal cover for whatever conservative policy or plan the National Party of Nigeria came up with. When Shagari was brought back in October 1983, he dropped Akinjide for Kehinde Sofola, another Yoruba NCNC politician, but one known to be very decent and probably fair-minded. His service lasted only three months before the military stepped on the stage again. Chike Offodile was Buhari’s AG. He was fitting for the role of drafting and supporting the draconian laws churned out by the dictators. Bola Ajibola who had been President of the Nigerian Bar Association during the Buhari regime was handed the task of managing legal fallouts under the Babangida administration from inception in 1985 to 1991 when he was assisted to take a seat at The Hague. When the regime had to take unpopular actions, including the murder of General Vatsa, repression of progressive forces and attempting to break the backbone of protesters against anti-people economic policies, Ajibola served the regime well. His reward was the move to the ICJ. He was succeeded by Clement Akpamgbo who was not as ebullient as he worked with Chief Ernest Shonekan on the ill-defined Transition Council.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

POLITICS

S the new Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, few months to the 2015 general election, Professor Rufa’i Alkali has enormous task to guide the President on how to ensure peace and political stability in spite of threats arising from varying interests. A political scientist and former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Alkali, who succeeded Ahmed Gulak, is known by his colleagues as an apostle of give and take, a quality many are optimistic he would depend upon to help build mutual trust in the polity, since his principal, President Jonathan, it is bel i e v e d , would even-

2015: Tasks before Alkali

Prof. Rufa’i Alkali, who emerged as President Goodluck Jonathan’s new Special Adviser on Political Affairs earlier this month has enormous tasks to play in maintaining political stability ahead 2015 general elections, reports Sam Egburonu tually emerge the presidential candidate of his party. Political observers who spoke to The Nation during the week lamented political intolerance in the country but pointed out that Alkali stands the chance of correcting this anomaly if he can rise above partisanship. They, however, point to some personal attributes and political philosophy of the new adviser as evidence that he has what it takes to properly advice the president at a time like this. Dr James Udodirim, a political scientist in his reaction to the appointment of Alkali said: “I think, more than most of the other top PDP politicians, Alkali has more progressive idea of political battle. He is both realistic and ready to make needed sacrifices when the time comes. “I remember his response when the opposition political party,

All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed. At that time, other top PDP leaders came out to dismiss APC as a huge joke. Not Alkali, who had just left the top party office of the National Publicity Secretary. I remember that in an interview I read then, he said of APC: “There is nothing new about alliances or mergers; they come and go in every republic. In fact, since 1999 in this Fourth Republic, we have had many of them, including the APP/AD alliance that challenged our first presidential outing. In short, no alliance or merger has upstaged the ruling party at any time in our history. But having made that observation, let me also add, as a political scientist and a realist, there is no precision in politics; everything is fluid. ‘The internal crises within the PDP are worrisome. Meaning: PDP as a party should not take the new party for granted, although 2015 may appear still a distance away, the time to reposition and re-invigorate the party is now. Everything depends on how the party handles the transitional politics as we march towards the magical year 2015.” Udodirim said now that Alkali has emerged Mr. President’s adviser and APC has also emerged a rather formidable opposition party, he would need to insist on this kind of realistic approach whenever

he advises Jonathan. “I think he would do this, but my fear is if his advice would be taken by

•Alkali

other PDP leaders who do not fancy politics of compromise,” he said. Another quality that may help Alkali in this enormous task ahead the forthcoming elections is the image he has acquired amongst other politicians across the board as one of the few politicians in the ruling party, who have demonstrated readiness at all times to make necessary compromises and sacrifices for the sake of peace, his party and for Nigeria. Confirming this quality, Alhaji Idris Kama, a political observer said during the week, “You will agree with me that Professor Alkali has always played fair and it is this his spirit of give and take in politics that I think will help him to guide Mr. President at a time like this. As a political scientist, he understands the game better than many other politicians who see this game as a do or die affair. Recall that in spite of the overwhelming support he enjoyed in his home state Gombe, he was the first aspirant that played the card of reconciliation after the controversial 2011 gubernatorial primaries of the PDP in the state. “I still recall that after the primaries, all the other contestants reportedly ganged up against the eventual candidate, Ibrahim Dakwanbo. But Prof. Alkali not only accepted the outcome of the primaries, he also wrote a personal letter to Dakwanbo, congratulated him for his victory and went ahead to donate his campaign office and other political infrastructures to the Dakwanbo Campaign Organisation. “This explains why most of us here see Alkali as a stabilising factor in times of party internal bickering. I believe if he carries this quality to his new assignment as the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, he would help to promote peace before, during and after the forthcoming 2015 elections.” Another reason his admir-

ers are depending on him is his personal experience both in party politics and in election proper. It would be recalled that when he tried his hand in elective politics, he also played true to the touted image of a fair player. He was one of the five candidates for PDP chairmanship position in 2012 when the party ceded the position to the North-East geo- political zone. Although Dr Bamanga Tukur finally emerged the chairman then, insiders, who described Alkali as a smooth operator, said he demonstrated his political worth during that politically volatile period in the North-East zone. Initially, about 30 party stalwarts reportedly declared interest in the position. At first many would have sworn on their lives, Alkali was not even interested in the race, not to talk of being a frontrunner. That was until he suddenly emerged one of the final five contestants recommended for consideration by the leadership of the party. The five short listed aspirants then included former Liaison Officer to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on National Assembly Matters, Senator Abba Aji, former Governor of old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Acting National Secretary then, Alhaji Musa Babayo, Second Republic politician and one time running mate to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Ibrahim Shetima and the then incumbent National Publicity Secretary, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali. Alkali’s inclusion in the list soon became the hottest issue considering the influence he wielded at the party’s National Working Committee vis-à-vis President Jonathan’s known resolve to install Tukur. Alkali succeeded in hiding his interest in the plum job, even from some of his supporters and other members of the party executive until Thursday 8th March, 2012, when he officially launched his campaign at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. This is vintage Alkali, whose calm ambience was often touted by journalists throughout the period he held the gate of PDP as the National Publicity Secretary at the Wadata Plaza in Abuja.

Ihejirika and Abia 2015 gubar race •Continued from Page 21 army general retired from the army. Last week, more reports confirmed that the general, who has recently retired from the army, has joined the race. Born February 13, 1956, Ihejirika is from Ovim, Isikwuato Local Government Area in Abia North Senatorial zone. As an individual, observers say ‘the retired General is very popular and well connected to successfully prosecute the governorship battle but if he intends to contest under PDP, his major challenge would be an alleged zoning agreement that favours Ukwa/Ngwa area to which the serving governor, Chief T. A. Orji has reportedly agreed to hand over power to. Going by this reality, it remains to be seen how the Gen-

eral intends to grab the PDP ticket. Already many speculations have been floated. While some alleged that he was anointed in Abuja, by President Goodluck Jonathan with whom he still enjoys good relationship, others said Governor Orji himself is solidly behind him, especially since it is a public knowledge that the Governor and the retired army boss relate very well and may in fact be described as friends. Already, these speculations, especially the allegation that the governor and his family were behind the General has elicited reactions from various stakeholders, some of who wonder how the first family in the state will reconcile the governor’s earlier promise to hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa. However, Abia State Government has, in its reaction, denied sponsoring Ihejirika’s governorship ambition. A statement by the Chief Press

Secretary to Governor Theodore Ahamaefule Orji, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, dismissed the report as “a joke taken too far,” adding, “His Excellency T. A. Orji is proffering solutions to the problems of the state and cannot afford such mischievous distractions. Enough is enough.” Contacted on the issue during the week to know if the position of the governor on the matter has changed, Ajunwa said: “No, that remains the position of the government on the matter.” This being the case, it seems certain that the last has not been heard over the declared interest of the retired general to contest the Abia 2015 governorship election. Already, political analysts and insiders said the entrance of Ihejirika into the race has electrified Abia State politics. Chief Uwazuruike Ukoma, a

community leader in Item, Bende Local Government Area told The Nation that for some time now Abia State politics had been very boring. “The political scene here has been very boring. We need entrance of powerful elements like Ihejirika to ginger up our polity. Other states have gone ahead of us. We need strong actors. While I am not ready to be dragged into the petty idea of zoning or hero worshipping, I wish more powerful elements from Abia State will show interest in politics,” he said. Ukoma added that Ihejirika’s entrance will somehow have some ripple effects on all the participating political parties. While PDP leadership in the state may be battling to resolve the zoning puzzle vis-à-vis Ihejirika, I am sure other political parties interested in hijacking power in the state will go back to the drawing board. Already, some stakehold-

ers from Ukwa/Ngwa are already threatening to resort to protest vote should PDP give Ihejirika its ticket. Aspirants before Ihejirika As would be expected, many aspirants both from PDP and other parties, had emerged from Ukwa /Ngwa wards before it became certain they may have to contain with Ihejirika and others from them other zones. They included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Emeka Wogu, Chinwe Nwangaga, Reagan Ufomba, Nkechi Nwogu and others. Aside these aspirants, others that have been associated with the tall ambition include Sir G.C. Onyendilefu, Hon Uzor Azubuike and F.N. Nwosu. It is, therefore, evident that the race for Umuahia Government House is getting hotter by the day.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

POLITICS

‘Doomsday prophets will be shamed in 2015’ N

zuko Imeobi, the organisation you lead, has somehow become a rallying point for politicians in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone. Bearing that in mind, how would you assess the role the organisation played during last year’s governorship election in Anambra State? The organisation is a grassroots movement, which is focused on enhancing the participation of the people of Idemili North and South, and beyond, in politics. The membership cuts across political divides, which makes it a non partisan organisation. The resolve is that no matter who the political parties present to them as their candidates, after all the political calculations and alignments, the people must have a say even when they are not members of that particular party. The concern and the point here is on the quality of the candidates and that is where the support is based. In the last election in Anambra State, Nzuko Imeobi led the people of Idemili to understand that fairness, equity and justice should be the hallmark of our political development. These are the attributes communities need to co-exist harmoniously. For that reason, we endorsed the power shift to Anambra North regardless of the fact that there were candidates from our zone in Anambra Central. We told the candidates that Anambra Central have had its fair share of political leadership at that level and for the sake of equity, it was time for things to change. The people listened, abided by that reality and in that election focused their attention on the candidates from the North. To take a stand, we had several consultations with stakeholders and the parties. We met with the candidates and the parties and presented them with our own position paper, our roadmap for the development of the state. During the interactions, the candidates appreciated our roadmap and admitted that no other group had such a document. The roadmap is a document that enumerates the vision of Nzuko Imeobi for the development of Anambra and Idemili. The position we canvassed was not something exclusive to Idemili because we believe that what is good for the people of Idemili is also good for Anambra people in general. And we were not being parochial when in the end we had to ask, ‘So, what is in it for the people of Idemili?’ We were aware that the former governor and APGA had an obvious position, which was that during the administration of Dr. Chris Ngige, Idemili benefitted more than any other community and for that reason, it was not disguised that we deserved almost nothing in the last eight years. We were regularly told: “Idemili people you already have enough.” Maybe we were favoured during Ngige’s era but we felt there were other political or personal reasons. Anyway, whatever they were, Idemili people paid for it. In the process of supporting the candidates from the North, we reminded them that we have a strong candidate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and since APGA had not done much to attract total sympathy in the area, we were faced with a hard sell. How do we just convince our people to vote APGA? We said that having decided to give power shift a chance, we have already given PDP and APGA a 50 - 50 chance of winning. The PDP asked for only 25 per cent of the votes from the zone because they knew that they had performed woefully in the past. APGA has never had much success in the area too. In the end, we achieved what we planned. Votes were denied a candidate in our area and the PDP and APGA benefitted. The APGA team, which had shown a commitment to change the old system benefitted from our good faith and support. We effectively nullified the hold of any other party in the zone in order to free the votes for the candidates from the North. Seeing how in previous elections, similar groups like even the Church had tried to influence the outcome of the elections, do you do think the civil society groups should be so influential in such circumstances? The involvement and participation of civil society groups cannot be easily quan-

Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, the Leader of Nzuko Imeobi Idemili North and South, the apex socio-cultural and political organisation of Idemili in Anambra Central Senatorial District, and the Political and Economic Adviser to the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, in this interview explains to Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, how his group influenced the results of last governorship election in Anambra State. Excerpts

•Okonkwo tified. What we have done in the recent past in Anambra is to play what I call developmental politics. In that regard, we have focused on individuals who have shown the potential of performing at the highest level and delivering to the people the often mentioned democracy dividends. This hasn’t worked as we anticipated because when these people are in the positions from where they will serve the people, they usually disappoint and fall short of expectations and this has led to so much frustration and despair amongst the people. Have you not ever considered standing for elective politics? I have not because I believe that you can serve the people in different ways other than standing to be voted for. I have served them in various capacities and although I am a member of the PDP, I have not been partisan but a developmental politician. I have been involved in organising things strategically in Anambra and this has been felt in many quarters. I don’t believe that you have to be in power to be of service. So, we have been offering good service and useful activities to the communities without being involved on a partisan level. But as I said, this time around, we feel the time is right to get involved on a partisan level. I am not a practicing politician, which is an euphemism for being in politics without any other source of livelihood. I am fully engaged with my own entrepreneurial activities. At the right time and with the collective determination of the people, I will get involved, I will seek an elective office, which would be guided by what the people want and what will be beneficial to them. If you are asked to run for the Senate, will you go and if you do, what will you do differently? We usually say that the voice of the people is the voice of God. If my people make the call, I will respond knowing that they must have a reason for making the call. I will answer to the call if I believe I can deliver on their contract. Representation is not about you, just as I wonder if people go to the National Assembly to

solve their personal financial problems. I assume that they go there to serve their people. Without holding an elective post, I have attracted investors and federal projects to my constituency. I have built schools, offered scholarships to students in foreign and local universities, empowered the people, etc. Many people had expected me to run for office but I have always disappointed them over the years. In Anambra Central, the APC has lawmakers in both the state House of Assembly and the National Assembly. How would you assess the impact of the APC representation especially in the National Assembly? The impact of Senator Chris Ngige of course goes beyond Idemili and as a matter of fact beyond Anambra, knowing that he is a senator of the Federal Republic, so it is not easy assessing him in that context. But maybe expectations from his immediate constituency have not been met or maybe the expectations were too high and that is why the yearning for a change is beginning to reverberate. The people also wish for a change in the House of Representatives for several reasons. Charles Odedo might have done well in certain areas but the Idemili area would wish for a change. Part of the disengagement process of the last administration was the donation of large sums of money to churches. As an adviser to the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, one of the beneficiaries how did this come to you? It is something that has raised a lot of questions and praises in some circles and despite the fanfare with which it was done, there are still grey areas. For example, we have inquired about the source of the money and whether it was budgeted or did it follow due process, and the answers are not clear to me. But what we know is that the church is managing the resources well in the provision of infrastructure. The money was to be used for the provision of infrastructure in the educational and health sectors and incidentally the Church was not lacking in these areas. I believe that credit must be given to the Church for the success we

have seen in the educational sector because there is a tradition of high performance when the church had been in control of education. The point is that it is not the money that was given to the church that suddenly changed things. The last governor had always shared money. His policy had always embraced that. He started by sharing money to town union leaders and traditional rulers to build schools and rehabilitate old ones. Sometimes, the secret of success was not because money was shared, so it is just that the church kept their tradition of providing quality education. For me also, the education fund that went to the church was specifically about infrastructure and the provision is still ongoing, so they have not fully impacted even on the education. We strongly believe that the educational sector like any other sector must be planned and sharing money is not the solution. So far, how would you assess the present APGA administration in the state? Although it is still too early to make an assessment, I dare say that the signs we are seeing are promising and an indication of better things to come. If these indications are maintained, I think we might witness a major shift in focus. The governor, if well guarded and guided will discover that ruling Anambra is not as difficult as many people have been made to believe. How would you analyse the readiness of Ndigbo ahead of the 2015 elections? There may not be a time a section can say they are prepared to grab power. We will always have competent men and women for even the office of president. But we should realise that political power is not served à la carte. The only power that is handed over without a fuss is the “Power of Attorney.” I am not scared about the readiness of Ndigbo to put up that fight for political power. But we must bear in mind that the contest is usually carried out within a context. As we look ahead to 2015, the question is whether Ndigbo can realistically go into the fight for any national position? Which position will that be? It is only when the position is identified that the readiness will be assessed within the dynamics. Such dynamics include the principles of rotation and power shift, regardless of the party. Where do they come in when that formula is unfolded by the parties? You can’t fight for what the structure does not support you for. The components of the structure should at least give you the support to win the primaries before you know you stand a chance to fight. So, it is entirely in the hands of Ndigbo, no matter the discussions going on anywhere. We must be aware of how the structure is skewed against or in favour of the zone. For example, we have the lowest number of states and councils in the federation and democracy is a game of numbers. How does this affect Ndigbo? Do you think Anambra has fully harnessed the potential of the market in Onitsha and the industrial potential of Nnewi to really boost the economic fortunes of the state? It is a source of concern to any right thinking person from Anambra and the South East that this has not been the case. In the past, almost all the successful businessmen and industrialists operated in Anambra. In those days, it used to be said that it is those who couldn’t succeed in the state that went to Lagos. But today there is an economic shift. In the South East, the Anambra economy has not been developing as it should. I also don’t see why the South East should be complaining about the state of roads and perhaps blaming Mr. President. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Roads is from the South-East just like his counterpart in the House of Representatives. The Minister of Finance is from the South-East just like the chairman of FERMA. They are certainly not there for only South East roads, but the condition of some federal roads like the OnitshaEnugu road does no justice to these representatives. When they leave office, they will, like others, drive on the bad roads. This is an example of poor representation.

26 POLITICS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

ripples

Politics of Ogun-East Aluko still undecided Senate seat on political future

ne of the aspirants for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Ekiti State for the June 21 election; Engr. Gbenga Aluko, is still undecided on his political plans for the future. Several attempts by the Presidency and the national leadership of the PDP to rally all the aspirants behind Fayose failed to achieve the envisaged objective, as Aluko insisted he would not under any circumstance pledge his support for the PDP candidate. His disaffection led to speculations that he may defect to the All the Progressives Congress (APC), but sources close to the former senator, said Aluko has no plans to leave PDP, under which platform he represented Ekiti North in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003. Ripples, however, gathered that he is weighing his options whether to contest for the governorship in 2018 or seek for another elective office.

•Aluko

Pressure on Sunmonu to contest for Senate •Sunmonu

he Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, is under pressure to contest for Oyo Central senatorial seat in 2015, sources have revealed. Some stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West state are currently canvassing for the zoning of the seat to Oyo, an agitation that has the backing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. In the last three political dispensations, the seat has been occupied by Ibadan/Ogbomoso indigenes.

Plateau lawmakers angry with Jang

•Jang

he decision by Yakubu Jang, son of Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, to take members of the State House of Assembly to court seems to have worsened the tensed relationship between the governor and the state lawmakers. Yakubu, who is also his father's Special Adviser on Special Duties, is asking the court to stop the investigation of alleged financial impropriety leveled against the governor by the House. Most of the lawmakers, it was gathered, have reportedly vowed to go ahead with the investigation.

he scenario in Oyo Central senatorial seat is also playing out in Ogun East senatorial zone where major stakeholders are clamouring for a power shift to the Remo axis. From 1979 till date, the seat has been filled by the Ijebu Igbo/Ago Iwoye zone. A rundown: During the Second Republic, late Chief Abraham Adesanya (Ijebu Igbo) was the representative of the zone; Chief Jubril Martins Kuye, who hails from Ago Iwoye, occupied the seat in the Third Republic, while from 1999 to 2003, Chief Olabiyi Durojaye also from Ijebu Igbo filled the slot. From 2007 to 2011, it was the turn of Chief Lekan Mustapha, an indigene of Ago Iwoye, with the incumbent being Alhaji Gbenga Kaka from Ijebu Igbo. The only period a politician from the Ijebu Ode axis occupied the seat was from 2003 to 2007 in the person of Tokunbo Ogunbanjo.

