The Nation June 24, 2012

How Nigeria blew billions on dubious water schemes –Page 23

•Ochekpe

NEW INSIDE

–Pages 35-38

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.06, No. 2163

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

JUNE 24, 2012

How Jonathan sacked ex-NSA Azazi, Bello Aliyu Gusau may emerge new Defence Minister Mixed reactions greet sackings –Pages 2 & 5 ‘Ex-NSA never called Jonathan weak’

•Ban

Boko Haram committing crimes against humanity –UN –Page 4

•Olusola

L-R: Publisher, Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka; Brand Manager, First Bank Plc, OgeUdeagha; chairman of the event, Chief Phillip Asiodu; Prof. David Aradeon and Sunmi Smart-Cole, during the book launch and photographic exhibition titled, Sunmi's Lens-Medium between Man and Nature held to mark the veteran photo journalist’s 70th birthday at Harbour Point event centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.

Photos: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

Tinubu, Amosun, others pour encomiums on Olusola –Page 4

JTF KILLS FOUR TERRORISTS IN KANO

–Page 4

NEWS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Journalist denies statement on Azazi AGOS-BASED journalist, Mr. Mike Awe, has disowned a newspaper interview in which he was quoted yesterday as saying President Goodluck Jonathan failed to heed the advice of the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA),General Owoye Azazi on how to deal with the Boko Haram menace.

He dismissed the newspaper report as false in its entirety and declared he never said the things attributed to him in the story.

According to him, he received “ so many calls from the media including foreign ones on Friday soon after the story of the removal of Gen Azazi broke.”

He said Gen Azazi never had a formal media aide as reported by the newspaper.

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Amuka, others laud Smart-Cole at 70

How Jonathan sacked ex-NSA Azazi, Bello • Aliyu Gusau may emerge new Defence Minister N • Mixed reaction greets sackings OTHING during last Friday’s emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, suggested an imminent sack of any of the members seated.

It was characteristically businesslike although not totally free of its own light side with President Goodluck Jonathan even throwing some banter at General Owoye Azazi who, in a matter of hours thereafter, ceased to be the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Also sacked at the end of the meeting was the Minister of Defence, Dr. Muhammed Haliru Bello.

The only topic on the agenda was the latest round of the Boko Haram assault on Zaria, Kaduna and Damaturu earlier in the week.

The President opened the meeting expressing displeasure at the continued threat posed to the nation’s security

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

by the Boko Haram insurgency. He then invited others at the meeting to make contributions.

One source said: “Each member of the council took time to offer suggestions on the way out of the Boko Haram menace. Both Azazi and Bello did an extensive review but they ended up with the usual refrain of ‘we are on top of the situation, we will overcome.’

“But when the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin made his submission, it was apparent that the President was tired of ‘we are on top of the situation’. He wanted a fresh plan in line with Petinrin’s suggestion.

“Petinrin had claimed

that ‘in modern approach to terrorism, you take the battle to the terrorists, you don’t wait till they strike.’

It was gathered that some members of the council were also uncomfortable with the attitude of the Judiciary to terror suspects, including the disposition of some judges to set free Boko Haram members on trial.

They argued that judges should know that terrorism cases are ordinarily bailable like other matters.

Another source said: “Some members suggested the adoption of the Indian model which makes terrorism a capital offence like murder. They called for a law in this respect to check the recklessness of some judges who are hell-bent on releasing Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations’ mem-

By Edozie Udeze and Evelyn Osagie

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UBLISHER and Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka, has said that Nigerians must learn to pay less attention to material things and appreciate creativity and works of art.

He made the remark during the 70th birthday celebration and the launch of a book entitled Medium between and nature, by ace photographer and artist, Sunmi SmartCole.

Amuka charged Nigerians to always look at artists with respect, especially professionals like Smart-Cole who have spent all their time documenting and elevating the status of humanity.

He said: “Here is an artist who brought passion into the taking of pictures. His works are so real that only good money can buy them .”

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described Smart-Cole as a “rich and versatile artist. He is a distinctive individual and a man of all seasons who has rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty of the society. He is not only a barber, but a photographer, an architect, a musician and a photojournalist. So, it is an honour well-deserving that all of us are here today.”

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Odein Ajumogobia described him as a “professional whose consistency has kept him going over the years.”

• L-R: Son of late Ambassador Olusegun Olushola, Olujimi, wife Mrs Olushola, and former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya, during the condolence visit to the Olushola’s in Surulere Lagos.

Photo: MUYIWA HASSAN

bers either in custody or on trial.

“There may be a new bill which would impose stiffer sanctions on terrorists in the country.”

It was also gathered that a new National Counter-Terrorism Strategy will be put in place any moment from now.

“The new strategy will be comprehensive in such a manner that after Boko Haram insurgency, it will be difficult for the nation to experience such in future,” sources said.

On the freezing of the accounts of the sponsors of Boko Haram, members agreed that it would be a difficult exercise because of the international link of the sect with the Al-Qaeda network.

“There was a consensus that sponsors of the sect used to send funds through a third or fourth party which usually makes it difficult to trace,” the source added.

Members of the Council were said to have left the session satisfied that they were on the same page with the President on the issue of tackling the security problem.

The source said: “The President was at his best, he cracked jokes with everyone at the session, especially Azazi and Bello, without the slightest indication of his plan to sack them thereafter.”

Many of those at the meeting were reportedly shocked on hearing the news of the removal of the duo after leaving the meeting.

“The President did not betray his emotion that he had a different plan,” the source said.

It was apparent that the session on Boko Haram was a test for all the service chiefs and heads of security agen-

Sambo Dasuki: Coming in from the cold N his 50’s, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd) hit national limelight when he was appointed the first Aide-De-Camp (ADC) of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida after the palace coup which toppled the regime of Major General Mohammadu Buhari on August 27, I985.

The appointment was seen as a compensation for the key role he played in the coup that brought Babangida to power. Dasuki, then as a Major, alongside Majors Abdulmumuni Aminu and Abubakar Dangiwa Umar reportedly effected the arrest of Buhari at Dodan Barracks, the former seat of power in Lagos.

An officer of the Artillery Corps of the Nigerian Army, Dasuki served as Babangida’s ADC until 1988 when he was replaced by Lt.

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PROFILE

By Remi Adelowo

Col. U.K. Bello, who was killed in the attempted coup led by Major Gideon Orkar on April 22, 1990.

Widely regarded as a fierce loyalist of Babangida, he subsequently operated in the background until 1993 when he, with other military officers were prematurely retired from the military in September 1993 by the then Secretary of Defence, Gen. Sani Abacha, who emerged as the Head of State later that year.

In 1995, Dasuki was fingered by the Abacha regime as one of the alleged masterminds of a ‘phantom coup’, allegedly led by Col. Lawan Gwadabe. He subsequently fled to the United States and returned in 2001 following the restoration of democratic

rule two years earlier.

In 2002, former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed him the Managing Director, Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company Limited, a position he relinquished in 2003 in the aftermath of the controversial privatisation of NSPMC. Described as a no-nonsense man, the retired blueblood military officer from the Sokoto Caliphate, is one of the sons of the former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki. Urbane and well read, Dasuki, who was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1971 as a regular combatant from the Nigeria Defence Academy, also holds a BA in International Relations from the American University and MA in Security Policy Studies from George Washington University both in Washington DC.

•Dasuki

He received military training in several institutions, including the US Army School of Artillery, Oklahoma, US Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kensas.

Until his appointment as NSA, Dasuki, like his brother Ahmed, was a big player in Corporate Nigeria and a Director on the board of Regency Alliance, an insurance company.

cies. I think the President also called the meeting to gauge the pulse of everyone based on security reports at his disposal.

“I think the President was just tired of the old approach to the Boko Haram menace, he wanted a fresh idea,” the source added.

But the sack announcement did not surprise Azazi who, according to sources, was drawn aside by the President at the end of the meeting and told that his tenure as security czar was over.

There were indications yesterday that two time National Security Adviser (NSA), Lt-General Muhammad Aliyu Gusau is topping the list of possible candidates for the vacant post of Minister of Defence.

Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), a former ADC to ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida was named the new NSA. It was unclear last night whether Gusau who served as NSA in the Obasanjo administration and the Jonathan government up to the 2011 election would accept the offer.

However, his preference for the job by the President is believed to be a strong indication of government’s determination to find a lasting solution to the Boko Haram insurgency.

The names of other candidates for the Defence Minister position were kept under wraps at press time.

A highly-placed source said: “Gusau’s option is being weighed because of his international exposure and expertise on terrorism. He has been serving as a consultant to many countries on terrorism.

“The truth is that each time Nigeria approaches any country for assistance against Boko Haram, there is always reference to Gusau as an expert. I think the President wants Gusau to assist his nation.

“But no one is sure whether Gusau, a former presidential aspirant, will accept the offer or not. But consultations are on to convince him to accept the offer. “ Sources also said the Friday changes in the security hierarchy are a bold statement by the Jonathan administration of its intention to now take the battle against terrorism to the doorstep of Boko Haram after previous efforts to bring the group to the negotiation table had failed.

The implication is that government may resort to actions to pre-empt the insurgents as against responding to its strikes,the last of which claimed 34 lives in Damaturu,Yobe State on Monday and about 70 in Zaria and Kaduna the previous day.

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

From Boko Haram to Homo Haram

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•A deserted road in Kaduna during the curfew.

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T is May Day in late June. The upsurge of religious violence in Nigeria and the worsening scourge of corruption in high places point in the direction of a major rendezvous with history.

This past week witnessed a dramatic escalation of the assault on the Nigerian state and the inner fabric of the nation by the Boko Haram sect. The full scale reprisal attacks along some old religious and ethnic fault lines were also something of an abnormal development.

This column applauds and welcomes the brilliantly proactive strategic initiative behind the appointment of retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki as the new National Security Adviser. A scion of the Sokoto Caliphate but an officer with decidedly progressive views, Dasuki lost his military commission to General Abacha’s vengeful and paranoid insecurity.

But there is plenty of work to do.

Given the widespread economic and political disaffection prevalent in the country, it is obvious that the Nigerian project has arrived at a critical conjuncture.

A national emergency stares us in the face, but like Emperor Nero, the Nigerian royal court has been fiddling. It doesn’t get more bizarre than this.

As if to compound our national woes, the United States has finally obliged us by slamming a terrorist tag on the nation. And this despite appeals and pleas from some Nigerian religious leaders! If we do not know these phoney parasites of religious passions, the Americans are saying that they know them and they plead in vain.

Those who believe that this is not a national tag but a way of isolating and labelling a few religious fanatics among us are profoundly mistaken. It doesn’t work like that.

The implications of this classification are scary, particularly in the epoch of American-driven globalisation and for a western-dependent economy like ours. But let us get this clear, America does not exist because of Nigeria. America exists to protect American interests and not to prop up a perpetually disappointing nation.

The nation-state paradigm is powered and driven by a competition for global resources among nations. Lord Lugard, the founder of Nigeria , made that very clear in his famous declaration of

intent. A weakling nation is a clog in the ruthless wheel of global politics. It can be shored up for particular purposes. It can be buoyed up certain strategic reasons.

But when the handshake slips beyond the elbow, when the cold and impersonal rigor of personal survival comes into contradictions with the remiss antics of an infantile political elite, something will have to give. What the Americans are telling us is that they intend to find a final solution to the Nigerian menace in a way that will give satisfaction to America and the international community. The Nigerian nationspace has become a pawn on the chess board of greater global powers that be.

The horrific pictures from Kaduna and Damaturu coming out this week and the Abuja night club bombing late on Friday speak to the magnitude of the humanitarian catastrophe that is on our hand should Nigeria implode. Already, the Boko Haram strife is beginning to affect the demographic complexion of the country. There is a gradual exodus of southerners from the religious hotbeds of the north. Our youth corpers are sending out plaintive pleas on Facebook that they should be evacuated from the war zone.

There are palpable fears of reprisals in southern communities with large northern population An edgy discomfort pervades everywhere.

Let us make no mistake about this. The abortion of the Nigerian project is an assault on humanity at large and the Black race in particular. Although originating from the colonial imagination and its grubby economic calculations, Nigeria is at the same time, a great and mysterious tribute to the power of imaginative selfsubversion. In full flight, it would have been a haven for Black genius and a Mecca for tortured souls from the colonial metropole.

But this paradise could not have been possible and is still not possible without an indigenous political elite whose imaginative prowess is adapted and adaptable to creative and constructive nation-building. This is where the colonialists deliberately shortchanged and booby-trapped Nigeria. By deliberately sowing the seeds of ethnic, religious and regional rancour among the

nascent factions of the political class in order to prevent a panNigerian resistance against colonial rule, Britain chained Nigeria to perpetual infancy.

There are no nations without foundational problems. Problems exist to be solved by a visionary transcendence of the original contradictions. At the heart of the problem with Nigeria are political elites that simply do not do nation-building. But you either do nation-building or you engage in nation-destroying.

When the political elite reproduce themselves, the problem worsens.

In the legitimate pursuit of politics as the allocation of resources, the elite deploy the politics of ethnicity, religion and regionalism.

This political fixation with state banditry is often driven by the infantile nonsense that Nigeria is a multi-religious state.

This is juvenile and criminal inanity. Except in theocratic enclaves, the modern state is a secular proposition. You can have a multi-religious nation but not a multi-religious state.

The state acts as an arbiter and arbitrator for contending and contesting factions and fractions of the political class and this it must do with impersonal rigour.

When the state takes on a religious hue or coloration, it immediately endangers the interests of other factions that do not share religious solidarity.

What then becomes the fate of millions of traditional worshippers and even atheists who do not share religious affiliation with the transient incarnation of the state?

It is a tragedy to note that rulers of the Fourth Republic have not been particularly diligent or scrupulous in separating the business of private faith with public political order.

Obasanjo’s Pentecostal swashbuckling and Jonathan’s alleluia bravura have not helped matters. They send the wrong signals to already embittered power mafias.

The politics of religion does not sit well with the religion of politics. The politics of religion debases the sacrality of religion by actively enlisting it in the naked pursuit of political objective, whereas the religion of politics sees politics as a sacred calling, a sacerdotal order to be pursued with immaculate principles and

integrity.

In the religion of politics, the nation itself is viewed as a mysterious and grandiose object worthy of fanatical devotion and worship; deserving of the most extreme of heroism and unconditional self-sacrifice. In its extreme form, this fanatical worship of the nation becomes the equivalent of a national religion, often displacing formal religion itself. National values become religious values.

Prospective Catholic American president John F. Kennedy famously pooh-poohed the very idea that he might take his orders from the Vatican should a conflict of interest arise between his religion and his country. A British poet-soldier once wrote that should he fall in battle in a faraway land, it should be taken that there was a corner of a foreign land which would remain forever England.

Extreme nationalism, like religious extremism, has its drawbacks, the least of which is national narcissism. But then, successful and organic nations are also like successful religions. Those who have been watching the ongoing European Soccer Championship, particularly when the national anthem of contending nations are played, should have an idea of how it is possible to compel people to worship and weep at the altar of a mysterious abstract ideal.

It is a tantalising trope for the failed elites of the tropics.

Nigerian political elite need to take a crash course in nationbuilding. But it may be too late.

This is a task that requires politicians who are also poets and profound philosophers and not parvenus and priests of belly politics In retrospect, the deployment of religion for political objectives has caused Nigeria very dearly and is now leading to the open interment of the nation in all its horrendous homophobic possibilities. It can be argued that Goodluck Jonathan has compounded the problem by his less than sterling performance in office. But this is a problem that predates him, if we are going to be fair.

In 1985, shortly after the advent of the Babangida administration, a certain Dr Junaid Mohammed, began shouting from the rooftop about the lopsided nature of Babangida’s military appointments which he felt were designed to exclude the Hausa/ Fulani power bloc from power. It did not matter to him that many of these maligned officers were from what was known as the larger north and widely perceived as storm troopers of the feudal oligarchy.

As the biting critique took on a mindless and hallucinatory dimension, the genial and easygoing IBB lost his cool and summarily impounded the Moscow-trained medic. But the relentless campaign of calumny probably panicked Babangida into smuggling Nigeria through the backdoor into the OIC. This epic own goal which Babangida thought was a clever act of balancing was to cost Ebitu Ukiwe his number two slot. This in turn fed directly into the bitterness and disenchantment of the Orkar coupists in April 1990.

For the first time in the history of coup-making in Nigeria, a substantial section was summarily excised from the nation.

Babangida never completely regained the military initiative.

From that moment on, he became a political hostage to General Sani Abacha. And from that moment, the annulment of a presidential election and a Muslim/Muslim ticket which could have substantially resolved the National Question became inevitable. This paved the way for Abacha and a five-year low intensity civil war in which the Military High Command lost both its credibility and professional standing.

This was what led to the Obasanjo Settlement in 1999. It was a barely successful elite consociational pact which saw power shift from its traditional base. But as soon as Obasanjo came to power, political Sharia also reared its ugly head. The jury is still out as to whether Obasanjo took the right step in checkmating this flagrant deployment of religion for base political and economic motive. The cancer has been spreading ever since and has now metastasized into the Boho Haram scourge.

But while the gruff old soldier could look his feudal tormentors in the eye and tell them to go to hell, while Umaru Yar’Adua could dismiss them with princely disdain, Jonathan does not seem to have the psychological stamina and the political wherewithal to confront his power-crazed tormentors. Perhaps it is a case of the wrong man in dock. Jonathan’s resistible rise to political stardom and the brouhaha over the PDP zoning formula have become a political albatross for him. The case has not been helped by the unsophisticated sabre-rattling of the ethnic supremacists that have captured him.

So with Goodluck Jonathan, the nation has regressed back to a low intensity civil war which may yet snowball into a full scale civil war as the entire north of the country implodes in seething political, religious and economic contradictions. Like a constant northern star, the inevitable Junaid Mohammed has returned to the old game and wearisomely familiar hunting ground, spitting fire and belching brimstone. What are the other factional elites supposed to do in the face of such insolence, such opportunistic grandstanding?

As Napoleon famously observed, a throne is just a bench covered with damask.

You cannot step into the same river twice. The Nigeria of 1985 is not the Nigeria of 2012. Other vibrant power centres have since cropped up, making nonsense of the antics of a superannuated oligarchy. Anybody who thinks he can impose a personal solution to the current phase of Nigeria’s endemic instability is living in a fools’ paradise. All the talk about 2015 is futile nonsense. Only political morticians aspire to rule a corpse. As a fist step towards bringing order and sanity back, Jonathan and his handlers should abandon their political fixation with 2015 and commence the process of healing our injured people.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

News

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Tinubu mourns Olusola

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HE late Ambassador Segun Olusola was a titan in everything good and noble, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos, said yesterday in a tribute to the deceased.

“Ambassador Olusola belonged to the age of the titans in our country: a titan in everything that is good and noble. He was an abiding role model, who showed the light throughout his illustrious life, so that the younger ones could find their way,” he said of Olusola who died in Lagos at 77.

Tinubu said when he turned 60 in March Ambassador Olusola was at his home to induct him into the Elders’ Club.

“Ambassador Olusola was here, in my home, to induct me into the Elders’ Club after I turned 60. We had a long talk,” the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) recalled. “He was his warm, charming and avuncular self. I cherished our long chat. But then, that was Ambassador Olusola for you. I still cannot believe he is gone, to be seen no more!”

Tinubu said the broadcast sector in Nigeria and the Nigerian culture plane would “miss a most enduring patron, aside from the refugee community, who would miss a most ardent advocate and activist.

“Nigerian broadcasting has lost a gold standard in elocution and excellence.

Throughout his life, he was an excellent ambassador of broadcasting and culture,” he said.

“Ambassador Olusola also made a mark in positive advocacy and concrete action for refugees and internally displaced persons, as borne out of his African Refugees Foundation (ARF).”

Condoling with the Olusola family of Remo in Ogun State, Tinubu said though it was painful to lose such an illustrious patriarch, they should take solace in the fact that he lived a worthy life and left concrete legacies.

The challenge before the family, he added, should be of how to build on Ambassador Olusola’s legacies and improve on it.

Boko Haram committing crimes against humanity –UN T HE Islamist group Boko Haram could be responsible for crimes against humanity in Nigeria, the United Nations has said.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights is “extremely concerned” by the recent attacks on churches in Kaduna province and the “tit-for-tat” reprisals by Christians which since June

17 have left more than 100 people dead, Rupert Colville, spokesman for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) told reporters.

Boko Haram claimed it was behind the attacks.

“Members of Boko Haram ... if judged to have committed widespread or systematic attacks against a civilian population — in-

O

attacks, mainly in the North East, that have claimed more than 1,000 lives since mid2009.

The sect’s attacks have grown increasingly sophisticated and have spread from the group’s base in the

Stay away from S/West, OPC warns Boko Haram

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• The bride, Pamela Eyun Mark (left), father of the bride, Senate President, David Mark , bridegroom, Michael Ayeni and the guardian of the bridegroom ,Anthony Olusoga during the solemnisation of the marriage between Pamela and Michael at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Abuja yesterday Photo ABAYOMI FAYESE

Okadigbo’s widow sues IGP over rights violation • Alleges police harassment

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HE widow of former Senate president, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Margery, has sued the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to enforce her fundamental human rights.

Joined as respondents in the suit are the Assistant Inspector General of Zone 9Umuahia, Mr Solomon Olusegun and the Anambra State police Commissioner, Alhaji Ballah Nassarawa.

The plaintiff, in the suit, said incessant and unwarranted harassment by some police officers for her to come and answer questions alleged forgery of documents pertaining to the last general election, had become un-

Nwanosike Onu, Awka

bearable.

She told reporters yesterday in Awka that she had earlier been invited by the Police over an undisclosed matter while she was busy preparing for her father’s burial last week.

She said that she got apprehensive after the police declined to let her know why they were desperately looking for her.

She accused the Anambra police command of harassing her with the name of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

“How can the same police that assigned officers to

JTF kills four suspected terrorists in Kano PERATIVES of the Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday in Kano gunned down four suspected terrorists in their hideout at Jan-block quarters in Kano during a dawn raid.

The Task Force raided a house believed to have been the operational base of the terrorists on the outskirts of the metropolis.

The Task Force uncovered, during the operation, a vehicle said to have been

cluding on grounds such as religion or ethnicity — are likely to be found guilty of crimes against humanity,” said Colville.

“Deliberate acts leading to population ‘cleansing’ on grounds of religion or ethnicity could also amount to a crime against humanity,” he said.

The group is also blamed for bomb and gun

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

primed for a suicide mission.

The two hour operation also yielded a large cache of arms and ammunition, including high capacity explosives.

Spokesman for the JTF, Lt Ikedichi Iweha in confirming the development said: “A dawn raid operation was carried out by the Task Force in the early hours of today (yesterday), resulting in a

gun duel, at the end of which four suspected terrorists were killed in their hideout, located at Jan-block.”

Residents of the area, who spoke to our reporter, said they were shocked when they heard gunshot sounds.

The latest incident came on the heels of the discovery of explosives at the last Jumat prayers at the 15000 capacity Fagge Mosque.

The police were called in to detonate the explosives.

protect me when I reported threats to my life by some faceless persons turn around to say they are looking for me for an undisclosed issue?” she queried.

She said the matter of her candidature in the 2011 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Anambra North Senatorial election is still in court and hence she cannot comment on it.

HE Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) yesterday warned Boko Haram insurgents to steer clear of Yorubaland.

Dr. Frederick Fasehun, Founder and President of the Congress (OPC), said, although Boko Haram’s current agitation justified OPC’s age-old demand for a Sovereign National Conference, his organisation would view the exporting of violence into the South-West as a declaration of war.

He said while the OPC sympathises with those who have causes to embark on, “local struggles for social-justice should be contained within local boundaries.”

He added: “Any extension beyond such boundaries clearly connotes the pursuing of a territorial ambition; and any people provoking other people through territorial ambition should ultimately expect a war. And in warfare, everything and anything is fair.

“OPC’s message should be clear to sponsors of the ongoing violence in our country. They should not unnecessarily jeopardize their own lives, their businesses and their other interests in the places where they currently enjoy peace.

Yoruba people are not unaware of their addresses and their business interests

96 doctors to face trial for misconduct • Medical Council to sanction those who fail to continue professional development

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HE career of 96 medical doctors in the country is at risk for allegedly violating the rules of the profession.

They are scheduled to appear before an investigation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN),according to the Acting Registrar of MDCN, Dr Udugbai Ilevbare.

In all 120 cases of misconduct were lodged with the council of which 96 are ready for investigation.

The Council, he said, had secured the support of the Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu to proceed with its investigation of cases bordering on unethical conducts, quackery and other unwholesome

North East to the capital Abuja.

It claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing of U.N. headquarters in Abuja in August that killed at least 25 people and a suicide attack on the Abuja office of one of the country’s most prominent newspapers.

Its deadliest attack yet occurred in Kano in January, when at least 185 people died in coordinated bombings and shootings.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

practices militating against the Medical and Dental practices in Nigeria.

He said: “The number is actually increasing by the day because Nigerians are now becoming more enlightened.

“Only cases involving registered doctors appear before the panel; those involving what the council regards as ‘quacks and charlatans’ are reported directly to police.”

He said the panel would also investigate cases where duty of care has not been fully given, especially in cases where patients are not seen as often as their conditions warrant.

throughout the South-West.

A word is enough for the wise.

“Last year, the bodies of Yoruba graduates serving their fatherland in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were brought home to us. OPC takes this opportunity to alert governors of the South-West on the need to take immediate measures to preempt and prevent the killing of our youths participating in the NYSC. The same advice goes to Yoruba indigenes residing in the North; they must do the needful to avoid danger overtaking them in the land of their sojourning.”

Akwa Ibom Assembly passes Customary Court of Appeal Bill From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

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HE Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a bill for the establishment of a Customary Court of Appeal in the State.

It will be cited as the Akwa Ibom State Customary Court of Appeal Law and is expected to be effective from June 21, 2012.

The Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Mr. Ekong Sampson, said the establishment of the court, aside from providing employment opportunities to indigenes, would facilitate quick dispensation of justice and broaden access to justice.

The Customary Court of Appeal shall consist of the President as head of the court and no fewer than nine Judges.

The Speaker, Samuel Ikon, said the Customary Court of Appeal shall exercise appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of customary law from any decision of the Customary Courts.

It will also have appellate jurisdiction to hear and determine all appeals to the decisions of Customary Courts in civil cases and matters given in the exercise of the original jurisdiction of the said courts.

The House has proceeded on recess and will reconvene on August 23.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

News

Mixed reactions trail Azazi, Bello’s sack M IXED reactions yesterday trailed the sack of the National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi (rtd), and the Minister of Defence, Dr Muhammed Bello.

Dr Olapade Agoro, a former Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, said that the removal of the two officials was long overdue.

“There was no justification for the men to remain in office in the face of the worsening security situation in the country. There are more in the President’s cabinet that should go,’’ he was quoted as saying by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the Boko Haram insurgency would be checked faster if handled by better hands.

Agoro urged Jonathan

‘Why I thank God at 50’

By Sam Egburonu with Agency report

to remain focused and courageous in tackling the Boko Haram menace.

In his reaction, Chief Maxi Okwu, National Coordinator, Patriotic Alliance of Nigeria — an association of opposition political parties – said the removal of the two men was justified.

Mr Tony Uranta, Secretary-General, United Niger Delta Energy Development and Security Strategy, said that the president had the right to sack any political appointee.

He hoped that the appointment of Dasuki would facilitate the resolution of the Boko Haram problem and other national security issues.

“I join Nigerians in praying that this heralds a new positive era in our nation’s security. One thing I know is that Nigeria is des-

tined for greatness under the leadership of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” Uranta said.

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Convener of the Save Nigeria Group, advised that the nation’s security matters should be handled holistically.

“The security situation in the country cannot be handled in bits. It will be like paper-walling a cracked wall,’’ the cleric said.

The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, told NAN that Azazi and Bello ought to have been given more time.

“More time should have been given, considering the progress and impact made so far in the war against terrorism.

“A new man will require a lot of time to understand the terrain,’’ Yerima said.

Also, spokesman of Save Nigeria Group, Mr. Yimka Odumakin, yesterday described the sudden sack of former National Security Adviser to the President, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, as “long overdue,” pointing out however that Azazi and the former Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Haliru, were merely sacrificed to placate some powerful interests.

Odumakin told The Nation, in a telephone interview, that the former NSA’s conducts “did not show that he had the capacity to solve the current security riddle threatening the very existence of the country.

He spoke more and acted more as a politician than a general ready to tackle the security challenge. So, his sack was long overdue,” he said.

The activist however said, “I do not think he is

the problem. He was working under a Commanderin-Chief, who was more or less a Mourner-in-Chief.

President Goodluck Jonathan just sacked Azazi to placate some powerful interests. He only made Azazi and the former Minister of Defence escape goats. They are not the problem. I think the problem is that we have a weak presidency.”

On the newly appointed NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Retd), Odumakin said, “I don’t know what he is bringing on board. All we know was that he was a former ADC to former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida. He did not get to the top of the military hierarchy. May be the calculation is that his background may help to access the core north. Otherwise, I do not see what qualifies him for that job,” he said.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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ATIONAL Vice Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) South South, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday rounded off activities marking his 50th birthday celebration with a special thanksgiving.

Osagie, who is also Director-General of Governor Adams Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation, had earlier donated treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and organised free cancer testing for women.

He said he decided to mark his 50th birthday to thank God for making it possible to attain the golden age.

The ACN Chieftain urged Nigerians to move closer to God to be able to find solution to the problems bedeviling the nation.

Olusola lived a good life, says Amosun GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the demise of the former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chief Olusegun Olusola, as a great loss to Ogun State, Nigeria and Africa.

He spoke during a condolence visit to the Surulere, Lagos residence of the late elder statesman.

Amosun noted that the late Olusola lived a good life and served humanity to the best of his ability, adding that the entire people of Ogun mourned his death.

He said Olusola’s contribution to Arts and Culture, broadcasting as well as his sacrifices and investments in peace keeping and refugees’ welfare would remain unparalleled.

He charged the family to sustain the legacies and ideals of the late culture icon for the development of the society.

O

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Support us, Abubakar appeals to governors From: Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

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HE Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), M o h a m m e d Abubakar, has called on governors to partner with security agencies to fight crimes in the nation.

He spoke in Umuahia while receiving 30 patrol vans fully equipped with modern gadgets donated by the state government to the police.

Abubakar said Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, has shown the light for others to follow and pledged that the police would reciprocate by securing the state.

The IGP told his men: “you are expected to use these patrol vans for purely operational duties and not to carry your wives and children”.

Governor Orji said that his administration will never stop partnering with all security agencies in the state to sustain the security.

The governor said that any responsible government should not toy with security.

He told the IGP that what is happening in the country should be a challenge to his office and should head long.

He said: “be it armed robbery, kidnapping or BokoHaram, the police should face them squarely without fear”.

DIG commends army, police over Yobe attacks From Duku JOEL, Damaturu

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•Activities gradually picking up in Kaduna

Photo: NAN

NDLEA holds anti-drug rally in Abuja

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the weekend took its antidrug campaign to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Tagged Say yes to health and no to drug abuse, the rally was organised in partnership with stakeholders as part of activities International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug trafficking.

The rally took off from the old parade ground, Area 11 through the Federal Secretariat and terminated at the Millennium Park, Abuja.

Tee-shirts, face caps, pamphlets, biros, towels and other branded items were freely distributed during the campaign.

Participants include Director of Drug Demand Reduction of the NDLEA, Dr. Lawrence Opara;

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Ms Mariam Sissoko; and Secretary, Presidential Committee on Public Awareness on Secu-

rity and Civic Responsibilities, Alhaji Yusuf Addy.

Others were Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mrs. Olufemi Fatunde; NDLEA Director of Prosecution, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba, and NDLEA Director of Operations and

General Investigation, Mr. Baba Husseini.

Opara said that the agency is collaborating with stakeholders from various sectors because everybody has a role to play in the fight against illicit drugs.

Onitsha is better now, say Obi

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HE Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has thanked Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, for his tremendous efforts that made Onitsha city a better place.

He spoke yesterday at the dinner organised by Diamond Bank to celebrate his 71st birthday in Lagos.

Achebe pointed out the city has become cleaner and attracted new industries because of restoration of peace and harmony.