•Kaka

Ogun West PDP leaders endorse Akinlade

t was a gathering of who is who in Ogun West PDP. From the Deputy Chairman of Ogun PDP, Chief Sina Adejobi; Ogun West PDP boss, Leye Odunjo; former commissioner, Mrs. Mary Ogunjobi; the party's chairmen in the five local government areas in the zone, Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, Ado Odo Ota and Imeko Afon; state treasurer of PDP, Murtala Anbinuola; former Chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Kunle Adejumo; former Chairman of Imeko Afon, Saka Isiaka; exofficio of South-West P D P , S e m i u Babatunde; former Commissioner, Civil Service Commission, Sunmola Adewale, to mention but a few, had gathered in Owode for a dual mission: to call on Abiodun Akinlade, member, House of Representatives, who hails from Owode to formally declare for PDP and also contest the 2015 governorship. A third term member of the National Assembly, Akinlade, according to sources at the meeting, has become a rallying point for the Ogun West (Yewa) zone, which has not produced the governor since the creation of the state in 1976. Ripples gathered that Akinlade in his response to his visitors' requests said there was no going back on his decision to vie for next year's governorship election on the platform of PDP.

•Akinlade

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

MAGAZINE 43

2014

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Insurance: Nigeria’s untapped goldmine Page 58, 59

•Idaresit

Page 60

‘How efficient credit control can boost economy’

ROBUST credit management and control is germane to the growth and survival of any given economy, especially a developing economy like Nigeria. This was the submission made by a cross-section of experts at a public forum held in Lagos recently. The event was at the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA)'s credit professional networking luncheon. The guest speaker, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, Chairman/ Chief Executive, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, who gave an overview of credit management in the oil and gas sub-sector of the economy, said it is tough running a successful oil conglomerate because of

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf the pressure to deliver on performance for the benefits of shareholders. "For many years, I have to stand in front of the shareholders and give account of my stewardship. I know that if I don't make a profit consistently over some years, the people will begin to throw chairs at me. But the organisation can still continue to run even if it doesn't make profits." Continuing, he said: "But if it doesn't have any cash and it cannot meet its obligations anymore, that is the end. Then, it would have to close its doors because it cannot meet up to its creditors. Therefore, how you manage the cash is very key. No matter what the size of your

organisation is, whether it's a big or small organisation, a multibillion naira company and what have you, if you don't manage your cash well, between what is coming in and what is going out, you're in trouble. And the key element of managing that cash is how you manage credit. "In own downstream sector, our retail margin today which is fixed by the government is N4.60 kobo. If you sell a truck of PMS, which is about 40, 000 litres, the cost of that is close to N4million. So, the profit you ought to make per litre is N4.60kobo. Assuming you sell that truck close to N4million to somebody and the person doesn't pay and goes away with that money, how many litres do you have to sell at N4.60kobo to make up for that one truck? If

• From left: Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, Chairman/Chief Executive, Mobil Oil Nigeria PLC receiving an award from Dr. Chris Onalo, Registrar/ Chief Executive, Institute of Credit Administration, during the Institute Professional Networking/Luncheon in Lagos...recently

you do the maths, it's about 21 other trucks to make up for what you have lost, if you don't manage your credit process very well." Speaking earlier, Dr. Chris Onalo, Registrar/ Chief Executive, Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), in his welcome address, lamented that unlike other advanced economies, credit system was still at its infancy stage in Nigeria as a result of socioeconomic and technological gaps. These gaps, he stressed, should be addressed so as to engender a more efficient credit system. In his submission, Barrister Emefiene, a member of the board of ICA, who once served as Legal Adviser to the Nigeria Police Force, said certain ouster clauses were being explored by unscrupulous individuals to undermine the nation's financial system. Going down memory lane, he recalled that the Force hit a brick wall some years ago when it was investigating a certain bank customer alleged to have been involved in some shady financial deals. The Force had applied for a banker's order form to enable it have access to the accused person's account but the customer reportedly took the bank and the Force to court, Emefiene stressed. "The case was highly celebrated and has since become a legal precedence cited everywhere today. Such a law has made it impossible for law enforcement agents to investigate certain financial crimes in the system. Such a law needs to be amended," he noted.

Trustfund records N3.8b total income

RUSTFUND Pensions Plc yesterday announced a total income of N3.897 billion in 2013. Its profit before tax hit N1.089billion while it recorded N1.005billion profit after tax in the year under review. The Company Secretary, Monica Ani, disclosed this in the firm's financial statement released for shareholders at the 6th Annual General Meeting in Abuja. She, however, noted that the firm N84,177,000 on taxation in 2013. According to the chairman, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, the "company's gross earnings and profit after tax increased

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja by 22 per cent and 28 per cent respectively resulting in a corresponding increase in the total assets and shareholders' fund of 17 per cent and 30 per cent." On dividends, the chairman noted that during the year under review, the directors paid a final dividend 25kobo per ordinary share on the issued capital of 1,000,000,000 for the financial year ended December 2012. The directors, according to her, recommended a final dividend of 25kobo per share in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2013. Olejeme added that

-- Page 53

‘Nigeria yet to maximise benefits of social media’

"Withholding tax will be deducted at the point of payment." Responding to shareholders' demand for increase in dividend, she promised that the company would double this year's dividend by the next financial year. The Director General, Nigeria Employees' Consultative Association (NECA), Segun Osinowo, had complained that the shareholders deserved more dividends than the "marginal increase" recommended over that of the previous year. Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwahed

Omar, noted that the company has been industrious to have recorded a significant increase above last years' earnings. According to him, the fact that the chairman has promised to raise the dividend by 50 per cent next year means that the firm has accepted to work harder in the next one year. The NLC boss submitted that the company has been living up to the expectation of the congress, noting that "without being selfish or bias, I will say they are really living up to expectation. As we have heard from the MD that they are going to work towards increasing the dividend, that means improving on service delivery."

‘The best trick is to avoid old tricks’ •Johnson

Page 62

Host communities, Chevron square up over contract awards By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

BODY operating under the aegis of the Chevron Host Communities Contractors is at loggerheads with the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited over what it described as gross marginalisation and disenfranchisement. Speaking in an interview with The Nation over the weekend, Comrade Emmanuel Adidi, the chairman of the body, said his members have suffered a lot of deprivation in the hands of the oil major than they are willing to admit. According to him, Chevron host communities have little or nothing to show for the use of their communities by the American oil giant, as most of the indigenes were not being carried along in the scheme of things. Specifically, Adidi said his members were angry with the relocation of the Procurement Department of the company to Lagos which he alleged was deliberate to shut them from having contracts from the oil firm. He said the leadership of the association had a meeting with the management of Chevron recently during which their demands were refused. "The host communities that are within the areas of Chevron operations including the Itsekiris, Ijaws, Ilajes and the Urhobos have continued to endure a lot of hardship in the hands of the company. Our demand is that the headquarters of the procurement department that used to be in Warri but was moved to Lagos be relocated back for easy accessibility by the host community contractors," Adidi insisted. Expatiating, he recalled his group had sent a petition to the CNL management in late March, where it condemned in strong terms the relocation of the procurement department to no avail. In the petition signed on behalf of the group by Adidi and Enaefewan Friday, the group, Adidi stressed, alleged that some high ranking officials and employees of Chevron saddled with the responsibility of managing awards of contracts and procurements use proxy companies owned by themselves and their cronies to the detriment of indigenous contractors. "Our source of livelihood is being threatened by the activities of these unscrupulous staff at Chevron who daily divert contracts meant for our members to their cronies and friends at our own expense. We don't know what we have done to deserve this injustice being meted to us," he lamented. Going down memory lane, Adidi said, the Niger Delta region, where poverty, unemployment, remain a metaphor of existence, has led to civil strife, hence, oil companies like Chevron operating in the host communities step up efforts at ensuring a proper and prompt execution of its corporate social responsibility obligation to the oil producing areas, with the recent execution of about N6 billion worth of Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU)-related projects in some communities in Delta. The GMoU is to create a platform for constructive relationship between the company and the relevant stakeholders around its areas of operation, including the government, communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It also seeks to encourage participatory partnership amongst communities, development organisations and governments at various levels, to build community capacity and ownership through high impact and sustainable community development projects that promote social and economic growth, cultivate transparency and accountability into the governance of projects and programmes, encouraging stakeholders to operate an accountability system through the implementation of the government model instituted under the GMoUs. Since the inception of the GMoU, NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, Adidi declared, has provided N5billion to fund projects in some Itsekiri communities through the eight Regional Development Committees (RDCs) to undertake a wide range of infrastructural and non-infrastructural projects. Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), he, however, regretted has become a conduit pipe to siphon funds meant for the communities by a select group of people. As at press time, none of the officials of Chevron Nigeria Limited was willing to comment on the incident as all officials of the Public Affairs Department could not be reached on their mobile telephones. Attempts to reach Chevron's General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Haastrup, for comments were also futile as calls and text messages sent to his GSM line were aborted.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

BUSINESS

Insurance ought to be a big business, but in Nigeria the sector is tottering, despite its necessity. Joe Agbro Jr., writes

N other climes, getting insurance policy is a matter of course and the reason for this is not far to seek: it provides the necessary cushion in times of strife. In those climes, the regularity of accidents and its attendant losses to lives and property is acknowledged. Indeed, to these folks, uncertainties are just normal order of life. And to help alleviate sufferings from such deprivations, insurance, basically defined as the polling of resources to restore the position of the loss is heavily relied upon. Growing apathy for insurance But in Nigeria, however, the irony is that insurance is not a big deal.Many Nigerians have since been sceptical about it. Hence, for the insurance brokers, selling policies, whether motor vehicle, health, agriculture, or other form of insurance,is tough business, a hard sell if you may. In 2012, the insurance industry in Nigeria witnessed transactions worth N240 billion, which represents a 10.24 per cent increase from the N217.7 billion recorded in 2011. How it all began Insurance in Nigeria was pioneered by the Royal Assurance Agency in Lagos in 1921. At that point, it was operated by foreigners. However, the Indigenisation Decree of 1970s put paid to that, and local investors entered. A resurgence But the 1980s brought about the segregation of some components of insurance. In 1991, the National Health Insurance Scheme was established to cater to Nigerians' health needs. Under this scheme, premiums covered healthcare benefits of an employee, a spouse, and four biological children below the age of 18. Additional payments could cover children above 18 years. Similarly, the Workmen's Compensation aspect of insurance was also unbundled, followed by the pension business sub-sector. Also, pensions used to be the business of insurance companies, but the new system which created Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) has changed that. Hence, the Pension Reform Act 2004 in a way dealt a blow on insurance companies. "The pension law, now being amended," according to Fola Daniel, Commissioner of Insurance at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), "took away the juicy aspect of pension business, the management of accumulated pension savings, and left the industry with the risky and volatile aspect of pension, life annuity business." More still came. In 2011, the Employee Compensation Act 2011 transferred workmen's compensation insurance business to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). And recently, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other bodies seem to be jostling to take over the motor vehicle insurance aspect. But Daniel said it is the premiums that attract them, without considering the risks being covered by the premiums involved. "If they eventually have their way and the National Assembly

makes a law transferring the business to the commission," he said, "the industry would have lost another key business to other stakeholders, and this is another death knell for the Nigerian insurance industry." For the traditional insurance companies, this was business being snatched from them. Apart from divesting some of its traditional portfolio, some reforms have also changed the set-up of insurance companies by upping the required capital base. This move also strengthened or ended some of those companies. Following the passage of the 2003 Insurance Act, Insurance companies were asked to bolster their capital base. For companies involved in Life businesses, the rise was to N150 million from N20 million; N70 million to N300 million for Non-Life businesses; and N150 million to N350 million for Re-Insurance businesses. As at December 2002, out of the existing 117 insurance companies in the country, only 103 fulfilled the recapitalisation directive. Again, in September 2005, insurance companies were asked to recapitalise. This time, they were to increase their capital base from N150 million to N2 billion for Life businesses, N300 million to N3 billion for Non-Life businesses, and N350 million to N10 billion for Re-Insurance companies. After this exercise, the number of insurance companies was whittled down to 49 from 103. Still a hard sell But Professor SherifideenTella, an Economist at the Ogun State University, AgoIwoye, said the insurance sector is not as viable as it ought to be. According to him, the attitude of the leaders and lack of enforcement of laws to make it compulsory for people to do insurance is largely responsible for that. "It also boils down to the way we were doing things before, also in the sense that it takes people long time to get their claims," he said. "The attitude of people is changing because they are still unsure of the benefit of insurance. So, there is need for them to educate people. There is need also to make sure the necessary regulations are passed by the national assembly. So, they have lots of work to do in terms of advertisement. Ordinarily, in other places, it is viable because there is transparency in what they do. So, because of the past experiences of people, they don't care about insuring anything. "Those that are efficient are doing better than those that are not efficient. It has to do with efficiency. It has to do with the public image of insurance. It also has to do with attitude of people. Many people believe that it is God that protects them, so what is the sense in having insurance." By 2010, the insurance sector had a Gross Premium Income of N250 billion and Total Assets of N564 billion. But, with a Premium Income contribution of (about 1%) to the country's GDP, OkeOyelade, Head Research, SA Capital, says it is "a far cry from its potentials and other emerging economies." Some of the problems bedevilling Insurance in Nigeria include a plethora of fringe operators, inadequate compliance for compulsory insurance,

â&#x20AC;˘Insurance could help restore damages caused by flood in Nigeria

Insurance: Nigeria's untapped goldmine unscrupulous government policies, insurance premium flight, and ignorance of insurance products by consumers. "It has to do with changing the attitude of people," Professor Tella said. According to the don, insurance companies have to readvertise themselves; and necessary legislation must be in place. Also, he said the insurance companies can review their laws and look at the laws that are existing in other countries. And then, Professor Tella said insurance companies need to "widen the scope of their own business because it is not enough for them to rely on Vehicle or Life alone." No doubt, insurance policies are hard to sell in Nigeria, despite

the constant recruitment of agents by insurance companies to market insurance policies. It seems as if the majority of Nigerians have apathy towards taking up insurance. Evelyn Maduemezie, a former insurance marketer with Lion Africa Insurance Company, confirms that insurance, while neither tough nor easy to sell, is dependent on one's social and interpersonal skills. "It depends on your ability to convince your prospective clients," she said. "That is what matters. If you can convince them, it is doable. "It is not easy selling insurance because a lot of us don't believe in it. And again, the environment does not guarantee a return." According to Maduemezie,

"there used to be a lot of fraud, especially when it comes to settling claims. But, with the reforms going on in the insurance sector, more people are beginning to embrace it." According to her, with reforms in the industry, insurance is now getting more adopted by Nigerians. "Householders now take policies for their properties," she said. She, however, said selling insurance in the northern part of the country among Muslims is also daunting. "Because of their belief in God, many Muslims in the north do not go for insurance." Maduemezie also said that the insurance policies being sold the most are Life policies and Education Endowment policies to

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

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pay for clients' children's school fees in case anything goes wrong. But some challenges, however, still hinder the growth of insurance in the country. To surmount these challenges, Oyeladeadvised that "Government, regulators and operators must all have to work closely to make sure achievements realised so far are consolidated upon for the Nigerian insurance sector to become a key part of the financial system of the Nigerian economy." New ideas for insurance Godson Ibekwe-Umelo, a programme officer with Transparent Protection Limited (TPL), a civil society organisation, last Monday said that over 70 per cent of micro enterprises operating in the country did not have any form of insurance.

He, however, advised that this large number of insured could be tapped by insurance companies to continue to create more awareness and doing the right things. "Micro-insurance is already working and lifting many out of poverty in many climes, especially those with relative huge population like India, Bangladesh and Malaysia," he said. "Micro-insurance has potential for growing the real sector in Nigeria if wellcoordinated. This is because the cheapest insurance policy with lowest premium rate can translate to trillions of naira by reason of large number." There is also the need for ideas regarding insurance. And recently, such was demonstrated when Dr Femi

BUSINESS Thomas, the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, during an opening address of a two-day workshop for zonal and state coordinators across the country in Enugu, said government would soon introduce health insurance for pupils in public primary schools in the country. According to Dr Thomas, the federal government would provide 40 per cent of the funding while state governments would contribute 6o per cent. At that event, Dr Thomas said the NHIS had plans to introduce Mobile Health Insurance Scheme targeted at more than 20 million Nigerians. With a population of over 160 million, though with less than one per cent of Nigerians actively embracing insurance, the number is still enough to pull in foreign investors to Nigeria. Insurance firms such as Mansard Insurance have European money while Old Mutual, UBA Metropolitan and FBN Insurance have solid South African investments. Currently, there are compulsory insurance policies such as the Third Party Motor Insurance, Statutory Group Life Insurance, Employees Compensation, Occupier's Liability Insurance, Builder's Liability Insurance, and Health Care Professional Indemnity Insurance. Also, there is the Travel Insurance which nearly every intra-city passenger that rides on public transportation obtains to travel the roads across the country. It is usually built into the fare. The Chairman, Nigerian Insurers' Association (NIA), Chief RemiOlowude, had decried the industry's performance to make the desired impact on the economy, especially in the light of "inadequate infrastructure and unstable weather which exposed insured assets to natural disasters such as flood." There is also the violence which terrorism in the northeast of the country has been unleashing on residents there. To this end, Fola Daniel, Commissioner for Insurance at the NAICOM, recently said NAICOM was working with operators to provide cover for victims of terrorism. Daniel, who said the insurance has potential for much growth, citing the increase in premium written of 92 per cent from N14.93 billion in 2009 to N28.68 billion in 2012. Between that same period, the number of policies written had increased by 111 per cent from 72,180 to 152,181. However, local insurance companies complain they do not get the big insurance businesses involving multinational companies involved in oil and gas and marine. Towards this end, NAICOM wants to see local insurance companies' participation not only in general insurance but also in the marine, telecommunication, and oil and gas sectors - where the big businesses take place. Should this move succeed, it would further bolster the insurance sector, increase its contribution to the GDP and reposition insurance as a business. Stakeholders contend that insurance companies must convince their clients that insurance is far from being a scam. Maybe,then, insurance can soar to occupy its desired position in the financial sector of the country.

N255m bullet proof cars: Group faults Reps By Kelvin OsaOkunbor

HE director general of Ikenga Award for Excellence Foundation,Hon. Ben Ugwu has called on the National Assembly to call to order the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Aviation ,NkeirukaOnyejeocha for her unwarranted utterances concerning the N255 million bullet proof cars and the alleged N174 billion debts accumulated by the aviation ministry for airport remodelling projects. Ugwu said the lawmaker lacks the moral right to make spurious allegations against the former minister, when she was part of the agreements signed with the ministry of aviation on some projects that have become controversial. Onyejeocha had a few weeks ago ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to return the N255 million bullet proof cars purchased during the tenure of former aviation minister, Princess Stella Oduah. According to Ugwu, such utterance by the lawmaker is another attempt to heat up the system, by somebody who is part of the many activities that characterisedOduah's tenure in office, including the approval and utilisation of $60 million from the bilateral air services agreement funds as well as her approval and appropriation for the utilisation of N25 billion for the ministry's project execution. While shedding light on the allegation by the lawmaker that the ministry accumulated over N174 billion debts during the tenure of Oduah, Onyejeocha said it was afigment of her imagination. Ugwu said:" It is shocking that recently, Hon .Onyejeocha, the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation has unleashed unwarranted attacks on the former Minister of Aviation purporting that Princess Stella Oduah left an unsustainable and scary debt profile for the ministry."

Mutual Assurance donates badminton complex to police

UTUAL Benefits Assurance Plc has built and handed over an ultramodern indoor badminton complex to the Nigeria Police. The complex located at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, Lagos was commissioned recently by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, who was presented by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) incharge of zone 2, Mr.MammanTsafe. Justifying the need for the commissioning, the Group Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi said the Nigerian Police Force since the early 70s has distinguished itself as a pillar of hope for medals and laurels in international sporting events and competitions for the nation. From athletics to boxing and football, all notable achievements recorded in the nation were brought about by men and women of the police force, the GMD said, adding that alongside its statutory duties, the police have contributed significantly to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria. He recalled that the NPF last year put together the most successful Biennial games in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where the insurance company played the active role as the sole official insurer. "Mutual Benefits claims cheques to several Police officers that sustained injuries during the 10th Biennial Games were handed over early this year at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja by the Police IG." The Inspector General while commissioning the complex said it is a new dawn for the Force and with such structures, the police will get back its past glory as the major hope for medals and laurels in sports for the nation at international events. He said it is only police officers who are sound in body and mind that can ensure peace in the country. The Director- General , Nigerian Sports Commission, Chief BolajiOjo Oba said the complex will have an added advantage to the efforts of the Inspector General whom he described as a great sports lover and sports administrator of note. He said the complex will enable NPF to produce more sports men and women who will make the nation proud in international sporting competitions.

FRSC marshals undertake competency training By TosinAdesile

N its quest to build the skills set of its men, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) organised a competency training for FRSC Special Marshals in Ogun state at the weekend. The two-day training, which is first of its kind, was attended by the officers and men of the commission across the country. Justifying the need for the training, the Zonal Commanding Officer,(FRSC) Zone 2 Lagos,Corps Commander John Meheux, said the FRSC Special Marshal is the largest volunteers carrying out law enforcement activities in Africa, hence, they need to improve on their skills and competences. In his presentation, Barrister UzomaEnweduzo who spoke on FRSC's enabling law, charged the special marshal to be very proactive and also stressed that "Ignorance is not an excuse when you call yourself a marshal". Echoing similar sentiments, the State Coordinator, Special Marshal and Partnership in OgunState, Elder Emmanuel Fagbenro said the major reason for organising the programme is to serve as" training the trainers" as participants will go back to the various units in conjuction with supervisory Command to train other members.

Expert decries decline in education standard

HE recently released poor JAMB results where only 47 out of over 1 million candidates scored over 250 marks is a national disgrace, te Director of Harvard College Professor AdetunjiHaastrup, has said. Haastrup, an educationist and member of Harvard University's Arnold Centre, USA, opined that many Nigerian schools have completely deviated from the academic content to unnecessary 'side attractions'. Many schools, he argued, concentrate more on giant buildings, excursion to foreign countries and regular social functions at the expense of quality teaching, education and adherence to the excellent curriculum provided by theMinistry of Education and other national education authorities. "Unfortunately, most parents are deceived by washing the outside of 'cup' at the expense of the inner part of the cup. Both sides of the cup must be kept clean for academic excellence."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

BUSINESS

HAT is your assessment of the social media marketing in Nigeria thus far? Basically, social media marketing has been growing in a phenomenal rate, especially in Nigeria. We are happy because, according to the GDP we are Africa's largest technology market, so we are talking about over 120 million access to phones, and the largest internet market on this continent; over 54 million connected people. That is a huge number that we have out there. Online platforms are beginning to pump into the contacts of digital marketing i.e. social media marketing. Over the past few years, this has been growing at a phenomenal rate, and I have no doubt that this will continue to grow. You sound very upbeat about the growth potential of the social media. What gives you the confidence it will continue to grow? When you look at the trend, what technology is bringing to marketing, the concepts of the principle still remain the same. But technology is delivering a whole lot of value to advertising and marketing, so we are looking at targeting, reporting in terms of cost effectiveness, in terms of being able to reach users at a particular time of the day and most importantly, the returns of advertising spend and technology tend to drive that. In terms of target marketing, can you deploy social media to get to reach certain audience? That is the foundation of online marketing, the ability to have precision and precise targeting so, if you are going on platforms like facebook, google works or google adwords, they have already segmented users, so if you register on facebook or you register on the internet, you do give out information on who you are; your name, your age, your gender, what you studied in school, how old are you, what are your interest and based on these interests, advertisers are able to reach to you, with relevant contents that are relevant to your interest and relevant to who you are, so reducing the cost engagement for advertisers and creating a very

'Nigeria yet to maximise benefits of social media' Abasiama Idaresit, an online marketing expert, is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Wild Fusion, arguably one of Africa's foremost digital marketing agencies. The company, which has operational offices in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, has helped major local, global brands and advertisers to achieve remarkable success using digital platforms. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, he speaks on the pros and cons of digital marketing and other related issues. Excerpts: rewarding ecosystems for both advertising family and the users. Do you think digital marketing is over rated in terms of its impact? It is not over rated and why it is not over rated is because, we are seeing the returns, we are seeing the returns on advertising and people are not stupid, if something is over rated and they are not getting returns, they are not going to continue doing it not to talk of putting in more resources. And what we are saying over the time is advertisers and marketers are investing a lot more in digital platforms because they are seeing returns. There are case studies I can share with you if you want access to case studies of how even small businesses have been impacted, how they have grown; how they moved from point A to point B using digital marketing technologies. So, it is not over rated, it will continue to grow and across the world this is a platform that is delivering returns for advertisers and marketers all across the world, so it cannot be different in Nigeria. What inspired the setting up of the Digital Training Centre? First thing, we have a country here that is the biggest economy in Africa, we have the biggest digital market in Africa, we are the 8th largest country in the world in terms of internet users and yet, there are no infrastructure to train people to understand the concept of digital, to train people to begin to use the principle of and the concepts and the tools out there to deliver value for themselves and for their clients. So, we said okay, let

â&#x20AC;˘Idaresit

us go out there and help build the local market, let us go out there and develop people. So many Nigerians are travelling out of the country to learn these concepts, why do you have to go that far? Just come here and get trained. You know, that is what is driving us, because we strongly believe in this country, we strongly believe in what we are doing and we are putting our money... Why will you train people on what you are making money out of? Let me explain

something to you; it will be so short sighted for you not to see a market as big as that, and to see level of unemployment in this country and how poor, how low and see a way for people to get trained and do nothing about it. It is a sense of responsibility and as the market leader and the pioneering digital agency in this country, we believe that it is our responsibility to help this market grow and that is why we are going up there to train people; that's why we are going up there to provide people with the

tools that will help them succeed. Are you going to set up training centres in South Africa, Ghana and Kenya, or you are going to bring them down here? To be honest with you, people are flying in from Ghana and Kenya for the training this week. As I'm speaking with you, people are making plans of flying from Ghana and Kenya to come for this training. And again, it shows and it buttresses the fact that look, if you create an opportunity to develop the market, you are going to definitely get interest from not just within your immediate society. So, we believe that for Africa to succeed and for it to emerge as the power house economically, we need to start investing in infrastructure, not just physical infrastructure but human infrastructure. If we don't have that infrastructure, we will never grow and catch up with the rest of the world. Can you tell us more about your partnership with DMI? The Digital Marketing Institute, Ireland is an international training organisation, with a huge network of training centres around the world. So, by partnering with the DMI we are bringing to the market an opportunity for Nigerians to come down to Lagos, to learn the concept of digital marketing. The partnership, we receive syllabus support and a well structured training programme, so that every student that passes through our centre will be awarded an international certification or diploma that is recognised by the Scottish qualification authority. Who regulates the

contents of the social media marketing? Well, if we are looking at it from a relation perspective, the publishers, the likes of Facebook and Google, have their own regulations which they have stipulated and they made very clear and they are very strict with some of these rules. For example, it's going to be very difficult for anybody to try promote pharmaceutical products on Google platforms without certain support authorisation. So, this is an example of regulation and we also, responsible advertisers, look at some of the creative materials, look at some of the contents and decide what should go online and what shouldn't. But publishers are regulating, we as agencies and partners to regulators and definitely we do have bodies in Nigeria that are responsible for regulating a d v e r t i s i n g communications in Nigeria. Now, can you outline some of the benefits we can derive from having this Institute here? The first thing is, you have an international centre that is well set up, that is world class. The training, the content is international right here in Lagos, where people can come and get qualification that is recognised anywhere in the world. As I mentioned earlier, people from Ghana and Kenya are flying in this week for this training and the reason that is happening is because, people do recognise the DMI, the Digital Marketing Institution, Ireland as an international standard for Digital Marketing Training, that is one of the benefits. And also, it reduces cost for students because they don't have to travel out of the country for this training; you can do it right here in Lagos where you can interact with other students and interact with your lecturers. Some people decide to study on their own using Internet platform to read up on the internet, but being in the class and interacting with other students, looking at local case studies and listening to your teacher is a fantastic opportunity for you to be well rounded in the subject matter.

New airline to fly Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt routes

F you fly from Lagos to either Abuja or Port Harcourt, get set to take a trip with Discovery Air, the newest airline in Nigeria. Founded by Ondoborn billionaire, Tunde Babalola, Discovery Air is set to start plying local routes and bringing satisfaction to flying experience. According to Babalola who recently received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the airline apart

By Joe Agbro Jr.

from bringing down the cost of local air travel would also treat every flyer as royalty. "It's our obligation to deliver quality service and that is what we are bringing on board," Babalola said. "We are going to try to cover where others don't go to; we want to cover the whole of Nigeria so that people can go to wherever they want to. Let's say you want to go to Akure which is about three

and half hours by road (From Lagos), you will buy fuel for like N8, 000 depending on the type of car that you are using. Our own idea is to get you to Akure with that N8, 000 within 45 minutes. You can as well move from Akure to PortHarcourt or from Uyo to Abuja with a minimal cost. That's what we are bringing to Nigeria and, of course, quality service that you cannot imagine until you experience it." In addition to that,

Babalola said, "we want to re-enact in the minds of Nigerians that air travel is safe, affordable, fast, and efficient according to our slogan S.A.F.E." Recognising the need for experienced professionals to be in charge of the airline's operations, Discovery Air has as its managing director Captain Abdulsalami Mohammed who has 36 years' experience in the aviation industry. Currently, Discovery flies on the Lagos, Abuja

and Port Harcourt routes. Afterwards, it plans to extend its operations to Uyo, Akure, and other parts of Nigeria before engaging regional routes. Babalola also said it intends to fly at night, unlike other local airlines who refrain from flying at night. "Some people may want to do business at night in Abuja, so we are going to deploy smaller machines to do that," he said. "Nigerians should experience a new experience, a slight

departure from what they are used to." On the name 'Discovery', Babalola said he got the name while reading an article titled 'Discover London' on a plane while flying from Lagos to London. Questioning why he should discover London, he came to the realisation: "That means people too can actually discover Nigeria and it's always good to discover a new thing."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

BUSINESS

NAMA: Sustaining the gains of air safety G RADUALLY, it is b e c o m i n g increasingly apparent to discerning Nigerians that air mishaps or incidents have no bearing on the safety or otherwise of the airspace. Previous air crashes in the country have been traced to poor pilot judgment, fatigue and poor aircraft maintenance. In all these hypothetical instances, disasters resulting in loss of lives and maiming and destruction have been the outcome of most crashes and early findings of the Accident Investigation Bureau often suggest all or a combination of the above causes of the crashes and not the challenge of airspace. It must also be stressed that a good standard of road network in a country does not necessarily denote absence of road accidents. Several other factors such as the health of the vehicle and the driver’s state of mind account for accidents as it were. Still it is heartwarming to note that in Nigeria the Federal Authorities are not leaving anything to chance on the question of ensuring an all- round and eagle-eye watch over the aviation industry which has witnessed great improvement lately under the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The president has deployed the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) with Engineer Ibrahim Abdulsalam as the Managing Director to offer critical intervention in the country’s airspace. With such operational facilities as NAVAIDS incorporating Instrument Landing System, Very High Omni Directional Radio Range and Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria

• Inside a NAMA facility

By Supo Atobatele

(TRACON), among others, NAMA has succeeded in delivering safe skies to the country. TRACON is the pivot which President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated on October 18, 2010. It has 9 radar locations in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano with each having both primary and secondary cofixed radar head. There are five other stand-alone stations in Ilorin, Maiduguri, Talata Mafara, Numan and Obubra. The primary has a range of 65 nautical miles while the secondary covers 250. The overlapping range enables the air traffic controllers to monitor flights far beyond the shores of the country. At the TRACON control rooms at the major airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano one can easily see the screens and the controllers at work. At these airports one can view aircraft landing at the neighbouring flight information regions through the monitoring screens. Lately the agency has unveiled a new plan to boost security in the Niger Delta and protect the country’s Oil Industry using multilateration surveillance in the Delta creeks. The initiative will cover Helicopter activities of the oil companies. This initiative will definitely increase the agency’s revenue on installation. It is reckoned that since there are more than 160 daily flights of such type in the region, the new NAMA drive would attract tremendous patronage to benefit both the agency, oil companies and the nation at large. NAMA has also been known to be working on the completion of WGS-84 survey of 26 airports to prepare them for

performance based navigation system (PBN). Procedures for the four major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano have been completed while trials for PBN were arrived at recently by some airlines. They recorded outstanding results! Recently 13 towers of some airports of the nation’s facilities were refurbished to eliminate communication breakdown within the airspace. In this regard, NAMA is planning to install Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC), the modern system used globally to sustain uninterrupted reach among airborne and the ground control. Also worthy of mention is the recent installation of solar powered Airfield Lighting System at Lagos and Port Harcourt International Airports. The installed lighting system is a product of Avlite System Pty Ltd, Australia. The lighting system is certified by ICAO and FAA and is in currently in use at various airports around the world. The installation of lighting at these two airports has galvanised the tempo of night and low visibility operations, thereby reducing operational cost to airlines.NAMA is also to benefit from this project in the area of low maintenance cost. Also as part of efforts to improve safety, the agency is deploying VSAT facilities and systems for installation at 11 designated centres across the country to automate aeronautical information service. These stations include NAMA Hqtrs, NEMA Hqtrs, Lagos, Kano and Abuja. Others are Port Harcourt, Sokoto Ilorin, Jos, Maiduguri and Wukari. The automation of aeronautical information service billed to commence

October 2014 is expected to bring about efficiency and precision in the aeronautical information dissemination. This would as a consequence, translate into reduction in man hours as most of the paper work would give way to digitalisation. It would also integrate the country’s aeronautical information system into the System Wide Information Management Network. The benefits of AIS automation are legion. As a backbone to the above infrastructural acquisition, several categories of technical staff to include Air Traffic controllers and engineers are being trained regularly both at home and abroad to boost capacity and also sustain the drive for technology transfer. The operations of these highly technical devices, needless to say, are digitalised with skilled and well-trained staff required to man them. Their training, locally and abroad, together with capital investment on critical areas of air safety, is said to have cost the federal government more than $9.5m. Now we have a government and an agency that are collaborating to ensure that an enabling environment for investors in the aviation sector to offer flawless service to the people and the nation iscreated. For without safe air corridors, monitored round the clock by well trained technical crew and modern and regularly maintained tracking systems, the best pilot flying the best aircraft would be a mere accident waiting to happen. Good aircraft and good flight crew operating in unsecured skies are potential tragedies.

Why retail therapy fails in Nigeria

ANY literatures these days suggest such things as window shopping, taking a walk or a drive giving one's self a treat as means to improve a bad mood and/or reduce stress. The explanations and the results of the survey so far provided are logical and leave no room for doubts. However, looking back at a decade or more ago, this idea or concept would sound alien to an average Nigerian and obviously,it would not be received without much questioning and a want of proof to justify the action, time and resources. One can imagine what the response of an aged yoruba woman would be to a news from her son, notifying her of a need to take a walk for a couple of minutes or hours to an unknown destination because he needs to clear his head. It's one of two things; she either begins to blame the enemies for what she thinks is the genesis of insanity by her son and immediately commences a prayer session or beckon on people around for help. Parents of the generations gone by are not to be blamed, literacy level was low, ignorance was high on a lot of subject matters and technology was not this advanced. Those that were learned hardly went on vacations while those of the skilled workforce worked all year round. There was dignity in labour. Before 2004, Nigerians were not used to the ideas of shopping malls, such that when it sprang up, some felt it was for people who belonged to the middle-upper and the upper class in the society. Most people would only enter a store because they want to make actual purchase. As much as the term window shopping did not sound completely strange even back then, it was just innate that people would rather appreciate items by mere sight seeing on the displayed wares while they passed by or have enough to afford something no matter how little before stepping into a shop, boutique or store to avoid any form of embarrassment. Have you ever been a victim of such statement or attitude as "do you want to buy or are you just pricing it" that's the usualuncultured line from a sales person who perceives a customer as time wasting. With the advent of shopping malls strategically located in major cities of the country, housing a good number of restaurants, bars, brands, electronic stores, cinemas and grocery stores majorly shoprite, a good number of people now comfortably hide under the guise of the multitude trooping in and out of each store. They now visit many stores that they would ordinarily walk by to see what items are trending. The awareness is also on the increase for retailers, an understanding that some people like to run through samples of available options for a product of choice before making an informed decision of buying. Some store attendants are however appear to be in the wrong job, rather than assist customers during visit, their encounter either let them walk away without dropping a penny in exchange for a product or drain them of the emotional excitement of shopping. Weirdly, store attendants profile their customers to decide what sort of treatment or service they deserve. They measure customers up based on their demeanour, fluency, dress sense and other things that suggests how large the size of the shopper's pocket is. A young man who after walking down the various aisles in Shoprite of Ikeja mall, decided to drop an item he picked up on his way out was instructed by one of the store keepers to return the item to where he picked it from. It appeared the young lady was venting, on a second thought, it's certain that she would not have had the effrontery to approach some other shoppers with the same attitude. The only available reason why the young man was the victim was his looks, too bad. I stood aside to see if there was anybody watching to correct the young lady but it slipped. After about an hour of shopping, I joined the queue to pay and check out with a bold signage that says "we accept cards" verve, mastercard, visa. I approached the counter after all the items I picked had been scanned, handed a debit card to the attendant and with a frown she stated, it will not work. I then asked why she would just come to that conclusion without even a try, she pointed at a pile of items that were being carted away saying those who picked them up couldn't pay because they wanted to make use of their cards. With no remorse she told me to go and use the ATM and I may be lucky to get my items if I was swift about it or it would join the league of others being removed. That was definitely not encouraging after all that time spent moving around and the long queue that appeared like the whole nation was shopping at once. It was time to pay for the ticket, I had to pay for two hours of achieving nothing, a young man who just ticketed, misplaced the receipt of payment on his way to car and sped back to the lady that attended to him so he could redeem the lost receipt with his ticket being sure that it would not be a challenge for the lady to fix his face but he was told he had to pay the same value he remitted initially. And suddenlyi thought to myself, if my visit was actually to relieve a bad mood, I would most likely be leaving worse than I was initially, feeling depressed for myself and a host of others. Also, store owners are not maximizing revenue per day with the attitudes of their attendants who are unwilling to assist customers in locating items of interest or go as far as delegating their responsibilitiesto shoppers.