Commending Obi for all his efforts, he described him as a man on a mission to transform Anambra State and called on Anambra people to support him.

On his birthday wishes for the country, Achebe prayed that God will give the country selfless leaders to work for the people at all level.

Obi recalled the opposition he faced from people that did not want him to ap-

point Achebe as the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council because he was said to be too independent and uncontrollable.

HE Deputy Inspector General of Police ‘F’ Department, Mr. Atiku Kafur, has scored the army and the police high for their performance during the last Monday’s attacks on Damaturu by suspected members of Boko Haram sect.

DIG Atiku, who was in Damaturu at the weekend, to take an on-the spot assessment of the destruction told reporters that the army and his men gave the sect members a good fight and were able to repel them from their targets. ‘’I give these officers to fight this war very high mark. They did not succeed because our men were able to withstand their fire,” he stated.

He explained that “security is going to evolve new tactics of fighting the sect as they keep on devising new tactics too”.

Presidential media chat holds today

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HE Presidential Media Chat featuring President Goodluck Jonathan comes up this evening.

The two-hour interview

session to be conducted by seasoned journalists is scheduled for 7pm according to the Special Adviser on Media to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

News

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Estu Nupe condemns pension scam From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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HE Chairman of Niger State Council of traditional rulers and the Estu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, yesterday descended heavily on pension managers accused of siphoning funds meant for retired civil servants.

He described the development as a sad, unfortunate and disheartening incident that must be condemned in its totality.

Speaking at the presentation of cheques for the payment of gratuity and death benefits for local government pensioners in Minna, the royal father said that it was sad that those who had given services to the nation should be made to suffer by denying them their entitlements.

According to him, ‘’Why should a colossal amount of money meant for those who meritoriously served their father land be siphoned out of the purse of government by few individuals?”

The Estu maintained that it was not right that people should put about 35 years in serving the nation only to retire and would not be allowed to enjoy their benefits because some few individuals have siphoned the money.

He, however, commended the Niger State Government and the 25 local government chairmen for considering it worthy to pay retired local government personnel their gratuities.

The Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Aliyu represented by his deputy, Hon. Ahmed Ibeto, said the state government has committed N15 billion to the payment of pension, gratuity and related entitlements in the last five years.

Ex- Aviation minister tackles FG on power From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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IRST Republic Aviation Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, yesterday decried the comatose state of the nation’s power sector.

He said lack of energy is the bane of manufacturing in Nigeria.

Amaechi insisted that nothing will work in the country until electricity supply and other infrastructure are put in place by President Godluck Jonathan’s administration.

The elder statesman and foremost nationalist spoke at the 13th Annual General Meeting of Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA).

He contended that the nation would have met its vision 20:2020, if state and federal governments provided adequate energy to large, medium and small scale businesses.

According to him: “What the state and federal government owe the people and businesses, is adequate infrastructure in terms of good roads, security and electricity, water and general welfare of people.

“Once they are not able to do these, we will know that what they‘ve been telling us are election gimmicks.”

NIPOST restructures

Seven killed as robbers, police clash in Anambra T

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

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EN of the Anambra Police Command and over eight suspected robbers were engaged in a gun duel at the weekend.

No fewer than seven persons, including three policemen and four suspected robbers, were killed during the exchange of gun fires.

The shooting, sources

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

said, took place at Okija Expressway in Ihiala Local Government Area.

It was further gathered that the robbers were dressed in army uniforms and rode in a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The vehicle was riddled with bullets and

taken to Nnewi Police station.

The hoodlums, The Nation gathered, opened fire on policemen, who were trying to overtake them to foil an operation.

Those killed on the police side, sources said, were members of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on heinous crime, Zone C.

They were said to be on security patrol along Okija, Onitsha/Owerri Express way when the robbers attacked them.

The operatives in charge of Zone C comprising Anambra, Delta, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi had recorded great feats in combating crimes, especially in Anambra state.

HE Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) has reduced its areas offices from 32 to 11 as part of a restructuring exercise to beat down operational costs and enhance performances.

It also reduced its zonal offices from 106 to 89.

The Postmaster General, Mallam Ibrahim Mori-Baba, disclosed this in Umuahia after meeting with workers and retirees of the agency.

Mori-Baba explained that the restructuring will not lead to sacking of any worker but stressed that the workers will only be more involved.

Insisting that ‘’no worker will be sacked in the exercise,’’ Mori-Baba said the restructuring was for operational conveniences of NIPOST. He said the commercialisation programme of NIPOST will make the organisation depend less on the Federal Government for subventions.

Mori-Baba however regretted that the post cash programme was still at zero level in the zone and called for increased awareness to increase patronage.

FG to procure N2.7b seedlings From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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•L-R: Director, Keystone Bank, Mr. Adolphus Ekpe; Managing Director/CEO Mr. Oti Ikomi and Managing Director Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue during the Bank’s ‘Never say never campaign‘ in Lagos …at the weekend Photo:OLUSEGUN RAPHAEL

Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Onitsha

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ESIDENTS of the commercial city of Onitsha are counting their losses after yesterday’s heavy rainfall wrecked havoc in some parts of the city, where a kerosene tanker also exploded.

The windstorm that attended the rainfall pulled down a heavy bill board located at No. 80 and 80D

•As kerosene tanker explodes From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

Upper New Market along the Onitsha Main market road.

The damaged bill board destroyed residential buildings and vehicles within the affected compounds.

Eyewitnesses said two vehicles, including a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV),

Emergency rule: Yakowa exonerates Sambo

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HE Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, yesterday dismissed allegations that Vice President Namadi Sambo was working towards the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Yakowa said the VP understands the challenges facing the state being a former governor and will never work against its interests.

The governor, in a statement by his External Media Consultant, Emmanuel Ado, commended Sambo for efforts to ensure security is beefed up in Kaduna State.

Parts of the statement read: “Governor Yakowa does not and would never be convinced that the Vice President would be part of any plot to declare a state of emergency in Kaduna State because a state of emergency in Kaduna State would serve no purpose but worsen the

By Sunday Oguntola

issues facing the state. ‘’The security challenges facing Kaduna State today is not local but national in nature. ‘’The challenge facing Governor Yakowa is the rebuilding of trust amongst the people of the state.

Yakowa pointed that events of the last few days have shown the futility of retaliatory attacks. ‘’Retaliatory attacks would only worsen the situation. And we will be playing into the hands of those who do not mean well for Nigeria, “he stated.

He commended the Kabala Doki, Kabala Costain and Kurimin Mashi communities for their understanding and resolve not to engage in any action that would break down law and order.

belonging to residents of the affected buildings were also damaged.

Residents of the area who spoke to newsmen attributed the fall of the bill board to sabotage.

“The nuts and screws holding the big iron bar were removed secretly by unknown persons because this place the bill board was standing has been in dispute for very long time,” one of them alleged.

They maintained that the land had been in dispute, as

judgment was delivered just last week.

They wondered why the incident occurred barely a week after the judgement.

Also yesterday, a kerosene-laden tanker exploded at No. 17 Egetin in the commercial city.

The explosion occurred after the tanker discharged the product to a filling station within the city.

Though no life was lost in the incident, the explosion caused panic in the city.

Residents associated it to the spate of bombings in different parts of the North.

HE Federal Government is to spend N2.7 billion for the procurement and distribution of free seedlings to about five million small scale farmers across the country, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Bukar Tijjani has disclosed.

Tijjani made this known during the launching of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme 2012 (EWallet Voucher System) in Kano yesterday.

He explained that the seeds to be distributed are cotton, cocoa, cow pea, maize ad rice.

The Minister stated that the government will provide fertilizers to farmers at 50 per cent subsidy in addition to the provision of other agricultural inputs, assuring that it will also buy off their surplus produce at a good price to prevent unwarranted loss.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24 , 2012

‘1999 Constitution is fraudulent’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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he past President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Mr. Olasupo Ojo, has faulted the 1999 Constitution, describing it as fraudulent and undemocratic.

Delivering a lecture titled: “Constitutionalism, Democracy and Rule of Law in Nigeria” at a symposium organised by the Federal Polytechnic, Ede Unit of the organisation, the immediate past president of the CDHR, Mr. Olasupo Ojo, said Nigeria is yet to have a genuine and democratic Constitution that will reflect the voice, tribes and ethnics, and at the same time compel true and practical federalism in the country.

Calling for massive participation in the review and amendment of the 1999 Constitution, Ojo said; “People give constitution. It is the people that will vote to accept or not to accept a constitution through referendum.

“The 1999 Constitution was imposed on Nigerians.

The authors of the Constitution did not seek opinion from Nigerians.

There was no referendum frConstitution.

What Nigerians call Constitution is just a Decree of the Military regime.

New council commends Obi’s development strides From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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ransition Committee chairman and council members of Awka North Local Government Area, yesterday commended the developmental strides of the Governor Peter Obi administration in the council area.

The chairperson, Mrs Ngozi Enweluzor, voiced the commendation yesterday during the swearing in ceremony of the members at the local government secretariat, Achalla.

She said the greatest challenge facing communities in Awka North is that of insecurity, adding that her committee will inaugurate a security team with a mandate of ensuring that Awka North is well secured at all times.

On her part, the member representing Awka North in the State House of Assembly, Hon Paragon Rebecca Udoji, reminded all that power comes from God and God gives power to whomever He chooses and therefore appealed to the transition members to support their chairman to enable them excel.

Swearing in the members as Justice of Peace (JP), the Head of Local Government Administration (HOA) Awka North, Dr Ngozi Okpala, assured that the local government staff would support the members and chairman to make their mark.

News

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‘Nigeria has worst statistics in maternal health care’ T

Ajimobi mourns passage of Olusola

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resident elect, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Prof Brian Adinma, yesterday lamented that Nigeria has one of the worst statistics in maternal health care in the world.

Adinma, a Public Health expert and former commissioner for Health, Anambra State, spoke to The Nation in Nnewi on the state of maternal health in Nigeria yesterday.

According to him, “We have one of the worst statistics in the world in maternal health because gynecologists are the bona-fide custodians of women health. Only about 3,000 registered gynecologists

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

operate in Nigeria with a population of over 170 Million.

This is nothing to write home about and we have not put ourselves into optimal productivity.’’

He therefore urged young doctors to dedicate themselves to the task of improving modern techniques of medicine.

He also encouraged teaching hospitals and government agencies to invest in modern, sophisticated and affordable equipments in Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) of the Indian company OM surgical, which he said is better than Vmaid equipment now

used in teaching hospitals.

He urged more obstetricians and gynecologists to avail themselves of the equipment to better the lives of women in Nigeria.

On the feat of Life Specialist Hospital Nnewi, where doctors are being trained on Minimal Access Surgery (MAS), Adinma appealed to Prof Ikechebelu not to increase the number of trainees to more than 20 at a time but to create more training sessions in a year to enable the participants feel the impact one on one as the difference lies on the hands on. Commenting on the importance of the technology and the training, the Medical Director of Ayo Specialist

Hospital, Akure, said, “There are so many modifications in what I have seen today despite that I have done Laparoscopic surgery since 1981. I have ordered for equipment worth 43,000 dollars to set the modern Laparoscopic Surgery Theater in Akure with equipment from OM Surgical Company to be like Prof Ikechebelu.“ I saw there was every need to upgrade my skill and professionalism; that was why I came to Anambra State, Nnewi and I have no regrets doing that because I am now upgraded in skill and practice in Minimal Access Surgery (MAS). It is a blessing coming to Nnewi.

•Head of Service, Lagos State Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe ( Third right) leading other public servants during the walk for fitness to commemorate the 2012 Public Service Week in Lagos yesterday. With them (Fourth right) is the commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development , Mr Enitan Oshodi.

Photo: Omosehin Moses

‘Boko Haram will fail’

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pressure group, Alliance for Igbo Youths, yesterday rose from its emergency meeting in Nnewi declaring that Boko Haram will fail and calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in some parts of Northern Nigeria as a measure to stem the growing insecurity perpetuated by the terrorist sect.

Speaking in the same vein, the Youth Wing of

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi and Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

Christian Association of Nigeria ((YOWICAN) said Christians are the targets of Boko Haram attacks and called on Christians to defend themselves.

An eight point communiqué made available to The Nation in Nnewi by Alliance for Igbo Youths and endorsed by the group’s Secretary General, Emeka

Community protests planned removal of college of education

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anic now grips the ocean community of Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the birth place of the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva.

The Nation was informed that the euphoria of the people of the ancient community when their son, the then governor Sylva, cited the college of education in the area is currently being threatened by the alleged moves to relocate it.

Following this development, the community, under the aegis of ‘Okpoama Vanguard,’ in a statement signed by Mr. Aye Banigo, the Vice

Isaac Ombe-Yenagoa

Chairman, alleged that reasons adduced for the proposed relocation of the college included lack of infrastructure and roads connecting Brass Island.

Describing the reasons as laughable, the people recalled that when NDU was established, the staff and students sailed by boats to Amassoma for over two years before the current road leading to the community was completed. The same situation is currently with the Ekeuwe Polytechnic in Southern Ijaw LGA , where a traveler spends about two hours on water from Yenagoa just like Okpoama, yet the school is there, it has not been relocated.

Moneme, said, ‘’We are saddened by the ceaseless terror attacks in Northern Nigeria, orchestrated by the Northern Oligarchy in the name of Boko Haram more so as it affects Christians, women, children, students and the media.

“We also note the flurry of condemnation of the reprisal attacks in Kaduna and Jos by Northern groups and leaders who had hitherto kept mute while the systematic bombing and killing of Christians every Sunday in their places of worship raged on unabated across Northern Nigeria. ‘’We have observed and do resolve as follows, that the attacks have flourished because of the support enjoyed by the bandits from the minority Northern Oligarchy that are using Boko Haram as a gimmick to regain control of political power and national resources which they lost with the 2011 presidential election. ‘’ That the targeted attacks is a desperate move by these terror apologists to gain attention as it has so far failed to blackmail the Jonathan government into relinquishing or negotiating neighbourhoods in Kaduna, Yobe or Maiduguri, they are clearly attacking churches and Christians during worship.”

HE governor of Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, has described the death of Ambassador Olusegun Olusola as a loss that will take decades for the Nigerian nation to recover from.

He stated this in a release signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo.

According to him, Ambassador Olusola was not just a cultural icon, he represented one of the best exports of Nigeria to the cultural world.

Tears as Onwuliri is laid to rest From: Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

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HE sleepy community of Amuzi in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo Sate yesterday played host to dignitaries from across the nation for the interment of an illustrious son, Professor Celestine Onwuliri.

The former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, died in the June 3 Dana plane crash in Iju-Ishaga Lagos.

In a sermon at St. Jude’s Catholic Church Amuzi, the Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Ayu Kagama, urged Nigerians to lead a life worthy of emulation.

He charged the wife of the late academic, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, and the children to ensure that the good virtues the deceased lived were sustained for posterity.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke through the Secretary of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, described Onwuliri as a consummate administrator.

Online Special www.thenationonlineng.net

‘A letter to my son’ “Because your wife must live with you for the rest of your life, she must be a person you feel good living with; and I have no amount at all to any amount of rehearsals you design in order to prove this point. What is the use getting married to a woman whom you sleep with one night and hate the sight of her the next morning?”

•Olusola and son, Olujimi Ambassador Segun of life.

Read Chief Olusola’s Olusola who died last Thursday was not only a ‘wise counsel’ written in broadcaster, actor and 1986 on ‘coping with good culture icon, he was a good and bad times’, ‘sex and relations’, family man who mentored sexual his son, Olujimi, in many ‘responsibilities to your ‘club and ways including writing people’, series of letters to guide him clubbing’, ‘employment in confronting the vagaries dilemma’ and others issues.

News Updates by the minutes www.thenationonlineng.net Follow us on Twitter: @TheNationNews Like us on facebook: The-Nation-Newspaper

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News

Women’s political conference holds in Benin

•Umolu From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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ORE than 500 women from across the country are expected at the first Females’ Constitutional and Political Conference to brain storm on the proposed constitutional amendment by the National Assembly.

They are expected to identify current weakness and inherent flaws in Nigeria’s constitutions, especially as they affect female participation in politics.

The Chairperson of Local Organising Committee, Princess Imomosi Umolu, said the conference will provide platform for women to collectively submit memoranda on the proposed constitutional amendment by the National Assembly.

Umolu said the conference will also ensure that the new constitution is knowledgebased and inclusive of all intellects, shades and opinions of Nigerians including working out proactive templates, which will foster honesty and unity of purpose.

Copies of the their memoranda, she added, will be presented to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe and the President of the Senate, David Mark.

Bookshop owner dead

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FRONTLINE Osogbo - based bookshop proprietor, Chief Adeyemi Falade, is dead.

He died at 80 after a brief illness at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo in Ondo State.

Falade was Baba Akoko of Akokoland and the Baba Ijo of St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Odo Irun in Irun Akoko, Ondo State, his native town.

The deceased was survived by many children and grand children.

Oke for burial

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HE Managing Director/CEO of Galloway Manufacturing Company Limited, Mr. Adeniran Oke is dead.

Oke, who was 66, died in Lagos after a brief illness.

He will be buried at Irewon Christian cemetery, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State after a funeral service at Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Lagos next Thursday.

The deceased was survived by a widow, Mrs. Olubunmi Oke (nee Orekoya) and children.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Police uncover firearm factory in Edo

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HE Edo State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearm factory at Otuo in Owan East Local Government Council of the state.

The factory was discovered at Ughoma forest following a tip-off.

One person was arrested while 10 firearms including several live cartridges were recovered by the police at the factory.

The police said hoodlums hired firearms from the illegal factory.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The State Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun said the operators were into firearms manufacturing and assembling.

Balogun stated that the command is ready to cleanse the state of illegal firearms as the governorship election approaches.

He said the police will arrest and prosecute anybody found with firearms without licence before and during the governorship election.

Tambuwal: Nigeria will overcome evil forces

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PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has assured that Nigeria will soon overcome all evil forces threatening the nation’s unity, democracy and economy.

He said that the current insecurity and widespread corruption were plots by unprogressive elements to destabilise Nigeria’s nascent democracy and unity.

The Speaker spoke in Atani, Ogbaru Council Area of Anambra State during a reception held in honour of Hon Victor Afam Ogene, the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency.

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

He disclosed that the House of Representatives will remain undaunted in its commitment to building a stronger and united Nigeria, despite mounting challenges.

Tambuwal said, “Anambra members in the House are working well with us, we can vouch for Ogene. ‘’I will not hesitate to support him for a second term so that he can correct the infrastuctural deficiencies in his Constituency. The House of Representative will support Ogbaru for democracy dividend”.

Ogun PDP writes CJN, others •Warns against ‘serial contemnors’

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HE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) has urged the custodians of the nation’s judicial system to shun those it described as “serial contemnors masquerading as people seeking justice.”

It spoke against the backdrop of moves to stall the contempt of court proceedings against some of the party chieftains at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

In an open letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Acting President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and all the judges under them, the party alleged that some highly-placed individuals within its fold and their “external collaborators

who have continued to disobey valid court orders and judgments are running from one court to the other, making frivolous applications.”

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, the party stated it was constrained to raise the alarm given the fact that the antecedents of those involved are well-known “as they have continued in their abuse of the judicial system through frivolous petitions and forum shopping.”

It wondered why the same people who have continued to disobey court orders and judgments would turn round to seek protection from the same institution.

Agency spends N400m on community projects in Osun

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SUN State Agency for Community and Social Development Project has spent about N400 million on in the last two years on community projects in the state.

The General Manager of the agency, Mrs. Funmi Abokede, disclosed this in Iloko-Ijesa at a recent workshop for officials of the 30 local government councils in the state.

Abokede stressed the need to involve the communities and determine the kind of projects of their needs as well as their execu-

By Tunde Busari

tion.

She explained further that the people of the grass root will be involved in the planning, budgeting and execution of the projects to meet their needs being championed by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in his sixpoint integral action plan.

The Executive Secretary of Iwo Local Government, Alhaji Alao Kamorudeen lauded Osun CSDP, noting that its effect had been felt at the nooks and crannies of the state.

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NEWS REVIEW THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

The recent posting of 93 ambassadors

by President Goodluck Jonathan has generated some heat.

JOE AGBRO JR. examines the issues raised

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•Jonathan

•Ojukwu

O help the country meet its international obligations,

President Goodluck Jonathan on June 12, presented letters of credence to 93 ambassadors. These men and women would represent the interest of Nigeria in countries. While addressing them, President Jonathan advised them to represent the ‘entire’ country and not just sections of it. But, with the events in the country and every average Nigerian being viewed as a criminal, the ambassadors have a hard task at hand.

Among those that got their letters were former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe who was post to Canada; former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata Njeze; (Switzerland) former State House Chief of Protocol, Alhaji Abdullahi Tijani (Romania) and the widow of Ikemba Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu (Spain).

Retaining their positions are the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Professor Adebowale Adefuye; High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Senator Dalhatu Tafida; Ambassador to China, Alhaji Aminu Wali; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Professor Joy Ogwu.

Overall, the list has once again triggered the old dichotomy between appointing career diplomats versus politicians as ambassadors. The lineup definitely casts shadows on the quality of the representatives.

While, it is the worldwide practice to appoint political ‘friends’ to such positions, the sensitive postings are usually reserved for seasoned diplomats.

Such is hardly the case in Nigeria. In this line, many wonder whether Maduekwe is the most qualified person to represent Nigeria in Canada.

Political patronage Describing many ambassadorial nominees as “political patronisers,” Dr. Jonathan Aremu opined that many on the list “may not be the best quality

•Maduekewe

Politics of ambassadorial postings •Tafida

that the nation wants to represents them overseas.”

Aremu, a former deputy director, Research and planning, CBN, and consultant to ECOWAS and UNIDO said: “In Nigerian perspective, he (representative) must be able to really know what the transformation agenda is all about. And he (representative) should be actually able to represent Jonathan quite well. In fact, the perception they (foreigners) have of the Nigerian economy is the same perception thy will have about whoever is being sent.”

To Dr. Adedayo Afe of the department of history and international studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, while having representatives is a normal ritual in international relations, internal security should be what the government should strive to achieve before going abroad.

“If the internal security is nothing to write home about,” he said, “even if we send ten ambassadors to a country, they will not come.”

Decrying the imbalance of ambassadorial appointment which tilts in favour of politicians, Dr. Afe said, “You find out that some people that contested elections and lost were appointed as ambassadors. How will they deliver?

I believe they (government) should focus more on career ambassadors now than allow politicians that don’t know anything.”

According to him, even where career diplomats are given ambassadorial positions, it is often to countries such as Eritrea and Ethiopia.

For instance, the appointment

of Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu to Spain smacks of unnecessary favouratism. Although she trained as a lawyer, it remains to be seen what influence or international experience she has to qualify her to go to such a country. Apart from being the daughter of a former governor, former beauty queen and widow of the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu, are all these enough to merit her appointment?

While, it is a norm for friends of those in government to get such appointments, the choice of persons can be to achieve maximum national leverage. The US ambassador to Germany, a former Goldman Sachs partner Philip Murphy is using his business expertise to add value to economic diplomacy for his country. According to reports, “Murphy, who was finance chair of the Democratic National Committee, spent time in Germany with Goldman and has known many of the key players in government and banking circles for years.”

In similar situation, former Boston health care executive Alan Solomont’s business experience and newly forged ties with local economic leaders make him an asset for Spain and the U.S. In the case of Nigeria, our neighbour Ghana, has been threatening to repatriate Nigerian businesses and businessmen.

Hence, what Nigeria needs now is a diplomat who can mend the broken fences. But, whether such was considered before Mr. Ademola Onafowokan was drafted as ambassador to Ghana remains to be known.

Also, in recent times, a lot of

Nigerians have been jailed abroad without diplomatic interference.

In official quarters, the excuse that they are illegal emigrants however portrays the nation as insensitive to the plight of its citizens. Also, in the case of Nigerians being recruited as prostitutes in Italy, Ambassador Eric Tonye Aworabhi who is scheduled to resume in Italy must know that he must be proactive. Same goes for Ambassadors Chukwudi Okafor (Thailand) and Abdulrahman Sallahdeen (Indonesia) who are billed to represent Nigerians in countries where many Nigerians are reported to be languishing in jails.

There is also the issue of indecent behaviours which has been reported. Being human, this is to be anticipated to happen occasionally. Recently in the US, ambassador nominee to Iraq withdrew following allegations of improper behaviour while working as an embassy staff in Baghdad in 2008.

He was accused of sending racy emails to Wall Street Journal journalist Gina Chon while he was married. Though, now married to Chon, those emails became his Achilles heel. According to a news report, McGurk, said amongst other things that his withdrawal was in the “best interests of the country.”

The case of Dr. Chijioke Wigwe, former Nigerian ambassador to Kenya who battered his wife Tess is still fresh. Already, news is filtering in that the UN is considering him unfit to be Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme and the UN Habitat in Nairobi. Online, there is also

damning reports indicting Mr. Felix Oboro, Nigeria’s ambassador to Venezuela. Apart from alleged misappropriation of embassy funds, he was also fingered to be involved in passport and visa racketeering.

No doubt, some diplomats may bring their office to disrepute. But Dr. Afe speaks of some Nigerian ambassadors: “You’ll find that they would just be there, gallivanting about, engaging in illicit business. And all of them, they are saying that they want to bring investments to Nigeria. It’s a lie. If your country is solid, without representatives, they would come. Even during the colonial times, they travelled down to this place, they found out that we had economic potentials. You don’t need to tell the whole world that everything is well when nothing is right with you.”

He added that it is only security that can allow investors to come to a country, no one goes to a chaotic or lawless country to invest. In this light, perhaps, one of these less viable countries would be the Vatican, a city state in Italy where Ambassador Francis Okeke is billed to reign.

In desperation to avoid the harsh socio-economic situations back home, many Nigerians have resorted desperately to living in foreign countries by all means necessary. However, all said, what Nigeria needs most, especially at this critical time of its national life are technocrats, career diplomats who thoroughly understand the terrain, and have the knowledge of how to leverage the benefit for the country and its citizens.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

News Review

10

Mass slaughter, sackings and more pu Terrorists, rioters set Kaduna, Zaria on fire

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UICIDE bombers struck in Wusasa and Sabon Gari areas of Zaria as well as Kaduna on Sunday killing dozens of worshippers who had gathered for the day’s service. Attacked were Christ The King Catholic Church and ECWA Church both in Zaria, and Shalom Church ,Trikinia in Kaduna. The attacks sparked a reprisal by some youths in Kaduna which left several others dead and many more injured. Death toll in the violence was put at 50. Policemen were deployed to quell the bloodshed and the Kaduna State government imposed a 24-hour curfew to allow tension to cool.

SOMETHING FISHY These giant fish sculptures made out of plastic bottles were exhibited at Botafogo beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development. Photo: REUTERS

Emotion runs high as NASS begins Dana plane crash hearing HE Joint Senate and House of Representatives Investigation of the Dana plane crash got underway in Abuja on Wednesday with witness after witness reeling off perceived rot in the nation’s aviation industry. Mr.Ike Ibe who lost his wife-Nancy, daughter- Jennifer and his wife’s aunt-Maria Okwulehie to the crash spoke of how he drove them to the airport on the fateful day to catch the ‘flight of death.’ He said the same templates are always adopted for every disaster in the country while recommendations of panels on previous plane crashes have never been implemented. The Coroner of Alimosho District of Lagos State, Mr.Oyetade Komolafe on Monday also began an inquest into the circumstances leading to the crash. The inquest was ordered by Justice Lateefah Okunnu of the State High Court.

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Insecurity: Reps invite Jonathan

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HE House of Representatives resolved on Tuesday to invite President Goodluck Jonathan to come and brief it on how he is addressing the growing insecurity in the country. The Reps adopted a resolution for the President to address the House at a closed session against the backdrop of the latest round of mayhem in Kaduna, Zaria and Damaturu. Twenty-four hours after the Zaria/ Kaduna violence, President Jonathan left for Brazil to attend The UN Conference on Sustainable Development, drawing criticisms from different quarters. The opposition CAN called it insensitive but Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku said the President can rule from any part of the world. The President himself told the Nigerian community in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil that the criticisms trailing his trip were unjustifiable.

Boko Haram suspect Bama dies 24 hours after gun duel

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ETAILS of the capture of Boko Haram high ranking operative, Bama, in Damaturu, Yobe State, emerged last night with a source saying he was shot in what is called Sudden Operation in security circles. This kind of operation happens by chance.

Bama died early Friday of gunshot wounds he received while being arrested by security men at a Damaturu market. Sources said Bama was surrounded at the time by his body guards who were armed to the teeth, and the only way he could be arrested was to demobilise him, which was effected by shooting him in the leg. Two men, described as key members of the sect were arrested with Bama and are now undergoing interrogation.

DESIGNATED

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HE United States Department of State has formally designated leaders of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram as terrorists. The department, in a statement issued in New York on Thursday, described Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar and Khalid al-Barnawi as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.”

The statement said that Shekau was the most visible leader of the Nigeria-based militant group, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram. It added that al-Barnawi and Kambar had ties to Boko Haram and also had close links with al-Qa’eda in the Islamic Maghreb, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

A

N Abuja-based lawyer, Mr.Wilfred Okoli, on Tuesday disowned a suit seeking to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from reinstating the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami. Mr.Okoli told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that he “was not aware of this suit. My consent was never sought before it was brought before you. I have no knowledge of it, my Lord.”

Italian suspect commits suicide in EFCC custody

A

N Italian suspect in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was found dead on Tuesday having allegedly committed suicide. The body of Mauro Zanin,52, was found in the bathroom. He was arrested for allegedly obtaining $111000 by fraud from Mr. Ahamefula Ewuzie.

RESOLVED

WEIRD WORLD

Greece finally gets government

Zimbabwe MPs circumcised in anti-AIDS drive

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US tags Shekau, others terrorists

Lawyer disowns anti-Salami suit

NTONIS Samaras, head of Greece’s conserva tive New Democracy party, has been sworn in as the country’s new prime minister, following his victory in the recent general election.

New Democracy, the socialist party Pasok and the smaller Democratic Left came to an agreement on Wednesday to form a coalition government. All three parties support Greece’s loan commitments, unlike the second-placed Syriza, but have pledged to rewrite the conditions of the bailout.

Samaras took the oath at a Greek Orthodox ceremony in Athens. “With the help of God we will do whatever passes from our hands to get out of this crisis,” he said in his first statement in office.

Evangelos Venizelos, the Pasok leader, has said the next two weeks will be critical for the debtstricken country.

M

ALE lawmakers in Zimbabwe on Friday underwent voluntary circumcision in a new public drive to curb the spread of HIV, which affects about one in 10 people in the southern African country.

A handful of lawmakers stepped into a mobile clinic set up inside the parliament building to undergo the procedure carried out under local anaesthetic and using a new method that does not require downtime. “I feel proud now that I have accomplished what we set to accomplish,” Blessing Chebundo, a member of parliament from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change party, said minutes after he was circumcised. He was the first of a batch of lawmakers that lined up for the procedure.

Speaker of parliament Lovemore Moyo said by going public about their testing and circumcision, the lawmakers were “leading by example”. Dozens of deputies and parliament staff on Thursday took HIV tests. Forty-four members of parliament have volunteered to be circumcised, in a campaign hoped to reach 1.2 million males by 2015.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

News Review

e public hearings Jonathan fires Azazi, Defence Minister

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Friday night sacked the Defence Minister, Dr. Mohammed Haliru, and National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi. Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) was named to replace Azazi, a former Chief of Army Staff.

Dasuki is the son of the deposed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki and former aide-de-camp (ADC) to ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida. There is no replacement yet for Dr. Bello. The changes were effected a few hours after President Jonathan’s return from the Earth Summit in Brazil.

He first launched into an emergency security meeting to review the raging terror onslaught in parts of the North, especially in the last one week.

The violence covers the suicide bombing attacks on churches in Zaria and Kaduna and the reprisals that followed in Kaduna as well as the massive gun and bomb attacks in Damaturu on Monday.

About 70 lives were lost in the Kaduna mayhem and 34 in Damaturu.

34 killed in Yobe violence T least 34 people were killed after gun and bomb wieldingmen launched coordinated terror attacks on Damaturu, Yobe State, on Monday. Security operatives responded to the insurgency and engaged the terrorists in a gun duel.

Among the dead were three policemen. Government ordered a 24-hour curfew to deal with the situation.