63 With

JILL OKEKE

jillokeke@yahoo.com, 07069429757 THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Honey and Sugar, which is better?

riday, 13 June, the ground floor hall of Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, was filled to capacity with school children, principals and head teachers, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, press men, adults and other stakeholders as Etisalat launched its latest innovation, Cliqlite. Cliqlite made for children and teenagers between the ages of eight and 15years is an educational product which comprises tablets and mobile phones with games and educational materials installed on them. According to the Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Oluwole Rawa, some of the learning applications on Cliqlite include past questions of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board [JAMB],Senior Secondary Certificate Examination [SSCE], Nigerian Educational Research Development Council [NERDC], and past questions of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education [IGCSE] . Also included are approved SSCE text books and IGCSE endorsed Cambridge text books and past questions, as well as NERDC syllabus text books, IGCSE text books, interactive lessons and Norton parental application for parents to monitor online activities of their children. Other applications include educational games, countries of the world, chess game for mental development of the children. At the event, Etisalat was greatly applauded for the parental control application included in the device. According to Mr.Idiareno Atimomo, Manager, Youth segment, Etisalat Nigeria, the application has both a white list and a black list services. Explaining how it functions, he said that the white list service enables parents and guardians to block all incoming calls to the child's line except those on a registered white list. “The black list enables guardians to allow all incoming calls except those on your black list,” stated the Youth segment manager. To give the parents maximum control, Etisalat also incorporated the Norton family application which is a preloaded application on the Cliqlite tablet that allows a parent to control the types of websites and applications their children go to. The parental control data service is activated when a parent registers the child's line on a parental control portal and selects the websites that the child can be allowed to view. Commending the Etisalat group, Ms. Toyosi Akerele, President, The Rise Group with an arm of youth development, said it was the first time a telecommunication company was coming out with a device with parental control. The Federal Ministry of Education had in the past launched several ICT/e-learning initiatives and projects intended to equip Nigerian students with communication technologies. Some of these include School Net launched in 2006, the NEPAD capacity building initiative launched in the same year and the Mobile Internet Unit [MIU] operated by the National Information Technology Development [NITDA] launched a few years after. However, noted the Chief Commercial officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat, Mr. Mathew Willsher, none of the above government learning initiatives was able

Major step i e-Learning n as Etisalat in troduces Cliqlite to “inject fun and satisfaction into learning, hence the creating of an e-learning product by Etisalat which delivers a much more user friendly solution to make learning fun for our youths.” Explaining the motivation behind the latest innovation by Etisalat, the company's CEO said “Etisalat is driven by a sustained commitment to enriching customer experience. Children have an insatiable appetite for technology and innovation. “ It is therefore our responsibility as parents to make sure the future generation is equipped with the right tools to successfully harness and hone their burgeoning potential.' “It is on this ethos that we present our younger customers with Cliqlite, our new educational tool which will no doubt pave new ways of learning,'' added Mr. Mathew Willsher. In order to improve the lot of secondary school students in Osun State, the state government introduced an e-learning Tablet called 'Opon Imo' translated to English as the 'Tablet of knowledge'. Through this initiative, the state government provided 150,000 elearning Tablets for senior secondary schools. The Tablet covers 17 core subjects with five extra curriculum subjects for senior secondary 1,2 and 3 levels. The Tablet also contains over 56 text books, 900 minutes of virtual classroom lessons and 1000 of practice questions for WAEC and JAMB. In addition to aiding preparation for school leaving examinations, the introduction of the tool is expected to aid the adoption of Information Communication Technology [ICT] skills among students in the state. Similarly, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State recently commissioned the first solar and electronic classroom to boost learning ability of public secondary school students in the state. The state government, in collaboration with Tanus Books Ltd, also unveiled its own version of the Opon-Imo computer Tablets to boost student's Information Technology skills. The initiative, according to the state government, became necessary information communication technology in the development of the education sec tor through the deployment of e-learning solutions and other technologies to help overcome some of the challenges of the sector. Also, in 2013 the ex-governor of Anambra State, Governor Peter Obi, seeing the need for elearning, deployed BrainFriend, the foremost e-

learning and examination preparatory software for distribution to the 253 public secondary schools in the state. T h e Brainfriend software comes ready with over 50,000 questions, answers and explanations covering over 42 secondary schools and career guide, covering major disciplines offered in Nigerian and some other West African universities. It also covers the Nigerian national curriculum and over 50 e-books on the elementary and secondary schools subjects and lots more. The software also has a mobile version for smart phones which can be downloaded from the google play store. It seems that more states and telecommunication industry will follow suit in the introduction of the e-learning devices for school children. But the question is, how far has these gadgets enhanced the learning abilities of children? Can it really encourage their learning and reading habits or is it one of the things that will distract them? What is the wisdom behind Etisalat providing telephones and tablets for kids below the age of 10 years? Even with the much touted parental control, can parents have the time to effectively monitor the child's usage of the gadgets? In an interview with the Principal, Ajayi Crowther Memorial Secondary School, Bariga, Lagos, Mrs. Obadina, she said: “As long as there is parental control, it's a positive development. But without that, control children are likely to abuse it.” The school principal, who attended the launching of Cliqlite, said that having listened to talks about the product and seen the demonstration, she is convinced that with parental control, it will impact positively on children but lamented that the prices of N4,000 for the hand set and N28,000 for the tablet were too high, calling on the telecommunication giant to review it downward. Mr. John Kokomliko, Head Teacher, Woodland Nursery and Primary School, Shasha, Lagos, while noting that everything is practically going online, said he will not recommend Cliqlite to his pupils without first going through the contents. “If I must recommend it, then I will first understand it then make all the teachers in the school to learn the usage before encouraging pupils to use it as a study tool,” he added. The danger with such a device, added Mr Kokomliko who has taught for over twenty years, “is that if a child is left with the device unmonitored she may be so engrossed in it that her school home work may be left unattended to.”

n a sugar conscious world, it's important to find alternatives. Honey is one such alternative, but is it really better for you than sugar? Here's a short guide that can explain the differences between honey and sugar to determine if honey is superior to sugar. White Sugar White sugar is also known as refined sugar. It usually comes from 1 of 2 sourcessugar cane or sugar beets. The process of refining sugar strips it of its nutrients and has additives added to it to allow it to crystallize and keep for longer than other sweeteners. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sugar The major advantages of sugar seem to be for the producers of sugar. It keeps longer meaning it has a longer shelf life and is less likely to be wasted. Secondly, refined sugar produces a more attractive product more likely to attract customers to purchase it. However, according to its opponents, sugar has many disadvantages. It has been blamed for everything from diabetes to cancer. While many of the things sugar is blamed for may not be true, here are a few of the things sugar has been suggested to do: • Decreases appetite • Irritates the stomach and causes heartburn • Causes diabetes • Provides a quick, short burst of energy that leaves you worse off than before • Raises insulin levels • Weakens the immune system • Increases the likelihood of depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and inability to concentrate • Causes kidney damage • Increases the likelihood of tooth decay • Speeds up the aging process • Causes cardiovascular disease and hypertension • Worsens cancer Honey Proponents of honey over sugar say that honey is the world's most natural sweetener. It is not produced by human hands, and therefore is believed by its supporters to be an ideal sweetener. Honey is produced by bees. They gather nectar from flowers and return it to the hive. There, the nectar is transformed into honey and stored in the hive for food over the winter. Honey has a long history of consumption by humans and is believed to be an older sweetener than sugar. Advantages and Disadvantages of Honey Like sugar, honey is a high calorie food. Pound for pound, it almost contains as many calories as sugar. However, the good news is that honey is sweeter than sugar, so you need less for the same amount of sweetness. Also, unlike sugar, which is virtually nutrient free, honey contains a small amount of nutrients. Some would say that this is a negligible amount and that consuming honey is no better off than consuming sugar. Proponents of honey offer these benefits: • Inclusion of healthy bacteria • Helps to control blood sugar better than refined sugar does • Can improve insulin resistance over that of refined sugar • Helps to improve the immune system, particularly in cancer patients• Contains antioxidants that help prevent free radicals These benefits, as well as the nutrients it provides, are reduced or disappear altogether in processed honey. Raw honey is recommended. A downside to honey, however, is the likelihood of a toxin that affects children under the age of 1.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

64 BUSINESS

LCCI frowns at Senate Committee calls protracted Poly teacher's for more agric financing industrial action T T farmers in the country," Bwacha said. He added: "Increased access to credit for small scale farmers would connect the dots in the agricultural value chain development from the perspective of production. Low interest micro credit to small scale farmers often provides the opportunity to turn potential to wealth. "The availability and ready access of farmers to credit at sustainable rates can enhance the production capacity and increase the remunerative incomes while bridging the gender gap in agriculture in Nigeria. "The case for this has been made at every opportunity available. However, despite the vital role that micro credit can play in enhancing the capacity of small scale agricultural producers in Nigeria, provision of micro credit support by government, financial institutions and other

support agencies as well as access by small farmers is still plagued with so many constraints and challenges. "In fact, many small scale farmers view microcredit support initiatives as announced or implemented through various schemes as a dream with endless hope for reality. The financial inclusion surveys that have been conducted over the years in Nigeria have constantly shown that a majority of the rural poor have not used any type of formal financial services which are the common channels of funds disbursed through various government schemes. "Even when there is access to credit in some instances, especially for larger farmers, the prevalent high interest commercial loans (up to 25% p.a. for commercial banks and more than 40% p.a. for micro finance banks) in the country does not allow for effective demand of credit available."

Firms delivers homes in pilot scheme, plans 5,000 units

of residential homes in January, and physical work began on site in February and judging from the volume of enquiries we get on daily basis, I can say this product has been widely accepted in the market." According to him, "our aim is to showcase our efforts over the last 100 days towards the delivery of our affordable housing units as promised earlier this year and the plan for expansion in order to meet the tremendous needs of the markets. We are also here to foster participation and dialogue between relevant stakeholders including the media, mortgage institutions, banks, subscribers and potential subscribers of our EssentialHomes products, in a joint effort to reduce the housing deficit in Nigeria." To make the project more competitive and viable, Ogunwusi said GIG had acquired land bank through joint ventures with some cooperatives of multi-national companies and had constructed a 3.8 km access road, which would further boost development along the Lekki corridor.

HE Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, at the weekend urged government to increase financing for the sector. He said the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the federal government after four years had little or no effect on a majority of small scale farmers in the country. Bwacha said in Abuja that government's commitment to meet the10 per cent Maputo Declaration in budget allocation was yet to be achieved. He said: "The overall impact, after almost four years of implementation, is still limited because the number of rural poor people in the country is still alarmingly high. "While one may argue on the most plausible reasons for a decline in agricultural production and productivity in Nigeria, the

N an attempt to proffer effective real estate solutions and set new standards for efficiency in achieving housing dreams of Nigerians, a Lagos-based private developer, has launched a new concept for homeownership, which will offer 'clean and comfortable homes' to prospective individuals and corporate organisations. The product is known as EssentialHomes. The concept, being test-run with 100 units SouthPointe Estate, occupying almost three hectares of land, situated on a sprawling city of Lafiaji, off Orchid Hotel road, after 2nd tollgate, Lekki, Lagos State, being midwifed by a real estate firm, Gran Imperio Group (GIG), will also deliver five hectares SouthPoint II consisting of 40 units of one bedroom bungalow, 60 units of two bedroom bungalow, 48 units of three bedroom bungalow and 48 units of four

From: Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

strategic role of public agricultural finance in increasing the competitiveness of small scale farmers across the various regions of the country cannot be debated. "It must be noted that 90 per cent of the locally produced food consumed in Nigeria is by small holder farmers." According to him, despite the sector's contribution to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the number of poor people in the country questions the viability of the sector as a sustainable source of livelihood for more than 60 per cent of farmers who depend on it. "The one item that is still elusive and grossly inadequate in the agriculture agenda is the level of access to agricultural credit by the numerous small scale

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie bedroom bungalow and Lakeview Park II, which is located on almost two hectares of land having 62 of three bedroom and bedroom bungalows. At Oworonshoki under Oworonshoki Redevelopment Scheme, 200 families would have opportunity to subscribe to any of the house types including 40, 60, 48 and 52 one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. All the estates, affordable yet classy, in style, are exquisitely finished terrace bungalows, spiced with comfortable ambience, having air conditioning, good quality finishes, adequate parking, private garden, AstroTurf football pitch, swimming pool, fitted kitchen among other recreational facilities. Specifically, these estates have been conceptualised as medium but upscale residential

schemes, targeted to redefine the nation's housing industry in a significant way. At the moment, EssentialHomes pilot projects are currently ongoing in five strategic locations. But ready for immediate habitation are 28 units, while 72 units in SouthePointe would be fully ready for subscribers to move in by the end of June 2014. Financial institutions backing the scheme are formerly GT Homes now Imperial Homes, Zenith, FCMB and Heritage Bank. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the development company, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said his passion to relief the burden of homelessness among middle-class level Nigerians was one of the reasons his company decided to undertake EssentialHomes, adding that his firm had been able to deliver the first phase, as promised within 100 days. "We came out with the concept to simplify construction

â&#x20AC;˘From left: President, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Ms. Sola Salako; Member, Board of Directors, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Junaid Dikko; Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Oluwole Rawa and Chief Executive Officer, Rise Networks, Ms. Toyosi Akerele, at the launch of Etisalat Cliqlite, in Lagos recently.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) hasraised concerns over the protracted industrial action by Polytechnic lecturers. In a statement made available to The Nation and signed by the President, AlhajiRemi Bello, he regretted that the strike has entered its 11th month which is unprecedented and marks a major set-back for the nation's aspirations to improve the quality of human capital. He observed that one of the major challenges of the Nigerian economy is the capacity gap in technical education. He said: "For activities of our polytechnics to be paralysed for close to a year is not a good commentary on our governance process. The LCCI believes that this matter deserves a speedy and higher level of attention than it is currently receiving. This protracted strike has far reaching implications for the Nigerian economy and the educational system." On the implications, Bello said among other things, the long closure will lead to wastage of public funds as the main purpose of these institutions has not been fulfilled in the past one year. In addition to the pre-disposition of the students to anti-social activities which could arise from over 11 months of idleness with adverse effect on psychology of the parents as well as the students. He called on the government and the lecturers to urgently resume dialogue and resolve the impasse by making compromises on both sides. According to him the current situation is clearly unacceptable and needs to be brought to an end. The educational system has enough issues to deal with especially in the area of quality assurance. The industrial action can only worsen the situation. It is our hope that both parties would see reason and return to the negotiation table, he added. According to the Chairman, Membership and Welfare Committee of the Chamber, Mr. BabatundeRuwase, companies are increasingly joining the Chamber because of the advantages they derive from its membership. He said that on a regular basis, members meet with trade delegations from abroad to strike up partnerships or consummate juicy business deals while interested members take advantage of the Chamber's regular trade missions to exhibitions abroad. Many business organisations operating in Lagos and even beyond, are registered members of the Chamber whose flagship is the Lagos International Trade Fair which holds in November of every year. This year's edition will hold from 7th to 16th November at the TafawaBalewa Square, Lagos. It has the theme "Promoting the Nigerian Economy as a Preferred Investment Destination."

Stakeholders want SON to sanction non-compliant manufacturers By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

EMENT distributors and block makers in the South East have urged the regulatory authorities not to back down on the recently reviewed quality standard and grading of cement so as to bring sanity to the troubled industry that has been plagued by a series of structure failures. The stakeholders urge government to sanction any manufacturer of the product that fails to comply within the stipulated period of time. This is even as the group commended Dangote Cement for compliance without complaint, saying the company has shown that it has the interest of its customers at heart and that everything is not all about profit to the detriment of the well-being of the people. They praised the ingenuity of the management of Dangote Cement for having started the production of the 3X 42.5 high grade of cement, even before the government came out with the quality review. Block makers and distributors who participated during a live phone-in radio programme describe the product as being very good and of high quality. A construction expert from Benue State, Victor Ojepa, called in during the programme to pour encomiums on Dangote Cement for the new product. According to him, he bought the new Dangote 42.5 R 3X cement for his construction project and can attest that the result is excellent. Sammy Nnaji, an Enugu-based block moulder, says he is excited with the new cement product as it promises extra yield to block makers, saying that with the new cement, the setting time is now shorter leading to less breakages and more income for block makers. According to him, the new product has opened a new lease of life for block makers and promised to spread the good news to other block makers in the area. A cement dealer, Reginald Okoro, called from Enugu and commended Dangote Cement for making the customer king as the company delivers cement bought by distributors to their door steps or any designated place.

NASME says lack of funds, information hinders growth of SMEs

Page 66

ITH the cost of purchasing quality leather and wooden chairs on the high side, the use of cane furniture has become an alternative for many Nigerians. This in turn has increased the demand for it, thereby creating jobs for many young ones. Unlike some small scale businesses, starting a cane weaving business is not as difficult as one may think. With as little as N 40, 000 or N50, 000, an interested person could begin the business and grow it to a multi-million naira business. As one of the jobs that require skilful and constant practice, the business has become an employer of labour in recent times and many who are into it either inherited it from their parents or went through vocational training to be able to do it. In Lagos State, these cane furniture makers could be seen majorly in places like Mende, Maryland, Agboju and Alapere. In one of his comments, the Vice Chairman of the National Cane Weavers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Osoko Ohwoetiyi, had said: "Our forefathers were doing this work and they taught us how to do it. When we finished secondary school, we decided to continue from where our fathers stopped as a business to cater for our families." Like Osoko, many producers of this type of chairs smile to the bank and have gotten over the lack of jobs in the country having created one for themselves. Their skill is evident in the varieties of beautiful designs of baskets, chairs, tables, bags and more they are making. However, in spite of the opportunity it offers in offering jobs to teeming youths, cane weavers have gotten little or no financial assistance from the government. This is one of the challenges facing the weavers. Many of them, due to lack of funds, are not able to expand the scope of the business beyond what it is now. Some of the weavers at Maryland who spoke with The Nation said though starting the business on a smaller scale requires N50, 000, yet expanding it with various designs could require as much as N500, 000 or more. They lamented the lack of support from government which they said has not helped in making it a bigger sector. It would be recalled that the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, had in the past announced that the weavers would be moved from their present location at Maryland to a new location the state government would provide for them. However, years after the

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Lack of fund bane of cane weavers As a way of creating jobs for themselves, thereby reducing the poverty level, many Nigerians have devised means to provide jobs for themselves. One of such is the production of cane furniture, writes Bukola Afolabi

â&#x20AC;˘Cane-chair

announcement, nothing has been done. Talking about the challenges facing the weavers, Mrs Ihiebale, who said she has been in the business for the past 10 years said if government pays attention to the business and make funds in form of loan available to them, they would be able to expand the scope of the business. She lamented that lip service is being paid by government to the growth of small scale businesses by not doing much to encourage them. "This cane weaving is our family business and it has been putting food on our table. When I started, I started with just N40, 000 which I used to buy cane and other materials. My children also learnt from me and that is what we are doing as family business," she

said. She added: "There are people who prefer cane furniture to other sets of furniture like leather. This is because cane furniture comes at a lesser price to these other chairs and also lasts longer than them. But the problem we are having has to do with funding. If we have adequate financial support, we would be able to make lots of various designs. "At times when you go to bank for loan, the bank tells you to bring collateral which you cannot produce. When you are opportune to get one, the interest rate is always on the high side. This business has the capacity of providing jobs for many youths out there, that is why government needs to assist us, "she said. A set of cane chairs could go for N70, 000. With this, Ihiebale said the business, if

well supported, could help in reducing the rate of unemployment in the state and country in general. "Though the job is physically demanding and requires lots of patience for a weaver to get the best out of it, one would not mind as long as the money is coming in. Government should help us to promote the use of cane chairs because of its durability. In advanced countries, it is well appreciated but in Nigeria, the craze for imported materials is not making many people to appreciate the use of cane furniture." Apart from Mrs Ihiebale, Jude, a 35-year-old weaver also told The Nation that more attention is being paid to wood furniture makers by government with no attention given to the potential opportunities that are available in the business of making cane furniture. "Government is giving more attention to wood furniture makers, but nobody is paying attention to us (cane furniture makers). It is easier for a big wood furniture company to secure loan from banks, but, for us, the story is different. If we are talking of empowering small and medium enterprises, it starts with small businesses like ours. These are the kind of businesses that micro finance banks should be supporting, likewise other commercial banks, too, because it can provide jobs for many youths." Jude said he learnt the art from his father and has been putting food on his table for him and his members of his family. Asked how much he makes a day from the business, Jude said he sells up to six baskets within four days and admitted that during festive periods, he makes more money. "It is not every day that we sell but at least in a week, I can sell six baskets and probably a single set of chair. However, during the Christmas period, we make lots of money because those that sell gift items come here to buy baskets which in turn makes the demand for it to be on the high side. So, before the period, we always make sure we work ahead so as to have enough on ground." He urged government to come to their aid by providing necessary financial assistance for them to be able to expand the business. "I am appealing to government to assist us financially so that we can expand the business. This business should not be looked down upon because it is a good way of providing jobs for many youths out there. The beauty of this work is that the materials could be sourced locally, but we are limited in what we can do because of finance."

EPORTS by NSE revealed that since the beginning of the year, the percentage of local investors' contributing transactions on the Exchange declined to 24.75 percent as at the end of April 2014. The first quarter report revealed that Shares Index dropped by 5.2 per cent from 41.329.14 and closed at 39,186.93, taking into consideration the increase in prices of stocks from the 1st quarter. The report further revealed that domestic transaction declined from 50.72 percent in January to 31.41 percent in February and went further down to 21.75 percent in March, 2014. This is in sharp contrast to 35.52 percent total participation recorded by local investors as at 2013 first quarter ending. Reasons for this downward trend are not far-fetched. Apart from the financial sectors like banks and few consumables producing companies, no other sector has thrived in the economy. Some stakeholders believe the tight monetary policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are also responsible for it. Having tightened its monetary policies, the CBN has made it difficult for the country's resources to be spent anyhow, thereby bringing to an end the era of cheap money. A closer look at their performances in 2013 indicated all is really not well with the Nigerian market. Here, the AllShare-Index (ASI) closed November at 38,920.25 points compared with the 28,028.80 for the same period in 2012. Total market capitalization also closed at N18.39 trillion (with equities market capitalization of N12.45 trillion and debt at N5.94 trillion) and Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) N 0.29 billion. The market also recorded improvement of 43.21 per cent, 14.78 percent and 56.14 per cent in number of deals, volume and value of securities traded respectively in November compared with the same period in 2012. The number of listed securities, however, dropped to 254 as at November from 256 in December 2012. The Net Asset Value of the 52 regulated Collective Investment Schemes stood at N146.12 billion as at Nov. 2013. The Nigerian bond market witnessed the first supranational bond floated by the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) early in 2013 worth N12.0 billion while monthly domestic bond issuance programme of the Federal Government was sustained with the floatation of N823.34 billion allotted in 29 issues. Total new issues were 51 worth N951.60 billion compared with 42 worth N926.58 in the corresponding period in 2012.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

BUSINESS

R Eke Ubiji, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), says lack of information and access to funds are the major problems of small businesses in Nigeria. Ubiji made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos at the weekend. He said that SMEs’ poor access to development funds and lack of information on various government and industrial policies were scuttling the efforts of

Nigeria's diminishing capital market Bukola Afolabi writes on efforts to revamp the dwindling fortunes of the nation's stock exchange market Equity issues thrived with 117 new issues worth N94.28 billion, Corporate Bonds 10.58 billion, Sub National Bonds N11.4 billion, Supra National Bonds N12 billion and Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds N823.34 billion. By the 2012 last quarter ending, there were hopes the beginning of 2013 financial year would favour the local investors as against their foreign counterparts. This was because the level of participation in the market, which was in favour of foreign investors at 66.8% and 61.4% in 2011 and 2012 respectively, turned in favour of domestic investors (50.05%) as at September 2013. The market statistics clearly show improvement over 2012 apparently due to better regulation, better investor confidence and absence of shocks that could have traumatized the market. However, that hope, seems not to be realistic going by the report of the end of first quarter. Apart from obvious minimal impact of the financial sectors, and lack of existence of manufacturing companies, some stakeholders are of the view domination of the market by foreign investors has negatively affected participation of local investors as well as promote instability in the Nigerian market, thereby affecting foreign investors' operations. As a result, the few local investors couldn't meet up with the market demand, which now puts more pressure on it. A financial expert, Diekola Onaolapo, Managing Director/CEO, Eczellon Capital Limited, had in one his comments attributed this unhealthy state of affairs to pressure on the market by activities of foreign investors in the first quarter of 2014. According to him, "The combined effect of the United States Government's gradual withdrawal of its stimulus package (US tapering on its Quantitative Easing Programme by US $10 billion) and the outcome of the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting in January both sent shock waves through the market. This made some foreign portfolio investors dumped their shares in the Nigerian market for more attractive and less risky positions

•Oyema

in more stable markets. He further stated that "This was in no way exclusive to Nigeria as it affected all the emerging market economies with the worst hit being Argentina." He added: "The Nigerian market is uncertain. You will also look at the fact that the former Governor of CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was also. suspended during the period The All Share Index plunged by 1.47 per cent at the announcement of the suspension which led to a further fall of 4.46 per cent in the banking sector index, an event which further exacerbated the market dynamics highlighted above affecting the Bond Market. This also gave a push to a series of selloffs by foreign investors who were not sure of the effects the sack would have on the mar-

ket." In his submission, Segun Afolabi, a foreign exchange expert said the proposed devaluation of the Naira has made many foreign companies to reduce their participation, thereby leaving the market at the mercy of local investors that are not vibrant enough to bring stability to it. "The former CBN governor had made plan to devalue the Naira before he was suspended. The information made many foreign companies to be afraid that once the naira is devalued, it would affect their businesses, so they decided to reduce their participation on the market. If you look at the fact that there are few local companies on the stock exchange, then you would understand why their participation was not enough to sus-

tain the market in the first quarter of the year," he said. Another expert, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, Managing Director/CEO, Cowry Asset Management limited, in lamenting the non performance and decline in the Nigerian market in the first quarter, said, "The two critical factors that contributed to the bearish equities market in first quarter 2014 seem to be worsening. While Nigeria's foreign reserves is recording accelerated rate of decline, the US Federal Reserve is expected to further reduce the monthly asset purchases by $10billion to $55billion at their March 2014 meeting. Factors responsible for it are both within and outside the Nigerian economy. Portfolio investors who, borrowed cheap in US to invest in Nigeria and other emerging markets are now unwinding their emerging and frontier markets investments and re-balancing their portfolio in favour of US financial instruments." However, there is hope the market would perform better in the remaining quarters of the year. Aligning himself with this optimism, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), expressed conviction the expected increase in oil money and the ongoing reforms in the economy would help to make the market stronger and make the domestic demand robust, thereby impacting positively on the economy. Highlighting some of the reforms by government to make the economy stronger, he said improved transportation network and port reforms; the expected passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB); modernization of agriculture through improved seedling and value chain initiatives; Financial sector reform through financial inclusion; reform in the power sector; and the licensing of private refineries would help improve the capital market before 2014 year ending. "Nigeria will have competitive edge in the international capital market in 2014 owing to robust growth, high reserves level, stable exchange rate and clement investment climate. The interest rate differential be-

tween Nigeria and most developed countries will continue to be a source of attraction for global capital flows to Nigeria. The retention of the BB - rating for Nigeria by Fitch and Standard and Poor's rating agencies is an indication of the conduciveness of the country as an attractive investment destination. Nigeria is also expected to remain a lowrisk debtor country which is an indication of its credit worthiness," Moghalu posited. At the 2014 'Putting Investors First' day, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said last year's participation of local investors outweighed that of their foreign counterparts, noting that at the end of 2013 first quarter, local investors were responsible for 60% participation in the market with foreign investors taking only about 40 percent. "This turn of events contrasted sharply with the circumstances between 2009 and the first half of 2012 when local investors eschewed the market on account of losses they sustained in the aftermath of the meltdown of 2008 with transaction values being controlled by foreign investors to the tune of 80 percent in certain instances," he affirmed. Also speaking in the same vein, Diekola Adenuga, an economist said the 2nd quarter of the year would experience significant changes in the market. "We expect a positive recovery from the first quarter dip; this position is supported by the recent impressive earnings posted and record dividend payment of some quoted companies. With high expectations from other companies yet to release their audited accounts, we are positive of a market recovery. "A foray of primary market issues is expected to set the tone for rest of the year, as the market has been viewed as viable platform to raise long term funds," Adenuga said, noting that the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, capital issues by indigenous oil companies and likely approach of the market by the power companies would add to the expected positive run in the second quarter.”

NASME says lack of funds, information hinders growth of SMEs members of the association. “There are so many information on the economy, interest rates and so on that are on so many companies and government’s Website which are highly beneficial to business owners.

“How many business owners have the time to scout for for those information? “Yet, we complain of lack of access to funds. “Most people are not even aware of the government’s policies as they concern their

business, but they just sit and criticise. “There are also many small and medium scale businesses that are not aware of the workings of regulatory bodies like NAFDAC, SON and so on and this we can attribute to

Renewable energy will fast track rural electrification

HE Federal Government over the weekend said it had concluded plans to use renewable energy to fast track its rural electrification projects across the country.

The Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, said this at a meeting with members of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency in his office in Abuja. Wakil said the new ap-

proach would involve a mix of wind, solar, bio-mass and hydro-energy to complement the conventional source of power supply. He said the renewed drive on rural electrification was a

ignorance. “The smart ones get all the information they need through their gadgets and make decisions from there, not from rumours. “I also get access to cheaper loans from agencies and fall-out of the completion of the power sector privatisation. He said the completion had made it imperative to focus on rural areas where close to 70 per cent of Nigerians reside.

cooperative bodies which so many people are not aware of,” he said. Ubiji also said that basic computer education was necessary for business owners to acquire in order to live up to standards in the delivery of their goods and services. He lauded the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for its proposed partnership and assistance to Nigerian businesses in building standards in production and manufacturing

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

We can’t afford to take communication for granted Former CNN girl and EMMY Awards winner, Gina London is passionate about communication and travels the world sharing it in a most methodical manner. Currently in Nigeria for a stint, London last week concluded a three-day workshop for media and business executives; even as she looks set to mingle and share with a number of Nigeria's top corporate organisations. She spoke with The Nation's Gboyega Alaka who was at the workshop.

ou seem really passionate about communication; how did it begin for you? The passion for me actually began after CNN. I always wanted to be a journalist but that was purely from the journalist's point of view. Then I was given the opportunity by the International Republican Institute, which is a pro-democracy NGO in the United States in 2002 to go to Indonesia, where they wanted me to talk about communications as it related to campaigning. I'd just left CNN and as a former journalist, I was able to talk about that and to work with these really impressive Indonesians who were hungry to take their country to a different level. This was actually the first time I'd be in a country other than Europe and it was a very life-changing experience. As a journalist, I've always loved to tell the story of people, so when I got to Romania in 1996, I met people who were committed to developing their democracy. They had just had their revolution six years earlier and what they were struggling with was not just the communication as it pertained to journalism, but how to think the dreams, and envision their country for the future. Why did you choose to come to Nigeria? Nigeria presents a whole lot of opportunities. I am working in conjunction with my partners, Amplio Consulting and Swifthlink and it's all about relationships. I met the head of Amplio Consulting, Ayoola Owodunni through the twitter two years ago. Sensing we had formed a relationship, he suggested this idea of me coming over, to which I initially said, 'I don't know'. But give it to him, he is a visionary. So now, we've developed a relationship and we've developed trust, and through them I'm getting the opportunity to meet folks from The Nation, folks from TVC, Channels TV, folks in business; all these people who have one thing in common, which is to make Nigeria a better place. And it's absolutely an honour and privilege to be here. The headlines about Nigeria are pretty scary at the moment, weren't you scared coming? Yes it's true that a lot of things are going on in Nigeria at the moment that aren't particularly looking positive on the news headlines; but I've lived and worked in Egypt in 2006, which also had its tantrums and perception. Now truth is, some of them are real and some of them are over-generalised. And then I've lived in Washington DC, which was then regarded as the murder capital of the world; and my mother from the little state of Indiana, who had never been to Washington DC called to say 'How could you be in a place like that?' And I said to her 'Mum, I'm not in that part of town. I don't

do drug and I'm very unlikely to be a part of that situation”. When the issue of Boko haram came up before I came over, everyone was like 'That situation is real, it's horriblel' But I told them that it is very far away from where I'm going to be and that I had reassurance from my team saying we're not going to be taking unnecessary risks. So I feel really comfortable being here because every place is more than the generalisation built around it. Communication to a lot of people in this part of the world is simply about 'I can speak good English;' tell us a bit about communication as it pertains to the media, business relationships / development. We are now on a global stage, especially with the development of online activities; anything that we say in a public forum can be broadcast on YouTube and watched online forever. It's important that we don't just keep quiet. People who take communications for granted are doing themselves a lot of disservice, in fact a liability. Let's talk about your CNN experience I was at CNN for six years. I initially started as a writer/ correspondent and during that experience, what I loved about it was to really be in on a network level. I was on 24 hours news coverage on Skype; I was a breaking news correspondent with an emphasis on politics, but I also reported for international, if the story merited international. For example I covered 9/11; I covered the Clinton administration, impeachment proceeding and all of that. I •Gina covered a local tornado, covered a small plane crash that wouldn't make told that there was a mile-long queue of people example during my sessions, and I think it is international. I also filed reports for the who would do the things that I was doing for less. very important to understand that there is a pressure on reporters to be provocative, radio; I had to write stories for the online; So it was an experience that really changed me. You spoke about CNN having lots of respect because a reporter on any field needs to even though this was before the twitter…. Basically I had a really broad experience for the rest of the world. But that doesn't seem to produce to continue on her career. If you're in business and you're simply doing your job; and what that gave me was an be the perception on the outside. I think the problem is that in any news outlet, that may not be enough. You need to set appreciation of how the media operates and how we were driven to get news on especially the television, we oversimplify by the yourself apart. Now I'm not saying the way air quickly. What I also like was that CNN nature of what we are. We are not giving an in- she's gone about it is the right way but I while I was there had a strong respect for depth 40 minutes analysis of an issue. We tell it in understand that a reporter has to distinguish the global market. For instance we were short simple fact. And a lot of time, a reporter, himself and come across as strong and as one never to use the word 'foreign' to describe even if he's been covering a local area where the who is probing and wanting to get to the facts anything that wasn't from the United news broke for a long time, may not know the and ask the difficult questions. It is not the States. We had a policy to call such things issue as deep as someone who is living there and reporter's job to hold the hand of the source. It international or ascribe it to its country of working on the field. But that's the nature of is the responsibility of the source to remain origin because they were really sensitive journalism in general. We are not supposed to be cool and stay on message. Each of you have a to things that were considered pejorative. experts. We're supposed to tell the stories and get job to do, even though at the end of day, both We learnt a lot about the power of words the experts into the room to give their opinion. of you might become friends. and being sensitive about the meaning Sometimes the story is on the spot. And the thing You've travelled far and wide. What has it those words carry. And I would say that I is people may love, hate CNN, love, hate Sky been like mingling with different cultures? never felt any pressure. People would News, or the BBC, but there is always going to be a I've lived and worked in Bucharest in always say things about CNN, but I need for you to want to listen to breaking news Romania, I've lived and worked in Italy; I've would say CNN was always neutral when and try to get information as quickly as possible. It lived and worked in Cairo. I've worked with I was there. CNN was like an amazing is important for people not to rely on just one youth activists in Cambodia, I've worked in experience for me; it was also grueling channel's reports so that they can balance it based Indonesia; I've worked with Iraqi women because we would go on air sometimes for on the different angles. candidates for parliament. And everywhere fourteen straight hours. I did 101 life C N N ' s I s h a S e s s a y ' s i n t e r v i e w s o f I've been, I never pay attention to overshoots in one day during the Clinton's government officials on the Chibok girls issue generalisation or stereotypes. I meet one-onimpeachment for example, so I know have been highly criticised by Nigerians for been one with individuals who are committed to what it's like to be a working journalist somewhat overbearing, what's your take? and believe in their country and are trying to and work long hours. And the truth is it's a As a matter of fact I'm going to be using her make it a better place. And that, to me is what very competitive business and if there interview with the Minister of Information as an it's all about. was ever a tinge of complaint, I would be

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

The world celebrates Afe Babalola

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH E 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

‘Between you and I’?

ATIONAL Mirror of June 19, my birthday, welcomes us this week; “Rivers police allay fears (fear) over Boko Haram” Still on this irritant: “FG reassures on rescue of Chibok schoolgirls” Who did it reassure for the umpteenth time? From National Mirror Views Page come the next three odious lines: “Since then there have (has) been relative peace in that region.” “The truth is that the country needs peace urgently and this has to be pursued in a (an) honourable manner.” “The ugly situation such appointments was (were) meant to address is degenerating on a daily basis.” And now the Editorial with three improprieties: “…which stipulates that all luggages should be picked (picked up) at the baggage-reclaim area of any airport.” ‘Luggage’ is uncountable. “The manner Abia and his orderly took the law into their hands at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is unacceptable.” Fixed expression: take the law into your (their) own hands.” “…the majority of which will come from new gas fired (gas-fired) power stations.” DAILY SUN of June 17 collects the baton from National Mirror: “The applicant said that on the face of the charge levied (levelled) against him….” “…on the ground (grounds) that sedition no longer constituted a punishable offence under Section 39 of the Constitution as amended.” The next six blunders are from a full-page advertorial published in DAILY SUN under review: “With profound (a profound) sense of loss, the Board of Commissioners, Management and Staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (otiose comma) regrets (regret) to announce….” “Funeral Arrangements (unnecessary capitalization) as announced by the family are as follows (follow)….” Finally from the NCC: St. Mathew’s (Matthew’s) Anglican Church….” And lastly from DAILY SUN: “CBN orders banks to refund ATM shortchanged (ATM-shortchanged) customers” Wrong: Between you and I; Right: Between you and me. “Beyond that, he said

the government has (had) also set up an….” “Recently, Nwizu who wouldn’t allow women come close to him in his hey days (sic) as robbery kingpin….” Top stories: ‘heyday’ (one word) is uncountable. “Indeed the results of the poll was (were) a testimony that the hiccups notwithstanding….” “To a large extent, it has become historic and one that carries with it, (needless comma) enormous potentials to….” Again, ‘potential’ is non-count. “…stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrence (a deterrent) against the mismanagement or diversion of pension funds….” “Senator Ahmad Maccido’s interview in all ramification (ramifications) portrays an intent to drag the….” Yank off ‘an’. “Though Senator Maccido is an (a) heir apparent (heir-apparent) to the Sultanate, but (sic) that is no political leverage.” Vista: ‘though’ and ‘but’ cannot co-exist in the same lexical environment. SATURDAY Sun of April 5 disseminated multifarious errors: “…frequented the shoemaker’s shop to patch-up (patch up) leaking soles and scruffy leather.” “It has become fashionable since 2007 to draft governors who has (why?)….” From the OPINION/ COMMENTS Page to EDITORIAL: “Now that this deadly ring has been bursted (burst)….” “Effective aerial surveillance of forests, especially those at (on) city outskirts and around the nation’s expressways, should be able to discover such questionable structures.” DAILY Sun of April 1 steps in with a set of infractions: “We should not allow it because it will create problem (a problem or problems) for the economy….” “FG urged to deploy more ICT equipment at (in) airports, seaports” “…Sanusi has abandoned the role of Central (sic) banker to pursue other interests in disregard to (for/of), (needless comma) and unconnected with the mandate of the office.” “I will limit my discussion to one amongst (among—modern trend) the few….” ‘Amongst’ and ‘amidst’ belong to old school! The next two contributions are from Kola Danisa (07068074257): “In (or with) regards to” should read ‘regard’ and ‘with regards’ also with-

out ‘s’….” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, June 15) “Comrade Shehu Sani believes the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan is itching (inching) toward tyranny….” (Source: as above) DAILY Sun of April 4 enrols in the hall of infamy with the following solecisms: “Labour raises alarm (the alarm) over FG’s plan to sack over 1,050 civil servants” “Violation of rights: Ex CBN (Ex-CBN) gov, Sanusi (another comma) wins round one” “Akwa Ibom govt defends self over civil servants (servants’) salary delay” “Traffic warden remanded in prison for beating police (sic)” A rewrite: Traffic warden remanded for beating policeman” “…the necessary antidotes for (to) the current administrative quagmire in the country.” “…the National Conference at (in) Abuja has exhumed, (otiose comma) series (a series) of fall-outs (sic)….” ‘Fallout’ is uncountable and not hyphenated. “Worshiping is good but acquiring knowledge is better” Spell-check: worshipping DAILY INDEPENDENT of April 7 comes next with an avalanche of solecisms; “Workers (Workers’) lateness to work worries Yuguda” “NDDC set to commission (inaugurate) NYSC lodge in Jonathan’s home” “What late (the late) Ikemba told me about those challenging Obiano’s victory” “Bauchi govt arrests three Chinese over (for) mining activities” They were arrested for hazardous mining activities— not just as it stands! “Those calling for Nigeria’s break up (breakup) are dreaming.” “Expert tasks FG on 500 unemployed Nigeria (Nigerian) pilots” “In seven (7 preferably for headline purposes) years, our work speaks volume (volumes)….” “…the governor has failed his people woefully (abysmally).” Finally from DAILY INDEPENDENT Editorial of the edition under review: “…the judge stated that the 37 defected PDP members has (had) no business remaining in the House since….” Wrong: “You better come….” Right: You had better come….