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THE WEEK IN QUOTES “Many of us who have been voices of restraint no longer know what to say. This country is ours to build and construct, and how we are going to reclaim our lost glory and make Nigeria marketable again requires more than just moral exhortation.”

—Dr. Matthew Kukah , Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese on the current security situation in the country.

“I am a PDP member but I am sorry to say that there is no internal party democracy ,not only in PDP, but in all the political parties.

What do I mean by that? Today, if there is going to be primary, innocent, ordinary members of the party at the local level will come out and queue behind those that they love to represent them, either in the hot sun or in the rain. They will be there suffering, taking the heat and hunger and yet, the decision they took in the field isn’t one they will respect.”

—Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, ex-Senate deputy president on party supremacy.

“Given the level of sophistication involved in the activities of the perpetrators of the bombings, it is easy to conclude that some oblique forces are behind the violence in the North and not Boko Haram as widely believed.”

—Governor Aliyu Babangida of Niger State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum on last Sunday’s suicide bombings at churches in Zaria and Kaduna.

Fashola wants immunity clause retained, opposes creation of more states AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said the removal of immunity clause from the constitution would not be a welcome idea as being canvassed by some members of the public.

Fashola stated this at a one-day public hearing on the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly and held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. He noted that the immunity clause as pro-

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vided in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution should be retained, adding that the clause is more for the protection of the office than the office holders.

He said “the section preserves the dignity and ensures the effectiveness of administration”, adding that “while it is regrettable that there may have been actions which are indicative of abuses of the privilege by some office holders, the privilege of immunity is not for the benefit of the office holder.”

OBITUARY

Ambassador Segun Olusola dies at 78

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ORMER Nige rian Ambassa dor to Ethiopia, Ambassador Segun Olusola is dead. He died on Thursday at the Royal Specialist Hospital at Pako Aguda in Lagos at the age of 78 years.

Sources said he was admitted at the hospital two weeks ago.

Olusola, a veteran broadcaster, diplomat and ace television producer hailed from IperuRemo in Ogun State. He was at a time the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). He also served the country in various and private capacities. He was chairman, National Festival Committee and the Nigerian Arts Council in 1970; Director, Second All-Nigeria Festival of Arts and Culture in 1971 and was appointed Vice-Chairman, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria Planning Committee for the All African Games in 1973.

•Kukah

•Mantu

EARTH SUMMIT

Rio+20 Earth summit concludes with few commitments

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HE huge Rio de Janeiro summit on sustainable devel opment came to a messy close last week.

Dubbed the Rio+20 conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the Earth summit that set out a global path to protect the environment, the Brazilian meeting was everything that summits have become in recent years: a colourful event with demonstrations, celebrities, cultural celebrations, business round tables, intense social media and riot police.

As far as content goes, however, the meeting produced a vision statement that contained plenty of good intentions but very few solid commitments.

Generally, countries committed to pay more attention to climate change, and increase aid for development. They also agreed to eventually develop longterm goals for sustainable development — global targets for both the environment and for eradicating global poverty. Timelines and amounts were absent.

•Babangida

ELECTED

Ashraf is Pakistan’s new PM

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AKISTAN’s Na tional Assembly elected Raja Pervez Ashraf as the next Prime Minister on Friday. He bagged 211 votes in the 342-member House while the Opposition candidate, Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, secured only 89 votes.

Ashraf, a senior member of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has been elected to head a new Cabinet after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ousted Yousaf Raza Gilani on June 19 in a contempt of court case.

There was jubilation among PPP members across Pakistan, especially in Ashraf’s home constituency in Rawalpindi district. But the Opposition was upset.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, the leader of the Opposition and member of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), did not even stay in the House to listen to the customary first speech of the new Prime Minister and to deliver his own reciprocal speech.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

13

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Boko Haram: Barack Obama’s half measure

Lekan Otufodunrin Otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net 08023000621 (SMS only)

Two songs that made me cry

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•Obama

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N Thursday, the U.S. State Department designated three Nigerians as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar, and Khalid alBarnawi are leading members of the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram.

While the Obama Administration acknowledges these individuals as parties to terrorist activity, it stopped short of designating Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This is regrettable, because such a designation would limit Boko Haram’s capacity for future attacks on the U.S. homeland.

Legally Speaking: SDGT vs. FTO Under Executive Order 13224, “those foreign persons that support or otherwise associate with…foreign terrorists” are subject to SDGT listing. Shekau is Boko Haram’s most visible leader, and al-Barnawi (likely a pseudonym) and Kambar are associated with Boko Haram’s main cell. It has been confirmed that Boko Haram maintains ties to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and there is evidence that Boko Haram militants have trained with alShabaab in Somalia. The U.S. government has designated both AQIM and al-Shabaab as FTOs. Executive Order 13224 blocks access to all property and interests in property of designated terrorists and individuals and entities supporting them under U.S. jurisdiction. While the Treasury Department is the leading agency that adds individuals to the SDGT “list” and then freezes their assets, the process is done in consultation with the Departments of State and Justice.

The FTO list is a separate designation and pertains to organizations rather than individuals. It also maintains an immigration element, which the SDGT label does not. In order for an organization to qualify for FTO designation, it must fulfill three requirements: The organization is a foreign organization; The organization engages in terrorist activity or terrorism or retains the capability and intent to engage in terrorist activity or terrorism; and The terrorist activity or terrorism of the organization threatens the security of United States nationals or the national security of the United States.

Unlike the SDGT, the Secretary of State

•Shekau

By Morgan Lorraine Roach

has the authority to designate an organization as an FTO if it fulfills the legal criteria. The group can be removed at any time by the Secretary or an act of Congress.

Incomplete Policy The listing of the three Nigerians as SDGTs is a first step by the Administration to take measures against the threat that Boko Haram poses to international security. But it is not enough.

Representative Patrick Meehan (R–PA) and Senator Scott Brown (R–MA) have taken the lead in Congress, urging the Administration to closely assess Boko Haram and the threat the organization poses to U.S. security. Under the Boko Haram Terrorist Designation Act of 2012 (H.R. 5822) and its Senate counterpart (S. 3249), the State Department would determine whether the organization meets the legal criteria for FTO designation.

Furthermore, last January, Assistant Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the Justice Department’s top national security official, sent a letter to the State Department in support of designating Boko Haram as an FTO.[4]

“

Terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Tehrik-iTaliban in Pakistan were once underestimated by the U.S. government until they attempted attacks on the homeland. While it is unlikely that Boko Haram currently possesses the will or capabilities to attack the U.S. directly, this does not mean that the organization’s ambitions will not expand in the future

”

FTO Designation Still Needed SGDT designation is not a viable substitute for designating Boko Haram as an FTO. Not only would FTO designation provide legal clarity for classifying Boko Haram and its actions; it would also force the U.S. government to hold members of the organization and individuals who provide material support to it criminally liable. FTO designation also forces closer interagency counterterrorism coordination, as all U.S. agencies recognize listed organizations.

While the State Department has provided little insight as to why Boko Haram is not being considered for FTO designation, some Nigeria watchers contend that Boko Haram is unique from other international terrorist groups and that designation would discourage political solutions that address the political and economic grievances that underlie Boko Haram’s campaign against the Nigerian state.

The U.S. should respond to these concerns by partnering with the Nigerian government to develop a comprehensive approach for countering Boko Haram. This should include addressing standards of development in the northern part of the country, establishing a U.S. consular office in Nigeria, and working with Nigerian intelligence and security agencies to ensure that U.S. assistance is being used effectively.

Do Not Underestimate Boko Haram The Obama Administration should not take the threat Boko Haram poses lightly.

Terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Tehrik-i-Taliban in Pakistan were once underestimated by the U.S. government until they attempted attacks on the homeland. While it is unlikely that Boko Haram currently possesses the will or capabilities to attack the U.S. directly, this does not mean that the organization’s ambitions will not expand in the future.

Designating Boko Haram as an FTO would not only demonstrate that the Obama Administration takes the threat seriously, but it would help limit the ability of Boko Haram to wage an attack against U.S. soil.

•Morgan Lorraine Roach is a Research Associate in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies, a division of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies, at The Heritage Foundation.

have been moved to tears on a number of occasions, but I can vividly recall shedding tears uncontrollably twice.

The first was in 1998 during the service of songs for late ace political correspondent of Channels Television, Lekan Alimi, who died in a car crash on his way home from work late in the night.

As usual, various speakers had taken turns to pay tributes to Alimi who distinguished himself with his incisive political reports and others. When his widow was called to speak, she started by sharing with us the thoughts that have been agitating her mind following the sudden death of her husband.

“I have been asking God why he allowed my husband to die this young. I have been asking God why he has allowed me to become a widow at this young age,” she revealed as those of us at the service listened with rapt attention in sympathy.

She continued, “However, I have been consoled by the lyrics of a song we sing in our Church which says: ‘Eru Olorun ba mi, ‘Eru Olorun nba mi o.

Ohun to ba ti pinu lokan e, Ko se ni to le daduro’ In English, the song will mean “ I am in a we of God. Whatever he has decreed, no one can stop it”.

The tears that had been welling up in my eyes gave way suddenly and I found myself mopping my face repeatedly. The song broke whatever emotional strength I thought I had on occasions like this.

Indeed like another popular song “Unquestionable you are the Lord”, God is unquestionable. As human beings we can ask, Why did you allow this to happen God? But he is not obliged to answer us.

Last Tuesday, June 19 was yet another occasion I couldn’t control my tears. It was again at the service of songs for another colleague, late Ngozi Nwozor Agbo, Coordinator of Campus Life in The Nation Newspaper.

Pastor Ify Okonkwo of Glory in the House ministry, Ngozi’s mentor and pastor it was who sang the song that got me openly crying for the second time. When she was called to speak, it was feared that she could breakdown crying considering the ‘mother/ daughter’ relationship she had with Ngozi, but Pastor Okonkwo busted into a song of praise for Jesus, stressing the fact the Jesus in the only reliable friend.

“Ore bi Jesu Ko si laiye yi Jesu ni kan lore otito, Ore aiye yi le ko waya sile Sugbon Jesus koje gbagbe me” In English: (There is no friend like Jesus Jesus is the only true friend A human friend may abandon us But Jesus cannot forget me).

Her rendition of the song was so moving that I kept wiping my tears for the time it lasted.

Birth and death will remain a mystery.

What is certain, like the Bible, states is that there is a time to be born and a time to die.

Williams Shakespeare in Julius Caeser says death is a necessary end, it will come when it will come.

It’s good to attend burial ceremonies once in a while. It provides an opportunity for us all to know that we are sojourners in this world. The officiating pastor at Ngozi’s burial gave an apt explanation why Wake Keeps are held for the deceased. It is not to wake the dead, it is to awaken our consciousness to the reality of death, with the hope that we would make whatever amends we can make before it is our turn.

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Ogochukwu Ikeje ohgeeoh@gmail.com 08084235961 (SMS only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Comment & Analysis

E may never understand the workings of our leaders’ minds. And they may never understand ours. No matter how hard we try to peer, our effort is wasted, leaving us often frustrated and guessing and second-guessing their motives.

Why do they do what they do and fail to do what they should? Why do they say what they say and how they say it? Why do they travel the way they do?

At some point in the recent past, most residents of Jigawa State, perched on the fringes of the Sahara, never ceased to wonder why their governor seemed to spend more time abroad than in Dutse, the state capital.

The governor, quite young in those days, probably could not also come to terms with the fact that his people could not understand him or the dynamics of governance as he saw it.

In the South the people also discovered that their governors had cultivated the exotic appetite of attending down-to-earth social functions or owambe in such faraway places as London.

Those were the days of President Olusegun Obasanjo who, we later learned, did his utmost to put an end to the senseless Owambe trips.

The reason was to keep the governors focused on the huge task of governance at home and also to save much-needed cash. But such was our tough luck that the President himself had quite an unmatched taste for travel. If there existed a country on the face of the earth, you could almost bet that His Excellency had touched down on its tarmac, tasted its food and taken in its sights and sounds.

Two questions endured, however, while Obasanjo flew round the world: what were the overwhelming imperatives of such trips,

Waiting on the President Defending Jonathan’s Brazil trip won’t help and what came back with him to give his country and people a lift? What new insights or fresh flashes of inspiration returned with him to reposition the country? Very little indeed. In fact, while he enjoyed the comforts of exquisite infrastructure abroad, facilties back home were decadent, begging for attention. It was the same reality that Jigawa people faced in those days: with the desert bearing down on them, they expected their chief executive to intervene and also harness the rich resources in the southern part of the state. They were largely disappointed.

In the South, the last thing on the people’s mind was their governors funding their social tastes with oil cash in far-flung locales.

Whether the leaders admit or not, there is a clear disconnect between them and the people they lead. It is against this backdrop that many have viewed the Brazil trip of President Goodluck Jonathan. The President took to the air last Monday as blasts wrecked churches and Christian worshippers in Kaduna, the North’s political hub, and Zaria, home of one of the country’s respected

universities. The death toll was still rising when the President flew away. Bloody images of the victims as well as chilling tales of survivors were still made public when the chief executive jetted off to Rio, Brazil to attend a world earth summit.

The trip did not sit well with the people but as in all such matters, the President’s men have rallied to his support and hit out at those who criticised the trip. Information Minister Labaran Maku read all sorts of things into it, including opposition poiltics and pettiness, if not over-reaction. Maku dug up every defence line Nigerians are familiar with, none of which they like. He pontificated on modern governance which, from his standpoint, avails the President the platforms of running the country from any location on the globe. In a word, the Minister was saying the advances of science and technology have so simplified governance that physical presence is no longer important.

We heard such arguments during the illfated regime of former President Umaru Yar’Adua. When sickness kept him away

“Hope attended Jonathan’s mythical appearance on the presidential stage. He came to power under a largely healthier electoral circumstances and many believe he was essentially elected by the people. That placed a huge burden on his shoulders; he is expected to redefine governance as we used to know it, do away with the lies and bogeys of the past, and show 160m Nigerians a credible roadmap to glory”

from public view and from presiding over the affairs of the country, prompting concerns, the President’s men put out the word that all was well with Nigeria because the Commander-in-Chief was doing his duties wherever he was. In those days, the job of running the country suffered, only to be compounded by misinformation or no information at all on the well-being of the President. Such talk also pretty much attended Obasanjo’s globe-trot.

There are reasons why Jonathan should chart a new course. In spite of his vigour and authority, Obasanjo failed to launch the country on the democratic and progressive path many had hoped for. Illness, we should say, terminated Yar’Adua’s vision.

More hope attended Jonathan’s mythical appearance on the presidential stage. He came to power under a largely healthier electoral circumstances and many believe he was essentially elected by the people. That placed a huge burden on his shoulders; he is expected to redefine governance as we used to know it, do away with the lies and bogeys of the past, and show 160m Nigerians a credible roadmap to glory.

Along with that is sensitivity. A president should not only feel the pain of his people; he should also be seen to do so. It helps to deaden the pain and calm nerves.

Besides, there are so many anomalies to be corrected and the people expect their president to lead the correction process. A lot of people have lost faith in foreign trips ostensibly to attract investment. Foreign investors are first of all businessmen and are naturally driven by interest prospects, not lobby. Insecurity is a threat to business, whether local or foreign. So is infrastructural failure, as is sweeping corruption.

Last year, the President spoke about building institutions. Those institutions will clear up a lot of things and show Nigerians where they are headed. We await the President on that.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Comment & Analysis

15

Again, the security question The Boko Haram crisis is beyond President Jonathan ...

T

HIS month, Boko Haram and allied criminals, masquerading as religious anarchists, have gone out of sync. In a seeming climax to what could well be dubbed Sunday-Sunday bombing of helpless Christians in churches all over the North, Sunday June 17 was especially bloody.

In coordinated attacks by suicide bombers on three churches: ECWA Church, Wusasa, Christ the King Catholic (CKC) Church, on Yoruba Road, Sabon-Gari (both in Zaria), and Shallom Church of God, in the Trikania neighbourhood of Kaduna, these terrorists, posing as religious faithful, wreaked a gory and fatal harvest. The initial tally showed 16 dead and scores of others injured.

Shortly after, the casualty figure had jumped to 52 dead, and still counting, and still scores and scores wounded; some of them critically, if not fatally. That prompted the Kaduna State Government to impose a 24-hour curfew to stem the carnage.

The Kaduna mayhem birthed a sinister child: retaliatory attacks along religious lines. Exasperated by lack of state protection, as clearly evidenced by the weekly and provocative bombing of worshipping Christians, suspected “Christian youth” went on reprisal attacks, killing and maiming any suspected Muslim at sight, thus consigning more innocent souls, but now on the Muslim divide, to early grave or to needless bodily harm. Two days later, it was the turn of suspected “Muslim youths” to go on their own murderous retaliation, against suspected Christians. That led to the re-imposition of a 24-hour curfew, which had remained until the time this editorial was written, thereby completely paralysing social, economic and community activities.

Outside Kaduna State, on Monday night, guns were reported booming in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State. The battleground was Sabon Pegi area, near Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s official residence. The “combatants” were the Joint Military Task Force and suspected armed anarchists, making the mass of the citizens to dive for cover. In November 2011, this same Damaturu was the scene of mass slaughter: 70 killed and no less than 100 injured by suspected Boko Haram attackers. In May, Potiskum’s cattle market was razed, with 50 people dead, and almost the whole cattle stock razed. In the North, chronic insecurity has become the norm; and peace and security have become abnormal!

Even then, the anarchists are not done. Boko Haram is flexing fresh muscles. It has threatened to make June 2012 the bloodiest month ever in its unholy jihad of killing innocent and defenceless citizens. As a satanic climax, it would carry out “focused” and “coordinated “attacks on churches in Southern Kaduna and Plateau State (to avenge Muslim victims of reprisal attacks in Kaduna and

W

HEN former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the National Assembly as an arm of government made up of “thieves and armed robbers”, it elicited pandemonium.

Many observers believed he was throwing his usual jokes.

In January when President Goodluck Jonathan suddenly removed the so called fuel subsidy, the country was enveloped with protests from different civil society groups and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) calling for the reversal of the action. Mr. Farouk Lawan, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and later that of the Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, revealed that N1.692 trillion was paid as subsidy last year.

The committee headed by him indicted 69 oil marketers who were said to have benefited illegally from oil subsidy funds. The 69 oil marketers were expected to repay N241,247 billion to government.

Since 1999 till date, the National Assembly has embarked on probes with no concrete results rather than

Zaria, as well as in the war of attrition on the Plateau), aside from a massive attack on Abuja, the federal capital territory, to sign off a bloody month. Boko Haram’s clear boast: no power in the Nigerian state could touch it!

That is dreary. But it is doubtful if it is far from the truth, given the ease, the regularity and the cockiness of those attacks, while the Federal Government seems helplessly out of its wits. The situation is grave: the government is clueless, the citizens petrified and the security forces appear punch-drunk, to borrow that boxing phrase. Right here, it is a classic neo-Hobbesian state, where life is nasty, brutish and short!

What might be the reason for this security paralysis?

Might Boko Haram be so formidable that even the Nigerian state, with its full security apparatus, trembles before it?

That is hardly credible. Or is it a question of security giving way to conspiracy, meaning a segment of the security forces has been compromised, along ethnic and religious lines? These are scary postulations, but not absolutely without merit. How else, for instance, would security operatives pull out of the vicinity of the Zaria blasts, only for suicide bombers to hit a few hours after? Then, of course, there is the Goodluck Jonathan claim that his presidency had been permeated by Boko Haram sympathisers, if not outright elements.

This crisis started with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination processes of 2011.

President Jonathan won the war of the nomination and later the presidential election itself. But it is clear he is finding it very difficult to win the peace of his presidency, for many aggrieved forces appear aligned against him.

Unfortunately for our country, crucial stakeholders, during the presidential zoning debate, either launched into outright emotiveness along regional and ethnic lines or indulged in crass legalism, in an outright political crisis, in which a section of the North felt– and not without merit – brazenly cheated. No one has been pinned down to be behind the sophisticated bomb attacks, which sheer

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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logistics and precision appears beyond the ken of Boko Haram, given its hitherto humble circumstances. But it would appear there is a high-powered conspiracy of the aggrieved to deal with the Jonathan presidency – and, if it would take that, bring down the country with it. That is the dangerous pass we are all perched now.

Neither side of the dispute has shown wisdom. A subsiding bombing attack appeared re-energised by the unwise debate of Jonathan’s eligibility for the 2015 election. Edwin Kiagbodo-Clark, Jonathan’s political godfather, weighed in with his voice: Jonathan would run in 2015 and win strictly on performance. In Nigeria’s realpolitik-speak, that could mean the president would win, willy-nilly! That seemed to have sent the administration’s traducers into frenzy; and shortly after, came the resumed bombings. That debate was unnecessary and unwise. But so was the Jonathan presidential ascendancy debate, ironically kicked off by this same Chief Clark.

But those who would unhorse Jonathan too have been equally unwise. Boko Haram fanatics romanticise condemnable mass murder – in the eyes of God and in the eyes of man – as self-declared “jihad.” That is balderdash. And the aggrieved forces behind them pretend as if the mass destruction of life in the North, and the comprehensive blasting of that region’s economy, serves anyone any good. It is another study in wilful and sterile thinking. The political power scammers were mortally wrong to have thought you could skew anything, so long as you occupied the presidential chambers. The current insurrection has shown the emptiness of such thinking. But those who feel mass destruction and complete rending of the North’s social fabric, and threshing of its link with the rest of the country, only cut their noses to spite their faces. They will live to regret their vacuous thinking.

The whole crisis, as it stands now, is beyond Goodluck Jonathan and his uneasy presidency. It therefore requires a collective response. It hits at the core of a Nigeria which structure is skewed against development and mass prosperity; and whose elite often gang up for injustice, instead of justice. Let us terminate this dysfunctional structure forthwith.

Let the president send a bill to the National Assembly to convoke a Constituent Assembly to re-examine the Nigerian structural and federal question. And let the National Assembly, for once, climb down its high legislative horse, and accept Nigeria needs to radically rearrange its political infrastructure to survive.

This is an emergency. It may well make the difference between Nigeria surviving or giving way, like the defunct USSR and Yugoslavia.

LETTERS

Farouk Lawan got it wrong allegations with no basis for investigation. It is sad that the Lawan- led committee could callously publish oil marketers who he claimed were oil subsidy beneficiaries while some majors were not on the list.

Considering the probe, political gimmicks, the

indicateds that some of the oil marketers whose names were listed did not participate. For Mr Femi Otedola, the chairman of Zenon Oil, to expose the $620,000 bribery scandal which Lawan allegedly collected from him in order

for his name not to be listed, indicated that some of the oil marketers were innocent of the allegations against them.

Most of the probes of the past have been mere political noise making to convince Nigerians that the National Assembly is actually on top of the game in

terms of fighting corruption.

So far, what has been revealed is that what transpired was largely a business transaction in which US dollars was the language.

It is obvious that some of the oil marketers have been wrongly indicted by the

committee whose integrity is questionable to the core. At this point we may not all agree on what is currently going on, but Lawan must tell Nigerians why some oil marketers were indicted. He must account for the money collected so far. These oil marketers have helped in times past to reduce fuel scarcity in Nigeria and nothing else. It is time for Lawan to face his own music of corruption for unlawfully indicting oil marketers as cabals.

By Godday Odidi

Reorganise Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority

M

EDIA reports since June 3 when the Dana Airline plane crashed have shown that the tragedy could have been avoided if the regulatory agency in charge of airlines operations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), had done its job well. The body is responsible for “securing the safety, efficiency and regularity of air navigation and the safety of aircraft and of persons and property carried in aircraft, and for

preventing aircraft from endangering other persons and property,” according to the Civil Aviation Act of 2006.

The aircraft that crashed should have been grounded by the NCAA because of its recent history of technical problems. In fact, the aircraft should have been under the sharp focus of the regulatory body since it was brought into the country because of its well-documented record of technical issues while in the

service of its previous owners.

If the accounts of a staff of the Dana Airlines, which said an engineer had advised against sending the aircraft on that fateful journey, are true, the owners of the airline have to be prosecuted for mass murder.

And for having failed to do their duty, the key officials of the NCAA should also be prosecuted alongside the owners of Dana Airlines. They are supposed to have kept tab of all operations in the industry includingclosely monitoring

the aircraft used by the airlines. That is the duty of the agency, which is to ensure safety in the aviation industry.

The latest tragedy is a clear case of failure of governance in the aviation industry and it provides a good opportunity to reorganise the regulatory bodies in the industry generally.

Appointments to key positions in these agencies should also be depoliticised

and specialised recruitment companies be used to fill these positions whenever they are vacant. Also, the tenure of officials of such agencies as NCAA should be stable and their pay commensurate with the heavy responsibility they carry. These are some of the measures that have to be taken in the long term to ensure a safe aviation industry in Nigeria and make tragedies a thing of the past.

Femi Awoniyi, Heidelberg, Germany

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16

Boko Haram: the road not taken

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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HERE is no doubt that Boko Haram now has the reputation of being the greatest informal threat to Nigeria’s unity. The civil war was a formal threat. It was not individual Igbos or groups of them that declared war on the nation. It was the Nigerian military government in the Eastern Region that did that. In a way, the Biafran war was a government-to-government conflict. Individual Igbo men and women did not have any objection to the worldview of Nigerians in other parts of the country; they felt unsafe in northern Nigeria and were called home to safe grounds by the government of their region.

At the beginning, the Boko Haram’s war was against Muslims who were not considered by the group to be orthodox enough, those that were found in or near beer parlours.

Later, the war was taken to government institutions and international organizations, such as police stations or the United Nations office in Abuja. In its present state, Boko Haramists direct their violence primarily at

I

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Shortly after Boko Haram launched its terror against Nigeria, I wrote a longer version of the article below. The hope then was (as it is now) to urge our rulers to approach this new political challenge with creativity and courage, rather than over relying on the mantra of our country’s indivisibility passed down by military rulers. The new tempo of violence in Kaduna and Yobe and the ‘Enough is enough’ response of Igbo and Christian groups necessitate the re-featuring of this article.

Christians.

At the infancy of the Boko menace, pundits quickly theorised the advantage and disadvantage of dialogue and discipline as mutually exclusive or complementary approaches available to government. The dithering and temporizing that marked government’s response in the first four months of Boko Haram’s outing grew out of the uncertainty generated by the schools of dialogue and punishment. Most northern leaders and institutions called for dialogue as preferred option, citing the Umaru Yar’Adua’s adoption of Amnesty for Niger Delta militants.

The road not taken so far is to recognize the imperative of apprehending the subtext of Boko Haram’s message. The surface text of the sect’s message is about the violence to government institutions and now to Christians. The subtext is that the sect wants to engage the rest of the nation on how to re-organise or re-structure the multicultural

and multi-religious character of the nation. It should not be too hard for federal and state governments and their advisers to come to terms with the subtext of Boko Haram’s messages.

Members of the sect want to live in a region or a country (if they succeed through terrorism) that is organized and ruled on the basis of Sharia jurisprudence and religious intolerance. In effect, the sect wants to change the nature of the Nigerian state.

It is conceivable that the federal government can muster enough force to defeat Boko Haram. But it is not likely that this will automatically kill the idea that drives the sect, particularly the sect’s obsession with religious intolerance. Just as it is with all wars and conflicts, there is always room for talk to prevent major conflict or to end it. This is why treaties are signed after full-scale wars, to usher in peace. This is also why talks are held to pre-empt wars. We went to Aburi to work against having to go to war with Biafra, but the

rest is history.

It is still not too late to call a conference of all stakeholders in the Nigeria project. It is reassuring that the federal government has emphasized the importance of unity in its rhetoric against Boko Haram. But the federal government does not need to be obsessed about national unity to the point of not seeing that Boko Haram is calling for a negotiation of the character of a united Nigeria.

Boko Haramists are asking for a true situation of unity in diversity. It is not the unity part of the country’s goal that is at stake; it is the diversity part of it that appears to be at issue with the fanatic sect.

The federal government needs to provide leadership for a national conference on how to keep the country united, rather than waxing eloquent on the dogma of indivisibility of the nation. The insistence on legalism as excuse for not having a constitutional conference has become obsolete in light of Boko

Haram’s increasing violence. The legislators that claim that no other group should be allowed to create a new constitution appear to be as helpless as the executive on the issue of Boko Haram. If Boko Haram is not contained, it appears capable of running the legislators out of town. Nigeria needs a constitutional conference to negotiate the place of cultural diversity in its territorial unity.

There needs to be a national conference or constituent assembly at which Boko Haram and its supporters are given the chance to participate in negotiating with other ethnic and religious groups in the country a new federal constitution that addresses religious diversity, rotation of presidential power, freedom for federating units to live according to their preferred values, etc. Any group that feels it cannot participate in a federal system should be given the option to check out of the federation.

This is the time to let sponsors of Boko Haram know that no citizen or group has the license to exploit the nation’s obsession with unity at all costs. This is not the time to believe that the mantra of indissolubility is good enough to neutralize the danger posed to the country’s unity by Boko Haram. This is the time to stop playing the ostrich. This is the time to get realistic. Nigeria is endangered by Boko Haramists.

Otedola, Lawan and the sting operation

REMEMBER the late Afrobeat music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti in his Stalemate /African Mess Fela sang with aplomb: “Don’t worry about my yansh o. I dey use water to clean my yansh when I shit finish. Because each time I use toilet roll, my yansh still dey smell. He went on: “Don’t worry about my mouth o. I dey use chewing stick every morning when I wake up.” Drawing a conclusion Fela gave his reason for doing so: “. . . Because dirty mouth cannot talk clean thing.”

Can something stand on nothing? In answering this question, I am inclined to refer to that topical issue under the law of contract, entitled vitiating elements. Perhaps I could have my premises from which I can then derive my logical conclusion. I remember I was taught that certain conditions must subsist in an agreement to have it binding on the parties entering into it, viz: that the parties must have legal capacity, the contract must be supported by consideration, the resulting agreement must have been a genuine one etc. The absence of any of these in an agreement makes it void, voidable or unenforceable.

Thus an agreement which is valid ab initio may become invalid later, or unenforceable by an action in law if it is found that a party to the agreement had hidden facts sufficient enough to make the other party take a reasonable decision, including whether or not he could enter into the agreement intended to be legally binding on either of the parties. To avoid this, all agreements tenet preaches contract uberrimae fidae, i.e. contract of utmost good faith. In other words there should be full disclosure of facts by all parties to an agreement to make the other party arrive at valid decisions when entering into the contract. Failure to do so renders a hitherto valid contract ab initio invalid thereafter.

Perhaps we may apply this logic to the present scenario on the Femi Otedola and Hon. Faruk Lawan

By ‘Tunji Ajayi

bribery allegation. Hon. Lawan earlier denied he ever took any bribe from Otedola. But curiously enough, he later owned up that he took the bribe “to nail him.” But Nigerians will recall that shortly before the release of the Ad-Hoc Committee report on Fuel Subsidies Mismanagement on April 18, 2012 and the adoption of the committee’s recommendations by the general House of Representatives on April 25, 2012, Hon. Farouk Lawan admitted that there were pressures from different quarters on his Committee to compromise its stand, but which were resisted. The point here is that even when the probe was on, there could possibly have been pressures, apparently from the suspects, and in this case, oil marketers and the relevant stakeholders. Succinctly put, there had been pressure of inducement which the Ad-Hoc Committee Chairman “rebuffed” or “rebuffing” as the now controversial Chairman claimed then. Or, as the emerging scenario reveals, there could have been subtle demand for it by the Committee through its chairman, as alleged by Femi Otedola. This suggests a lot of undercurrents while the probe was on. But from the current Otedola and Lawan’s suffocating altercations, it is difficult to agree that the Committee actually and truly rebuffed the pressures, and never not succumbed to pressure of inducements.

The Chairman is the image of a committee. If Hon. Faruk Lawan is found culpable of this grave allegation then, the integrity of the committee is called to question. The elephant is too awesome to be killed, slaughtered and eaten alone by a single hunter. Whether the actual sum under consideration is $600,000 or $620,000, either of the inducement sum purported to have been offered by Femi Otedola or received by Hon. Faruk Lawan, may not have been offered to grease the palm of only the Chairman;

as he alone, without having surrogates, may not easily sway the report in his favour; if the gratification is truly meant to achieve that purpose.