XACTLY a month after he was decorated with the Distinguished Fellowship Award of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, for his remarkable works as an educationist and as part of the activities marking the College’s Golden Jubilee, the Founder and President Emeritus of Afe Babalola University, AdoEkiti (ABUAD), Aare AfeBabalola, SAN, will on Sunday night be formally celebrated and decorated with the Zik Prize in Leadership for 2013 at the high-brow Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Some notable past recipients of the prize are: President J.J. Rawlings (1995), President Julius NwalimuNyerere (1997), Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998), President Sam Nujoma (1999). Dr. Nelson Mandela (2000), President YonweriMuzeveni (2003), President John AgyekumKuffor (2008), Senator David Mark and Alhaji Yayale Ahmed (2010), OtunbaSubomiBalogun (2010), President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (2011), Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and RabiuKwakwanso as well as Hon. AminuWaziriTambuwal (2012). The crème-de-la-crème of the society made up of members of the Bar and the Bench, Legal Academics, the Royalty, the Clergy and Captains of Industries as well as members of the Diplomatic Community will congregate at the Centre by the Lagos Lagoon to celebrate this international legal icon and philanthropist who has been chosen for the Award on account of his impacting the lives of many Nigerians through his numerous humanitarian programmes. The cheering and elevating news came through an April 17, 2014 letter byPublic Policy and Analysis centre (PPRAC), the organisers of the annual event, which predicated Babalola’s latest award on his genuine commitment to promoting the cause of humanity, which has marked him out as a Philanthropist whose social consciousness is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians. The letter which was signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Zik Prize, the thoroughly Distinguished Senator (Prof) JubrilAminu, said: “We are pleased to inform you that your name has been placed in nomination for the Year 2013 Zik Prize in Leadership in the category of Humanitarian Leadership by the Advisory Board of the Public Policy and Analysis Centre (PPRAC)”. Aminu added: “You were chosen for the Award in recognition of your achievements in the enhancement of lives of many Nigerians through various humanitarian programmes. Your genuine commitment to promoting the cause of humanity has marked you out as a major Philanthropist whose social consciousness is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians. “Your investments in human resource development and especially the promotion of education have marked you out as an ideal role model and one of the greatest Nigerians of this age”. The Zik Prize was set up in 1994 in honour of Dr. Azikiwe, the first President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria, essentially to encourage and nurture leadership on the African

By Tunde Olofintila

Continent and in the Diaspora. Reacting to the development, Babalola thanked the Advisory Board of PPRAC for taking note of his modest contributions through his various humanitarian programmes and for nominating him for the prestigious Zik Prize in Leadership for Year 2013. He said his modest contributions to the educational landscape of the country is a dream come true and expressed happiness that this is happening in his life time, pointing out that his decision to set up a •Afe Babalola university was informed by his experience during his website”, thereby ‘portraying seven-year stint as the Pro- the university as one of the Chancellor and Chairman of shining beacon of excellence in Council at the University of its endeavour to be one of the Lagos during which time he was best universities in African and able to see, first hand and bare- the world’. Again, through its letter of facedly, the decay and rot in our March 25, 2014, UNESCO picked educational system. Together with his colleagues ABUAD, ahead of other older in UNILAG, he recalled that they universities, to play host to its were able to turn the university first ever regional retreat during around as a result of which the the 2014 summer. It is noteworthy to mention university was not only voted the best in the country then, that the 29th Annual Conference Babalola was twice voted the Best of the Association of Vice Pro-Chancellor. But because he Chancellors of Nigerian did not believe that was enough Universities (AVNCU) took and to prove a point, he sold place at ABUAD between June 1 virtually everything he had, and 5, 2014, thus making ABUAD including choice properties in the second private university Lagos, Abuja, and United and indeed the youngest Kingdom as well as in the United university in age to play host to States to establish ABUAD as a the conference since its leader in quality, functional and commencement in 1969. Recently, the Council for reformatory education and to show the world that it is do-able. Legal Education, which He noted with relish that the increased ABUAD’s annual rich, luxuriant and admission quota for Law from commendable things PPRAC 80 to 180, made it mandatory for said about him in its letter of any new Law College/Faculty nomination dated April 17, 2014 angling for accreditation of its are equally being noticed by Law programme to first go and reputable universities and understudy what ABUAD Law organizations round the world. College is doing as a preFor example, on April 10, condition for Accreditation 2014, the revered University of Visitation by the Council. It must be in appreciation of Oxford, United Kingdom, invited ABUAD to participate in all these national and a symposium titled “Global international recognitions and Higher Education in the 21st encomiums that ABUAD was Century”, at Balliol College, appointed as the ‘Mentoring University of Oxford between Tertiary Institution and Affiliate’ to the new College of Industrial August 27-29, 2014. The invitation, which was Development (UID), Accra, signed by AnantNepalia, said Ghana in November last year. Rationalising ABUAD’s among other things that, “In the era of technology-driven new role, UID’s Proprietor and education, how world top Founder, Ambassador Shelly universities can help in raising Amos, said: “We, in UID the excellence standards of the fervently believe you are one of universities in countries like the foremost believers in the Nigeria. It is (of) tremendous need for us to save Africa from opportunity to meet and reach becoming a perpetual dumping out to top Emeritus Professors ground for goods and products of other universities who are in made in India, Korea, China and the forefront to improve the Brazil as well as other countries quality of Higher Education, thus which were once ranked with appointed them as Visiting Nigeria as Third World Faculty or Advisors/Mentors to Countries”. A great admirer of the late your institution”. In the same vein, during Azikiwe and an avid reader of ABUAD’s maiden convocation Azikiwe’s West African Pilot, a on October 21, 2013, UNESCO’s medium he (Azikiwe) used Assistant Director-General for maximally to fight oppression, and neoAfrican Development, Dr. colonialism LallaAicha Ben Barka, in colonialism in those days, appreciation of the monumental Babalola said the only legacy he achievements of the university could bequeath to this promised UNESCO’s generation of Nigerians and collaboration with the those coming behind lies in university on issues related to quality, functional and education, particularly on the reformatory education that will Flagship Programme 2 of produce all-round graduates Operational Strategy for Priority that will not be pounding the Africa (2014-2021) titled streets of our urban centres “Strengthening Education looking for white collar jobs, but Systems for Sustainable ones who will not only be selfDevelopment in Africa: employed, but will employ Improving Equity, Quality and others. To him, the award is not only Relevance”. Ben Barka also volunteered an honour, but a catalyst that will “to publicise UNESCO-ABUAD ginger and propel him to do initiatives on UNESCO’s more in his service to humanity.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Therapeutic effects of interior art The aesthetical beauty of the art has been a form of therapy over the years. Today, more Nigerians both in public and private places are placing more premium on using the visual art for interior decorations. Edozie Udeze encountered some of the artists who shed more light on this phenomenon and why the interest in it is growing steadily

VORY has always been a subject of beauty and fascination. Its beauty as an object of interior adornment and decoration is dated back to 30,000 years or more. Although it is an old habit by many rich people in Nigeria, wall art has come to form part and parcel of interior decorations in most public and private buildings in the society. In the beginning, the use of ivory and woodworks and sculptures for this purpose was more appreciated. However, with the love and appreciation of the work of art in forms of paintings, beads, cowry shells, drawings and so on catching on in the society, more people now use them to adorn their homes and offices. Speaking to The Nation on the importance of wall art in the present day Nigerian society, James Itodo, a surrealist artist whose natural penchant for colours is indisputable said, “this is an art used essentially for interior beautification of a house or building. In most cases when they are starting the construction of a building, they always put into consideration what kind of art to be used in that particular building. At times, they use relieve works or works like painting on canvas, some even use sculptures. Wall art or interior decoration is therefore a marked design placed in a certain position in the house to give it the desired beauty.” He went on to explain that the primary objective is to place such works in conspicuous places where viewers or visitors can easily see them. “Some people use these works in big offices, large halls and or at home. The illustrations are usually done by an artist, who comes in first, does the sketching, then tries to introduce works with fine colours. Indeed the total concept is to make you set your eyes on them.” In any case, the usage of dull colours is ruled out here because such colours do not help to bring out the beauty of indoor art. In the olden days, the skills of artisans and palace artists and carvers were sought to do this sort of job. That often showed the height of African art which has today been turned into other forms mainly paintings and woodworks. “Yes once you come into a house and you behold that bright colour, it holds your attention,” Itodo said For the artist whose works have been earmarked for interior decoration, especially in a public building where people visit often, he is careful when he is doing it in order to avoid the sort criticisms that can mar his art. “This is so because some people may come in there and say oh, I want this type of work to be on my wall. It is not really new, but more people have come to show more love to the art. And this is also good not only for the artist, but for the total beauty and aesthetical values of the visual.” Cowry Shells. Among the works that adorned palaces and homes of the well-to-do in those years of yore were manilla bracelet, cowry shells and more. Symbolically, cowry shells are a representation of a spirit within all natural things. And it

•A palace scene.

was such as an expensive item to collect in those days. Their hard, ornamental values and durability represented longevity to most people and tribes in West Africa and beyond. These attributes made it possible for people to associate it with the interior decorations of most homes and palaces. Outside being a form of currency for most peoples of the world, highly placed people acquired it as a form of ornamental possession which distinguished the rich from the poor. But in the words of Uche Ani, an interior decoration expert, “Cowry shells can also be made into art works and hung in the foyers or visitors’ room of a public building. It is interesting that some Nigerian fine artists are beginning to bring back that tradition. They now embellish their art with cowry shells although it is very expensive to acquire. When I do most of my works, I want to be unique. This uniqueness includes the application of the mode of art that is peculiar and distinguishable so that people would see it and say oh, this is quite a brilliant decoration,” Ani said. Abstract. Itodo also maintained that the preference for abstract art in indoor works is often deliberate in order to enhance the depth of the beauty of the work and those who appreciate it. “No, you just don’t draw the portrait of someone and hang on the wall. Or picture of someone you know and place it somewhere in the house. It has to be an abstract work that depicts profound beauty. It is only abstract that catches the eye as soon you enter the house. Like semiabstract of a baby crying or the like or an illustration of a scene that can also throw more light on your own life. A tired woman whom you cannot necessarily figure out her face, is an ideal abstract. In this case, the colours also have to be bright and friendly. Often people appreciate works with plenty of colours more. So, give that sort of art to help throw more light on the place of interior art. In doing all this, you need to use artists who have foresight, who know what position to give to a particular work with its peculiarity to bring out the essence of it all.” In most developed societies of the world, art works are mainly placed atop fire places in the homes. It is assumed that the illumination

SOURCE: HERITAGE

of the fire would help to depict the work for the purpose of appreciation. For them the mantra has always been, let the art work speak to you while you are here enjoying the warmth of the fire place. The background of the work usually blends with the glow of the fire and the light it throws on the sitting room. To this end, Ani said: those people go more for the art that have serious historical background, which also appeal to the conscience of both the family in question and the people around them. The works have to have some binding relevance so that the people while savouring the fire place, would equally relate to what they have as art on the wall,” Ani said. The beauty of the art of fire place, was what also inspired many art lovers in Nigeria to begin to device their own method of making the wall art more endearing and attractive in these climes. Most Nigerian arts are placed near windows and empty places where the light is the brightest in the house. “Yes, the reflection from the windows, those choice places in your home also affect the work in a way by making them more meaningful,” Itodo averred. In other words, the works have to receive the rays of the light in proper proportion. “The size of the work as far as I am concerned,” Itodo said, “does not affect the work or its position as an object of interior decoration. The concept of the positioning is what matters most. It can be small, but it has to have a way of occupying a space not necessarily due to its size or the like. It is the illustration and your signature as an artist that signal you proper into the fold,” he said. It is therapeutic. In the worlds of Uduh Maduka Francis, another seasoned studio artist, the best way to describe wall art is to call it interior design. To him, it is an indispensable arm of the art because it is used for therapeutic effect to decorate homes and offices. “You can also use it as mosaic murals inside the homes.” An expert in bead art, sculpting and mosaic murals, Uduh is specifically concerned about using indoor designs to reach out to many Nigerians who are usually low in the spirit when they wake up in the morning. “It is a therapy. It is the sort of art that is meant to awaken your spirit and make you stronger to start your day. When

you leave the outer environment and go into your house you need to have something to make you relax. A home remains where the heart should rest. So, if you want your heart to rest at home, then you should beautify it. You do this to your own personal taste, with the things you cherish most aesthetically like paintings, sculptures, beads and so on. “This could also act as a therapy, it can reduce your blood pressure, give you long life and so on. Like when you wake up to behold an art work that brings good tidings to you, you naturally feel good. Just like music, drama, literature, cartoons, etc, keep you happy at home, so does the work of art. People have to resort to it more and we are happy too that more Nigerians irrespective of class or position, have begun to show interest in such art of interior designs. “Why do you have libraries at home? Uduh asked. “Is it not for you to pick a book that appeals to you when you feel lonely or bored? The art of interior designs or mosaic murals have the same effect when you need to relax. It is more important because it is visual, it is there for you to see and feel. If you have a good sculpture you love so much, depicting an object you cherish, it helps you to live within your own art at home,” Uduh noted. “This sort of embellishment used to be a class thing in the past,” he further noted. “However, it is now trickling down to the other side of the society. Most average homes around have works of art in their homes. They may not be expensive but art is not really art when it is expensive that it brings you the joy you need. In terms of sculptures for the home, functional art is most appropriate. You can also put your chairs, your tables, your ornaments and so on into art, you can place into them objects of sculpture in different and varied forms. When you have them in forms of bull heads, Benin bronze or Ife masks, you have done a lot to promote these cultures and add value to aesthetics.” The total beauty of interior art comes out more when the totality of all forms of art are applied to make a home outstanding. At every point, the work of art has to be complete and more engrossing, in the rooms, in the parlour, at the lobby and so on.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

OU were recently at a forum in Poland where the issue of persecution of saints in Nigeria was discussed. What did you come away with? I am happy we were gladly received by the people and we discussed at length the challenges facing the Christian community. One of the things that touched my heart was a conversation I had with two single professors passionate about Nigeria. They told me how much they prayed, wept and are working hard to help Nigeria overcome the reign of terror. One of the questions they asked me that touched me most was what do we do now for Nigeria? We have prayed, fasted, wept and it seems as if the challenges faced by our Christian brothers and sisters remain thick. When they asked these questions, I was almost weeping because these are not Nigerians but ordinary citizens with passion for Nigeria. They asked me why is it that people cannot learn to live together. This is one question that bothers them. I was dumfounded because I don’t know what to say. Another experience that touched me about Poland was that for the first time in my life, I visited Hitler’s Gestapo, the dungeon where more than six million people were killed. They were taken through the Premium and roasted like bread. I was privileged to see their loads, bags and clothes written in their names. When I saw the incident, I began to think about Nigeria. Are we not having a lot of Hitler in our time? I saw young people instructed to kill their own parents. Where are we heading to? How can this insurgency be stopped? The decision is before our leaders to choose to confront evil and knock it out and nip it in the bud or leave it to expand and degenerate into a phenomenon they never dream of such that the president and governors are sacked and forced to seek exile somewhere else. If I were Jonathan, what I will do is to put my black

‘The church is not doing enough for traumatised Christians’

Rev. Isaac Newton-Wusu is the Executive Director of Voice of Christian Martyr, Nigeria, with over three decades of support for persecuted Christians in the North. He spoke with Adeola Ogunlade on the Boko Haram insurgency and how the church can help knickers on to show that I am mourning and l will never campaign or do anything political until l see the Chibok girls rescued. People need to be educated right from our primary schools to teach young people on the values of peace and love. Let nobody come and tell us that western education is evil. There is nothing evil about western education. These insurgents carry guns, rocket launchers of the west. Why can you then come and tell us that western education is evil? People need to examine their values and come out with reality. Nigerians also must be patriotic… What do you mean by being patriotic? Our leaders are not patriotic and it is very unfortunate. They buy houses in London. I recently heard that the best houses in London are owned by Nigerians. Why in this world are we so divided? We don’t believe in Nigeria because if we do, we will have our best houses in Nigeria. We will wear Nigerian clothes and shoes. We have lots of young people who want to invest their ideas but lack sufficient funds and mentorship to make their dreams come true. This is largely due to the fact that our leaders do not really believe in Nigeria. We need a leadership that says no to corruption. Should government use commando strategy or swap the girls for Boko Haram members?

Well, there are so many ways we can take care of this. Though, I am not in support of brutal violence. I am sure that the Americans are here and the nations of the world are willing to assist us in the fight to end this insurgency. They are always around us to help. The Boko Haram insurgency is becoming genocide again. I think we need cooperation with other nations but it is rather a difficult thing because our country is so corrupt and divided that you have a large contingent of government officials sympathetic to and supporting Boko Haram. Whenever you have a nation like America that can even help us and we refuse to share important information vital to fight the insurgency group, it is because we want to continue to fight a lost battle. Do you agree the church’s intervention is coming too late as some are alleging? I don’t know what many of them have been doing in CAN. The problem we have in Nigeria is that we have pockets of few churches most especially among the Pentecostal churches that have the Christian community in their pockets. If the churches want to come out together, I admonished them to come under the auspices of CAN. I want to give credit to Ayo Oritsejafor because he is doing all he can, but a house divided against itself cannot stand is the story of CAN today. The church must be united against evil What should be the role of

xxx

•Newton-Wusu

the church? Prayer cannot do it alone. Prayer will do its part. God wants us to play our own part to even speak out when we have to. The church must wake up and double its effort in helping the persecuted saints. I have seen that the Chibok girl’s issues have brought a lot of churches and pastors protesting on the street to show their concerns. We can protest on the streets but actually what we need is someone who can talk to the government to come and do something urgently about the security of lives and property of our people.

Everybody needs to come together. The war is raging all over the north now. If it happens here in the south, all our wealth and resources which we have tried to build will be destroyed and we ourselves will be on the run. There is a couple from the United States of America who had worked in Malaysia and other Asian countries. They came to settle in Southern Kaduna over 23 years ago and today are working among us here. This is a big slap among us here when you hear people have been wounded, killed and then you

know that you don’t need to join doctors without borders but join in the work to help wounded Christians. We can set up missions here in parts of the north because there are increasing numbers of sick, wounded, traumatised and bruised Christians who need medical help, trauma counselling and this is one of the best ways to handle mission work rather than sitting down in our pool of churches. Many times, the church is persecuted. Our lawyers need to stand up to defend the brethren.

NEWS

RCCG offers free water, medical tests for Ogun community

HE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Province 17 Lagos has reached out to Makunomi, a rustic community in Ogun waterside. The church provided potable water, free medical tests as well as a nursery school for the community. The borehole, which was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) programme of the church, was commissioned by the Province 17 Pastor, David Omunagbe, penultimate weekend. Residents said they de-

pended on streams and rivers as well as local truck pushers who supplied them water at exorbitant prices before the borehole was sunk. They added that there was no government presence in any form in their community, praising the church for the initiatives. Omunagbe said the initiative was in obedience to the mandate of the church’s general overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to all parishes to engage in community projects. He explained: “This is one of our acts of social responsibility; we are simply doing

what Christ has asked us to do. “The church does not just plant parishes but we go all out to show love and appeal to everybody to come to Jesus.” The Assistant Pastor-incharge of the RCCG parish planted by the province, Akintunde Akinsowon, said the outreach will help the church’s evangelistic efforts in the town. He added that the nursery school would also go a long way in providing basic education for children, who have been trekking long distances to attend the only public school in the community.

•Omunagbe inaugurating the water system in Makunomi, waterside, Ogun State

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

WORSHIP

Why nations are sick, by Adeboye T HE general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has identified sin, doubts and disobedience for the wide spate of sicknesses and diseases in nations of the world. He spoke at the special prayers for all medical, paramedical service personnel across the country at the church’s National Headquarters in Lagos. The service, which featured teachings and prayers, attracted hundreds of doctors, pharmacists, nurses and health workers in private and public hospitals. Adeboye said it is worrisome that many nations have continued to suffer pains, heartaches and afflictions from

By Adeola Ogunlade

sicknesses and diseases that the power of God can cure. These diseases, he said, are intractable, owing to sin. He noted that although the healing power of Jesus to heal every sickness is available for everyone who will trust in him, sin, doubt and disobedience have debarred many from enjoying divine support. “Sin can act as an insulator that will not allow the healing power of God to penetrate. Sin can block the anointing of a man of God from getting to a sick fellow. “Healing can overflow but

not everyone will still get healed. Even Jesus could not heal many people because they did not believe. “So, the anointing of the pastor or evangelist does not matter if the sick fellow does not believe that he would be healed, he won’t be healed,” he stressed. He assured Christians to continue to rely solely on the healing power of Jesus to heal and deliver them from any form of oppression. He prayed for health workers in Nigeria, noting that “a day is coming when the world will hear about our physicians overflowing with healing anointing.”

•The Rt. Rev Gabriel Akinbiyi, his wife Stella, Bishop of Jebba, The Rt. Rev Adewole, Chief Gbolahan Ayodele and wife of former governor of Ondo State, Chief Mrs. Adetutu Adefarati at the second day of the 3rd session of the 10th synod of the Diocese of Akoko, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion in Ondo State recently

Anglican Bishop ‘rewrites’ national anthem

HE Bishop of Akoko Diocese Anglican Communion, The Rt. Revd, Gabriel Akinbiyi, has ‘rewritten’ the national anthem to reflect the mood of the nation. Akinbiyi also observed that Nigeria is at war. Delivering an address at the 3rd session of the synod of the diocese last week with the theme: “This same Jesus”, Akinbiyi read his version of the anthem to indicate the nation is under threat. He observed that the country is facing a tripartite war from Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and unknown gunmen. Akinbiyi stated: “Hundreds of innocent Nigerians

•Says Nigeria is at war

have lost their lives to these elements in the last few years. Nigeria is now facing full blown war. “Boko Haram has become a sophisticated and well established international organisation. “Even if the inventors themselves should be given Nigeria to govern today, they would not be able to do better than what obtains now in terms of curbing them.” He, however, assured that only God can deliver Nigeria from insurgents. “For God to do it for us, we must return to Him as a nation

in repentance and faith, call upon him in earnest prayers and He will do it.” The lengthy address which took almost three hours for the bishop to deliver also touched on other crucial issues of governance in Ondo State. He commended Governor Olusegun Mimiko for paying attention to infrastructure but pointed out that the standard of living of many has fallen drastically over the years. He urged the government to look into the plight of the people and create employment for the teeming youths in the state.

Uduaghan pledges support for Catholic project

ELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has assured the Catholic Diocese of Warri of government’s support in ensuring the Warri Diocese Conference Centre project is completed in time to host the first ever Catholic Bishops Conference holding soon in Warri Uduaghan gave the assurance during the fund raising programme in support of the Catholic Diocese of Warri Conference Centre Project at Asaba. He noted: “When you use your resources to honour God, you will be given a bountiful reward.” The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, assured of his readiness to host a suc-

cessful conference due to its secular and religious importance. While noting that the state government has drawn so much strength from the Christian community through their prayers and support, Uduaghan expressed delight that the Warri Diocese will be hosting the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria during his administration. The governor commended the diocese for embarking on this noble venture. He assured that he is committed to seeing to the delivery of the project to the honour of God. He urged all people of goodwill to be involved in building of the Conference Centre, stressing that the importance of the conference cen-

tre to the church and the society is much to be desired. While congratulating the the Warri diocese on her 50 years of existence, he noted that it is a project all will be proud to be associated with. The Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Afareh, commended the state government for continued support to the church. He noted that the Warri Diocese Conference Centre which will host all Bishops of Nigeria this year is designed for conference, meetings, planning sessions, retreats, religious training, corporate education as well as social events. He noted that the centre will facilitate religious and professional development foundational to growing a mature faith community.

COLUMN

Living Faith By Dr. David Oyedepo

Unveiling the mystery of faith!

OR the past two weeks, we had been examining wonders of thanksgiving that the mystery of faith can guarantee. Today, we shall be unveiling that mystery in faith. Faith is the livewire of Christianity. Although the Bible is an open chequebook, but it takes faith to draw on it. Among other benefits, faith confers on us supernatural mastery over all life-situations and circumstances. As it is written: ‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith’ (1 John 5:4). Furthermore, it is written; But without faith, it is impossible to please (move) him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrew 11:6) We must understand that at the root of all divine interventions, rewards and blessings, is faith. Therefore, until we understand the mystery of faith, revelation will be a mere frustration because it is faith that defines everyone’s destiny. As Jesus once said, ‘… According to your faith, be it unto you’ (Matthew 9:29). Also, it takes faith for our giving to command returns. According to scriptures, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained a good report that he pleased God. But without faith, it is impossible to please (move) God. (Heb. 11:4-6) We also discover that without faith, prayer is an exercise in futility. Our prayers are answered according to our faith. In fact, everything about life in the Kingdom

takes faith to actualize (Mark 11:23-24). It is written, …If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23). Therefore, our faith is what determines the limit of God’s help in our life. If we believe God for sound health and unrepentantly so, He will make us healthy. Likewise, if we believe in returns on our giving, we will enjoy returns (Romans 1:17; Luke 6:38). Indeed, faith is not a principle, a philosophy or a strategy; faith is a mystery. However, to effectively engage this mystery for victory, we must have a good understanding of what this mystery is all about (1 Timothy 3:9). What then, is Faith? · Faith is not a feeling; it is a spiritual fact: It is written: Now faith is the substance (fact) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrew 11:1). For instance, no one knows how to drive a car without knowing. In the same vein, no one can have faith without knowing. Another example of note is the building of Faith Tabernacle. When God said it would be completed within one year, I knew by spiritual fact that it would be delivered. Anyone else could doubt it, but my faith was solid. I believed it and God did it against all technical facts. This gigantic fifty thousand seat sanctuary was dedicated within a year. Faith is being persuaded of the truth, the prevailing circumstances notwithstanding, until the truth prevails: •Faith is a spiritual

NEWS

engraftment of humanity into divinity; thereby, empowering man to command supernatural feats: That is, the engraftment of man into God, so that man can command results after the order of God. “Engraftment” is taking a branch of a tree and fixing it into another, so that it can bear fruits after the new tree into which it is now grafted. If you take a mango branch and graft it into an orange tree, the branch stops bearing mango and shortly, it starts bearing orange fruits. Each one of us belongs to a particular family tree before we were saved. But through faith, we were taken from that family tree and grafted into God’s family, so we can bear fruits after the order of God. This is why whatever is not obtainable in that new family is not permitted in our lives (Romans 11:17-21). … Therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). But, we must recognize that by faith, we are grafted into God’s family and when we step out of faith, we are cut off (Romans 11:20). I will continue this teaching next week. Friend, faith puts only the redeemed in a commanding position. You can become one now, by renouncing your old ways, confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan, to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!” 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., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10.45 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

Nigeria will not go down, cleric assures

HE President, The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) International Lagos, Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade – Joel, has assured that the nation will overcome its socio-economic challenges. Nigeria, he said, will survive and emerge a greater nation. He tasked Nigerians not to give up hope but keep uplifting the nation in prayers at all times. Baba Sekunderin, as he is fondly called, also challenged church leaders to close ranks and uplift the nation in prayers. He said: “If all Nigerians come together in unity, there is very little they cannot secure because heaven pays attention when people come together united in

prayer, for prayer changes things. “Looking at things now, it is so easy to give up on hope and Nigeria, but we will yet smile again if we

hang on to God. “This country has potentialities and we will get there regardless of how much the enemies are trying.”

What and where?

Bible word search for launch

HE maiden edition WABP Bible Word Search Book will be launched next Thursday. It holds at Sherryville, Ojodu/Berger Lagos. The 78-page enlarged version publication is written in lucid words punctuated with puzzles from first section to the back cover. The author, Mrs. Angela Owoyemi, said she was inspired by the penchant for Sudoko and puzzles, saying she wanted to produce a

work to refresh and serve as a pathfinder of word. She described the publication as an “assemblage of various scriptural themes structured to task the memory of readers and enhance their understanding of the Bible.” The searchers, she stated, will help Christians apply patience, determination, thoughtfulness and logical reasoning to solve given chances in an enjoyable and fun-filled environment.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014 CHANGE OF NAME RAUF-SANNI

I, formerly known and addressed as Rauf-Sanni Fatimah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bello, Fatimah Ibironke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLOKUNGBOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Oladoyin Olokungboye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Oladoyin Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLUSEYI

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Tolulope Folorunsho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Tolulope Oluwajobi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHINEYEMBA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINEDU CHRISTABEL CHINEYEMBA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHINEDU EZOUKUMO LINCOLN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as Adewale Odunuga now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyanju Adewale Odunuga. All former documents remain valid. Corporate Affairs Commission and general public should please take note.

ACHUONYE

I,formerly known and addressed as PEACE CHIAMAKA ACHUONYE now wish to be known and addressed as PEACE CHIAMAKA GABRIELS. All former documents remained valid. General Public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RACHEAL OLUFUNKE OYINDAMOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUFUNKE EBIRONKE R. EGBA. All former documents remain valid. The management of PHED and general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Odunuga Patricia now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyanju Adama Patricia. All former documents remain valid. Corporate Affairs Commission and general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONYINYECHI FAVOUR ACHUONYE now wish to be known and addressed as ONYINYECHI FAVOUR GABRIELS. All former documents remained valid. General Public please take note.

FOLORUNSHO

OKPARA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpara, Chinonye Constance, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoroji, Chinonye Constance. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

KADIRI

I, formerly known and addressed as Idowu Samson Oluseyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Idowu Abdulsalam Oluwaseyi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Adekemi Funmilola Olufunlola Kadiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Adekemi Olufunmilola Falode. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adebisi Anastasia Feyisitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Adebisi Anastasia Onipede. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Adedokun Yetunde Adedoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Falode Yetunde Adedoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AROWOSOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as Ramotalahi Anuoluwapo Aduke Lasisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ramota Anuoluwapo Adejumo. All former documents remain valid. O.O.U. Ago-Iwoye and general public should please take note.

ONIPEDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Arowosola, Abimbola Marvellous, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Arowoogun, Abimbola Marvellous. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MFON

I, formerly known and addressed as Officer Emem Mfon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emem Moses Udofia. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State and general public should please take note.

AYANBEKU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwatosin Adeola Ayanbeku, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatosin Adeola Aishat Sanusi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BABATUNDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abosede Grace Babatunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abosede Grace Babalola. All former documents remain valid. WEMA Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

ILELEJI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ileleji, Kehinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abeson, Kehinde Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

NNADI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnadi, Janet Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Williams Janet Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

AGBONAVBARE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Doris Uwaila Agbonavbare, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Doris Uwaila Okunbor. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

BALOGUN

I, formerly known and addressed as Balogun Oluwatoyin Mustapha, now wish to be known and addressed as Toyin-Balogun Oluwatoyin Mustapha. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

MEMBIS

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Vivian Nwadi Membis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vivian Nwadi Azuike. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take.

KADRI

I, formerly known and addressed as Adepoju Babatunde Kadri, now wish to be known and addressed as Adepoju Babatunde Quadri. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

MBAMALU

ADEDOKUN

LASISI

JUMBO

I, formerly known and addressed as Lasbery Jumbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Lasbery Onnme Akpeki. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OMOGBEMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omogbemi Esther Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olusola, Esther Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko and general public should please take note.

DUROMOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Duromola, Sherifat Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amuda, Sherifat Bukola. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and general public should please take note.

PRESH-NWAOHA

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Presh-Nwaoah Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Precious-Nwaoha Esther Oluwafunmilayo. All former documents remain valid. AB Micro Finance Bank Nig. Limited and general public should please take.

OYETOKUN

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyetokun, Ajoke Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hassan, Ajoke Esther. All former documents remain valid. UNIOSUN and general public should please take.

SUBULOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Subuloye, Kehinde Rotimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyewusi, Kehinde Rotimi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

FALOPE

I, formerly known and addressed as Falope, Deborah Oluwayemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Jobiola Deborah Oluwayemisi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANIEMEKA

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIEMEKA OGADINMA EUGENIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKAFOR OGADINMA EUGENIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ADAMU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FATIMA ADAMU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FATIMA ADAMU ABDULRASHEED. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

YAKUBU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uchenna Ozioma Mbamalu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchenna Ozioma Chukwudi Aniagudo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FATIMA YAKUBU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FATIMA YAKUBUHUSSEIN. All former documents remain valid. EFCC, A.B.U Zaria, and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Olufemi Olumayowa Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Awoluyi, Olumayowa Bukola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewemimo Kemi Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lebile Kemi Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IDIATA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Kunuyi-Cole Kehinde Funmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Cole-Akinyemi Kehinde Funmi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLUFEMI

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Bergamaschi ldiata Jane, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ldiata Jane. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEWEMIMO

KUNUYI-COLE

OYINDAMOLA

KOSOKO

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS KOSOKO IBIRONKE AMINAT ADEKUNBI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZEPUE IBIRONKE ADEKUNBI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AKWASI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKWASI OGECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AMARIKWA CHUKWUEMEKA OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BATUBO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS LOLO TONYE BATUBO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LOLO PRECIOUS GEORGE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OWOLABI

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS IBITOLA ANIKE OWOLABI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IBITOLA ANIKE ZACCHAEUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, MR. RAPHAEL OLUWAFEMI ZACCHAEUS and MR. RAPHAEL OLUWAFEMI OGUNDORO refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as MR. RAPHAEL OLUWAFEMI ZACCHAEUS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGBULE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss EGBULE PEACE UDOCHUKWU, now wish to be known as Mrs. PEACE VICTOR MACHIE. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

JOHN

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss CHIOMA MARY JOHN, now wish to be known as Mrs. CHIOMA MARY CHRISTIAN ENEMARI. All former documents remain valid Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education and the general public please take note.

ONUEGBU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss ONUEGBU AMARACHI EDNA, now wish to be known as Mrs. IHEAGWAN AMARACHI EDNA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

NWACHUKWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss NWACHUKWU BLESSING CHINWE, now wish to be known as Mrs. ADELEYE BLESSING CHINWE. All former documents remain valid general public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME UGBESHE ALFRED NDORMFAM and OGBECHE ALFRED NDORMFAM refers to one and the dame person. Now wish to be known as OGBECHE ALFRED NDORMFAM. All former documents remain valid general public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME SUNDAY BANUNA and SUNDAY MENE-TEE refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known as SUNDAY MENE-TEE. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

ONI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oni Eniola Oluwabusayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ldowu Eniola Oluwabusayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ONUOHA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss ONUOHA UGOMMA JOANNES STEPHANIE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OKEAHIALAM UGOMMA STEPHANIE. All former documents remained valid C.A.C, F.U.T.O and General Public please take note.

BASSEY

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss MABEL NKEMJIKA BASSEY, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. MABEL NKEMJIKA IHUNWEZE. All former documents remain valid. Federal University of Owerri (FUTO) and general public should please take note.

ODUNUGA

SAMUEL

I, formerly known and addressed as Samuel Olalekan Thotun now wish to be known and addressed as Ogabi-Samuel Olalekan Thotun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ACHUONYE

AYODELE

I, formerly known and addressed as DABERECHUKWU PRECIOUS ACHUONYE now wish to be known and addressed as DABERECHUKWU PRECIOUS GABRIELS. All former documents remained valid. General Public please take note.

OGUNKOYA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss OKUO ONAVE ROSELINE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. BURATABAWO ONAVE ROSELINE. All former documents remained valid. General Public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayodele Folashade Olajumoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adewola Folashade Olajumoke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunkoya Olaide Adebayo now wish to be known and addressed as Kabiru Olaide Adebayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MAKINDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Makinde Oluwabukola Grace now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayelaboye Oluwabukola Grace. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Mrs. Maxlion Sikeoye Sera is the same person as Mrs. Ajayi-Maxlion Serah Sikeoye. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should please take note.

OSHO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osho Kofoworola Medinat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Muhammed Kofoworola Medinat.. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKUO

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to notify that AFIONG GLORY GODWIN EKWERE is the same and one person as AFIONG EBIO EKONG. All former documents bearing the above names remained valid. General Public please take note.

ATIKU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Atiku, Grace Oghenebrume, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekrigwe Grace Oghenebume. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Navy, my Banks and general public should please take note.

OMOTUNDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotunde, Fasilat Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kolawole, Favour Abimbola. All former documents remain valid. IKEDC and general public should please take note.

FASHIPE

BADEWA

I, formerly known and addressed as Fashipe Akindamola Babalola, now wish to be known and addressed as Fashipe Babalola Damola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IJIYEMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Agholor Franca, now wish to be known and addressed as Agholor Elue Franca. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Comfort Olusola Badewa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Comfort Olusola Ogunseitan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijiyemi Oluyemi Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amenah Oluyemi Christiana. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKPAGBA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpagba, Iniwoareke Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eugene, Iniwoareke Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

FALADE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Falade Julianah Olaoluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abejide Julianah Olaoluwa. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank of Nigerian and general public should please take note.

ADELEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeleke Adeyinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nasiru Adeyinka Adebola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ACHUONYE

I formerly known and addressed as REJOYCE CHIBUEZE ACHUONYE now wish to be known and addressed as REJOYCE IJEOMA GABRIELS. All former documents remained valid. General Public please take note.

IDOWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idowu, Rashidat Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eleto, Rashidat Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. All government Institutions, parastatals, private companies and general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I with full names: Miss Emmanuela Belema Albert Chepaka wish to affirm that these names written differently in my separate official documents as follow: Chepaka, Emmanuella Albert or Chepaka Emmanuela Belema. or Chepaka Emmanuela B. or Chepaka Emmanuella A. All belong to one and same person and for official record purposes; but henceforth they would be harmonised as Chepaka, Emmanuela Belema, the general public please take note.

AGHOLOR

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 2017220392 Account Name - VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide@ y a h o o . c o m orthenation.advert@ gmail.com. For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide@ yahoo.com or our offices nationwide. Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

Sobanjo donates Multi-media Centre to UNILAG Mass Com.