However if our guess is accurate, the question is this: Can an integrity-tainted committee come out with untainted report? Can a corrupt judge deliver an incorruptible judgment? Would Hon Herman Hembe, the embattled Chairman of the probe panel into the near collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market, who was alleged to have demanded N44 million similar gratification from the Security Exchange Commission have come out with untainted judgment if he was allowed to continue as the chairman of that probe panel? In realization of the grave effect of continued serving as the panel chairman, Herman Hembe was asked to step down from his exalted position before the conclusion of the probe, while another person took over the chairmanship position.

In the case of the probe on the mismanagement of oil subsidies, Hon. Farouk Lawan-led ad-hoc Committee had concluded its assignment and submitted its report to the general house which had adopted the report.

Nigerians newspapers are agog with comments being made on the electronic and print media, most of which hinge on the government need to urgently implement the recommendations of the Faruk Lawan Committee on the mismanagement of fuel subsidies regime, irrespective of whatever comes out of Faruk Lawan bribery allegation investigations by relevant agencies. Nigerians are no doubt shocked and dismay to hear about the magnitude of fraud that went on for many years in the petroleum industry especially the attendant impact on the national economy and our growth stultification. Thus Nigerians are right to demand punishment for whoever is “indicted” by the report.

But here is a call for caution. When-

ever anger is expressed with rage and wrath, there is always a commission of grave error and extra-judicial action.

This is because rather than act discretely, reasons are submerged by emotions and anger, while worse errors are committed.

Here is one of the views as canvassed by a lawyer: “Sting operations are always to be treated with utmost caution even by courts of law as there may be other less than noble agenda behind them.” The erudite lawyer went on: “ The allegation (i.e. against Farouk Lawan) even when proven in my view, does not nullify the resolution of the whole House endorsing the report. The fact that a member or two of a committee compromised themselves is not sufficient to discredit the report of the Lawan Committee (who) should also be invited by the EFCC and thoroughly grilled so that any of them who misconducts himself or herself can be thoroughly dealt with.”

While all the facts about the scandal it is yet to be established, I make bold to say that one or two members of a committee taking bribe from those the committee is established to investigate have far reaching negative effect on the outcome of that committee’s investigation. Who knows at what stage did inducements start to come in? Was it at the inauguration of the committee, during its entire tenure, or after the report was submitted? How many are beneficiaries or expected to be beneficiaries of such inducements? Did inducements in whatever form come from other accused or respondents? Indeed, the Chairman of a Committee is the face of that committee. All meetings, whether private or public meetings are guided by law, and in most cases statutory declarations.

For example, in National Dwellings Society v. Sykes, 1894, the major functions of a chairman were clearly stated as: (a) preservation of order, (2) conducting meeting pro-

ceedings in a proper manner, (c) ensuring that the sense of the meeting is properly ascertained with regard to any question placed before the meeting.

In the book, The Law and Procedure of Meetings, Pitfield and Hughes states interalia: “The success of a meeting is largely dependent upon the personality, expertise and character of the Chairman. He must have the personal attributes required of an Umpire. He must subordinate his personal views to those of the meeting.” The above assertion is pregnant with meanings. It means that in order to direct the affairs of a meeting without bias, the inner person and character of the Chairman must be untainted. Because of his moral scruple and proven integrity, he is seen as an unbiased umpire. Thus in football matches, once a single referee, amongst numerous others, takes an inducement to influence matches in under his care in a Championship, the entire Championship is corroded. No good result can be expected. The doctrine of severance does not even apply, as the teams he helped to qualify to the next stage illegally and dubiously sail through to the next round. I am not an oil magnate; neither do I own a petrol station. Indeed, I am petrol-phobic due to its inflammatory capacity.

But permit me to state in clear terms that if Hon. Faruk Lawan’s duties, according to National Dwellings Society v. Sykes 1894, include, among others, conducting the meeting of Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidies Mismanagement “in proper manner” and was truly found to have taken bribe of whatever amount, aimed at being induced in the course of his duties; without prejudice to the interest of anybody, the whole report is corrupted, tainted and inconsequential, mainly because something cannot arise from a nullity. Verbum Satis Sapienti.

Ajayi writes from Lagos

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Tunji

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

W

HY is it that arm-chair critics are ever ready to shoot down President Goodluck Jonathan’s ideas, programmes and policies? Why is it that just like his political godfather, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whatever he did right must have been a mistake? It is so bad that when the president puts something in the east, they say he should have put it in the west, whereas if he had put it in the west, they would still have asked if it was not better put in the east. The president’s case has become like that of a wife that the husband no longer wants; when she cooks, the salt or pepper is either too much or too little. It could never be just sufficient; the soup can never taste delicious, no matter what the unwanted wife puts into its making. In the specific instance of the president, why have the scales fallen from the eyes of the romantic pair of lovers (Nigerians who gave him a pan-Nigeria mandate and himself) so soon?

For example, just a few weeks back, President Jonathan renamed the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Moshood Abiola University (MAULAG). When he did, he must have expected applause, especially against the backdrop of the fact that Nigerians had been clamouring for the immortalisation of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 election that General Ibrahim Babangida annulled. But, instead of applause, the president had to contend with an unappreciative citizenry; the alumni

Comment & Analysis

Off to Brazil! So what?

Jonathan can’t ‘live’ by Nigeria alone and all who felt the brand name of their darling university had gone with the winds which that renaming represented.

The bile this time is the president’s trip to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday, when Kaduna and Zaria were literally on fire, after terrorists had bombed churches, killing many worshippers in the process. The critics felt the president’s decision to embark on the trip was the height of insensitivity and irresponsibility.

To them, the reasons for the trip did not matter. They did not understand why our president had to be at the all-important earth summit and the reception hosted by the Brazilian President for Heads of Government at the summit. Pray, if our president had not gone to such an event, how would it sound? Mind you, this was a programme long scheduled before anyone thought a crisis of the magnitude that was witnessed in Kaduna and Zaria would ever occur.

So, if our president did not go, won’t that give the impression that the country is troubled? But with our president in attendance, his colleagues would know that he is fully in charge.

Even if the other leaders watched the carnage on CNN or wherever, all our president needed to tell them was that

only a few persons were killed in the disturbance. Or, are human beings not mere statistics in our country?

Again, should any of his colleagues in Brazil decide not to be satisfied with that answer, the president should remind such a leader that Nigeria is on auto-pilot.

Information minister, Labaran Maku, has said that much; that wherever the president is, he can pass instructions to whoever he wants to do one thing or the other; and more so, when the vice president is around. So, it is immaterial whether the president is at home or abroad; he can, in fact, be at home, abroad.

What Maku failed to add was that all the principal officers – the president, vice president o, senate president o, speaker of the House of Representatives, all may decide to travel at the same time or even be all present at home, that would not have any effect on those who throw bombs; it has no effect on cases of kidnap or robbery; it does not add to the megawatts of electricity that Nigerians will enjoy; it does not fix our roads or hospitals or schools. So, there is really nothing to miss about the president’s trip to Brazil. And was Maku saying anything new? No. Those in the late President Umaru

“Perhaps the most ridiculous insinuation was that suggesting that the president found the Brazil trip irresistible because that country is literally flowing with beautiful ladies and women, the type only saints could look at without their hearts humming and pounding like a badly refurbished generator ... So, even if the body is willing or the flesh wants to ‘use’ the president, it has Patience to contend with. Definitely, the First Lady needed no persuasion to be on the trip because ‘security reports’ must have told her of the Brazilian knockout ladies and their skimpy bikinis.”

Musa Yar’Adua’s kitchen cabinet told us the same thing; that Yar’Adua could rule Nigeria even from his dying bed in faraway Saudi Arabia! That is how easy it is to rule Nigeria. Jonathan has proved just that by sacking his national security adviser, General Andrew Azazi even while away.

There is no doubt too that some people would say that President Barack Obama of the United States, for instance, would never have made such a trip if faced with the same circumstances as our president. The answer to that is simple: that is why Obama is President of the United States and President Jonathan is President of Nigeria. Nigeria and the U.S., are they the same? If the critics wanted an Obama type of president, why did they not tell God their preference so they could be born in the United States and be U.S. citizens?

Having accepted to be Nigerians, President Jonathan they wanted; President Jonathan they got.

Perhaps the most ridiculous insinuation was that suggesting that the president found the Brazil trip irresistible because that country is literally flowing with beautiful ladies and women, the type only saints could look at without their hearts humming and pounding like a badly refurbished generator. You can now see that there is no extent that political detractors would not go in their vain search for nothing in particular. So, what are they trying to suggest? That our own president would have travelled to Brazil for such mundane things? As at the last time I checked, President Jonathan was not a socialist. It is my socialist friends who would tell you that beautiful ladies are the lubricants of the struggle. The president conquered all struggles from the time lack of shoes ceased to be his portion.

Our own Goodluck waved bye to such bad luck a long time ago.

On a serious note, now, even if it must come to that, can’t those damsels

17

be ‘imported’ from Brazil? After all, I hear we did it for one of our former military rulers before; we can do it again. There is no question of the fact that we have generously approved resources to spoil our Number One Citizen such that ‘man no be wood’ allowance can also be accommodated, in spite of our insistence on slashing the jumbo budget the First Family had wanted before the fuel subsidy palaver in January.

But, it was as if the president was reading the minds of these critics; he did not travel to Brazil alone.

Obviously, he did not want to be led into temptation (especially in these days of pen recorders); he took his darling Patience along. So, even if the body is willing or the flesh wants to ‘use’ the president, it has Patience to contend with. Definitely, the First Lady needed no persuasion to be on the trip because ‘security reports’ must have told her of the Brazilian knockout ladies and their skimpy bikinis. Patience would therefore have taken patience too far if she had allowed the president to go to Brazil alone. So, for President Jonathan, there were only two options: either ‘man must be wood’ (zip up) or man must live by Patience alone!

We will have to demand which was the case now that the president has returned; at least as part of our democratic rights on full disclosure.

However, my advice to him concerning the unrelenting critics is that he should just ignore them.

Meanwhile, I also recommend Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s album, Ketekete (donkey), to him. Nothing in the circumstance can be more soothing. Again, Mr. President may find the advice on the sticker on the door of one of my friends in the university useful in a time like this: ‘when all else fails, eat and relax’! And, if I may add, get drunk on cognac and forget about Nigeria’s sorrow! Have I spoken well?

The heart of the matter is really a matter of the heart Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 08187172799 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

I

T is not easy living in this world.

It is even harder living in this country, so hard that you sometimes don’t know which you would rather prefer: to pack your things together and join those who voluntarily took their exit via an internet site or to sit down, place your hand on your chin and keep on sighing.

The internet exit happened some years ago at the instance of some mentally and financially unbalanced wreck who asked equally deluded, cyber-crazy people to join him in astral travel with their portmanteaux (of money) at a meeting point where he promptly fed them poison. He told them he would take care of their luggage. They did travel to space all right, but I don’t think it was quite the one they had in mind.

I think I’ve reported this before too, but never mind; for you, I’ll repeat any story.

It is also not easy living in the same country with scientists, worse still, card-carrying ideologue-scientists. Most of them, you will agree with me, are mad. But then, so are most artists. The difference lies mostly in the degree of madness each displays. Whereas your mad

Wanton killings are going on but the worst part is that nobody quite knows why artist is often mad to himself because he indulges in things like starvation, self-immolation, self-destruction, self-deception (usually over a girl) and so on while creating eternal truths of beauty; your mad scientist, on the other hand, kills. He timorously (that’s just it, he would never show much emotion over his science) invents and mixes solutions and other stuff that blow up in people’s faces and then says ‘Oops, sorry’.

Wanton killings are going on in the northern part of Nigeria, but the worst part is that nobody quite knows why, perhaps the group of killers has elected to kill for the sake of admiring their own handiwork.

This ‘motiveless malice’ (thanks, Mr. Shakespeare) smacks of a purposelessness that can only be explained as being due to ‘sponsorship’, which of course, everyone has guessed at.

The problem, however, is not so much that evil reigns; it is that evil finds somewhere from which to reign.

Rather lost for something to write on last week, I visited the internet for some inspiration where I came across the story of the wife of a former PM berating stay-at-homemums (SAHM) for being uninspiring to their children and raising ‘unambitious’ children because children from such homes, according to the former first lady, only look out for some rich fellow to marry. I got the impression that the lady wished to tell such mums to look at her and emulate her, a welladjusted lawyer and mum who had put the act of juggling home and career down to an art.

Well, I thought, as I read the report, there was first the mixing of issues in a not very logical way. It is a known fact that it is not only children of SAHMs who look for rich people (either sex) to marry; anyone from any family type can do that. Secondly, really, not everyone can afford the kind of child care unit filled with attendants the speaker probably had while the family was in office. But, I digress. What I want to bring out from that story is the problem of dissociation that can make someone feel so distant from his land as to seriously commit himself to bombing parts of it or sponsor someone to bomb it for some personal gain. That disconnect, I believe, is actually hinged on the problem of the Nigerian family no longer being able to define itself.

When I was growing up, the family unit was well and admirably defined. It consisted of a father, mother and any number of biological or non-biological children, even if the latter only came in from the streets. They all mixed together as one because there was plenty of love to go round, particularly as the mother was always at hand. Fewer women worked then, perhaps that accounted for why everyone was happy. Not only could the mother be roused from her mid-morning forty winks to bandage a finger or reattach an arm or a leg (I exaggerate, I know), but she gave her family and other neighbourhood children a firm ground to stand, and play, on. She was the heart of the family; her being intact meant that the family was intact.

Not working did not really

mean that the mother did nothing.

Often, she ran a shop situated close to home where she could make a trade and also keep a wary eye on the brood in her charge. Our favourite shop when I was young was run by a non-working mother who would have to be called in the middle of attending to her family to attend to someone in need of a purchase. No one minded that one’s box of matches sometimes had water on it: it was all in the spirit of neighbourliness since everyone’s heart was really in its right place.

Her presence at home meant that her children could sleep well and grow well, in that order. It also meant that the children did not have to grow up with anxieties about homework and exams and invigilation schedules at age three.

The eighties and nineties saw women shooting out of their houses, like uncaged rabbits, to go foraging around for work. Then, the children were left scratching their heads, wondering where their cook, nurse and general dogsbodies had gone and if things would ever be the same again. Half of them ended up in prenursery and nursery and post-nursery where they began early to collect their backpacks of post-modernist angst, anxieties, neuroses and the complimentary psychiatrists who sometimes double as teachers or sect leaders. And, you should see the kind of faith these children have in their leaders. They faithfully learn all they are taught, dutifully become scientists, dutifully do all they are told and willingly become bombers.

Many mothers have left home

in search of self-fulfilment. The job comes first, the social life second and the home a distant third. This is the reality in Nigeria today. So, the result of mothers not staying at home is that vacancies now exist in the children’s hearts, often filled by outsiders such as sect leaders. This is why many children swear by their teachers or leaders’ words. Whoever provides the anchor gets their loyalty. In this battle of controlling the heart of many children today across the country, the family has lost out because the unit can no longer function as it used to. An armed robber was said to have bitten off the ears of his mother while he hung to be shot because he believed her not getting a firm hold on him was responsible for his loss of direction. I have no idea whether she was a working mother or not, but she must have been too preoccupied with something or other to pay her son much attention.

A children’s rhyme says something to the effect that for want of a shoe, the horse was lost; for want of a horse, the rider was lost; for want of a rider, the war was lost; for want of a war, the nation was lost. Similarly, we can say that for the need of a job, the mother was lost; for want of a mother, the children were lost; for want of children, the home was lost; for want of homes, the nation was lost. The nation, no doubt, has lost its heart and the absence of family values are now responsible for the teeming disconnected youths plying the streets. They have nothing to anchor their emotions on or to ground their fears in. Really, the nation has to find its heart again.

18

I

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Comment & Analysis

have nothing against the Islamic faith. As a matter of fact some of my most loyal friends are practicing Muslims. There are many Muslims in my family and my maternal great grandmother was an illustrious Fulani woman from the Muslim core north. I do however, believe that there is a world of difference between a true Muslim and an Islamis. The former is a humble worshipper of God who seeks to peacefully and piously live his life in accordance with the dictates of his faith and in true harmony with his neighbour. He is tolerant, reasonable, rational and God-fearing. The latter is the opposite. He is an Islamic fundamentalist and an extremist who seeks to impose his will and his own understanding and interpretation of Islam on others by compulsion, intimidation, violence and terror. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria today fall into the former category but there is a small and growing minority that sadly fall into the latter.

That group constitutes those that we describe today as Boko Haram and they have been waging a relentless and brutal war of terror against the Nigerian state and people for the last few years. They are indeed the enemy within. The question is what should our collective response be to these men of violence and blood.

That, together with the a cursory analysis of how we got into this mess and the way out of it is the topic of this essay.

Some are of the view that we ought to enter some form of dialogue with Boko Haram and that this would eventually solve the problem. My younger brother, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, enunciated that position rather well in an article titled ‘’How To Address The Boko Haram Problem In Nigeria’’ (25th June, 2011) . He suggested that President Goodluck Jonathan should enter into negotiations with the Islamist terrorist group as quickly as possible regardless of the fact that they themselves have made it clear that they are not interested in any form of dialogue with the government and that they have murdered thousands of innocent and defenseless Nigerian men, women and children in the last three years alone. I respectfully beg to differ with Dokubo on this issue and indeed with all those that share this view.

In my view, the solution is simple to the Boko Haram problem is simple. They must be utterly crushed by the Nigerian state and certainly not negotiated with. This is because in any serious society there can never be dialogue, compromise or any form of negiotiation with terrorists whilst they are still carrying arms and waging war against the state and the people. Worst still, there can be no compromise with those that seek to forcefully establish a 17th century Islamic fundamentalist caliphate in our country and those that seek to impose their strange and outdated values on each and everyone of us.

Worst still, there is no doubt in my mind that Boko Haram is part of the world-wide Al Qaeda-sponsored ‘’global jihad’’ and if we give them one inch they will definitely take a mile. We cannot afford to have peace with them on any terms or peace with them at the cost of our hardearned civil liberties, liberal and cherished values, plural and multicultural society and modern way of life. There must come a time when we as a people can boldly say ‘’enough is enough’’ and when we draw the line in the sand. And if Boko Haram crosses that line they must be confronted by the full force of the Nigerian Armed Forces who must be ready, willing and able to

The poor husband, the rich wife and Boko Haram

•Shalom Church Trikaniya, Kaduna, scene of the recent bomb explosion.

By Femi Fani-Kayode

unleash hell on them regardless of the collateral damage and immense infrastructural destruction that this will cause in various parts of our country. President Olusegun Obasanjo did this decisively and with ruthless efficiency in the town of Odi in the Niger Delta area a number of years ago with remarkable success. By the time the Nigerian Armed Forces finished shelling Odi from the land, the sea and the air there was not one building left standing there except for, interestingly, the local bank. The casualties in terms of human life were extreemly high but the point was made and the objective achieved. From that point on, the Niger Delta militants stopped killing policemen and soldiers right up until the time that Obasanjo left power. Why can the same solution not be applied to the Boko Haram problem by the Jonathan administration today? What is the fear? Why should the same treatment not be meted out to any city or community in our country that grants the footsoldiers of Boko Haram covert support, safe haven, sanctuary or shelter? This is all the more important because they are not true muslims or believers in God. Rather they are a cancer that must be identified, isolated and cut out of our body politic before they spread their terrible diesease of hate, extreemism, violence and intolerance throughout the federation and the reprisals begin.

That is what a strong, focused, resolute and purposeful government ought to do. Sadly we have not seen any such thing from our government. Instead what we have witnessed from them are a series of feeble and pathetic pleas for dialogue with the enemy and the shameful display of weakness, incompetence and insensitivity when faced with their terror. To make matters worse, the National Chairman of the President’s own ruling PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, recently declared that Boko Haram was ‘’fighting for justice’’. What a thing to say by an elder statesman who I not only have tremendous respect for but who I have always regarded as a father. I really do wonder what type of ‘’justice’’ he is referring to when churches are now being blown up virtually every

Sunday morning all over the north and when thousands of defenseless Christians are being slaughtered on a daily basis. Is that what the Chairman calls ‘’fighting for justice’’. Are these the people that are denying Boko Haram their justice and that are denying them their rights? Are they the ones that killed their leader, Mohammed Yusuf, a few years ago? Boko Haram started by targetting government institutions and security agencies with extreeme and deadly violence but now they have graduated to killing the followers of Christ and they have made known their intention to wipe out Christianity in northern Nigeria and to stop Christians from peacefully worshipping their God. Is that the ‘’just cause’’ that they are fighting for?

We must understand that Boko Haram, what they stand for and what they seek to establish is patently evil and that what they are doing represents the greatest threat to Nigerian unity since our civil war. They are not just a danger to christians but to all true Muslims as well. Real muslims like Dokubo, Tukur and all the others that believe that Boko Haram are fighting a ‘’just cause’’ would do better by trying to educate and enlighten their misguided Islamist brothers. They should advise them to stop the violence, to stop the slaughtering of Christians and true Muslims, to stop destabilising the Nigerian state, to stop trying to islamise northern Nigeria, to stop trying to return our country to the dark ages of the 17th century and to stop trying to wage a global war of terror against the rest of humanity. We as a people must not allow ourselves to be intimidated by their evil agenda and we must vigorously and courageously resist them no matter what it takes. No responsible and strong government would compromise or enter into negotiations with such barbarous and evil men that have so much blood on their hands. To throw down the gauntlet and confront such evil is one of the major challenges of our time and it is a challenge that our government must not fail to rise up to in a fearless, vigorous and responsible manner.

A few home truths must now be told. We Christians take strong

exception to the fact that literally hundreds of thousands of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters from all over the country have been brutally killed by Muslim fundamentalists in northern Nigeria over the last 50 years for no just cause.

The innocent blood of those people cries to God in heaven for vengeance and it gets louder and louder by the day. Boko Haram have said publically that they want the adoption of full sharia law and the establishment of an Islamic fundamentalist state in all the northern states of Nigeria before they stop killing and bombing innocent people and spreading terror. Yet the truth is that that will never happen as long as Nigeria remains as one nation and remains a secular state. And if Nigeria ever stops being a secular state then we will simply break it up and go our separate ways. It is as simple as that.

No-one wants a full blown religious war but neither will anyone run away from it if it is foisted on us.

For how long can the people of the south and the middle belt sit by idly and watch silently as their own kith and kin that reside in the core north and their northern minority Christian brothers and sisters are subjected to nothing less than genocide and mass murder from the most ruthless and barbatric terrorist organisation that this country has ever known. I believe in restraint but is it humanly possible that we will be restrained forever?

Yet I believe that there is still hope and that a war can still be avoided. That hope lies in the speedy convocation of a Sovereign National Conference. That, in my view, is the only vehicle that can provide a lasting solution to the monumental challenges that we are facing in our country today, including the scourge of Boko Haram. I say this because whether we like to admit it or not, Nigeria is more divided today on ethnic and religious lines than it has ever been since our independence in 1960.

We should iron out all these issues at such a conference once and for all. These religious clashes and killings feature in the northern part of Nigeria alone and hardly in the south. In the south-west where I come from the Christians, the Muslims and the traditional worshippers are one and we treat

each other with love, respect, understanding and sensitivity. We do not kill one another on account of our religious differences. That is simply our way and clearly many from other parts of Nigeria and indeed the rest of the world have a lot to learn from us. My position is that if Nigeria cannot be built on a foundation of equality, equity and fairness for ALL her people, whether they be Christian, Muslim, northern, middle-beltern or southern, then we should reject the concept of a united Nigeria and we should begin to renegotiate the terms of our union. I love this country and I would always be amongst those to defend and speak up for her unity but the truth is that there is absolutely nothing that is sacrosanct about the unity of the Nigerian state if we cannot live together in peace.

As a matter of fact there has been a school of thought since 1914 when Nigeria was first created that it was an ‘’unworkable union’’ and a ‘’cruel joke’’. Lord Frederick Lugard’s vision, and indeed his intention, when he recommended the amalglamation of the northern and southern protectorates of Nigeria in 1914 was ably described and enunciated by his own very words when he said that the northern protectorate of Nigeria could be described as the ‘’poor husband’’ whilst the southern protectorate could be described as the ‘’rich wife’’.

He then pronounced the ‘’permanency’’ of our forced union by saying- ‘’today we marry the two and our prayer is that this union lasts forever’’. That is how the north and the south got ‘’married’’ and that is how the famous amalglamation of 1914 came about.

The problem was that the two young spouses were never asked by their British masters whether they actually wanted to stay together, let alone get married.

Worst still, the ‘’poor husband’’ was never given the opportunity to court, woo or propose to the ‘’rich wife’’.

To make matters worse the two spouses came from different worlds, had different backgrounds, had a different religion, had a different history and had a different worldview . Today the ‘’rich wife’’ and the ‘’poor husband’’ have suffered immensly in each others ‘’loving’’ arms. The marriage has been strained and turbulent. We fought a brutal and avoidable three year civil war from 1967 in which we killed no less than 2 million of our own people.

Since1960 the story has been more or less the same and the tales of tragedy and woe have just continued to pour in. If it is not genocide, mass killings or sectarian butchery by groups like Boko Haram then it is always something else. Yet today’s barbarism and mass killings are far more horrendous than ever and are far better planned, funded, orchestrated and executed by those that are behind them than ever before. The question is how much longer can the ‘’rich wife’’ and the ‘’poor husband’’ give and take this sort of thing from one another? For how long can the centre hold before the voices of reason and restraint are completely drowned by the irrational, compulsive outrage that is gradually building up and the uncontrollable outcry for reprisals and revenge? For how long can our hope and fervent prayers prevent the dogs of war from being unleashed? May God save Nigeria.

•Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Culture and Tourism and former Minister of Aviation.

POLITICS

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

A

LTHOUGH the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to finalise its new strategies on how to finance the party, the matter has already generated controversies as some progressives who spoke to The Nation over the week, described some of the alleged proposals as illegal and unacceptable.

A memo from the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Anani, to the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, proposed amongst others that the party would boost its finances by setting up a PDP Holding Company Ltd and acquiring telecom and oil liceses. It is also said that other areas explored in the draft proposal on revenue generation and investment strategies include real estate business and establishment of print and electronic media companies.

Since opposition political parties and other Nigerians got wind of the new strategy, there have been sustained debates as to how such funding of political parties would impact on the Nigerian polity.

Debate on party funding The debate on how political parties should be funded in Nigeria is not new. In fact, since high scale corruption in the polity was first traced to undue influence of the so-called godfathers, observers have expressed worry over party funding in the country. The traditional system appears to be a situation where monied men and women fund parties and control the actions of public officials who emerged on the platform of such political parties.

To curb such excesses, it was provided for in the statute that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should give some specific amount of money to political parties. In fact, section 89 of 2006 Electoral Act stipulated that 10 per cent of total grants to political parties was to be shared by political parties contesting elections while section 90 stipulated that National Assembly would determine the grants to the political parties.

But even these provisions did not totally resolve the controversy as some observers alleged that some politicians are forming political parties just to access the funds. This led to litigations and verbal crossfire that have threatened to rupture the system.

So, the Senate on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, expunged Section 89 of the 2006 Electoral Act, which empowers t INEC to share 10 percent of its grant to all registered political parties. The Senate’s decision followed an amendment of the 2006 Electoral Act after some 20 political parties went to court over funding of political parties.

The Senate, in passing the second reading of the amended Bill, noted that funding of political parties by INEC had been widely criticized even as Senators said that some of the political parties were formed merely to collect tax payers’ money. In his lead debate, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, explained that the provision was also expunged during the amendment of the Constitution.

•Adedibu

•Jega

•Tukur

PDP’s business unusual As Peoples Democratic Party finalises its latest funding plans, opposition politicians and other Nigerians express deep-rooted worry, reports Sam Egburonu Is PDP option legitimate and viable?

Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to Prof. Attahiru Jega, the National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a telephone interview told The Nation that, “The law prescribes how political parties should be funded and how par-

ties should be audited. So, INEC only expects all stakeholders, including political parties, politicians and voters, to act within the confines of the law.”

Maxi Okwu, a self-acclaimed progressive and former presidential candidate, however, told The Nation that PDP’s reported plan to incorporate a holding firm and

acquire oil and telecom licenses is illegal and unacceptable to opposition parties and Nigerians in general.

“We have heard of that plot so we are waiting for PDP to conclude it. It is illegal and unacceptable to Nigerians. We know PDP has been feeding fat on irregular funds over the years, but this reported plot is

a way of formalising or laundering this illegality. We all know that most of the resources we lost in the oil subsidy scam of 2011 went to their elaborate election campaign. We are waiting for them and we will certainly go to court over this matter,” he said.

Making reference to what obtains in some foreign countries, Okwu said, “What PDP is reportedly planning to do is not done even in United Kingdom and the United States of America.

“In the US, campaign funds largely come from individual donations, mainly for candidates. I think the highest donation an individual is expected to make to a candidate is $2,500.

Others come in little donations of $5 and $10.”

“In the United Kingdom,” he said, “it is mainly the Labour Movement that funds Labour Party while well to do members of the Conservative Party make donations for the funding of the party.

In either case, political parties do not run formal businesses.”

Considering Nigerian political situation, however, Okwu said he is worried and would want the National Assembly to make some form of appropriation for funding of political parties.

Another politician, Dr. Francis Egu, a member of All Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP) Board of Trustee, in his reaction told The Nation that the proposal will not augur well for the polity. “It will certainly not help our polity. You can see what we are experiencing while they are only patronising their parties and assisting aspirants.

If they carry out that plan and turn their party into a business entity, Nigeria will surely be in for a big economic mess. May God help us and force them to have a rethink,’ he said.

How parties are funded in other countries P OLITICAL parties are complex institutions. They are not easy to study but the work they perform appears vital in a democracy. First and foremost, parties provide “labels” through which candidates’ campaign for office. These labels give the average voter significant information to make choices at the polls. Parties also engage in electoral activity, including candidate recruitment, grassroots voter mobilisation, and broadcast advertising. Finally, parties help organise government, particularly the majority party in a legislature, which selects legislative officers and committee chairs. Given that parties are so thoroughly ingrained in the political process, it makes good sense to understand how campaign finance laws are likely to affect them.

Background on public funding and political parties According to a study by the Center for Governmental Studies, there were 25 states in 2005 that provided some form of public subsidy in state elections (CGS 2005). Of these, only 11 states offered public funds to political parties. Public subsidies are usually

•US president, Barak Obama

By Ray La Raja

granted through a check-off by state taxpayers on their tax forms (typically in the range of $1 to $10), that allows the filer to designate which political party receives the funds. In some states, there is a surcharge on a particular governmental service and this income is diverted to an election fund. More rarely, funds come from the gen-

eral treasury. At this point, I have no data regarding the portion of party budgets derived from public funds. In states in which political parties receive public funds, the parties have no limit on how much they may spend in elections. Political parties may supplement their public funds with private contributions. This practice contrasts with the Clean Election plan, used in Maine, Arizona and Vermont, in which public funds are given solely to candidates. Candidates participating in the Clean Election program may not receive private contributions, even from their party. To the degree the party supports candidates through “independent” spending, the opposing candidate receives additional public funds (beyond the established level) if they already participate in the Clean Elections program. At the federal level, public funding exists for presidential candidates. These funds are allocated directly to candidates in primaries (they receive matching funds) and for the general election (a lump sum). The major political parties receive a grant to defray the costs of their nominating conventions.

These grants have been supple-

mented in recent years by large infusions of cash (soft money) from private donors. The fact that public funding for political parties is uncommon makes the United States different from many other advanced industrial nations. In continental Europe, for example, political parties receive public funds that typically cover one-third or more of their operations. In these countries, individual candidates rarely receive public funds directly as they do in the United States. In Canada, however, both the federal and provincial governments provide tax credits for those who contribute to political parties and to candidates.

Public funding for parties is widespread in the rest of the world, but not universal. A recent survey of 111 nations by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA 2005) shows that 65 nations have public funding for political parties (59percent).

Excerpts from a paper “The Potential Effects of Public Funding on Political Parties.

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Politics

I have unfinished business in Edo —Oshiomhole Ahead of next month's Edo State governorship election, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, in this interview, spoke on his achievements in the last four years and why his second term ambition should be supported.

Excerpts

W

HAT were the challenges you inherited as governor of Edo State?

I think we can say that Edo State was a place that was completely behind in every facet of life. The infrastructural situation was in a very bad shape; roads in Benin City were not passable. There were many families who lost their children to flooding.

In the educational sector, the children were completely abandoned; in short, education was privatized by default in the sense that, the government completely diverted public money and the result was that, even the poor has to struggle to send their children to private schools.

The health sector was not better; the Central Hospital that was built in Benin City in 1903 did not receive any major maintenance across the length and breadth of Edo State. In Esan land, water remained a very critical problem; many rural communities were not connected and their schools were the same as that of Edo South and those in Edo North.

How did Edo come to that sorry state you have painted?

These were not an act of God; it was as a result of many years of mismanagement and misapplication of state resources. And so, since the state resources were privatised, that was why nothing was available to address the needs of the people, both in the economy and social sector. So, everywhere you go around Benin City, everybody had given up. You couldn’t find one functional dual carriage road in Benin City, there was no one road in Benin City with street light, there wasn’t any one public school that you can truly describe as a school.

Our children were sitting on bare floor and even at that, they did not have enough bare floor to sit. I have visited a couple of schools where the teachers showed me how they were alternating in a classroom.

Many actually believe that the situations have not changed drastically. Why are you then seeking a second term?

Unless you are living in the bedroom of one of the political parties, especially the one that presided over the liquidation of Edo State; it is only people like that that can speak the way you have spoken. I mean, the fact is that even on your way to this premises, you find that the Akpakpava Road that links to this premises with those funny roundabouts that they used to have there, is now six lane and we now have streetlights all the way from Oba Ovonramwen Square through Akpakpava, through Ikpoba River all the way to NNPC, so how could you say that nothing has changed?

We can show you effortlessly, in every ward, in every local government, beautiful schools that have been built; so beautiful that ordinary people refer to them as universities. I am talking of primary schools.

Also we have about twelve roads where a PDP leader, Dr. S.O. Ogbemudia, lives.

Even Dr. Ogbemudia told me he was persuaded to abandon that area because a lot of his neighbors had left on account of

flooding over the past 25 years that the area was abandoned. We have reconstructed over 10 roads in that area and they are complete with walkways and streetlights.

It was the one commissioned by General Yakubu Gowon just few weeks ago.

Before he died, the late Augustus Aikhomu phoned me when he was informed that we were constructing the road from Irrua-Usugbenu-UgbegunEbudin-Ujiogba in Edo Central.

For 35years, successive governments, including the ones led

by Edo prominent sons and daughters, only spent time on petitions over the project. Nobody gives that area any attention but today, we have achieved that. We are taking the road down to other communities from Igueben-Ewohimi-EwatoOhordua Road and the people there told me that they have never seen a road as beautiful as that. That has been completed.

In Edo North, Auchi now have a dual carriage connecting Auchi to Jatu and it is completed with street lights and dual carriage way for the very first time outside Benin City.

In each of the eighteen local government areas, we built a number of ultra modern primary schools, junior secondary schools and senior secondary schools. In addition, we have abolished school fees in all our schools, including all levies. Even if the previous government claimed that it implemented Universal Basic Education fund by implementing free education to primary and Junior secondary schools, parents were paying money for examination, they were paying money to buy chalks, they paid money to buy duster, they paid money to hire security to guide the premises, etc, by the time you add all their contributions together, it is more than school fees. Today, we have removed all of that.

What are the other achievements worthy of note?

Edo State Government has introduced centralised examination in our primary and in our junior secondary schools and Edo State Government pays for the examination of the students. So, education is actually free at primary and junior secondary school levels. In addition, January this year, we abolished all the fees previous governments introduced in our senior secondary schools over the past 10 years.

In Edo State, we can now talk of free, compulsory and qualitative basic education in our primary schools, junior secondary schools and our children are now talking about using marker on a white board instead of chalk.

Edo people have been known for sports

•Oshiomhole

for so many years but Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was ruined completely. But we have renovated it and put it to international or FIFA standard. Even Ogbemudia was exited that in his life time, the stadium is wearing a complete new look.

We are working in every facet of our life; we are building a modern hospital; that is Central Hospital in the heart of Benin City, which is getting to forth floor. Though we had an accident there last week, that is construction accident, once we clean it up, we are continuing with the project.

And finally in Edo North, you may have heard of a place called Imiegba, Okpekpe. There are generals who are from those areas who told me that when they were in military government, they did their best to construct those roads but they could not because they could not get the resources in their government.

They said it was impossible for people to live in those areas, but we have transformed them to beautiful holiday resorts by constructing the roads. When I took John Momoh to visit his village, he confessed to me that for the first time in his life at 53 years old, he was able to drive in comfort to his village; this is something that was unimaginable.

In 2011, Edo State had to go to capital market to raise N25 billion for capital infrastructure. How do you intend to pay back?

Yes, we went to the capital market in 2010 and we raised N25 billion. Out of that, we have been paying back every month. So, we had, by the end of 2011, paid back almost N7 billion. By now, we have paid back over N9 billion from 25 billion. But, if you compare the figures to PDP federal government, because you must make comparison; where they are spending 75percent, 80percent of their budget for recurrent and 20percent for capital and even at that, the House of Representative, the Senate and both the Villa agreed that the budget have not been performing even at 60 percent and yet, in one year alone, the federal

“In each of the eighteen local government areas, we built a number of ultra modern primary schools, junior secondary schools and senior secondary schools. In addition, we have abolished school fees in all our schools, including all levies.”

government is borrowing over one trillion naira.

So, if you are talking of Edo’s N25 billion, you also see Abuja borrowing in trillions and spending 80 percent of that on recurrent but you try to understand it when our opponent here makes argument and I asked about them their own federal government that is PDP controlled, what is the structure of their expenditure; recurrent visà-vis capital and if you check what they are using to service their debt this year alone, it’s going to over 1.3 trillion naira to service over 6 trillion naira debt.

So, I think the important thing is that whereas, others borrow because of their might, we borrow because we have established credibility, we have established track records and we borrow not to fund our recurrent expenditure, we don’t borrow to pay salaries.

But you are paying interest on the loan?

You must of course service loans. Loans are not free; those who deposit money with banks also get interest on their savings. It’s a very simple and elementary principle of economics. Now listen, when you borrow, there is economic logic to it. If we don’t build the roads today and we postpone building the roads tomorrow, between today and tomorrow, the rate of inflation will wipe off even the savings and so you are looking at, over time, that if I refuse to buy this cup of tea today, if I chose to buy it next year, what will be the cost? If I borrow to pay it today, compare to if I don’t do it next year.

Of course, I am paying interest because there is not one borrower in Nigeria; there is no one borrower anywhere in the world, who borrows without paying interest.

What varies is your rate of interest and the conditions that is attached to it, and anybody that is familiar with public finance will tell you what matter is: what did you borrow to do and this is the point I am trying to explain. We have not borrowed to host conventions, and we have not borrowed for recurrent expenditure.

We are borrowing for development and I am happy that if you take the average of states in the South-South region, you will see that Edo State is the least borrower within the South-South zone, including those states that have huge derivations, Edo State is the least borrower.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Politics

Political Politics

Political

turf

ripples

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Failed or failing: Endless debate on the Nigerian state

T

HOUGH this is her first time out in politics, Hajia Aisha Alhassan has, in the last two years, gradually emerged as a power broker of sorts in the politics of Taraba State. Prior to her election as a senator in 2011, the tall, heavily-built wealthy female politician was one of the biggest players in the Abuja property sector and also runs a highbrow eatery, Chopstick, the preferred choice of the city’s high and mighty. Married to Alhaji Ahmed Alhassan, a former Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the senator’s victory at the polls took many people by surprise as she defeated the former governor of the state, Reverend Jolly Nyame, once regarded as the undisputed godfather of the state politics. That was when the going was good between Alhassan and the state governor, Danbaba Suntai. However in the last few months, there are allegations that the two political gladiators have been embroiled in a cold war, a development that has pitched political stakeholders in the state into two factions.

R •Suntai

•Aisha-Alhassan

Aisha Alhassan in cold war with Suntai The genesis of the crisis, according to sources, may not be unconnected with the alleged sidelining of Alhassan by the governor of the state.

The climax of the crisis was the return of Ahmed Yusuf, the governorship candidate of the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) to the PDP a few

weeks ago at a well attended event boycotted by Alhassan and her supporters.

The story being peddled around today is that Suntai may support Yusuf to succeed him in2015, a plot Alhassan has allegedly vowed to frustrate.

Stem cell politics: unanswered questions

•Bassey-Ewa

T

HE raging controversy sur-rounding the ownership and control of the Stem Cell Project in Nigeria is fast acquiring deep political colouration.

Already there are allegations that some officials of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) are in active connivance with some behind-the-scene sponsors to hijack the stem cell project introduced in Nigeria by Dr. Perry Iloegbunam, 10 years ago.

Political Ripples was told that Iloegbunam was the brain behind Stem Cell Transplantation Centre for Africa (STEMCETA) and has been coordinating its activities for the past ten years with the approval of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Health. Also, a committee was put in place to monitor and carry on further researches on the project. That committee, called the National

21

Committee on the Research and Application of Stem Cell Transplantation Technology in N i g e r i a (NACRASTIN), according to our sources, had been working in collaboration w i t h •Iloegbunam STEMCETA until recently, when all seem to have fallen apart.

The bubble burst recently when Ministry of Science and Technology allegedly appointed a parallel committee without dissolving the previous one. It seems the new committee is currently working with another claimant to the project, allegedly sidelining STEMCETA and members of the existing NACRASTIN. Contacted, Dr. Perry Iloegbunam told Political Ripples: “I must confess that we went through difficulties of unimaginable magnitude and faced a lot of challenges to get the Nigeria Stem Cell Project to where it stands today. We were even treated as outcasts in our own country. Some even described the entire stem cell presentation as impossibility and therefore a 419 setup,” he said.

Iloegbunam complained that: “Today, after 10 years in the saddle, some government officials ganged up

with their business partner’s sponsors to hijack the project. We distributed stem cell books and other printed materials on the subject matter to most of the teaching hospitals and health institutions free; organised conferences, seminars and workshops free to all participants; and indeed funded all meetings and operations of the NACRASTIN without any financial input from either the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology/ the National Biotechnology Development Agency or from anywhere else.

“Today, after 10 years on the saddle, this project is at the verge of being stolen by these powerful individuals. Their modus operandi is to behave as if the Stem Cell Project is their own brain child. What is worse, they have also arranged for some opportunistic businessmen to midwife their relationship with the payment company abroad,” he said.

As the controversy rages on, many questions are being asked: Is it true that a new committee has been inaugurated by the ministry? Is it true that its script is to short change STEMCETA? More importantly, is NACRASTIN’s file actually missing as is being alleged by some stakeholders?

These are some of the many questions the minister of science and technology, Prof. Ita Bassey Ewa, must address quickly.

AISING the alarm is not always a bad idea. On certain occasions, it is good to point attention to dangers ahead when those placed in position of authority are too engrossed in taken care of self interest that they could jeopardise the collective interest.

This, indeed, is a perilous time; a time when no one seems to bother about the health of the nation and the country seems to be on autopilot with the attendant dire consequences. I am not an alarmist, nor do I believe in sensationalism, but the whole truth must be told.

Is the Nigerian nation about to prove Campbell right? Is the state about to disintegrate? If the current trend continues, how long can the state last? Many have argued that it is wrong to say Nigeria has failed, but they are quick to admit that it is failing. Almost all agree that the quality of leadership has progressively declined over the years and that the current set is the worst we’ve had in the past 51 years.

The Fund for Peace came up with a checklist of features of a state considered to have failed. They include: Loss of control of territory; loss of monopoly of the agencies of coercion; inability to provide public services and inability to interact with other states in the international community.

On the other hand, the Fund describes a failing state as one with a weak and ineffective central government; one where there is widespread corruption; non provision of public services; involuntary movement of people and one witnessing sharp economic decline.

The question is, where would you classify Nigeria? Index of Failed States attempted to help in answering the question. Of the 177 countries surveyed, Nigeria, in the past five years has been identified as one of the top 20 worst cases.

For 2011, Nigeria was ranked 14th, maintaining the spot it earned the previous year. Before then, in 2009, the country fared a little better in the 15th position. Isn’t that sufficiently alarming? Meier said the House has fallen. Many disagree and attribute his verdict to an attempt to smear the country’s image. The American State Department said, if the current trend continues, Nigeria would have disintegrated by 2015.

I may not agree that Nigeria has failed; that it shares the same features as Somalia or Afghanistan, but it is bad enough that it is evidently failing. It is more disturbing that the current leaders cannot arrest the rot and decline. They lack capacity and capability. For about one year now, the entire North appears to have collapsed. The forces of coercion have been unable to check the murderous activities of the Boko Haram sect. Despite a state of emergency declared in 15 local councils across four states, the bloodletting continues daily.

Even with the imposition of curfew in Kaduna State, there have been clashes. So, what is the state doing? President Goodluck Jonathan considered his foreign mission more important than the loss of lives and the threat of disintegration. There is no evidence that there are new ideas. The speeches have always been the same. The Police Force issues the usual warning and assures that it is in control, while our friend, Mr. Reuben Abati, runs to the press with a statement that the government is doing everything to arrest the trend.

By the way, didn’t the President promise that he would have found a solution to the criminal acts by this June? Perhaps he would tell us what he has done whenever he appears before the House of Representatives to show he is neither a weakling nor a sleeping leader.

Are public services still functioning? Where? Like other citizens, I now generate my own power, provide potable water for my family and pay for security. What about corruption? So, how does the state cater for our welfare?

Self denial will not help. We must admit that this government and its predecessors have failed Nigeria. It is doubtful if the government realises the danger posed by the army of unemployed young school leavers. Boko Haram forces have taken over the North; Kidnappers have a free reign in the Niger Delta and the South East, while the armed robbery menace has never been this bad in the West?

The state may not have failed, but it is sick. Only quack doctors are available to minister to her. To save this country, the few patriots left in the National Assembly and the civil society must seize the initiative. This house must not be allowed to collapse, finally.

In the words of Josiah Gilbert Holland, I pray: GOD, give us men! A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the lust of office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honour; men who will not lie; Men who can stand before a demagogue And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!

Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog In public duty, and in private thinking; For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds, Their large professions and their little deeds, Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps, Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.

May the good Lord save our country.s

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Politics

South-West integration and Ondo guber poll As Ondo State prepares for the October elections, Dare Odufowokan, in this report, captures the issues that will determine the results

I

NFORMED analysts have identified the proposed SouthWest integration agenda, now christened Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), as the key initiative that would henceforth boost the collective socio-economic fortunes of Yorubaland.

This perhaps explains why proponents of the agenda argue that it would be in the interest of the region to change the political leadership of the Ondo State, come October 20, 2012.

While the other states under the control of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) are promoting integration, to relive the structure of the old Western Region under a single political party, the Labour Party (LP) administration in Ondo State is seeing the move only from the political angle, and as such, is unwilling to be a part of the idea.

Olusegun Mimiko-led administration, according to sources within the government, alleges that the agenda is a plot to plant an ACN government in the state.

While ACN has not hidden its intention to displace the LP in the state, it has pointed out that the agenda is to develop the region. Few months back, the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, one of the promoters of regional integration, was in Ondo twice in two weeks and in both visits, he called for a shift in the political direction of the state towards what he called “the progressive course” and described the LP leaders as pretenders to the ideals of progressivism.

Accusing the Mimiko of objecting to the socio-economic unity of the South-West, Aregbesola, vowed to send “Iroko”, as Governor Olusegun Mimiko is known in the political circle, out of the Government House.

“Any politician in this part of the country that does not belong to our party can never be a progres-

The several probes initiated by the National Assembly notwithstanding, most Nigerians are not convinced that the legislative arm of government has carried out its oversight functions satisfactorily, reports Remi Adelowo

•Mark

•Aregbesola

•Mimiko

sive and it is time to vote them out to achieve the successes of the Awolowo days,” he said.

Another chieftain of the ACN and an aspirant to the office of the governor on the platform of the party, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, shares Aregbesola’s view. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), “Ondo cannot afford to turn its back to the direction that the rest of the West is facing.”

In a similar vein, another ACN governorship aspirant, Mr. Jayeola Ajatta, a two-time member of the House of Representatives in Lagos State, said, “it is by staying together in one political party that we can achieve our dream as a people desirous of development.”

But the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, would rather separate the DAWN initiative from the issue of belonging to one political party.

“Ondo State will definitely welcome the idea of regional integration to promote social and economic advancement of our people. What

we will not welcome is for some people to hide under the idea to promote their selfish political hegemony,” he said.

But what are the feelings of the average Ondo person? Politics aside, which of these two divides best defends the larger interest of the Yorubas in general and the Ondo people in particular? Are there other underlying factors in the agitation of the two parties? These and many more are the unanswered questions that make the October 20 poll a make or mar factor for the plan to integrate the South-West.

Scholar and respected economist, Professor Dupe Bodunrin, has this to say: “The options open to the Ondo people are very clear. If they go with Mimiko and the Labour Party, they forfeit being part of the development agenda of the South-West. If they go with ACN and other proponents of the initiative, they stand to benefit from the integration plan. What they need do really before casting their vote is to decide whether or not they want to develop at the same pace with other states in the region,” she said.

PoliticsWeek ...This week’s issues, events and persons

sundaynation@yahoo.com (08023165410 sms only)

Persons on the podium: President Goodluck Jonathan, who was recently invited by members of the House of Representatives to appear before them and answer questions on the security situation of the country, is likely to be on the podium this week. This is because as at the weekend, presidential aides were still arguing that the lawmakers may have acted beyond their powers by inviting the president.

The lawmakers think otherwise. Zakari Mohammed, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public affairs, summed up their position: “I want to say clearly here that we have not in any way overstepped our bounds.” So, who will finally bow, Mr. President or the lawmakers?

Issues: One of the major political events of the week would be the special state congress that will finally produce a democratically elected governorship candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the October governorship election in Ondo State.

National Chairman of ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, who addressed all the ACN aspirants at a meeting they held late last week in Lagos with the national leadership of the party, confirmed that the choice of the governorship candidate of ACN for the election rests in the hands of the members of the party in the state, when he said, “Ours is a democratic party. We do not dictate; we only guide.”

All the aspirants at the event pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

•Jonathan

•Tambuwal

•Akande

NASS and oversight failure S

ENATE President, David Mark was at his best. The gathering was the commencement of the second legislative session of the seventh Senate last week where the Benue Stateborn senator addressed his colleagues on the direction the Senate plans to take in the current legislative year.

In his almost 10 minutes long speech, Mark, while challenging the senators to brace up for the challenges ahead, also talked tough on how the Senate would handle its oversight responsibilities forthwith. He said, “This Senate will continue to work to expose corruption and poor administration in all areas of our national life. This is our constitutional duty.”

Not done yet, Mark in an apparent reference to the gale of probes being carried out by the National Assembly and the attendant controversies that had trailed the exercises added, “We must not allow ourselves to be cajoled into slumber or succumb to blackmail in the discharge of our duties. We will do all we can to uphold transparency and integrity in governance. In this regard, all pending investigations should be speedily

concluded without compromising thoroughness and detail,” he said.

The retired army officerturned-politician, perhaps not unmindful of opinions in several quarters that the Presidency has been adopting a lukewarm attitude to the reports of probe panels set up by the National Assembly said in a rather non-combative words, “We will, however, continue to bring all requisite legislative pressure to bear on the right quarters to do the right things with our reports.”

Not many Nigerians, however, agree with Mark that the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has performed its oversight responsibilities creditably well in the last 12 years of democratic rule.

Poor budget implementation, coupled with lack luster performance of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have been the norm, with the National Assembly rating the performance of nation’s budgets in the last five years at a dismal 35 percent or less.

In spite of the wide publicity usually given to the many probe panels by the National Assembly, through live television coverage, many Nigerians are still blaming the seemingly endless corruption

scandals on lack of adequate oversight functions. The argument is that if the lawmakers have carried out that sensitive function effectively, corrupt practices would reduce significantly.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dino Melaye, in an interview with The Nation said, “The performance of the National Assembly in carrying out its oversight functions has been very abysmal to say the least.

There is no sincerity of purpose and fear of God by our lawmakers to do the job for which they were elected.”

Melaye, who now runs an NGO, Anti Corruption Network, attributed the poor implementation of budgets by ministries, departments and agencies to what he described as the “satanic collaboration between National Assembly members and officials of the MDAs. Another former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ned Nwoko, who spoke to The Nation on the telephone, analysed the failure of oversight from another perspective. In his words: "Politics in Nigeria is totally different from what it ought to be. In this country, unfortunately, over-

sight function is just a mere rhetoric. There is no such thing as oversight now. It (oversight) has been a charade in this dispensation, because people are being compromised at every given opportunity."

When The Nation called the spokesman of the Senate, Chief Enyinnaya Abaribe, to speak on the issue, he promised to call back but never did. But the Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, gave the House a pass mark. He stated, "As far as we (House) are concerned, we have not fared badly in our oversight responsibilities in spite of the distractions of the capital market and fuel subsidy probes."

Mohammed also disagreed with critics who alleged that there is an unholy collaboration between lawmakers and top officials of MDAs. He explained, "Lawmakers are not contractors but custodians of our constituencies. If they come to us and say these are the projects we want to execute, we have the right to say 'put project A here or there,' because we know our constituencies better. These MDAs usually look for the slightest excuse to blackmail the legislature," he said.

INSIGHT

23

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

WATER Billion naira investments fail to quench Nigeria’s thirst •Farouk Lawan

•Many Nigerians still drink from polluted village streams

Since the inception of the Yar’Adua/ Jonathan administration in 2007, government at all levels, donor agencies and nongovernmental organizations have invested close to one trillion naira on water projects, yet about 70% of the country’s population don’t have access to clean water. Stakeholders identify corruption as the major cause of the problem Olukayode Thomas reports.

G

OING by the words of Water Resources Minister, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, 75 million of Nigeria’s 150 million population lack access to potable water, no thanks to paucity of funds despite the appropriation of N70.8 billion to the water sector in the 2011 budget.

Heightening the fear of the minister that the figure may be child’s play is the fact that this year’s appropriation of N39 billion is less than that of last year- a far cry from what is required to meet the water for all target in 2015.

The reduction in allocation is giving operators in the water sector sleepless nights, even as they blame corruption for the unavailability of potable water DEMAND FOR INCREASE IN ALLOCATION To Danladi Sankara, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, allocation of N39 billion to the Water Resource Ministry could derail the efforts to achieve food security.

He argued that the ministry is very crucial, hence, the need to make more money available.

A recent report by the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, (UNICEF) pointed out that over 180,000 children die annually in Nigeria because of lack of potable water. “We are likely to face a di-

•Ochekpe

•Sankara

lemma as a result of under-funding of the Ministry responsible for water development, he said”.

According to him, the National Assembly will look at the budget again, “I will suggest that Water Resources should receive an allocation of about N120 billion in the 2012 budget.”

WATER EXPERTS DISAGREE

Experts, however, disagree with Sankara.

The problem, they argue is not funding, but corruption, abandoned project, insincerity, and lack of planning, “Let’s use the last five years of Yar ‘Adua and Jonathan government as a benchmark. In the last five years, the federal, states, local governments, the non-governmental organisations (NGO) and even individual have

spent more than N1 trillion on water provision, yet about 80 per cent of Nigerians do not have access to clean water, it is a shame,” says Abu Waziri an Abuja based water engineer.

He observed that at the federal level N39 billion has been budgeted for water in 2012, N70.8 billion in 2011and in 2010, when Water Resources was part of Agriculture Ministry, it got N148.7 billion. In 2009 N119.7 billion was budgeted for both ministries, in 2008, N 89 . 95 billion was budgeted for Agriculture and Water Resources with about N40 billion spent directly on Water Resources; in 2007 the total allocation to Water Resources was N57.3 billion.

“Each of the 36 states spends about N1 billion or more on water yearly. Calculate what they have spent since 2007, do the mathematics and add that of local governments and nongovernmental organisations, also add what individuals have spent. It is in excess of N1 trillion, yet about 80 per cent of the population do not have water. Corruption, not inadequate funding is killing the sector” Waziri insist.

SERAP’S LETTER TO OCHEKPE Many Nigerians outside the water sector are equally worried about how the billions allocated to the sector is being disbursed. Recently, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) wrote Mrs. Ochekpe under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act to “provide within 14 days, information on the allocation, including international aid and spending of public funds to provide access to safe and affordable water and sanitation services for Nigerians in the past five years.”

SERAP’s Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni said: “We are concerned about the number of Nigerians without access to potable

•Continued on Page 26

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

‘It’s not enough to have technical experience; one needs to have political exposure too.’

L

ET’S talk about your new job as a provost here. What keeps you going and what have been your challenges?

I am inspired because this is an idea of just one man. When I was called to come and serve here, I saw it as an opportunity to serve humanity and contribute my quota to the development of the nation and the health sector. One of our major challenges is funding. This centre is being funded by just a single person, Otunba Subomi Balogun, and in order to really give quality service we have to look for other avenues to generate funds. This is a rural area; in order to deliver quality service, we must put into consideration that it must be affordable. Our main focus is maternal and child health. We had to extend our services in areas where other people can come for services like laboratory service. But the opportunity here is that I can to do what I am doing now because it is a private hospital. If it were to be public, I may not.

Do you think that government has been able to address the issues of the health sector?

I believe that over the years there have been many interventions that are available to be used, and you know that the federal government needs to come out with the right policies. We also need to be able to monitor implementation of the policies. But as you can see because of lack of continuity of government policies, we have not been able to achieve success in our health sector.

Looking at the second phase of the question, at the state level it is a little bit better in the sense that the leadership is stable. Once you are the governor of a state you will continue until the end of your two terms. But even at that level you will find that the actual technical personnel that should be working are not on ground. In developed countries, it is not the governors that dictate what happens in the health sector; it is the technical expert - the technocrat - that dictates what happens.

They are guided by implementations, rules and regulations that have been handed over to them. Again, because of the political situation, they have smooth running at the state level. It is unfortunate because the state is the major share holder of the health services because they are the ones that are in charge of the state hospital. They are the ones that are supposed to guide the implementation at primary health care level. If the state is not technically competent, then you find out there deficiencies. So these are the problems we have. What I am trying to say is that health institutions have not developed to a certain level of independence in the area of funding.

The institutions rely totally on the government to fund them. I believe therefore that part of the innovation is that there must be a kind of public-private partnership at state level as well as at primary health care level. It doesn’t take long for you to know if anything is going wrong because it can be corrected at the local level and if you have to wait until something is reported to the Commissioner of Health or Minister of Health, it will surely take a long time. So local institutional accountability is the sign of a good health care system.

Would you say the system was fair to you?

All I will say is that I went in there with some level of motivation, thinking that it was an opportunity for me to do something tangible for my country. But I must say that it was the politics of the day that did the havoc.

Before I knew what was happening, the unexpected happened. The lesson there is that it is not enough to have technical experience. One needs to have political exposure too. The situation was so unexpected and honestly, it was unique. You

•Grange

know that the situation has not repeated itself.

At that point in time nobody knew what was happening. Rumors were just flying because the investigation was not carried out properly.

I will say there was lack of luck or an element of luck. Some people thought that to follow the rule of law was to get me to court to answer

questions. I was ready for that. I went to court several times until the judge found me not guilty. That is what I know about it. I don’t know about anybody else. In my case I believe that justice was done accordingly.

Looking at this from my own point of view it must have been a sacrifice on my own

part. But I will not lobby - if the country feels they still need my service anytime, any day, I am available. If they feel that they still need the service of other people they can call them.

However, it is difficult for me to judge what has happened to others. I don’t know the reason why I had to go through that. I went

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

For Professor Adenike Grange, her short -lived tenure as Nigeria‘s Minister of Health is not worth recounting. In February 2008, she was arrested on the orders of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua over the handling of N300 million unspent funds in the 2007 budget and award of contracts, and was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Grange claimed she was wrongly advised by her directors. She later resigned her appointment and was tried in court along with other officials of the ministry. Eventually she was acquitted. Grange, presently the Provost of Tunwase National Pediatric Centre, IjebuOde, Ogun State spoke to Adetutu Audu on her controversial exit from the federal cabinet.

The beautiful septuagenarian also revealed the finest idea she was never allowed to implement.

I accepted because I wanted to serve humanity. If I was warned, of course, I would have asked ‘why? If the reason was genuine enough I would have quit. I have been working for the Federal Government, World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF among others. I was the chairman of the committee that came out with the document on maternal and child health, so why should I not want to join and ensure that it is implemented? I am sure that was what propelled the people that invited me. So at that time people who I came across encouraged me to accept the offer.

Why did all these happen? I would tell you that there were series of problems, and not my problems. But they were made into a situation that involved my own person.

Despite all the embarrassment you experienced while you were serving your fatherland, you still say you want to serve the country if a n o t h e r opportunity arises. Don’t you think people will feel you have not really learned your lessons?

I believe that there is governance, and there is the person. I believe that the people who knew me will judge me fairly. I believe the people who knew me, knew my potential well and I don’t know in what capacity I may be called to serve.

“

Some people thought that to follow the rule of law was to get me to court to answer questions. I was ready for that. I went to court several times until the judge found me not guilty.

“

“

Nobody ever warned me. I was not even thinking about position at that time. I accepted because I wanted to serve humanity. If I was warned, I would have asked ‘why?

through it and I am better for it.

Are you saying there are some politicians who will not want to see your face there?

I believe that politicians work for themselves. I can’t say who… may be because they didn’t know me… I was not there to become a threat, may be they just attacked the opportunity of knowing me and that is my answer to that.

But some people said you were warned not to take the appointment. How true is this?

Nobody ever warned me. I told you I was not even thinking about position at that time.

All I am trying to tell you is that after what I experienced I did not because of that leave the country. I am still working in the country and ready to render my service to anybody at any given time. However, the beauty of it is that I have been vindicated and even my friends with whom I served together on the boards of international organisations spoke out on my behalf over the matter. All they wanted was for me to clear my name. That is why I think the only way I can survive is by not thinking about what has happened to me in the past. Now, it has become a reference point.

Why didn’t you seek legal redress?

Legal redress in Nigeria means that you have to pay lawyers. To be precise, I don’t have the resources to pay lawyers, and I don’t even think I have the time.

What is your view of the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria?

Anti-corruption processes are never perfect and I don’t think we can have a perfect one in Nigeria. What is meant by good is that you have a plan and you follow that plan. So if the plans that the anti-corruption agency have are yielding result, then we can say that it is good. We are not experts in this anticorruption matter, and there are experts out there on things having to do with corruption.

We are a people who get our information from various sources. Some may, and others may not be the truth. We on our side should learn; the media should find out the correct information. When we have done that we are entitled to come out with our own opinion that we help us to judge fairly.

What are the finest ideas that you were never allowed to implement?

I had come up with a plan: the main principles are that we have a lot of players in the health care sector but there was no

25

coordination. We didn’t know what each person was doing and I remember that I said something then that let us have national health investment so that we will know what is being invested into the health sector. That was the first thing that was considered. If we have three people doing the same thing and we have three different areas to attend to, why don’t two people do different things so that we can cover those areas instead of three people doing one thing? Secondly it is better for us to engage ourselves in health care development projects. I later suggested that we should formulate a national council of health in the country. But at that time we needed a council at the state level that will be able to guide primary health care because at that time it was the federal government that controlled local primary health care.

At over 70, one would expect you would be thinking of retirement. People in Nigeria don’t want to retire. What is your view about this?

In my own area of practice, we don’t talk about retirement. The older you get on the job, the more experienced you are. For instance, in America, their old professionals don’t retire. If you are talking about eight to five work, then we can be talking about retirement. But you see the reason people don’t even want to retire in such jobs is lack of security. When a man is 67 and he is still paying school fees and doesn’t even have anything to fall back on, how will such an individual retire? The solution to this is that we need to create more jobs, so that the younger generation can come in and the older ones can go out of the system gradually.

There are not too many highly educated ladies - especially at professorial level. Can one say you are from a privileged background?

I was lucky to have a father who appreciated education and was ready to sponsor me. My father was very instrumental to my success. He was very hard working and pushed me to do whatever I wanted to do and to do it well. He was always working.