T was a day of joy and celebration for lecturers and students of Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos [UNILAG] when The Biodun Shobanjo Multi-Media Centre of Excellence donated by Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of Troyka Holdings was officially commissioned recently by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Shobanjo noted that the building is a success because of the consistent encouragement he got from the late Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe and friends of the university. The two storey building that replaced the initial bungalow will provide more lecture rooms for the students and improve their performance. There will be departmental offices and other conveniences. This building, with the necessary equipment, will live up to the rating by UNESCO. The Department is rated the foremost Mass Communication training institution not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa and continues to strive to remain in the forefront for the media challenges of the millennium. Through its commitment to quality and professional proficiency, the Department wants to be known as the source of graduates who excel as professionals in the media industry and as teachers and researchers in Mass Communication. Besides, the Department’s vision is to remain as a Center of Excellence in Mass Communication research and training – a place for imparting and generating knowledge about the mass media and their indispensable port of call for academics and media organizations seeking information about the performance of media professions and the behavior of media audiences in Nigeria and the continuous training and re-training of the members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. The Department is very proud to be the first and only Department of Mass Communication in Africa, to produce Africa’s winner of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in Journalism, Mr. Dele Olojede, one of the department’s graduate, who won the esteemed award in 2005. The Pulitzer Prize in Journalism is the equivalent to the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Department takes pride in being the trainer of more than 90% of Editors of the major Newspapers/Magazines, Broadcast – Radio/TV, Public Relations and Advertizing Agencies in Nigeria. The Department also takes pride as the first and only Department to operate a community radio station – Radio Unilag 103.5 FM. The current Chairman and Head of Department, Prof. Ralph A. Akinfeleye is always proud to describe the Department as – centre of media excellence, first in Africa; and second to none in the world. Conscious of the critical role of mass communication in the society, the Department of Mass Communication has the major philosophy of producing high caliber of graduate and post-graduate professionals who have the requisite knowledge and skills to occupy various positions in the mass media industry, media training institutions, public information agencies of both government and non-government agencies and the international media organizations.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

How come Jonathan can sleep?

HE altar of our national temple has been desecrated. Everything about national sanctity has been profaned. We are tragically trudging towards declined humanity. And our president is symbolically leading all of us to the cemetery of the heartless. What kinds of humans are these? Are we in this part of the human space, made to have compassion? Are we made with values that are sacred or values that are worthless? Our actions are despicable and unconscionable. We are very insensitive and disrespectful to every spirit that is noble. We are a nation of strange creatures, impervious to truthful gossips and unfazed about “strange things”. On April 15, some members of the Boko Haram stormed Chibok, a hitherto unknown community in Borno state, abducted 200 plus something girls and vanished with them into a different ‘planet’. We cried. We wailed. We cursed. We protested. We shouted. We prayed. We niggled over it. But what happened to our assembly of pretence? What happened to our communal deception? What happened to this collective insincerity? What happened to our rueful theatre? What happened to our national orgy of fantasies? What happened to our photo-induced protests? What happened to our political sympathies? What happened to every man and woman that stormed the streets in anger and protests? One by one we went back to our private enterprise; to hawk if we are traders; to holler if we are white-collar workers; to engage in negotiations if we are businessmen; to campaign if we are politicians; to meet or beat deadlines if we are journalists; to receive lectures if we are students; to do sundry things if we are “Jama Jama”; to keep collecting offerings if we are pastors; to keep preparing “Ontu” if we are Alfa and to go on with the ma-

HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday described the death of Alhaji Arisekola Alao, as the end of an era. He also called on the Oyo State Government to immortalise the late business mogul. The traditional ruler, who is also the President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, stated this when he visited the family of the deceased in his Basorun residence Ibadan, yesterday.

that it was the exclusive preserve of the state governor to appoint a new emir based on the advice of the emirate council. Jonathan got himself into trouble with the Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso who fired thus: “Mr. President does not seem to know where his power starts and where it stops. The appointment of an Emir is purely a state affair…….. I am happy to say that nobody has questioned the eligibility of the new emir………… we are very happy because he is well educated. What business has the government with the appointment of the Emir of Kano? If there is emir of Nigeria, let him go and appoint him. My feeling is that they have more than enough security problems, especially finding the Chibok girls than sending police to go and block the emir of Kano’s place just because of Sanusi.” The situation would not have degenerated to this level of impertinence if the president had not interfered in what was purely an internal affair. The question is; couldn’t the president have allowed his vice president, who understands the politics of the emirate to handle the situation”. The president should not be surprised or amazed that everywhere he goes, he is being reminded of the Chibok girls. It will remain like that until all the girls “waka come meet their parents”. One is not saying the president should not perform his official functions but he needs to excuse himself from what are purely political activities until further notice, at least to show some respect for the feelings of the parents of the girls. He should delegate all political activities to Mallam Namadi Sambo who is also a politician. The president does not have to treat his vice president as if he is politically naïve. We need to revisit the ferry accident in South Korea to see how civilized nations behave in such situations. The ferry accident happened on April

16, a day after the Chibok abduction. There were about 476 people on board and 187 people were officially confirmed dead while some were declared missing. Most of those affected were students like the Chibok girls. It was an accident but the people still felt that it could have been prevented if the government had been alive to its responsibilities. Ten days after the accident, the South Korean Prime Minister, Chung Hong-won resigned amid criticism of the government’s handling of the accident. Read what he wrote in his resignation letter: “The cries of the families of those still missing keep me up at night…… the right thing for me to do is to take responsibility and resign as a person who is in charge of the cabinet….. on behalf of the government, I apologize for many problems from the prevention of the accidents to the early handling of the disaster…….” Sixty nine days after the abduction of the Chibok girls, President Jonathan still sits tight “on the throne of his fore fathers”. He is not only sleeping, he is also snoring. That was somebody accepting responsibility for an accident but here our own president does not see anything wrong in the abduction of 200 plus something girls. As far as he was concerned, he is not the mai-guard at the school that he should accept responsibility. God, what manner of people are we? Very soon he will come out to declare his intention to seek another term. Let’s wait and hear what he will tell us if the girls had not been found. Those who have conscience cannot sleep because of the cries of the families of those whose children were missing. But those who lack conscience are sleeping and snoring, ignoring the cries and wailings of the families of those whose daughters were abducted. Beyond “Patiencetic sarcasm”, we should all remember that “there is God o!!”

Sultan: Arisekola’s death end of an era

tors. He said they would revisit the project to ensure that members of the public and future generations read the book for proper understanding of who the deceased was. Others who paid condolence visit to Arisekola’s house yesterday were the immediate former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; Managing Director, First Bank Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya; Chairman, WEMABOD Estates Limited, Dr Bayo Adewusi and Oloye Lekan Alabi.

By Dapo Thomas

nipulation of the oracle if we are herbalists. We have abandoned the girls and their families to their fate. I know the dead are left alone in their graves after the last dust has been thrown but I have not seen where the living is given the treatment accorded the dead. Are we accepting the fact that the girls are dead? Why then are we treating the living like the dead? Must we tyrannize the agonized with anymore grief? Why do I keep having the feeling that we are gradually forgetting the girls and their families? Look at our president for instance, since the incident; he has not visited the families of the girls (for security reason(s)). But if Mohammed will not go to the mountain, can’t the mountain be moved to Mohammed? What stops the presidency from making arrangements for the girls’ family members to visit the president at the villa? If an enfant terrible like Femi FaniKayode can visit the villa at the invitation of the president, why can’t the poor parents of the Chibok girls be given the same privilege? Even if this is not acceptable or convenient for the presidency, is Aso Rock having a drought of initiatives that none of the egg-heads at the Rock can think out an arrangement that will make the president to personally and physically comfort the parents of the girls? Why for the love of God are the girls and their families being treated like outcasts who do not belong to this nation? The attitude of the president to the Chibok saga generally is undignified, ungracious, inappropriate, incautious and provocative. While one is not suggesting that the entire system of the state should be totally grounded and paralyzed because of the abductions, I am incensed at the fact that the president failed to realize that until the girls are found, he needs to be selective on his official outings. It was, for instance, very insensitive of President Goodluck Jonathan

•Jonathan to have gone to Ekiti to campaign for his party’s candidate in the governorship elections. What was he trying to achieve for the party that his Vice President, Mallam Namadi Sambo and the party’s national officers could not achieve? Though the PDP needed to do extra work to enhance the image of its candidate, I did not think that the presence of the president at a time he too was having credibility crisis would have made any difference. It is a strategic blunder for any party to always think that the presence of a “big man” at their rally is a booster to the party’s electoral chances. A “big man” that lacks colour and integrity is a minus for the party. Quite expectedly, Jonathan was confronted by protesters who de-

manded the return of the Chibok girls. If the PDP felt that they needed to bring the president to Ekiti to shore up their electoral fortunes, what did they expect other candidates whose parties never controlled the center to do? As if that was not enough embarrassment, the president got involved again in the selection of the new Emir of Kano. I know Jonathan had some personal issues to settle with Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a man he removed from office as the governor of Central Bank, but must the president take the battle too far? I find it difficult to understand why we cannot separate personal issues from official assignments. The president was so partisan in the whole emir saga that he failed to realize

•How he bankrolled my election with N20m, by Olunloyo

He challenged all Muslims in the country to emulate the late billionaire, stressing that death always confirms that human beings are nothing. “We are not mourning Aare. He was era and his death marks the end of an era. But life goes on. It is a big challenge.

“If you saw Aare lying down as I saw his corpse in London, you would know that this life is nothing. “As Muslims, whatever we do, we must follow Islamic tenets. Let us do our best and leave the rest for Allah,” he said. Former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo ,recalled that he had only N20, 000

By Jude Isiguzo ducted the 64-year old retired customs officer, Angela Uzo Kery and her adopted 10-yearold daughter, Obiagulum after selling the woman’s landed property. The younger sister of the retired customs officer, Susan, was the person that reported to the police at Oko-Oba Division that her elder sister and daughter were missing. It was gathered that when

Susan paid a visit to her sister on 31st May, she discovered that the customs officer and her daughter had not returned home since 10th May when they went for a prayer session at Sango area of Ogun State. The police were told that the victim left home in her Toyota Camry car marked LND 554 A2, which was later traced to an uncompleted building in Alakuko area of Lagos through a tracker. When the police team from

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

for his governorship campaign in 1983 but Arisekola gave him N20 million in addition to 20 vehicles and a special car. He said: “I had only N20, 000 for my campaign in 1983 but Aare gave us N20 million and 20 vehicles. “When the coup took place, there were three special vehicles: one for him, one for me and one

for Marafa. “Despite the coup, he dashed us all the vehicles. Can we find a replacement for Aare? Can we go to anybody’s house when in danger?” The former governor also revealed that Arisekola’s biography was initiated six years ago, pointing out that they received inputs from 40 contribu-

Oko-Oba and Alakuko divisions visited the building, two suspects, Ahmed Sholotan and Waliu Akiniyi, were arrested in connection with the missing car. It was learnt that the owner of the uncompleted building is living in the United States but asked Akiniyi to take care of the building. When Akiniyi was arrested, he told the police that Sholotan told him to keep the car for him until they find a buyer.

The police arrested Sholoton, who took them to Sango, where Azeez was arrested. The woman and her daughter were discovered missing after the suspect sold the property. The suspect Azeez was arrested with two alleged accomplices by police operatives at Oko Oba Division under Area ‘G’ Command Lagos State, after the missing victims were traced to him.

Police exhume bodies of woman, daughter buried in a room

PERATIVES of the Lagos State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Ikeja yesterday exhumed the dead bodies of a woman and her daughter killed and buried in a room by a suspected fraudster. The decomposing bodies were exhumed in the suspect’s one room apartment at No, 9 Wadoye Street, Pipeline Ajuwon, Ogun state. The suspect, simply identified as Azeez, had allegedly ab-

It was alleged that the suspect offered N9 million bribe to the police to persuade them not to proceed with the investigation, which was turned down by the officers in charge. During interrogation, Azeez allegedly confessed to the police that he deceived the customs officer he was a spiritualist and told her that her family members were after her property.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2014

QUOTABLE

“President Jonathan should ensure this never happens again. The cavalier use of our soldiers, especially in furtherance of a dirty job is nihilistic.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 8, NO. 2888

HE World Cup started roughly 10 days ago. Around the world, most people will focus on the games played within the precise white lines painted on the lush greenery of the stadia floors. Viewers will be guaranteed a fine spectacle as the world’s best footballers battle to obtain their sport’s sacred prize. There also will be another game afoot (forgive the pun). For the socially conscious, this latter game is the most beautiful and significant of the matches to be played. It is a unique one such that, by merely playing, those who initiated it have achieved something profound. This game is the collective street demonstrations against the World Cup and its clumsy local architects, an insensitive and spendthrift government, for having spent so much on a sporting lark while devoting so little to the ways and means of the poor and the poorer. Many of us will be irked by the protests. We want to view the games unencumbered by Brazil’s stark, harsh economic realities. For the rest of us, the World Cup is the utmost sport’s fantasy. It is a dream-like break from the diurnal grind and gruel. However, nothing is free, not even dreams. This particular one is being paid in real coin by the Brazilian rank and file. Because we are not in Brazil, we lack empathy for the demonstrators. Their hurt is too distant for us to feel. Thus, many see the protesters as interlopers in their own land. People will hope that they are removed so the games continue unimpeded and without the mist of injustice the demonstrations cast on the event. Too many of us feel not the people’s plight and are disinterested in their causes. We are perturbed that they interrupt the glamorous sport we expect to see on our televisions. Their demonstrations turn the atmosphere around the beautiful game into one more closely associated with a society that nurses its people from the bitterest cup. Government and business leaders downplay the protests, claiming them the work of an extreme few. While acknowledging the high costs of hosting the Cup, the country’s elite asserts the exercise is a worthwhile matter of “national pride.” At such dear expense, wisdom says that pride becomes a luxury ill-afforded by a nation with a teeming population of outcast poor. Pride is a fine contemplation by the properly fed, well housed and adequately clad. However, the type of pride of which the wealthy think has little place among the poor and humble. Pride does not clad or protect the bared foot that must tread the hard road of impoverished life. Pride puts neither onion nor chicken in the cooking pot. Pride does not keep the rain from leaking through a hovel’s shattered roof. Talk of national pride from those who taste and enjoy things of material excess is the waste water from the hogwash. Four years ago, such propaganda dazzled the average South African and much of Africa. Africans were ecstatic that one of their nations was selected to host the expensive affair. For the elite it was a true honour. For the poor, it would become a surreptitious burden. The nation paid a princely sum to win the purported honour. It would pay a thousand king’s ransoms to make the world’s most elaborate soccer match occur. Africans beamed proudly that South Africa proved able to build the large stadia and infrastructure essential to the games. Yet, that outburst of pride was disappointingly jejune. A stupefying racial inferiority had crept into the space that historic perspective and racial confidence should have occupied. Looking at the Pyramids, one would be reminded Africans have been constructing large buildings for some time. The South African construction challenge would be met. However, it would be with costs aplenty. The most charitable objective measure would show that the World Cup had a negligible positive economic effect, at best. Most other accurate measures would say it did more economic harm than good

—NCL President, Mr. Abdulwahed Omar, expressing outrage on Friday over the prevention of the All Progressives Congress governors from attending a mega rally in Ekiti State.

The beautiful game is not in the stadium this world cup The Poor become irrepressible upon discovering they have everything to gain. They become invincible upon discovering they have nothing to lose

•Brazilians protesting against the World Cup

when looking at its effect on the urban poor. The funds used would have had greater benefit if used to enhance social services. Instead, money was spent on stadia many of which are rarely used and falling into disrepair. Jobs were created during the construction binge. But the tasks were transient. The employment exited as soon as the footballers came. Tourist money came but mostly went to the high-end local and international hoteliers and official vendors that support events like the World Cup. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of poor shanty dwellers and squatters were uprooted to make room for the construction or simply because they were eyesores the South African government wanted to hide. They hoped to give the impression South Africa had conquered apartheid. To accomplish this public relations feat, they simply removed the unsightly poor from vision. If you don’t see the poor, they do not exist was the logic. Poor South Africans would remain mum to the ill treatment for they had been promised that they too would profit from the games if they only exercised patience. It was only after the competition had ended, did the South African poor realise the game had been mostly played on their backs. They had been conned into believing they would sip the nectar, only to realise the intention was always to have the chalice pass over them. By the time they realised they had been inveigled, the parade had left. It had left them behind to sweep up the detritus of the great event and its numerous revelers. Having seen the Cup’s ill-effects on South Africa, socially-conscious Brazilians

would not sit quietly as their government planned a repeat of the sordid economic injustice committed in South Africa. They took to the streets, this time not to carnival but to canvass against the waste of the event. Because of this, the most important game played now in the samba nation will not be found in any stadium. This game pits the will and mood of the people against the business-as-usual approach of a government that appears not to sense the mood of the people it claims to lead. Many people view Brazil as the official home of football. Yet, 61 percent of the nation opposes hosting the World Cup or, at least, the high price tag (11.3 billion dollar) associated with the rollicking affair. This is a nation known for its zest for music, carnival and sand and sport. Its people are thought of as being serious at taking nothing seriously. The protests destroy that stereotype, bringing us closer to the reality of these people. It is good to view another person’s reality. In doing so, at times, you get a better hold of your own. Brazil is a charter member of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), that exclusive club of large, middleincome nations of growing international economic clout. Despite this fine status, Brazil is home to some of the most wretched neighborhoods imaginable. The social and economic topography of the city of Rio de Janeiro reverses the normal trend. In most cities, the rich occupy the hills and high ground while the poor huddle below. In Rio, poor favelas litter the hills as the rich occupy the choice coastal ground. Life in the

favelas is not for the squeamish. It is a hard and violent maelstrom of poverty, despair, illicit activity, sickness and premature death. You don’t flourish in these neighborhoods; you merely survive them. This is the life of tens of millions of Brazilians, and these Brazilians represent billions of people around the world. They like football; but, they are considerably fonder of their families. They don’t dream of the chance of seeing another beautifully-played game brought to them at the costs of billions of dollars. They dream of living a beautiful life. This is not to belittle the social utility of sports. There is something about sporting events that help the human psyche cope with what confronts it. However, that respite comes attached to trenchant opportunity costs. Paying for the World Cup means government foregoing something else. As in South Africa, while the construction was ongoing, jobs were created. They are now gone. Some service jobs will increase during the games but they too will vanish at the final whistle. Infrastructural improvements were made that will help even after the games. However, these projects were geared to serve the logistical requirements of the games. Thus, this new infrastructure will not be optimal once things return to normal. It will be of reduced inefficiency over the long-term, a good investment poorly made. Put more bluntly, the long-term utility of the projects does not equal the expense of the things. This especially applies to the high-cost stadia. After the games, these expensive structures will be of little value. They will become inactive and then start to decay. The World Cup is a spectacular event. We all love to watch it, except those uninitiated to the game. Even they are coming to embrace it. However, not every nation should host such a thing. For nations with large percentages of poor people to spend money on this escapade is a noisome decision revealing either an ignorance of the economic consequences of the games or a cold indifference to the lives of the poor and broken in society. The people of Brazil have seen a great pile of money tossed into games that will avail them little. They wonder why more funds can’t be targeted to services and activities that would avail their lives much. Thus, many have taken to the streets. What they do will not halt the games; but, what they do should remind us that no game is more important than the people’s welfare. Their protests will mar the glamour of the event. In a way that is sad. But what they do is of greater value than the glamour of the event. This is because their efforts speak to the humanitarian spirit. They are like poor relatives coming to the rich man’s party to remind him the money he stole had paid for the lavish affair. They seek recompense. The confrontation is awkward to see, but necessary to occur. Justice demands such confrontations so that we remember who is the true giver and taker, who is right and who is wrong. Making established powers uncomfortable and exposing their injustice is how progress is attained. In real life, this is the beautiful game. As you watch your favorite team pursue the World Cup, remember that all that is at stake in this arena is a shiny cup. The greater game is being outside the stadia because it will determine whether more quality will be injected into the lives of the average Brazilian. This is the real people’s game, even if many people seem oblivious to it. No matter the immediate outcome of the protests, the people have already won something just by demonstrating against an elite event once politically unassailable because the people held it in rapt awe. The Brazilians now demonstrate that at least in one nation the people are no longer to be distracted from their unjust reality no matter how beautiful the game used to beguile them. 08060340825 (sms only)

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