In fact, the time they knew he was dead was when he did not show up in the office. So, whatever he acquired was through his tears and sweat. And he taught us that that was the way we should go and that is the way I have tried to do it. I attended the Methodist Girls High School in Lagos and subsequently completed my secondary education at St. Francis College, Letchworth in the United Kingdom. I was admitted to the famous University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study Medicine. I did my house jobs at the Dudley Road Hospital in Birmingham before returning home in 1965.

How would you describe your journey to the top?

The journey to the top has been a big struggle at every step of the way. You can see it’s going to be tougher for women to get to higher level because of the politics involved in everything. It’s up to us now to rally round other women whom we believe in and who can deliver the goods and support them to get that political muscle to be able to make a mark. Upon my return to the country, I worked in various hospitals such as the Lagos Island Maternity, the Creek hospital and the Massey Street Children’s Hospital. I had always wanted to be a pediatrician and so in 1967 I returned to the UK where I was a senior house officer (pediatrics) at the St Mary’s Hospital for children and briefly at King’s College, Hospital in London, where I obtained Diploma in Child Health (DCH).

I returned in 1971 and joined the residency training programme at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. I later joined the College of Medicine, University of Lagos as a lecturer in 1978 and was appointed a consultant to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. I became Senior Lecturer and later was appointed Professor in 1995. I acted as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and USAID. I was also WHO Adviser on the Reproductive Health Programme in Nigeria from 1993 to 1999. In 2007, I was appointed the first female Minister of Health. You all know the rest of the story. Women’s development has come very far -particularly in professional circles. Many women in those days traded to look after their children.

My grandmother traded to look after her children. They were fully in control of businesses, but it was more of petty trading.

But nowadays, the big businesses are being managed by men.

“

26

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Insight

•Continued from Page 23

•Water vendors: A common sight in Nigerian cities

Potable water crisis persists 1. Nigeria is among four West African countries where less than half of the residents can access safe drinking water, according to the UN 2. Governments at all levels have spent more than N1trillion on water in the last five years 3. According to UNICEF, over 180,000 children die annually in Nigeria due to lack of potable water 4. Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, recently signed an agreement for a N2.42billion grant to increase water supply coverage in five states 5. Nigeria needs $ 2.5 billion if 75 per cent of Nigerians will have access to potable water by 2015.

Katsina also provided N317 million to fund the project, and December 2004 was set as the deadline.

Five years later in 2009, the state government said the project was almost 80 per cent completed, adding that the dam would supply about 80 million litres of treated water per day.

In December of the same year, the then Minister of Information and Communications, Dora Akunyili, said council had approved a consultancy fee of between N123 million to N299 million for the project.

In March 2010, the Katsina State Commissioner for Water Resources, Nasiru Danmusa, said Zobe Dam and others would soon be completed. Today, Katsina people are still waiting, their main source of water remains water vendors and boreholes.

The Kafin Zaki Dam in Bauchi State is the other example. Conceived in1974, former President Shagari awarded the contract to Julius Berger Nigeria in 1979, with 1982 set as the completion date.

The contract was terminated in 1984.

Ibrahim Babangida revisited it in 1992, while Sani Abacha regime terminated the contract again in 1994. In 2002, Obasanjo’s government provided funds for the project. The administration later withdrew the commitment.

In 2008 Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State awarded contract to restart the abandoned dam project. It is yet to see the light of the day.

WATER FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES If water from clean sources is not available, and if man cannot survive without water, then all manner of means must be improvised to get water. The most popular today especially for those who can afford it, is boreholes.

But this portends many dangers as some of these boreholes are near septic tanks; and water from such sources is like water from the septic tanks.

Health hazards from such water include typhoid fever, bacterial infections, diarrhoea, dysentery and other water related diseases.

James Ekabua, an engineer says “a borehole is supposed to be a minimum of 300 feet, (about 100metres) deep. At that point, you’ve entered the rocks; you have probably reached water that is many millions of years old. Such water has been purified through filtration through the earth crust. But most boreholes are half this depth and such water is subject to contamination with e coli form the bacteria associated with faeces.’’

Other experts warn that “boreholes might also be exposed to hazardous heavy metals which are usually toxic with carcinogenic prop-

erties. Several thousands of Nigerians have died from drinking unsafe water.”

THE EKITI EXAMPLE Unlike most states of the federation that are paying lip service to the acute problem, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, according to Ifedayo Sayo, Fayemi’s media aide, agreed that there is problem and they have come up with short and long-term programmes with the hope that by 2014, 80 per cent of the state will have access to good water.

The state recognised that provision of good water has been priority of successive administrations since the creation of the state in 1996.

But in spite of the huge annual budgetary provisions by past administrations, not much has been achieved in this regard.

Sayo who spoke in Ado-Ekiti said “a good percentage of the populace did not have access to drinkable water before the coming on board of the present administration”’ Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Kayode Jegede, while reviewing the water situation in the state, noted that the administration’s target is to achieve 80 per cent coverage by 2014.

“Due to old age and lack of adequate maintenance over the years, the facilities are significantly degraded below design capacities. Pumps are old and weak. Some are totally missing, having been used as spares. Control panels are damaged.”

Ekiti government needs N10 billion for the revamping of the four dams at Ero, Ado, Egbe and Itapaji. “To ensure the realisation of the 80 per cent coverage for the state, the state government has adopted a two-track approach by getting water flowing to the people, as much as possible, within the existing system and ongoing projects while finding permanent and sustainable solution.

NOT A BIG DEAL A Benin City based water engineer with experience spanning 25 years as a contractor, Peter Edoreh says what Nigerians are witnessing in the water sector is not a big deal, He said “It is part of the corruption in all the sectors; water is just one of them. I was part of the Ilesa Water Project. If a project is N1 million; they will call it ten million. If you look at the budgetary allocation, most of the funds end in private pockets; majority of the contracts are abandoned. Such abandoned project are everywhere, Imo, Edo Rivers, Katsina, I was one of the engineers that worked on the Borno Water Project, a World Bank assisted project in 1998. It worked for a while then went off . There are too many white elephant projects in the water sec-

The level of corruption in the water sector strains the descriptive power of any adjective, and it is worse than the oil sector. In 1952, Chief Obafemi Awolowo with little income from cocoa provided clean water for the Western Region.

Now with billions of petrol dollars, we cannot provide clean water. It is a shame”

“

Quick water facts

“

and clean water which is currently placed around 66 million (about 39 per cent of the population without access). The figures are from the 2012 progress report released recently by the World Health Organisation/United Nations Children’s Fund Joint Monitoring Programme on drinking water and sanitation.”

The organisation stated “Across the country, majority of Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable groups, including children, women and the elderly, have been left to continue drinking water containing iron sulphide and all sorts of bacteria, germs and suspended matter capable of causing diseases. Piped water is a near luxury, while rural dwellers continue to source drinking water from polluted springs/rivers or wells with the attendant health risks of contracting diseases such as guinea worm and cholera. In many parts of the country pipes run through gutters and many people have to get water sold in jerry cans from vendors.

“The right to water is a fundamental human right, and the violation of this right has continued to contribute to the violations of other human rights, including the right to equal treatment; the right to a general satisfactory environment; the right to health; the right to life; and the right to human dignity and security.”

OCHEKPE ON THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY When The Nation visited the Federal Ministry of Water Resources last month for a chat with officials, the Minister was said to have led a delegation to Cairo, Egypt, for an African conference on water. But at a recent meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, to sign an agreement for a N2.42billion grant to increase water supply coverage in five states Ochekpe acknowledged the sorry state of the sector.

She admitted that government investment has not yielded the desired result and that roughly, 70 million Nigerians lack access to potable water. “The current water supply service coverage in the country is 58 per cent, which is about 87 million people. This translates to lack of potable water for about 70 million people.

In the rural areas, only 42 per cent have access to potable water supply.”

Ochekpe also listed cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea and river blindness as diseases that result from lack of access to good water. But like Sankara she does not see corruption, lack of planning as the cause of the problem. According to her funding is the problem and her ministry needs $ 2.5 billion if 75 per cent of Nigerians will have water by 2015. “Our target by 2015 is to have coverage of 75 per cent for water. From the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) projection, we need about $2.5billion to be able to provide access to potable water for 75 per cent of our population.”

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS Before the billions of dollars arrived, the Federal Government and the minister had given the go ahead for the construction of 57 irrigation projects across the 36 States of the federation.

But experts in the industry say there is nothing to cheer. Abiodun Oladehinde, an Akure based engineer revealed that hundreds of abandoned dam projects litter the country.

Oladehinde citeds the Zobe dam in Katsina State, the Ogbese dam in Ekiti State, the N2.3billion abandoned water supply project in Ota, Ogun State. He said, “Recently, Senator Ayogu Eze, petitioned the minister of water resources about the abandoned N2.5 billon Adada dam and water treatment plant in Enugu State.

The contractor was said to have abandoned the project since May 2011 after collecting about N289 million naira mobilization. The job was to be completed in two years, it has been abandoned.

The Ile-Ife Dam project was awarded in 2004 for about N2.65 billion with a 2006 completion date, like others it has been abandoned.

TWO TYPICAL NIGERIA TRAGEDIES Two classical stories of dam construction spanning about three decades will not only shock many Nigerians, but provoke them.

One is the Zobe Dam project in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. It was scheduled for completion in 1983, but as at 2010, the project remained a dream. It was conceived

by Olusegun Obasanjo during his days as military Head of State in the late 1970s. It was intended to deliver 65,000 cubic metres of potable water to Katsina metropolis daily.

The Shehu Shagari administration which was to complete it by 1983 never did! And by 1995, the US $122,000,000 project was abandoned due to lack of funding.

Many years later when Obasanjo returned as a civilian president, the project needed N13 billion to be completed, he approved it. His successor the late Umaru Yar’ Adua, as governor of

tor, many projects never took off. Many of the contracts awarded at the state level for borehole are done with sub-standard pipes. The people in government are not sincere, the level of corruption in the water sector strains the descriptive power of any adjective, and it is worse than the oil sector. In 1952, Chief Obafemi Awolowo with little income from cocoa provided clean water for the Western Region. Now with billions of petrol dollars, we cannot provide clean water. It is a shame” OFFICIAL REACTION When The Nation visited the ministry, since the minister was away on an official trip, the ministry spokesperson, Wunmi Ogunmosunle suggested an e-mail chat asking the reporter to e-mail his questions for the minister and technical questions forwarded to her director through her. When the reporter insisted on getting her reactions she said, “I cannot give you data and figures on how much has been allocated to Water Resources since 1999, it is a technical thing that I need to actually meet with the director.

You are asking for data and figures, I don’t have them here. When it comes to things like that you must be sure of the accurate data and figure you are giving. I would not know if there are twenty dams in Kano and they are not working.

It is the director of dams that can answer that question, and I told you that they are all away to Cairo. On what we need to bring water to all the homes in Nigeria, when the director of water supply is around, I will take you to him, if you want personal opinions that you can gather, if you want professional opinion, am not in a position answer such questions.”

•Continued on Page 67

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Shereefah Andu @ 50 I FEEL MORE CONFIDENT NOW –Page 43

28

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Kehinde Falode Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

E-mail: kehinde.falode@thenationonlineng.net

Mesh is

huge this season!

D

ESPITE the weather, mesh has been one of the biggest trends on the red carpet this season. Whether it is colourful or subtle, there are plenty of ladies who love this look. Mesh is a fashion trend that you wouldn’t want to miss, it is classy and sexy!

Since the beginning of the year, the whole world has hopped on board the mesh madness train! Pants, shorts, tops, shirts, full on dresses, all made of mesh!

Sometimes it is the skirt or parts of the sleeve or perfectly placed holes or slices of mesh.

•Rachael .T. Akingbade

•Sanaa LathanThe gorgeous chocolate dress has a mesh overlay with stunning embroidered details, and sequins to give it some sparkle

•Bodycon dress with mesh inserts, fashion leopard print mini dress

•Dupe Balogun

How to wear mesh •Dorothy Perkins mesh dress

•Ankle booties mesh peeptoe

•First and foremost, don’t wear an entire body suit of mesh.

•Go for a nice elegant dress with mesh detail •Mesh can be mixed with non-athletic staples like structures blazers and leather pumps to create a workappropriate and fashionforward look.

•Pair your jacket with mesh tank top/blouse; it’s no longer the uniform of club kids

•Gold Mesh Bracelets

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

29

Travel in

style T

•Jimmy Choo bags collection

This is a fabulous large stylish travel bag

•Mereditch Wendell's raffia duffle is the ultimate summer bag •Coach multicolour Penelope op art travel bag

•Stylish dog cat pet carrier tote handbag

•48 hours travel bag

HERE is nothing as good as travelling with the right travel bag in order to avoid wrecking either your body or your business prospects.

It has become a trend in recent years to carry cute trendy travel bags. Travel bags, especially the ones for women, now come in chic styles, adding flair to one’s trips or adventures. The different designs also allow women jetsetters to bring along bags that are functional.

Designers now take into account the many facets of a woman’s personality. The bags should not only look good, but they should also be useful and store up the many items women cannot do without like makeup, gadgets, accessories - on a daily basis.

Travel in fabulous contemporary luggage.

Like shoes, women can never have enough bags!

30

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

•Silver Gray enchanting vintage Lace Sprinkle Bling clutch

•Stunning pair of diamond chandelier earrings from the Rustic Diamond

•Gracious Grace Egbagbe

•Bedded natural sequin embellished bodice V Neck spaghetti long blue gown

•This fashion jewelry ring is perfect for the sassy lady looking to make a statement

Silver Tone Gorgeous Embellished Bracelet Watch

Steal Grace’s

•Christian Louboutin hyper prive 120 crystal embellished pumps

cute

outfit I

•Magnificent silver bracelet embellished with rows of C.Z

T is a stylishly dressy and completely copyable. Really, Grace won’t mind a bit!

Gracious Grace Egbagbe wore a custom sky blue chiffon gown with ruching and embellished cinched waist. Coloured stone chandelier earrings and silver wrist watch and bangle, silver sandals and drop curls completed her dazzling look.

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

31

Stars and celebs sometimes seem to put their best foot forward when it comes to Nollywood's big night outs. It was a delight watching the fashionistas strut their stuff recently.

Kehinde Falode reports

MUNA'S look is elegant, the draping embraces her figure in a flattering way. Top marks for the hair and feather bolero, too. Kudos!

Pretty DOLAPO ADEKOYA'S combination matched the occasion. The result was not only ageappropriate but magical. Kudos!

STELLA DAMASUS positively smouldered down the red carpet in this gold-knitted turtleneck dress, teamed with earrings, brooch and strappy sandals.

Simple but devastatingly effective! Kudos!

NIKE OSHINOWOSOLEYE looks comfortable and splendid as ever in this two-tone dress.

Kudos!

Kudos to petite SAPHINA MUHAMED for choosing a complimentary hue in lilac as it accentuates her honey colouring.

Kudos!

32

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

1

Beautiful and enterprising Bunmi Oyeniyi, the face behind Unveil Studio, reveals her favourite things to Kehinde Falode

Favourite shoe designer Gucci, Jessica Simpson

2

Favourite perfume Estee Lauder wood perfume for women, Gucci

3

Favourite holiday spot Dubai. You can find everything in Dubai; you don't need to know someone to have fun

4

Favourite pet Puppy

5

Favourite drink Moet champagne

6

Favourite bag designer Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Kenneth Cole, D&G

7 Favourite actresses & actors Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde, Mercy Johnson, Eva Longoria, Jessica Parker, George Clooney and Tom Cruise

8

Bunmi’s

top

10

Favourite Nigerian designer Susan Eyo-Honesty of Eve 2000

9

Favourite Sport Ballet

10

Favourite wrist watch designer Rolex, Gucci & DKNY

THEATRE

With VICTOR AKANDE

t

BIGSCREEN

Tel: 08077408676

SOUND TRACK

plus

GISTS

PAGE

33

e-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

Ilaro shines as Ogogo’s daughter weds

F 2face, IllRymz croon for

Femi @ 50

A

S six time Grammy nominee and afro beat legend, Femi Kuti, clocked 50 over the weekend, a new video with the multi-talented radio and TV personality, Illrymz, is soon to hit the TV screens. The video which was shot at the New Afrika shrine a few weeks back follows the song's unique fusion of Femi's upbeat, uptempo style with Illrymz' infectious Hip-hop/R&B rhymes.

Meanwhile Femi's birthday celebrations turned out to be an unforgettable time-out as he was once again united with his ex-wife, Funke Kuti, last Saturday at the New Afrika Shrine, Lagos.

Funke who was deeply involved in the organisation of the shindig later took time to join the threetime Grammy Awards nominated celebrant and their son Made who thrilled crowd with a short piano

session.

Quite a number of players on the entertainment scene were present at the occasion which witnessed the attendance of Kenny Ogungbe, TeeMac, Laolu Akins, Orits Wiliki, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Jeffery Daniels, Sadiq Dab a, Weird MC and many others.

Pop icon 2face Idibia was also present.

Although he didn't perform, 2face still grabbed the microphone during the cake cutting ceremony to render Evi Edna Ogoli's evergreen classic number 'Happy Birthday'.

OR many people it was one of such grand marriage ceremonies that will linger in their memories for long.

Popular Yoruba actor, AlHassan Taiwo, a.k.a Ogogo, has fulfilled one of his obligations in life. The thespian apparently cannot thank God enough as he gave out his first daughter, Rasheedat Ololade Taiwo, in holy matrimony to Hassan Oluwatoyin.

Sources close to the actor say this is particularly remarkable to him, because the event happened in his life time.

It would be recalled that Ogogo, having been bedridden for some years, survived what many described as a strange illness. And not only did he bounce

back to life, he regained his place as a frontline actor.

To further assert the thespian's popularity, Ilaro Town, where Ogogo hails from, came alive during the engagement and Nikkai ceremonies held on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 of June respectively. Despite the heavy downpour on the day, colleagues, friends and fans of the actor besieged the multipurpose hall of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, to felicitate with him.

Faces at the event included Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Abbey Lanre, Alhaji Abdul Rasak

Terry G in another song cloning controversy

By Kunle Akinrinade

G

Afolayan, Yinka Davies for DW Series

A

monthly activity set to inspire young people interested in the arts, Design Workshop, is set to hold at the conference hall of the department of architecture, University of Lagos on Saturday, June 30.

Picked as facilitators in this month's edition of the series are movie, fashion and music icons made up of Kunle Afolayan, Mai Atafo and Yinka Davies. Established in 2011 and convened by a group known as One EA, DW Series is seen as an avenue for consistent interaction between industry practitioners and students or willing youths.

Anthony Oladeji, a representative of the body, explains that the series is brought about by a desire to improve the creative industry in Nigeria. “We have been doing it since February 2011 and we got to that point where we reorganised the content in December to include other forms of the art. For this edition we are bringing in three people who have made a difference in the creative industry.”

Past facilitators in the series include Tunde Kelani, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Paul Kodje, Bez and Dapo Akintunde, among others.

•Yinka Davies

(Corporate Pictures Boss) Olasco, Madam Idowu Philips, a.k.a Iya Rainbow, Fathia Balogun, Bimbo Akinsanya, Lola Idije, Baba Kekere, Yetunde Wumi, Lizzy Anjorin, Adewale Elesho, Gbolahan Adio Majester, Aina Gold, Sunny Ali, Alesh Onilegbale, among others were some of the stars who shone at the weding that also had Akanni Olohunwa and a host of other political top shots and society big-wigs in attendance.

•Terry G

ABRIEL Amanyi, aka Terry G, 'the Akpako master', like the ubiquitous tortoise in African folklore is in the news again. This time, a budding dance hall artiste, Olumide Awolaja, aka Olumix, is contesting ownership of a single entitled 'Jah elo' with the controversial lewd lyricist.

The 25-year-old Mass Communication student of Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH, said: “The truth is that some months after my club banger 'Jah elo' was released, Terry G cloned the song and released it into the market. I never knew this until some of my fans called my attention to it and when I listened to the track, I felt bad that an artiste of Terry G's status could do such a thing to an up and coming artiste like me, who ordinarily should be encouraged by him. When you listen to my song and his version, you can't but acknowledge that it was a brazen theft of intellectual work. I cut the song in November 2010 and released it same month while Terry G cloned it and posted it online in October 2011. It is sad that while the song on the online site bears my imprimatur, the credit for the song goes to Terry G and even his photograph is emblazoned on the track.

“I have been inundated with calls by people asking me to seek redress but I am considering available options before taking action on the matter,” Olumix said.

34

Entertainment

One of the prettiest divas to grace the Yoruba genre of Nigerian movies, Mosunmola Filani, has made name for herself. As goes with entertainers, she has also felt what it is like to be on the bad side of fame. Recently married, OVWE MEDEME gives the expectant actress a chance to react to some of the controversies surrounding her career in this interview.

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

H

OW have you coped with all the controversies that have surrounded your career?

First of all, no man is perfect. What I can tell you is that everything written about me in the media is subjective and not objective. Whatever hurt or evil a man does to his fellow being, no matter how long it takes, nemesis will catch up. When it does, it will be too late to ask for forgiveness.

Though, the kind of business we do is attached to things like these, notwithstanding I have not had a fair treatment of the media. A friend of mine in the media once asked me to witness his award presentation. I couldn't make it because I was busy working. Since then, he has taken me as an enemy and has been writing stuff about me.

Well, I leave everything for God to judge. God alone has the right to judge people.

What are you working on at the moment?

I'm working on my latest flick, Iya Maako. It is a movie that will shake this industry to its foundations. I would be featuring a whole lot of big names in the industry. Some of the stars featured in the flick include Yinka Quadri, Peju Ogunmola, Dele Odule, and a host of others. It is what you would regard as a star-studded movie with lots of morals to be learnt.

How much are you spending on this new project?

I did not meet anyone in his house. He was separated from his wife legally even before I met him. There are documents to prove that.

My husband is a lawyer by training. He knows and understands the implication of getting into another marriage...

supposed to get it. You will still get it and all you have to do is to save your capital first. If you are not careful, you won't get anything at all but in my own case, God has been so faithful to us and I give Him all the praise. It was not much of a bountiful harvest as expected but at all at all na him worse pass. I am happy about the movie.

normal family thing called Introduction. We held the traditional wedding in Ibadan in my family's place.

When your husband introduced you to his parents, how did they react?

His mother loves me and I adore her too. His people are my people. His mother is my mother now, likewise his father. His brothers and sisters are mine.

We are one now and I am happy to have such a wonderful family as in-laws.

How true are rumours that you are his second wife?

That is not true.

I did not meet anyone in his house. He was separated from his wife legally even before I met him. There are documents to prove that. My husband is a lawyer by training. He knows and understands the implication of getting into another marriage without getting a divorce first.

The stories flying about say that you snatched someone's husband.

I am the only apple of his eyes. I did not meet any woman in his home.

I can see you are expecting. Where would you love to have your baby?

I will be leaving the country soon.

God, my hubby and I will decide where to have the baby.

How many children would you love to have?

Going by the Yoruba culture, it is a taboo to count children. Whatever God gives us, we will accept.

Your fans are looking forward to

l l i w e g a i r r a My m y t i n r e t e r o f t s la i n a l i F n u s o —M

MOSUNMOLA

I am not spending much, but currently I am working with a budget of N7m.

Do you regard N7m as not much?

Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well. I intend to make a standard movie worthy of awards both locally and internationally. In that case, I intend to put in my best both intellectually and financially.

How much did you spend on your last movie?

My last movie didn't cost much. I put nothing less than two million naira into it.

Did you make money out of it?

Of course I did.

When you shoot a very good movie, it is only proper that you get your money back. It is not as if you are going to get it the way you are

39

At some point, you became the toast of movie producers. How did you pull that off?

I don't see any big deal with the number of movies I have shot. It is only by the grace of God and my ability to have been able to interpret the script very well. When God is with you, no matter how bad people tend to hate you, you will excel. God is in control of my life and achievement in the industry, not man.

Would you agree that your beauty has a part to play in it?

Beauty is nothing if you don't have the ability to interpret roles. It is all about the passion which drives me. It is the ability to get it right that has been making me sway, coupled with God's grace.

Asides movie, is there any other thing you are into?

Not yet but very soon, I'm going into something. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag now until it's materialised.

Does it have anything to do with fashion?

Like I said, you will get to know soon. It is still in the making.

You got married sometime in February. How was it?

It was just a traditional wedding and it was an impressive family gathering.

It was splendid and went well as we planned it. Well attended. We did the

Beauty is nothing if you don't have the ability to interpret roles. It is all about the passion which drives me. It is the ability to get it right that has been making me sway, coupled with God's grace

the white wedding. How soon would that be taking place?

When it is time, they will get to know.

What is your take on motherhood, especially considering the fact that some celebs avoid it for fear of losing their figure?

Giving birth to a child is a joy every real woman would want to experience.

Motherhood is very beautiful and it is something every woman on earth looks forward to. To experience motherhood, there are steps to take, steps that will lead you to that direction. I as a person wish for it and am taking steps in that direction.

Anyone who thinks like you said is not worthy of being called a woman.

A lot of celebrity marriages are known to have crashed. What do you think is responsible?

There is a general belief that if you rush into marriage, you will most likely rush out of it. Several factors are responsible for failed marriages, especially among celebrities. It all depends on the individual's personality. I don't think celebrity marriages should crash if the foundation is based on trust. If you love and trust your spouse, no matter what anyone says about him or her, you would just laugh over it together.

Besides, it is only God that helps in marriage after the duo have put in their best. For those who didn't make it, I don't think it is their wish that it ends that way.

How long do you see your marriage lasting?

Once you are married, you are married for life. Marriage is a lifetime thing. My marriage will last for eternity. I'm not going to come out of it until death do us part. Yeah, by God's grace. You know heaven gives you your heart desire. So am in it for life.

How long did you know him before the traditional marriage took place?

I didn't just rush into the marriage like a lot of people assume. We have been dated for almost two years now before we tied the knot the traditional way.

How romantic would you say your hubby is?

Very romantic, in fact I will score him a hundred percent.

What informs your dress sense?

I dress according to occasion and environment. I like to put on clothes that will make me look good and something that won't expose my body.

I just love to look good and simple.

As an actress, how do you manage pressure from your male fans?

By the special grace of God, I've been able to handle them well. When they call to say hi, I respond to them too in a friendly manner but if I notice that you're trying to go further, I cut off the phone.

Can you tell us about your background?

I am Mosunmola Filani. I grew up in Ibadan and had my primary and secondary education there. I then proceeded to Abeokuta where I am currently studying Business Education at Tai Solarin University of Education.

Miss La Casera gets car prize

I

N a brief ceremony held at the Autolounge Bar, Adeola Odeku on Saturday, June 16, officials of the La Casera Company Limited officially presented their new Brand Ambassador and Miss La Casera 2012, Antoinette Igebu, a brand new KIA Rio Car. At the presentation ceremony, Chief Operating Officer of The La Casera Company Limited, Mr. Prahlad Gangadharan stated that Miss La Casera, the new Brand Ambassador, will be representing the product for the next one year, as well as interfacing with the press for the La Casera brand.

Prahlad disclosed that Miss La Casera 2012 is the first to get a Car Prize, along with the one million naira cash. He said that this was done as part of the yearlong celebration of the brand's

10th Anniversary.

Also speaking at the event, the Marketing Manager, Mr. Benson Abraham, explained that Miss La Casera is the Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle of the company through which it gives back to the society, as well as reach out to the needy and less privileged.

Obviously excited, the newly crowned Miss La Casera expressed her enthusiasm. “I am very elated and proud to be Queen La Casera 2012, and I hope to have a very impactful reign,” she said.

A final year Mechanical Engineering undergraduate of University of Benin, the new Miss La Casera was also presented with her cash prize of one million naira and a new Kia Rio 2012 at the event.

Mercy Aigbe’s son marks birthday

P •Mercy Aigbe

OPULAR Yoruba actress, Mercy Aigbe, recently marked her son's birthday. Olajuwon added a year on June 18, 2012. The happy actress and mother posted on her twitter page, “HBD to my son Olajuwon Gentry LLNP, Hip Hip Hip! Hurrayyyyyy” In recent time, the actress' career has been on a steady rise. Also a movie producer, she premiered her latest flick entitled Osas recently which is still very much talked about. Mercy ranks among the A-list Yoruba Nollywood actresses.

D’Beat goes live!

N

OW Muzik has set a new date for Star Quest 2011 winners, D'Beat, to go on stage for the June edition of its Live Lounge sessions.

The platform of Live Lounge will also officially mark the launch of their debut album entitled D'Beat Goes On and the video premiere of their single 'Oyoyo'.

"Live Lounge is a monthly initiative we have put in place that seeks to showcase our artistes and their musical works through a series of exclusive live performances at different venues across the country,”

explained Efe Omorogbe, CEO of Now Muzik.

The album, D'Beat Goes On, is a collection of good music with splendid production work from experienced and creative production team.

Powered by Star, the event will now hold on July 5 at The Place, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos and will be spiced up with performances by guest artistes.

It could be recalled that Now Muzik has showcased Timi Dakolo in previous Live Lounge sessions last year and early this year.

•D’Beat

Sport&Style SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

PAGE 35

OLADINHO Why I’m crazy about Antony Morato Jeans

PIECE OF KATE!

Sports Illustrated’s model in her raunchiest shoot ever

MIKEL

REVEALS PASSION FOR EXOTIC

CARS

By Morakinyo Abodunrin

J

OHN Mikel Obi is already living on the fast lane by playing for posh English Premiership side, Chelsea Football Club of England but he has sensationally revealed his love for fast, luxury cars.

Wikipedia, the online encyclopaedia, categorized the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley continental, Benz G-Wagon and Range Rover sport as luxury cars. Luxury cars are reputably expensive and come in all shapes: sedan, coupe or convertible and you would have to pay premium prices to acquire Contd. on pg 39

Bentley

36

37

SPORT&STYLE SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

SPORT&STYLE

SPORT&STYLE

F O E C PIE

GLITTERING SHARAPOVA

!

E T A K

Maria outshines Williams sisters at WTA Pre-Wimbledon party

S

l e d o m s ’ d e r t e a v r t e s t u o l l o I h s s t t r s o e p i S h c n u a r in her

T

HERE'S little doubt that she is one of the hottest women on the planet. And it appears that Kate Upton doesn't even need a bikini these days and has taken matters into her own hands.

The 20-year-old Sports Illustrated cover girl is seen holding her own breasts and concealing her modesty in a raunchy shoot for GQ magazine. The 20-year-old model is pictured in a tiny bright red two piece as she poses in the water. The seductive snaps have been taken by photographer Terry Richardson who has worked a lot with Kate.

In the accompanying interview with the men's magazine Kate revealed she spent most of her childhood in skimpy clothing.

She said: 'I grew up in Florida riding horses, so for the majority of my life I was either in boots and jeans or a bathing suit. ' Kate, who has nearly 400, 00 mostly male followers on Twitter noted: 'I understand why my male followers like me.… It’s like any job. You find your strengths and play them up.'

Meanwhile ,the curvy model hinted her breasts — which have helped her take the modelling world by storm this year — may be too big during a beachside chat.

In a video interview with GQ magazine, who Kate has done a stunning photo shoot with, she dropped the bombshell when asked if she had one wish. Kate paused before saying: “One wish. I would have smaller boobs.”

As fans — who have made Kate an internet sensation over the last year — took in the devastating news, cheeky Kate revealed she was only joking.

She smiled and said she was “just kidding” — triggering a sigh of relief among men all over the world.

L A D A N

frolics on a yacht with two young women

BECKHAM

UNCENSORED David Beckham shows off his toned, tattooed body

H

E may not have got the chance to remove his football shirt that often on the pitch in the UK, but in the U.S. David Beckham makes the most of the weather. The 37-year-old couldn't wait to remove part of his kit in public following LA Galaxy's win against the Portland Timbers.

As he strolled along the grass, Beckham showed off his toned and tattooed body, no doubt leaving female onlookers flustered yet pleased to be there.

It's no secret that the father-of-four is a fan of tattoos and his 20 plus designs could be seen clearly.

However, something that the ladies might not be so fond of his Beckham's latest facial hair.

The British star appears to be growing a handlebar moustache which makes him look older than what he actually is.

However, that didn't stop members of

H

the public admiring him when he went to watch an ice hockey match with his sons last week.

As they cheered on the LA Kings, Beckham got the perfect chance to spend some quality time with Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 10, and seven-year-old Cruz.

The happy family are often seen enjoying various sporting events in Los Angeles and they were particularly pleased when their chosen team won the NHL Hockey Championship.

The sportsman's sons were of course in the audience yesterday cheering on their father, and at time they appeared to be feeling quite tense about the game.

Someone else who was watching Beckham play was Stuart Pearce, who is in charge of choosing Team GB's Olympic football squad. It was recently reported that Beckham is set to be chosen for the team and will be one of three overage players.

E'S under a lot of pressure to clinch his third Wimbledon title when the tournament starts tomorrow.

So Rafael Nadal has been taking his mind off the court by enjoying a mini break in his home country of Spain.

The World No.2 was spotted frolicking on a yacht with long-term girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello and another female off the coast of Marbella.

Wearing a pair of white swimming trunks, the 26year-old went jet-skiing and swimming in the Mediterranean.

His holiday comes after he was knocked out of the Gerry Weber Open in Germany during the quarterfinals last Friday.

The blow came just four days after he beat Novak Djokovic to win the Men's French Open in Paris.

HE is expected to eclipse the competition next week on Centre Court, and Maria Sharapova easily did the same in the style stakes at the WTA Pre-Wimbledon party.

The world number one dazzled on the green carpet in a shimmering embellished dress at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, London.

The 25-year-old beauty sashayed in front of the cameras in the sheer white design, which featured silver embellishment and a waterfall hemline.

Her dangling red jewelled earrings matched her velvet heels, and the tennis ace carried a petite white clutch.

The number one seed met her old rivals the Williams sisters at the event, as they prepare to go head to head at the tournament again.

Maria, who first won Wimble-

don at the tender age of 17 when she beat Venus in the final back in 2004, is hotly tipped for success at this year's tournament after winning the French Open last week.

But she will face strong competition from both Serena, the world number six who has won Wimbledon four times, and Venus, who has slipped to 55 in the rankings, who has conquered the championship a staggering five times.

Serena's frock featured a black mesh neckline that displayed a hint of cleavage and complemented her toned shoulders.

While Serena wore her hair loose and in wild curls, her older sister tried out a blonde braided, side-part style.

Meanwhile , Venus wore a pretty asymmetrical white dress with a deep V-neck, paired with beige heels.

SIZZILING

HOT

Peter Crouch’s wife takes side-boob to a new level in tiny black playsuit

A

BBEY Clancy flashed more than a little skin as she attended a fashion bash at a plush hotel in London. The model showed off her lean limbs and flashed an eyeful of side-boob in a tiny black backless playsuit.

She was joined at the Corinthia Hotel by hubby Peter Crouch, who seemed to be making the most of missing out on a place in the England squad.

And Abbey made sure that he forgot about missing out on Euro 2012 by putting on a sexy dance.

Also at the bash – hosted by Esquire and Jimmy Choo and sponsored by Belvedere Unfiltered – were fellow model Alexa Chung and Saturday’s starlet Mollie King.

Both went for a more conservative look than Abby, with Mollie opting for a pale all-in-one playsuit, and Alexa for a skirt and knitted top.

CELEB FITNESS with EJIRO FEMI-BABAFEMI

BRAITHWAITE

Why I can’t do without exercise

PHOTOS BY: BOLA OMILABU

D

R. Tunji Braithwaite is a social crusader, lawyer and Politician. At 78, he understands the benefits of a good healthy life. Quite meticulous, Braithwaite documents the records of his daily keep fit routine in a pocket book that is placed close to his treadmill.

He spoke to EJIRO FEMI-BABAFEMI on the regimen that he cultivated 45 years ago as well as his fondness for English Premiership club, Arsenal.

For how long have you been working out sir?

For over 45 years now, I belong to a family that is very health conscious. We have doctors in the family that are very conscientious, who take their jobs very seriously. My wife is a medical doctor who has been quite instrumental to the kind of diet l maintain. She works out as well.

Her age l refuse to disclose since you women have a knack for concealing your ages. But I am 78 years old.

My fitness regimen is specific. I go on the treadmill, mount the stepper, run on the staircase, take a walk and have a massage which l do four times in a week. For the treadmill, l cover a distance of two and a half kilometres in 12 minutes. It is impossible for me to start my day without exercising.

Even when l travel out of the country, l must look for a close by gym.

In fact, l could recall when we moved to Victoria Island 40 years ago, we were among the early settlers. At that time those health damaging structures were not there, so from my balcony; l could just watch the ships sail at the sea.

One could also take a walk around the

neighbourhood.

Therefore what have been the benefits?

I guess it is obvious from the way l look.

My stomach is flat and l am trim. Or do you want to make your own observations (laughs). I have enjoyed perfect health both inwardly and outwardly. I do not fall ill. However, when l was much younger, l always suffered from migraine, but that is a story for the past.

What are your eating habits?

Generally l do not eat the normal three square meals because my body can’t tolerate it. For breakfast, l take fruits and cereals and avoid eating eggs no matter how it is fried. My dinner is for 6pm. As a Yoruba man, l eat yam with vegetable stew. It is actually our Sunday menu. It is a taboo to eat sea foods like shrimps, fish and crabs, but beef and poultry foods. For solids, l am not an Amala freak but wheat is apt for me.

What will be your advice to your age-mates that do not exercise?

I do not smoke but am a lover of red wine which l take with my dinner. I do not sleep late. I believe l’m just fortunate to have this kind of habit. You can still maintain this regimen and still die at a young age. The bottom line is to return all the glory to God for blessing me with long-life. By and large exercising is something that l would recommend to everybody because l see it as the tonic for ones daily start.

What’s your favourite club?

It has to be Arsenal. Yes they play sweet football but for the singular fact that they revived the career of Nwankwo Kanu made them win my heart.

Sport&Style Y

OTUBANJO SCREAMS

lationship now but I can’t run away from my female fans the same way I can’t run away from my male admirers.

USUF Olaitan Otubanjo, Nigerian “The best way to deal with the opposite and Atletico Madrid budding star, sex is to freely give them attention and I has picked Antony Morato as his do this as often as I can without any string foremost choice when buying his attached. I don’t run away from favourite jeans wears, even as he people and all my equally told The Nation Sport friends, male and feand Style of his passion for male can attest to wonder-on-wheel, Inthis. I don’t finity Jeep amongst want to be his luxurious lists. distracted Speaking in a from my telephone goal of conversation becomfrom his ing base in one of Madrid, the the 2009 greatGolden est Eaglets' playFIFA ers to World come Cup silver out of medallist, Nigeria. said he has “I’m lost count of focussed Morato jeans on my in his impressive work; I’m wardrobe in spite working and of the fact that he has still working on eyes for other brands of my dreams. The jeans. dream is to be the best and Antony Morato is an Italian I’m ready to do Fashion brand anything to with reputation achieve that. Yes, for the ‘the styliOtubanjo there are so many sation of the female admirers; modern man.’ they are just One of the friends, no strings celebrities on attached,” stated Antony Morato’s the internet-savvy list of impressive Oladinho who has clienteles is Peter almost exhausted James Andre, an his limit for English and Ausfriends on Facetralian musician book. noted for his sucOtubanjo is cessful sintruly making gles:"Mysterious steady progress in Girl" and "Flava". his career of In fact’ Antony choice. A member Morato jeans is of the 2009 Golden in different Eaglets that came shapes and sizes within a distance with average of winning the prices ranging FIFA Under-17 from 99 Euros to World Cup on 128 Euros but home soil, he seaOtubanjo reson as a fullcently demonfledged strated his love professional with for the brand the Spanish La name by splashLiga side. ing some 350 He said: “I actually scored nine goals in Euros for the designer’s upper-class denthe just concluded season with several asims sists for my teammates. I equally had the “I’m a jeans person through and opportunity of training with the senior through," noted Otubanjo, the blue-eyed team this past season, so my future is boy of coach Abraham Garcia at Atletico Madrid Youth team . “I don't wear formal very bright. I’ve had encouraging words from my teammates and coaches which clothes and I'm not a typical guy with has boosted my confidence. suits and pants or buba and sokoto (as a “The latest payoff by Nike is ‘My time slack is called in Yoruba dialectics). I love jeans and sport shirts and I'm especially in is now’ but I know my time is coming to be an important player for both the Super love with Antony Morato.

Eagles and Atletico Madrid. I have been “It is unusual to be counting the numprivileged to play for the National Underber of clothes in one’s wardrobe but I re17 team, the Under-23 team though we ally thank God for what he has done for failed to qualify for the London 2012 me. I really love to look good and I think Olympics Football Tournament but the I’m fashionable. dream is to play for the Super Eagles,” “I like wearing good wrist watches too but I don’t I have not actually spent much Otubanjo sounded off. on that. I’m not too sure now but I think the costliest wrist watch I’ve bought was OLADINHO’S FAVOURITES around 150 Euros. But the truth is that I could spend more cash on a good denWhy Oladinho? I play like the ims,” he added.

Footballers are said to have passion for Dingo brothers. I admire Brazilian three things: cars, women and wine but players; they are very skilful with the Otubanjo is not your regular guy. Apart ball. from being teetotaller, the 20-year-old star Favourite footballers: I’ve always is yet to acquire an international driving being a great admirer of Cristiano licence and he has equally revealed his Ronaldo. I pick so many things from antidote for keeping girls at bay. him.

But there is no basis to be com“Life has been good to me and I really count myself very lucky for being a foot- paring Ronaldo with Messi.

Role models in Nigeria: I llike baller,” explained Otubanjo who adopted a Brazilian nickname, Oladinho due to his Nwankwo Kanu for everything he has been able to achieve in football and in superb soccer skill. life. I like Okocha too.

“But I don’t abuse such privileges because it’s God that has made all that have Favourite other sport: Basketball, achieved possible. For now, I don’t have a Table Tennis and Lawn Tennis. But I’ll personal car in Madrid but if there is one pick Tennis is my favourite other sport. particular car that I’m crazy about, it is In- I’m torn between Roger Federer and finity Jeep, the 2011 model. If I’m buying Rafael Nadal any car, it has to be the Infinity Jeep.

My dream club: Manchester United “I don’t have problem dealing with feand Real Madrid male admirers and I have a lot of them as Favourite sport brand: Adidas is my friends. I know where to draw the line because I’m not ready for any serious re- first choice.

By Morakinyo Abodunrin

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

PAGE 38

'I'm

L E K I M

CRAZY about Antony Morato Jeans’

hates tattoo

them since they offer comfort and performance.

Mikel revels in the joy of belonging to the moneyed class who can afford such ‘rich toys “I love luxury items and everything I have acquired is very dear to me,” enthused the Super Eagles’ midfielder who helped Chelsea win the prestigious UEFA Champions League for the first time last May. “My cars and my houses are all dear to me. I thank God for being able to afford some of these good things of life. I drive Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Continental, Benz G-Wagon and Range Rover Sport. I love these automobiles because they are fast and comfortable to drive. In fact, I love any automobile that can make me comfortable in it and move me fast to my destination.”

The Rolls-Royce Phantom , for instance, is valued at $350,000 with added cost for customised items such as a veneered instrument panel ($1,100); veneered steering wheel spokes ($600); veneered backs on the rear fold-out trays ($1,800); the Rolls-Royce logo stitched into all headrests ($600); front and rear cameras for the parking systems ($3,300); 21-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires ($3,000); a cross-banded elm cluster veneer ($2,200); and something labelled a “bespoke option" ($1,300).

Apart from its unique designs, the Bentley Continental GT is fast and could ‘accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 318 kilometres per hour (197.6 mph)!’ Bentley’s prices ranges between $205,600 and $236,100.

Ironically, Mikel’s obsession for fast cars nearly landed him in trouble three years ago when he was caught drunk-driving his black Range Rover in West London on January 24, 2009.He was subsequently banned from the roads for 15 months.

Meanwhile, Mikel has admitted to being a trendsetter but reckoned that he’s not a slave to fashion consequently he would only put on what fits than wear an unfitted highend brand.

“I think I’m fashionable but I’m not crazy about a particular brand,” the Nigerian Chelsea star that was prims and fit in Dolce& Gabbana suit which is the London’s club official wear. “Fashion is all Contd. from pg 35

about making you look good, occasion depends on what I wear. I wear any designer that is good on me though I prefer Nike boots.”

Mikel has further explained that he would never be caught wearing anything that wouldn’t make him look nice, revealing his dislike for body tattoos.

Most footballers are known for wearing body tattoos with symbolic designs dear to them. For instance, Lionel Messi who broke into the conscious of the world almost the same time as Mikel when they were respectively voted the Golden Ball and Silver Ball Award Winners at the 2005 FIFA Under20 World Cup in Germany, is having the picture of his Mom's face on his shoulder!

David Beckham, one of the prima donnas of the beautiful game of soccer, is known for spotting some 20 tattoos all over his body with designs ranging from his son’s names on his back, a guardian angel in the shape of a cross, his wife’s name to a replica of her wrapped around her name in Hindi. He also has the Roman numerals VII to commemorate the number 7 he wore for Manchester United on his right arm.

But Mikel has categorically told The Nation Sport and Style: “I don’t have tattoos on my body!”

Mikel

40

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

•Idowu Ogunbayo, Head of the company's Production Department, Yemi Shodimu, Tunde Kelani and other guest

A

N exemplary model of what a real event should look like will berth at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. Oraganisers say there has been nothing like it and this is not far from reality. Because indeed, Solution Media and Infotech Limited (SMIL) is already thinking ahead of this century by acquiring the latest forms of technology that asserts Nigeria as an entertainment destination in Africa.

The first major public presentation of the company's wares was showcased in December 14, 2011 as a 'Futuristic' Exhibition that gave Nigerians, most of whom are from the Information Technology and art and entertainment sectors, event agencies, media representatives and other industry professionals,a glimpse of the 22nd Century Media.

The event which took place in the expanse of Tafawa Balewa Square featured state-of-the-art equipment like 3D laser and multimedia displays, projection screens, and digital large screen prints, among others; but above all, the vision and resourcefulness of Solution Media to showbiz was to most of the attendees, awesome.

Then in April of this year, it reared its face again with a concert it called HIGH IMPACT ENTERTAINMENT. The show had on parade music

s e k a t e in W d n a s ir o m Me e c a r iz b w o h s n o s n ia Niger

By Victor Akande sensations; 2Face, MI, and DJ Jimmy Jatt, plus a fashion show featuring top Nigerian designers. It was the company's first anniversary party where it also showcased its latest cutting-edge technology equipment and services that include multimedia light projectors, massive tents, and smart glossy stages.

But the SMIL's Costumer Service Executive, Adeola Adekolu, said all that was a tip of the ice berg, because the April event was meant to bring together the major forces in the media, marketing and entertainment industry to network in a relaxed atmosphere.

Miss Adekolu spoke glowingly about Memoirs and Wine: A Touch of Class; an interactive show where only 200 guests are expected strictly on invite. The show which she says will be a night of legendary music is also expected to turn Harbour Point to a wonderland. This is in view of the ambiance that will be created with Robe 100, MMS 600 and MAC 2000 laser lights, a P4 LLD Screen, a 23

metres stage and a Pearl Tiger light mixer that is bound to render the mood for a show to remember in a long while.

The show which hopes to feature some Nigerian artistes, who must be ready for a live show, is bringing two headliner bands from Philippines and Kenya and choreographers who will be doing live performances on special request.

“We are going to be at Harbour Point far ahead of the show date which is August 24. Equipment will require about a week to set up. The artistes will also arrive ahead of date to engage in serious rehearsals. Bringing these people to do rehearsals is a way of inspiring Nigerian artistes to the culture of preparedness.”

Mr. Adeyeloye Lipede, Executive Director of the company, said SMIL will be providing two VIP tables for Nigerian artistes who will on that day appreciate what a real show should look like and that it is indeed achievable in Nigeria.

Lipede disclosed that Soda Pop band will be coming from Philippines while

•CEO of SMIL, Adeyanju Lipede, Mamood Ali-Balogun with other guest •Some guest at the event

•Tuface Idibia performing at the event

the Flame band, a seven-man group, will be coming from Kenya. The two groups which play regularly at Le Meridien in Dubai, he noted, are not just master on stage, they will readily perform legendary songs as though it was by their original singers.

SMIL is solely an indigenous Nigerian company with expertise in areas of Cinematography, Media & Post Production, 3D Laser & Multimedia Displays, Music Water Fountain, Projection Screens, Digital Large Screen Prints, Mobile Smart stage T180, and Grand Stand (bravo pro 122).

•Chocolatecity group, Ice Prince and M.I performing

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Waves Magazine: n o i s s a p f o y e n r u jo A —Lamino Azeez

T

Top DJs gather for Jimmy’s Jump Off

D

J Jimmy Jatt will be hosting his hugely popular and annual show, Jimmy's Jump Off, for the third year in a row.

Jimmy's Jump Off is the platform on which Jimmy Jatt brings top performers together to offer eclectic and undiluted fun to his fans and fun lovers. The show has come to feature prominently in annual entertainment calendar in the country and has gathered cult-like following within and outside the country.

Holding on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Get Arena, Lekki, Lagos the show will witness a host of

DJs, musicians and comedians doing their stuff on stage with different mixes, music and more.

On the roll call of performers for this year's show are; DJ Waxxy, DJ Xclusive, DJ Neptune, DJ Humility, DJ Spinall, DJ Caise, DJ Sose, DJ Tony Blaze, DJ Xgee, DJ Snoop da Damager and Dj Big N. Speaking on the annual show, Jimmy Jatt said “2012 edition will witness a surprise and touch of difference. We've reviewed past editions, incorporated fresh ideas and put together competent team of people with pedigrees in the game.”

Ruffcoin back from tour

B

IG A Entertainment signee, Ruffcoin, has just returned to the country after his tour of the United States of America.

During his tour, the artiste is reported to have performed live in the metro-areas including Dallas, Houston, New York, Minneapolis and others. There also, he shot videos for his latest single, Down Low, and a couple of others to hit the big screen soon.

CEO of Big A Entertainment, Anderson Obiagwu we gathered also held a sign-on bash for the artiste in a high octane club in Dallas, with acts like Timaya, Bracket and 2Face Idibia in attendance.

Since his return to Nigeria, the Abia State-born act has embarked on a nationwide media tour in a bid to enhance the promotion and publicity of his soon to be released album.

Ruffcoin whose real name is Emelogu Muruako Fortune is currently on the verge of unleashing his third album titled

•Ruffcoin

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Diamond in the Ruff. Besides the Down Low single and video, work has also been concluded on a new single and video called The Way You Dance. The work features multiple award winning artiste, 2Face Idibia. Other singles on the album as revealed include Sweet Music and Onye Eze.

HE field of publishing is not as rosy as many presume, but young lad, Lamino Abolaji Azeez, decided to brave the odds and chase what he says he takes as his mission in life. With little in his pocket but a desire to excel, he set off to chase a dream which culminated into what is today called Waves Magazine. Five years down the line, he says that the publication is gathering waves indeed.

He reflects on how he came to be a publisher. “Getting the vision to publish Waves magazine was divine.

Whenever I look back at what I passed through just to make it come alive, I get amazed.

The whole journey started precisely on the 26th of May 2007 when I felt the urge to do something with my life. I was in my 1st year at the Lagos State Polytechnic then, studying Mass Communication. I always like to be resourceful. I wanted to add to the things I was doing then and it occurred to me that I could publish a magazine.”

Nobody ever dreams of being a publisher, he adds.

Every child wants to become an accountant, a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer or any such grand professions but as a teenager, that was not the case for him.

“Immediately the idea struck me, I knew there was no looking back. The challenges came but we were able to surmount them. One day, as I was going through some journals, I stumbled onto the story of Ted Turner of CNN where he talked about how he failed several times. That inspired me to keep up what I was doing,”

the young publisher adds.

With 20 editions in its tow and several special editions for individuals, Azeez says that the growth rate of Waves Magazine can be described as rapid. This, he said is backed by the fact that though its current at the moment actually spans across Lagos, with the last edition, he got an offer to start distributing the magazine outside Lagos and to take it to major campuses in the South West.

“We are set to come out with a 126-page publication for Conference 57, the group of Local Government Chairmen in Lagos State. That will be set for release in a few weeks time.

These are some of the things that come my way which makes me feel encouraged. I have been getting a lot of that from people. As I speak with you now, I can tell you there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Today we are confident that corporate bodies are beginning to identify with our events and commission us for projects,” he enthused.

A 500 Level student of Lagos State University where he is studying Public Relations and Advertising, how far does he intend to push the publication? “If in another five years we continue to do what we are doing, then we should be close to where we are going. Of course for every surviving business, you don't expect profit in the first five

•Lamino Azeez

years. It is always a period of stamping your feet on the ground. That is what we have done and we are now gunning for the next five years,” he expresses.

Though a youngster, he has a message for his fellow youths. “I will want to add that youths of today should forget about what the government can do for them because the government is not willing to do anything for anybody, except a miracle happens. I am an advocate of self reliance. I encourage the youths to start at an early age to think about what they want to do for themselves.”

Moore Club hosts Remy Martin Jamz

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•Naeto C

LL is set for the June edition of Remy Martin's monthly gig dubbed At The Club With Remy Martin. The show, which is named after the brand's radio show airing every Saturday on The Beat 99.9 FM at 9pm, is billed to take place at Moore Club, Festac Town, Lagos on June 29, 2012.

Organizers say the show promises to live to its usual pomp and ceremony.

It would be recalled that the maiden leg of this monthly party took place at the Auto Lounge VIP, Victoria Island, Lagos last month.

Memories

of the unequal fun and excitement still rock TRACE Urban TV. This month, the premium brand invites all fun lovers to come party with Naeto C, Dami Krane, Shank, and others, as world-class DJ Snatch of The Beat 99.9 FM mounts the wheels of steel. There will also be Naija's finest Hypeman, Shody, doing what he knows how to do best.

In a statement issued by Remy Martin's Senior Brand Manager, Thibault Robert, the June party and others to come is a fulfillment of the brand's promise to provide premium entertainment for all fun lovers across Nigeria, starting from the city of Lagos. The initiative, he noted, is also designed to show appreciation for the support the brand has received, making it a top selling brand in the country over the years.

At The Club With Remy Martin monthly party is proudly supported by The Beat 99.9 FM and TRACE Urban TV.

Daisy premieres

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WARD-WINNING film director, Bond Emeruwa, has released of new family-oriented flick, Daisy. The film premiered yesterday at the Ozone Cinema, Sabo Yaba, Lagos.

A press statement by Emeruwa says "Daisy is a mirror of what may occur when fidelity becomes an issue in a marriage."

According to Emeruwa, the film was shot in both Nigeria and Ghana and parades stars like Olu Jacobs, Ebele Okaro Onyuike, Peter Bruno, among others. The premiere was supported by Promasidor, Kewalram, Mitsubishi Motors and popular blog, Bella Naija.

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Entertainment

BIG

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

CINEMA GUIDE LAGOS

PICTURE Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

Ties That Bind: The destiny game

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IES That Bind is a story of three women Adobea (Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde), Buki (Ama K Abebrese) and Theresa (Kimberly Elise).

Though the three are from different backgrounds, they are bound together by the shared experience of losing a child. In a destined meeting in a small village in Kroboland, the women journey together to redemption, love, life and forgiveness as they renovate a dilapidated clinic for the villagers.

An acclaimed Hollywood movie featuring talented Hollywood actress, Kimberly Elise, Ties that Bind brings back Nollywood diva, Omotola JaladeEkeinde, probably just before her recent movie entitled Last Flight to Abuja which was premiered in London a few weeks back.

An emotionally captivating flick, the movie is one of those few breaks from the Nollywood norm. It also stars Ghanaian Ama K. Abebrese, John Dumelo, and Randall Batinkoff. And Kimberly is playing a role different from her appearance in “Set It Off,” “Beloved,” “John Q,” “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” and “For Colored Girls.”

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HE sequence begins in the late 18th century, as handsome socialite Barnabas Collins (Depp) has an affair with a housemaid called Angelique (Eva Green). But because of class divisions, he despises her in favour of a beautiful young virgin (Bella Heathcote).

The housemaid turns out to be not just a woman scorned but a vengeful witch, making Barnabas's inamoratas throw herself off a cliff and sentencing him to endless suffering as a vampire. As if that's not enough,

Titanic Featured Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane Genre: Drama Running Time194 min Trespass Featured Actors: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman and Cam Gigandet Genre: Comedy Running Time: 91 min Dr Seuss'- The Lorax 3D Featured Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time86 min 21 Jump Street Featured Actors: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube Genre: Comedy and Sequel Running Time109 Mins Machine Gun Preacher Featured Actors: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time129 min Phone Swap Featured Actors: Wale Ojo, Nse Etim Ikpe, and Ghanaian Superstar, Lydia Forson Genre: Comedy Running Time Wrath of the Titans Featured Actors: Sam

Worthington, Liam Neeson and Rosamund Pike Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 99 min Best Exortic Marigold Hotel Genre: Action/Adventure Contraband Genre: Action/Adventure John Carter Featured Actors: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time132 min Man on a Ledge Featured Actors: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks and Jamie Bell Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time102 min

ABUJA

Dark Shadows: When vampires get crazier she also has him buried alive.

Dark Shadows was a longrunning soap on American daytime TV between 1966 and 1971, and now Tim Burton has made an expensive, specialeffects-strewn homage to the old series, building up the comic elements and turning it into a star vehicle for Johnny Depp.

The movie starts out as if the young governess will be the heroine, but forgets her as soon as Barnabas wakes from the dead. There's no satisfactory explanation of her relationship to the 18th century, and her love affair with Barnabas must be somewhere on the cutting-room floor.

Genre: Action/Adventure Dr Seuss' the Lorax Featured Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito Genre: Drama Running Time: 86 min Wrath of the Titans Featured Actors: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Rosamund Pike Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 99 min The Scores Featured Actors: Aremu Afolayan, saheed balogun ,Eniola olaniyan , Olumide Trespass Bakare,sunkanmi omobolanle Featured Actors: Nicolas Cage, Genre: Drama Nicole Kidman and Cam Phone Swap Gigandet Featured Actors: Wale Ojo, Genre: Drama Nse Etim Ikpe, and Ghanaian Running Time: 91 min Superstar, Lydia Forson True Citizens Genre: Comedy Featured Actors: Uti Man on a Ledge Nwachukwu, Alex Usifo, Featured Actors: Sam Brian Okwara, Clareth Worthington, Elizabeth Banks Onukogu, Keneth Okolie, and Jamie Bell Clara Iweh, and Melvin Odua. Genre: Action/Adventure

PORT HARCOURT The Ides of March Featured Actors: Paul Giamatti, George Clooney and Philip Seymour Hoffman Genre: Drama Running Time: 101 Mins True Citizen Genre: Drama Running Time: 97 Mins 21 Jump Street Featured Actors: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube Genre: Comedy and Sequel Running Time: 109 Mins Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Featured Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 86 Mins Trespass Featured Actors: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman and Cam Gigandet Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 91 Mins Wrath of the Titans Featured Actors: Sam

Worthington, Liam Neeson and Rosamund Pike Genre: Action/Adventure Phone Swap Genre: Drama Running Time: 70 Mins Machine Gun Preacher Featured Actors: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon Genre: Action/Adventure

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

‘I feel more confident now’ Shereefah Andu, CEO of Arabel stormed the social and business scene 13 years ago with her company which pioneered the sales of Islamic material in Nigeria.

The mother of three clocked 50 last week. In this interview with Adetutu Audu, she reminisces about her 50 years on earth and what is next for her.

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OW do you feel being 50? I am not particularly feeling differently. On my birthday, I woke up that morning I still felt the same way, nothing different. But something happened along the line, I went somewhere and I needed to fill a form that included filling my age and I wrote 50, then it dawned on me that I am actually getting old. I am very grateful to God. People say that life expectancy in Nigeria is 47, but I am 50.I feel more confident, though I have always been confident. I feel sure of myself now.

Lessons life taught me Life is short and precious. Every moment should be enjoyed and be made useful. Don't waste anytime because you don't have luxury of time so appreciate life and God. Life is so ephemeral, don't hold on to bitterness, have a good heart so that you forgive easily.

You can be free through forgiving and worshiping God, not only by going to church or mosque but by being good to people and things that God has created.

Would you say you are fulfilled at 50?

Fulfilled? Maybe that is not the word right now.

The question should be have I gotten to the peak of what I want to achieve in life? Definitely not. I am okay, happy, comfortable and contented with what God has done for me, I am not complaining, but I know He can take me much higher. I am not complacent. That word fulfilled should not be it. I am still looking forward to those promises He had given me that I would get there.

You have spent 50 years, looking back and taking stock, what is the next thing for you?

When you say 50, you know it is very awesome and when you now say I have spent half of a century on earth it is even more awesome. Maybe I would not get another 50 years; it is very possible, maybe another 40 Insha Allah, so the time is still very short. I want to do something that is purpose-driven; I have been thinking of several things to do, I don't want to start saying them now. Already I am in the middle of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Whatever it is going to be, be sure they will contribute to humanity because you can worship God through humanity.

A.L.I.F. - Arabel Library Initiative Foundation is an offshoot of Arabel whereby we establish libraries in different mosques to enhance our brothers' and sisters' knowledge of Islam is part of what I want to be doing now. I read a lot and I have a library and a lot of people think I am so knowledgeable about Islam. But I did not go to any Islamic school because I had all these

resources with me, I improved myself to know a lot more about my religion. Nobody can tell me what is not. I also believed education and knowledge liberate. I want a lot of people to be aware and read, not just watching home videos.

If you are informed, it would be easier for you to understand religion and why we are here and to understand people better.

Right now, we have one in Lekki; people can go in and read. The second one I am working on is in a mosque in Ibadan. Hopefully, if it is not ready before Ramadan, it will be before the end of the year insha Allah. It is not that I am building library, the mosque is there and the room is there.

We look for mosque that has a space, we go in there, get it furnished and put the books there. They have it all over the world. Mosques are really resource centres, you learn about your religion and life. If you know, it will be difficult for people to tell you that Islam is about war or violence.

The root of the word Islam is from Salam and it means in Arabic and Shalom in Hebrew. It is about peace, so why do you want to turn something that is peace and beautiful into violence and nasty religion?.

If you need to change anything, what will it be?

Nothing, without even thinking twice. I am happy with how God has created me. I am happy in my skin. I don't want to say He should do better, I am just grateful. I only want Him to make me more God-fearing.

Memorable Childhood Growing up for me was normal. We were just two kids and my mother comfortably raised us. We had practically all that we needed and we grew up in a loving environment.

Islam really was stuck down our throat, so we could think of nothing but to be a Muslim. I remember when people are going to stadium for Children’s Day or Independence Day, my mother never allowed us because she would say it would be very sunny. We were just into ourselves, but she made us realised that that there is nothing a man can do that we can not do.

She did not have me until after 12 years of marriage, though she prayed for a male child, it was a female child that came after all. You can imagine somebody who had waited for 12years a child at all would do.

She was not really into beating, whenever we did something wrong, she made us to write undertaking that we would not do it again and the fear that you don't want to go against what you had written is always there.

Sense of style I was determined in my quest to let people know that you can abide by the dictates of Islam and at the same time be trendy. My mother is conscious of how she dresses when she was younger and it has always been like that for me. It is just an innate thing. I remember when I was in form one; our English teacher said we should write a poem on anything, I remember I wrote about my dress and it was published. I like fashion and love to draw. Allah has blessed me to be artistic.

Motherhood My first child came when I was 24. And I felt so happy. I can now use the word fulfilled. I was extremely elated and you know a lot of the people say their wedding day is the happiest day of their lives. But my own happiest day was the day my first child came. That is creating another human being. Apart from being biological, it is a spiritual thing that you can not even explain. I felt this is the best thing that has happened to me. And the second came, and it was like double best and then the third and I was like three best. That is the thing that gave me most joy.

I tried to be a good mother, though we still have our issues, and differences. I think fashion is this way and they think it is the other way. But we are best friends.

Sometimes they forget that I am their mother, they think I am their friend. We gist together .They are also my confidant, they know everything about me.

Motherhood has taught me to be calmer, motherly and genuinely look for the well-being of others.

Marriage and alarming rate of divorce I deliberately don't talk about my marriage in inter-

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views. The alarming rate of divorce is very unfortunate. People are not just tolerant of each other. The husband and wife come from different background and by coming together they should know that marriage is a life-long thing. But if it is going to threaten your well-being I don't think you want to die in that marriage. Like the case of Titilayo and her hubby. If Titilayo had left her hubby before her death, maybe she would have still been alive to take care of her little daughter and her hubby would have found another person and not be in jail today.

The society puts a lot of pressure on people to the detriment of their lives. Marriage is the most desirable thing and it is worth struggling for to survive. But when it becomes life threatening, I don't think people should stay on. If you killed yourself in that process, it is like committing suicide and even God wont be happy. God has given you life and it is sacrosanct, it is not even yours.

But most importantly people should be tolerant and work things out. When it comes to what lawyers would describe as irreconcilable differences, you need to move on.

You are a Muslim and people believe your religion encourages polygamy, what is your take on this?

In the Quran, God sees that man is polygamous by nature. The male specie generally. For instance, if you observed the male Lizard is always chasing the female ones. So he gave them a leeway, if you can marry more than one and take care of them equally, you may.

But if you can not, you should not.

So there is a proviso, God has not given a b l a n k e t approval. And a lot of Imams that I know that the people outside the country who are vast in Islam a r e m o n o g amous.

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Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Social

ADETUTU AUDU (E-mail: crownkool@yahoo.com, Tel: 08023849036)

Nike Oshinowo moves on from Miss Nigeria

Olusola Saraki to get another grandchild soon

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FTER staging two successful editions of the Miss Nigeria pageant, former beauty queen, Nike Oshinowo-Soleye is moving on. At the expiration of her contract Oshionowo has opted not to continuechoosing instead to move on to greener pastures.

Sources say the former queen taking on new projects-among them a leisure/tourism initiative in conjunction with the United Nations.

In 2010, after a six-year hiatus, the Miss Nigeria pageant was re-launched under new management (previously it had been organised by Times Leisure Services, publisher of national newspaper, Daily Times, and the new tagline, One Nation, One people, One Queen.

Oshinowo-Soleye was designated as chief executive and creative director.

Upon her take over, Soleye replaced the segments of the original competition that included traditional, swimsuit, talent, interview, and evening gown with dance, tradition and couture, with contestants competing in zones in different parts of the country where they were given numbers. The zonal winner and the first and second runners-up were then selected to take part in the grand finale in Lagos.

•Oshinowo

F information available is anything to go by, the strongman of Kwara State politics •Saraki Dr.Olusola Saraki will soon be a grandfather again this time the tiny tot is coming from Laolu, the youngest son of Saraki. Laolu's wife, Carolina, sources disclose is on a nine-month course.

Since July 2011 that Laolu Saraki, the son of Kwara State political godfather, Olusola Saraki, married his long-term girlfriend, Carolina Del Val, in a posh ceremony in Spain; informed sources say he has quit clubbing and is gradually waking up to responsibilities of becoming a dad.

Laolu, like every other silver spoon kids rocked the social scene and had his own share of the opposite sex before he eventually tied the nuptial knot. The youngest of the Saraki siblings is not into active politics like others, but he was one of the directors of the defunct Societe General Bank and sources say he has other business interests. But his wife, Carolina, has a successful business in Nigeria as an interior designer. She owns a company called Cameva Interiors based in Abuja, Nigeria.

‘Keem Belo-Osagie’s rising profile

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ORMER chairman of United Bank of Africa and chairman, Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Belo-Osagie, is not resting on his oars. The Edo State-born Petroleum Engineer is now the Group Chairman of popular entertainment company, Chocolate City Group. Bello-Osagie, joined the existing board members Yahaya Maikori, Paul Okeugo and Audu Maikori.

'Keem as he is fondly called is an entrepreneur par excellence who shares passion and vision of creating a world class entertainment brand. Chocolate City consists of three subsidiaries Chocolate City Music Chocolate City Media and Chocolate City Movies.

The former bank chief holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School, a law degree from Cambridge University and an M.A. in Politics, NE year after the demise of the late Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer of GT Bank, Tayo Aderinokun, the battle on who Philosophy and Economics inherits what in his multi-billion naira estate still rages on. The cold war brewing is between the deceased's wives-Funlola and Salamotu. from Oxford University. He is A few of the properties said to be raising dust are two blocks of luxury flats in Parkview and Banana Island, Ikoyi,named Rebecca's Court. also a member of the Nigerian each of the flats is said to go for a whopping $75,000 as rent. Sources reveal that the houses were built by First Marina Properties, a subsidiary of Bar. First Marina Limited, where Salamotu holds sway as Managing Director.

There is also the old Ikoyi Hotel, which Tayo bought a few years before he died. Sources said the late banker's family members are sharply divided over whom to pitch their tent with between Funlola and Salamotu, who never see eye-to-eye.

Salamotu Ja'Usman, the second wife was said to have dated the late Aderinokun for 19 years before getting married legally three years ago. Salamatu's experience spans over 19 years in the Banking and Financial industry. She holds a Diploma in Insurance and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is an alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School and a pioneer staff of First Marina Trust Limited, a company established by her late husband.

While Funlola Aderinokun, nee Agusto, is the co-founder cum director and legal adviser of Day Waterman College, a school established by her late hubby. She is a practicing Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and currently the Managing Partner in the Law Office of “B.A. AGUSTO & CO. She has been in active legal practice for over 26 years and in 1997 she was appointed a Notary Public for Nigeria by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. She is also trained and experienced to handle Alternate Dispute Resolutions.

The late Aderinokun, 56, succumbed to cancer of the lung at the Paddington Hospital in London on 14 June 2011.

•Belo-Osagie

One year after Aderinokun’s demise, cold war brews

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•Salamotu

•Funlola

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Jim Ovia moves into hospitality business

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Vien Tetsola missing in action

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ORMER beauty queen, Vien Tetsola, hugged stardom when she became romantically linked with African Queen Crooner, Tuface. They were like 5&6 as they attended public functions together. Eventually, their love story turned sour and the hitherto lovers went their separate ways.

Tetsola, who was an ardent worshipper at the Chris Okotie-led Household of God Church, was also many years ago alleged to be an item with Okotie, a claim she denied vehemently.

By 1999, the Delta State born lady won the coveted Miss Nigeria title. Tetsola completed her scandal free reign without much ado and went on to float a foundation, Africa Alert, for the less privileged. Subsequently, she maintained a low profile with the exception of when she hosted a mini bash to commemorate her 30th birthday anniversary.

She appeared out of the blues to attend the resuscitated, Miss Nigeria Pageant by Nike Oshinowo-Soleye, but the darkcomplexioned ex-beauty queen soon recoiled from view, remaining taciturn while her admirers have been contending with the various speculations making the rounds concerning her well being. Even several calls put to her phone by yours truly were not picked.

HAT Jim Ovia is the godfather of Nigerian banking, through the Zenith Bank which he founded in 1990 and grew into West Africa's 2nd largest financial services provider by market capitalisation and asset base and that he was •Tetsola forced to step down as chief executive, following a Central Bank directive which limits the tenure of bank chiefs to 10 years, is no longer news.

The gist is that the bulk of the wealth of the recluse millionaire •Ovia comes largely from a massive portfolio of prime real estate in some of Nigeria's priciest neighbourhoods: Victoria-Island, Ikoyi.

The shrewd banker sources say, is moving into hospitality business.

Inside sources divulged that the massive hotel still under construction is very close to the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites and will give other hotels in the area run for their money as experts are working to make it one of its kind in Nigeria. Ovia also owns Aquamarine, an exclusive boat club catering to Nigeria's richest folks, though he currently devotes majority of his time towards managing Visaphone, a telecoms outhave been trailing the path of the fit, and the University of Information and CommuOCIALITE and ace fashion designer, Sesan Ogunlana, aka Cecil G, may Bank, who groomed his son, Ladi, ent Monum City First nication Technology he founded. of likes of foremost banker, Otunba Subomi Balogun the business and billionaire busifor ion foundat the laying after him from s to take over the banking busines s in his various business interdirector e nessman, Otunba Mike Adenuga Jnr, who also made his children executiv ests.

Onabanjo The younger Ogunlana, Kayode, is a graduate of Sociology from Olabisi father. his of mater Alma the is ally incident which State, Ogun oye, University, Ago-Iw influgreat had Like his dad, fashion designing for Kayode is also a gift. But his father days. school his since s busines family the ence on him, having been showing interest in ion, graduat after and mates course his for tops g designin started na The younger Ogunla his of n extensio the is CG, label, he decided to toe the path of his father. Already Kayode's now. decades two over for e existenc in dad's Cecil G label which has been the years, While his father continues to cater for the clients he had grown with over early starters of the of one is G Cecil stas. fashioni mobile ly upward the at targeted is CG of musicians, the Nigeria fashion industry in the 90s. Sesan Ogunlana was the toast look trendy. to love and designs s African for tastes have who ns politicia socialites and e Ayuba, Adewal n, sensatio Fuji He displayed so much dexterity that the popular Bonsue ALK about one waxed an album in his honour. lady who has not Territory, His contemporaries include owner of a popular club in the Federal Capital been seen in FashLatris of Adams Lateef David Kolawole Vaughan of the popular DAKOVA label, recent times, Deola Bali, sho Folorun ela, Labann of o Folawiy Abbah Hajia hi, ion, Maureen Onigbanjo of Maufec the wife of Lagos State and Sharon of Rose to rphosed metamo now has which , Stitches e Suprem Alakija of •Ogunlana socialite, Feyi Bali, would in Lagos State.

Gbolahan Bagostowe, who is now one of the local government chairmen be mentioned. Deola, a once bubbly lady and one of the leading lights in Nigerian aviation sector, after she left Virgin Nigeria, berthed at the Pay TV stath tion, Hitv. But after Hitv suddenly disappeared, Deola no longer appears on party circuits.

AISY Danjuma, a HESE are definitely the best of times for Ike lawyer, former SenDeola has, for long, Oraekwuotu former Managing Director of ator and wife of made the list of best, Equitorial Trust Bank. After his exit from the General Theophillus dressed elite. Her carebanking industry, no thanks to the Lamido Sanusi led Danjuma (retired), ranks fully picked attire are Central Bank sweeping reforms, Ike delves into haul•Bali among the A-list of Nigeria's indicative of her vast age business and he is said to be smiling to the bank most admired women. knowledge of fashion do's with returns from his investment.

Daisy always tells whoever and don'ts.

Ike, a well-respected banker, is a graduate of cares to listen that she owes She started her career as Rutgers State University, Newark, New Jersey, United no one no apology for being an audit trainee with States. He is reputed for his beautiful and confident.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers in profound knowledge of the And talking about style, London and qualified as a Nigerian banking industry Daisy, is a dazzler any day, Chartered Accountant. She with experience in corpoalways in tune with the modwas Head, Human Capital rate banking, treasury manern trends in the fashion Management of Oando Plc. agement, corporate finance world. Well, the gist is that Prior to assuming that role, she and banking operations. He Daisy, who is a collector of joined ETB as general manwas responsible for the Manageexpensive jewellery, is gearager, financial services, in ment Change Programme, following up for her 6oth birthday.

1999 and was later ing the Unipetrol and Agip merger. appointed Executive DirecThe celebration, we gathShe joined Virgin Nigeria Airways tor before emerging Deputy ered, will hold at the sprawl(Nigerian Eagle Airlines) in 2005 Managing Director and ing mansion of the and quit in 2008 as the finance later Managing Director, Danjumas, in Marbella, director. And became later Chief before his exit.

Spain Financial Officer, Hitv.

•Danjuma •Oraekwuotu

n o s s m o o r g , G l Ceci s s e n i s u b r e v o to take

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Deola Bali retreats

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EX-bank chief Daisy Danjuma plots Ike Oraekwuotu charts new course 60 birthday in Spain

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

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OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

Chike Okoli Foundation pulls society heavyweights

By Remi Adelowo

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UESTS turned up in large numbers to celebrate with and support the Chike Okoli Foundation (COF) on Friday, June 8, 2012. The occasion was the foundation's 6th annual Heart & Soul Gala which held at the Shell Hall of the Muson Center.

Dr. Stella Okoli, Group Managing Director and Chairman of Emzor thanked guests for their “support for the foundation and for turning up in large numbers to celebrate their achievements in the preceding year.”

Some of the guests present included Olu and Joke Jacobs, Sir Bishop Emma Okonkwo of Ekulo Group; socialite Nkiru Anumudu, Prof Anya and his wife, industrialist, Oba Otudeko, Chief Taiwo Taiwo, former DG of SEC, Arunma Oteh, Ndidi Nwuneli of LEAP Africa; banker, Professor Green Nwankwo; a former Special Adviser in the Presidency, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, amongst others.

L-R: Oba Otudeko, Prof Anya and Dr. Stella Okoli at the 6th Chike Okoli Foundation Heart & Soul Gala recently

•Olu and Joke Jacobs

•Nkiru Anumudu

•Chief Taiwo Taiwo, Ladi Taiwo and Misi

•Arunma Oteh

•Ndidi Nwuneli and another guest

•Ozzy Bosco and his dancers

Augustine University holds fundraising dinner

I

T was a classy evening full of glamour that drew the A-list to the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos last Sunday. Gaily dressed gueststhe ladies in elegant, sequinned evening gowns and the men in stylish suits trooped to the venue for a worthy cause - to raise funds for on-going developmental projects at the premier Catholic-owned higher institution in the country, Augustine Univer-

•Tosin Alabo Bakare

By Patience Saduwa sity, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State.

The dinner/fundraiser, organised by the Project fund raising committee of the university was attended by his Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Archibishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (Chairman of the committee), Sir Steve Omojafor (Secretary), Mrs

•Dame. Felicia Okoli

Beatrice Agama among other dignitaries.

First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola and Chief Godswill Akpabio, governor of Akwa Ibom State sent representatives. Mrs Agama, mother of Mrs Diezani Allison-Maduekwe (who represented her daughter), in her remarks full of humour and wisecracks, told how she was compelled by her daughter to attend the event.

•Victoria Okonkwo

•Chief. Sena Anthony

•Angela Okonmah and Ali Baba

•Msqg Okoduwa

•Mr and Mrs Isaac Ukeju

•Sally Mbanefo

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

47

VOL 1 NO. 037

Outdoor advertising: Challenges and prospect C

ONTINUOUSLY, rationalizing advertising spend on media, taxes the various conventional media vehicles on the critical issue of relevance and value-addition. For advertising media products and services providers at times like this, value-focused marketing is imperative. To the extent that insight on intricacies peculiar to various media vehicles will help marketing efforts by media platform, it beneficial to learn from on experienced professionals. The following is an excerpt of a paper on the value of outdoor advert media, challenges and prospects for practitioners by the President of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Mr. Charles Chijide, at a seminar. We at MC&A DIGEST see this is a good piece for our readers in the business of outdoor advertising. Happy reading: Characteristically, out of home advertising is focused on engaging the target audience when they are out of their homes (in other words, when they are on the move). The role outdoor advert media are challenged to play bestows on them so much responsibility which has necessitated a lot of aggression, creativity, persuasion and target audience engagement abilities.

It is also very obtrusive in nature, ranking the highest need for a measure of opportunity to see, among advert media vehicle options. For well over 50 years, dedicated practitioners have consistently deployed this unique media vehicle for the development of advertising in our local market. From a humble beginning when the conventional billboards and posters were all there was to date, a lot has happened to up the standard and quality of services delivered by this sub sector. We now have global standard digital display panels in Nigeria. Today, we can boast of well over 100 different outdoor media formats displaying across the country.

In all, the growth indices evidenced upon outdoor advertising business and practice are open to common perception.

As mentioned earlier, there is a clear manifestation of local presence of global and innovative outdoor advertising products in Nigeria and a huge upscale in the level of professionalism in the quality of service delivery within the industry today. Today, the business and service of outdoor advertising is handled by trained professionals and focused entrepreneurs.

Gone are the days when outdoor advertising service was delivered by the barely literate and artisans. The leadership of OAAN has invested so much in improving the image perception of outdoor advertising practice in Nigeria.

Our National association is now a registered member of the world outdoor advertising body, FEPE. Among our goals is enabling practitioners and personnel of our registered corporate members access to global practice standards, new learning and insight and the opportunity of interacting with global practitioners through international workshops and seminars. I can tell you outdoor advertising growth potentials in this market are enormous.

However, so much needs to bring to fore, as very essential learning for aspiring practitioners and the ordinary Nigerian, to enable a good appreciation of the challenges investors and practitioners face, in their quest for survival as practitioners and the optimization of returns on investment, for the entrepreneurs and investors in outdoor advertising practice. To put the revelations that will follow in perspective, let us look at the practice standard in developed economies.

Globally, outdoor advertising service delivery and business operations face similar constraints, as a result of its nature. And put briefly, the constraints are: (1) Space (2) Statutory regulations On space, for instance, at least 1,500 cities and communities prohibit the construction of new billboards. The States of Vermont, Hawaii, Maine and Alaska in the same US, prohibits all billboards. In Brazil, the City of Sao Paulo, in 2007, banned all billboards within the city. In South Africa, there is an operating manual known as South African Manual For Outdoor Advertising Control (SAMOAC), compiled and published by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Directorate in 1998. This document is a 124 page manual put together based on a painstaking research project – just for the definition of outdoor advertising, the extent and impact of outdoor advertising and its impact on environmental beautification and tourism. Nobody or group of people engage in any form of outdoor advertising in South Africa without express referral to the contents of this document. I like to read this quote from the forward from SAMOAC:

“Outdoor advertising and information transfer fulfills an essential function in modern society. It directs guides and informs as to locality, product, activity or service and contributes to economic growth in general. However, if outdoor advertising is not controlled properly it could have a very real impact on tourism resources and the human living environment, as was experienced in countries such as the United States of America.

Most advertisements are aimed at the road user and may therefore also impact on the road environment. Control measures are therefore needed to ensure that road environments will be conducive to safe and pleasant driving.”

The portion I just read captures the reasons for statutory regulations on outdoor advertising, world over. To a great extent, the need for environmental protection is a good reason for government intervention in billboards erection and outdoor advertising generally – such as is contained in SAMAOC. Take our local environment, for example, the landscape and skyline in major cities and busy towns across Nigeria suffered all sorts of “pollution” from billboard structures due to indiscriminate erection. Billboard cluster resulted in menace, such that outdoor

advertising made no since due to the abuse owing from indiscriminate erection of boards.

The other part of government control on outdoor advertising has to do with rates and levies due government agencies and department for the use of permitted outdoor space (also worldwide). Such payments are statutory and ordinarily come through as permits for display of advert messages and use of public space. In properly structured society such levies are collected directly by the municipal or local government councils with jurisdiction over the geographic space billboards are erected and the advert message displays.

World over, the two areas of government intervention stated above remain the key consideration for every outdoor service provider. So as investors or practitioners, managing the incidences of these key components will go a long way to determine the extent of any outdoor advertising business. However, if we add “…in Nigeria” to the topic of this paper, the theme of this forum changes dramatically, immediately because of the peculiarities of the Nigerian market. In other words, localizing the challenges facing outdoor advertising, throws up so many oddities that also require the attention of practitioners and entrepreneurs driven by success.

As we know, any business concern that does not yield adequate returns on investors' interest and compensate her human resource is not a successful business. So< return on investment will remain the most important measure of success. In the face of that, let us run through the peculiar challenges facing outdoor business in Nigeria, as follows: 1. Government policies/ regulation: in addition to global standards of statutory intervention, the local scenario is one of seeming confusion among governments and their agencies. For instance, state governments have technically usurped the local governments' right to outdoor advert levies through their agencies.

But because this arrangement is not harmonized properly in some quarters, outdoor advert agencies find themselves subjected to dual level payment – one to the state government agency and the

other to the local government who insists to be paid. This all add up to multiple taxation of some sort, and doubles the cost of such corporate bodies' operations.

2. Quality of human resource – outdoor advertising practice is still evolving from the days of old when it was lacking in adequately educated practitioners. But to mention, the industry will be better serviced by a continuous growth in the number of adequately educated practitioners. The good thing is that the trend is growing and the situation is looking better. We like to emphasize, from the standpoint of OAAN that our focus is on achieving high level of professionalism in the industry. We therefore encourage corporate bodies' consideration for staff training and retraining, and the engagement of highly educated personnel at entry level.

3. Corporate organizational structure – there is the need to cut cost of operation by considering the concept virtual office and outsourcing. The traditional office setting as we knew it in the 1960s through to the 80s is no longer practicable in today's business environment. Infusion of technology, sharper focus and competences on the basis of comparative advantage will make better meaning in cost-efficient business management today.

4. Financial discipline among business owners – business ownership and financial discipline is not one of our strong points in this environment.

A lot of small and medium size businesses in this economy are organized around “the owners” so much so that there is no clear distinction between the personal finances of the owner and that of the business. Such practice leads to financial impropriety, indebtedness and business failure.

5. Clients' commitment to payment terms and pattern – clearly, not all that glitter is gold in real sense.

You would be shocked to know how much is owed to outdoor advertising companies on account of these magnificent and spectacular displays you see in Lagos and Abuja, by the clients. As a result of clients' indebtedness, most of the agencies are reeling in crippling debt that are threatening their survival. Coupled with the huge investment on those hoardings, the impressive digital display panels, payment to government agencies and cost of operations, debt management is one of the major concerns for any investor in this market. We at OAAN are working towards an acceptable financial management system between our member-companies and their clients that will support healthy business relationship.

6. Industry practice – underhand dealings and compromises for selfish reasons. This is straightforward. We know of unwholesome practice by some service providers, especially those non-OAAN members. In order to make quick gains, the y compromise industry ethical and practice standard to get businesses. Their most potent tool is outdoor advert rates. They drop rates so badly the unsuspecting client shuns standard practitioners, not considering the dangers of unprofessional service delivery. What happens most times with such arrangement is substandard service delivery, abandoned hoardings and disappointment. So, we implore all those intending to practice in this market to uphold set industry standards.

7. Innovation, research and strategic planning – lastly, the outdoor advertising practice will do better with research and strategic planning. As in all professionally driven business venture, the need for deep market and consumer insights is the bedrock for success. We must at all times be able to tell what the trends are at the market place, gauge extent of efficiency and effectiveness, understand the target audience expectation, traits and habits.

Outdoor advertising businesses must begin to look at introducing more of strategic planning and research for greater effectiveness and ultimate market performance.

In rounding up, the ingredients for successful business management are globally same – diligence and commitment. As we say in business management thinking global and acting local is the only difference in the small details you find from market to market. Therefore, investors and practitioners must begin to widen their scope in quest for innovative business thinking. Outdoor advertising business is the fastest growing among the three conventional advert media options today. It is also the most resilient to change in the 'new media world' driven by digital media. In the new direction, practitioners and investors in outdoor advertising must be challenges by innovative thinking, training and retraining, exposure and new business ideas, to drive success.

New WOMAN

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

49

Relationships Deola Ojo 08027454533 (text) Pastordeegfc@yahoo.com

Your questions answered Continued from last week

I

came across your answer to a question on 8th April 2012 edition of the Nation. The truth is that age should not be seen as a factor in terms of love. At any given age you can marry as far as the love is there. A man of thirty will prefer a lady of twenty. Men believe women grow old quick. If a man in his thirties marries a woman in her thirties, she will grow old quicker than the man.

But age and where the person comes from should not be considered in true love, but peace, joy and happiness.

Matthias.

We can choose to love someone irrespective of the things that other people feel this person does not have.

Several factors determine what makes a person fall in love with another individual. Beauty they say is in the eyes of the beholder. But what happens when an individual has lost his sight? Maybe then we can say 'Love is blind'. Love is both an act of our will and an expression of our emotion. For some people, their love is more of an act of their will and less of an expression of their emotion. For most people, their love is governed by their emotion. The issue is that falling in love is one thing, but staying in love requires more of our decision making mechanism than our passion. Before people get married it appears as though they do not see the faults in their partner, after marriage, there seems to be a floodlight on every fault. Those whose love is based on mainly emotion soon get tired after marriage or even before marriage. while those who see love with the right balance of their decision and their passion end up loving their partners for life. Thanks for writing, Matthias.

The secret to keeping a healthy home is...there's no secret O

NCE you understand the importance of having a simple, organised home, and have taken steps toward creating an atmosphere that aids home relaxation, and have your home the way you want it, you'll want to hold onto the sense of peace and order you've created. It's easy for busy people to backslide into messy surroundings after a few weeks, so the following steps may be needed to guard the gains you've made: Clean Regularly: This sounds like the obvious solution to having a mess, but it's not always easy to do when you have a busy life.

However, if you keep a schedule and clean a different room of the house every few days, and do a 'clean sweep' before you go to bed each night, you can keep your surroundings clean with minimal effort. A great website that can help is Flylady.org.

Stay Organised: As you accumulate new things, be sure you're also regularly donating and tossing things you no longer use.

Also, be sure everything you own has a 'home', so you can put things away quickly and find things easily.

Hire a Helper: You may also want to have someone clean your house

once a week or twice a month, which will help you feel like you're not alone in your efforts, and make it easier to keep things clean the rest of the time.

Having peaceful surroundings can give you a sense of peace that comes from having a haven from the outside world. Here are some additional tips for creating and maintaining a Low-Stress Zone in your home: Create Peaceful Zones: If you haven't already, you may want to continue organising and decorating your space as time goes on. Perhaps you can create a place for journaling or meditation, perhaps a home spa area in your bathroom, or a space for yoga practice in your living room.

Think of what areas you would have in an ideal vacation spot, and see if you can re-create them in your home.

Use your answering machine or turn your phone off: Do you find dinner, conversations, and leisure time interrupted by the phone? If you want some peace in the evenings, don't be afraid to let phone calls go to the answering machine or voice mail. It might feel strange at first to just let calls go unanswered when you're home, but you may be surprised by how much stress you can avoid when you're

not jumping up to get the phone all the time when you're trying to rest.

Be good about getting back to people, and they shouldn't mind.

Avoid Junk Mail: If you find yourself buried under an avalanche of junk mail, writing to these people would be a really good idea. You can really cut down on the amount of mail you have to sort through and shred, which will also reduce more stress than you may realise.

Automatic Bill Payment: Another thing you can do to cut down on mail and save yourself time is to sign up for automatic bill payment. Many of your bills can be deducted from your chequing account each month, or at least paid online, which will cut down on time spent writing cheques mailing letters, and money spent on postage.

Don't Stress Over a Little Mess: If you have small children or another situation that makes keeping a clean house especially difficult, give yourself permission to have a little clutter. While it's great to have minimal clutter, sometimes stressing about an inevitable amount of mess can cause more stress. So, work toward order, but don't be obsessed.

Source: Elizabeth Scott at About.com

I am 20 years and my boyfriend is 23. I will graduate next year but he will graduate in three years time. He said he will get married in 2017 but latest by 2018 and asked me to wait for him but by then I will be 25 to 26 years old. Please, do you think 26 is too late for me to get married or should I leave him and marry someone else early? But I am so sure that this guy loves me and would want to spend the rest of his life with me. Please advise me on what to do.

Dear Twenty, time will tell. You did not tell me how long this relationship has been on for. If you can wait for him to finish school, that is fine. But will he wait for you?

Will he remain faithful to you when he is still in school?

There are some wonderful couples who have courted for up to six years and still got married. There are also some people who break up when they feel that the relationship has dragged on for too long. What kind of person is your boyfriend? Is he the kind of person who makes a decision about something and sticks to it? If he is someone who has demonstrated his faithfulness to you and you believe that he will remain faithful, then you should do your best to wait for him. A twenty six year old lady is not too old to get married. I wish you the very best.

I have a girlfriend and I do not know what to be doing to make her happy and also what to be discussing with her when she visits me because this is my first time of having a girlfriend. Please I need answer to that question now because she will visit me in the morning.

Friendships are a good prelude to courtships. A man who has had healthy friendships with many people of both genders will probably have a good relationship with someone of the opposite sex. A man who has not had healthy friendships may discover that his first relationship seems a bit awkward. This may be due to the fact that he is young or inexperienced. On your first date, find out about her interests without seeming to pry. Also avoid asking her too many questions. You can also tell her a little about yourself. The conversation should take on a natural flow from that point. It does take time to build a good relationship so do not try to rush things. Sometimes, a young person may wonder what to do in a first relationship because s/he is too young to be in a relationship. If you are in your early teens, I advise you to face your studies and concentrate on what will make you a good and dependable adult. At this stage of your life, you do not need an exclusive relationship with a girl. You have classmates, neighbours and family friends that you chat with from time to time. You can also meet in groups with these friends and have outings organised by your school or some family friends or your church if you attend one with a youth group. These are avenues where you learn to make friends with people of the opposite sex without thinking of an exclusive relationship. By the time you are ready to have a relationship, you will not wonder what to discuss with someone of the opposite sex or how to make a friend happy.

50

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Arts & Life

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

POLITICKLE

Salesmen or stand-up comics?

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

The choice of articles to mark imminent conclusion was not difficult for the writer as he readily reached into the archives for some of the most hilarious pieces to feature on this page. The very first, and today’s, is an engaging throwback to the days when the ‘molue’ – the urban mass transit contraption erstwhile beloved of Lagos folks – ruled the road.

WITH all sitting and standing space filled, the molue pulled out of the bus stop for the jaunty trip to Oshodi and yours truly settled into the routine of sorting thoughts and plans. Everything appeared normal but for the look of a particular fellow standing. Unlike everyone else, he faced the back of the bus, and stared. Then he grinned – a massive toothy grin.

Now, that was strange. Just as I contemplated the misfortune of a ride with a crazed man on board, the fellow crouched and, pointing to the floor in one direction, laughed: “Heeee!” Pointing in another, he went: “Heeeeyyy!”

I was stunned. A mad man on a bus! And I on it! But before panic lapsed into pandemonium, the ‘mad man’ laughed out loud, brought out a set of false teeth, and said in the Yoruba Language: “Mo seru ba wan! ( I scared them).” Few looked amused. “Mummy, daddy, uncle and aunty, I’m selling false teeth,” he added.

While they are not the sole reason why I turn to the molue in my hour of need – another being the opportunity to witness genuine hilarious moments or pick up interesting conversation –, the antics of these itinerant salesmen often spice my day. After observing quite a number ply their trade, I noticed a connection between the ability to entertain and the tendency to sell. In other words, make the people happy and they are likely to buy what you offer. And they do buy.

From pain-killers and aphrodisiacs to wonder drugs in the form of tablets or concoctions, there is every kind of ailment imaginable to be healed – and money to be made. Never mind crude wrappings and grammatically skewed instructions or ludicrous diagnosis, business is brisk. Wads of money handled by the salesmen attest.

“These teeth will make you chew better than ever,” the false teeth salesman said. Towards the end of the ride, however, with no passenger signifying interest, he tried another tack, if only to capture the attention of his disinterested audience. “I have a wife and children to feed, please don’t let them starve. I’m out here for their sake and yours.”

“Ah, you’re on your own,” a passenger replied.

“Se lo je kin wan’le kin ma jete! (I should be kissing my partner at home),” said the salesman ruefully.

“It’s not too late. You can go back to her,” someone said.

Warming to the subject, our salesman shot back: “Ah, you don’t like me.

That’s what I did last year and could not afford to travel to my village for the Christmas celebrations!”

Other salesmen begin by offering ‘gifts.’ One of them got on my bus once. He announced that every Thursday, his ‘company’ gave customers free items, and as it was a Thursday, the passengers were in luck. All anyone had to do was answer a simple question. And no sooner was the question released than an answer provided. For his effort, the ‘lucky’ fellow who answered correctly earned some dollars. The salesman handed him a $100 bill specimen with the instruction: “Take it to Central Bank; they’ll change it into naira for you. Spend it wisely.”

Another salesman tendered a different version. After failing to impress ‘customers,’ he declared that out of frustration he would give lucky passengers free items of his product. He offered the product to the nearest passenger who had his back to him (the salesman), saying: “Take, take it now.” Just when the passenger sensed he was the subject of the salesman’s attention and began to turn around, the salesman withdrew the offer. “He doesn’t want it,” he said. He managed to sell some items after repeating the trick twice.

For good measure, however, some salesmen entertain without intention.

One selling medicated soap pointed to his face as evidence of its efficacy. He wondered why anyone should flaunt rough skin when his wonder product existed. Some men’s chin looked “like where Julius Berger mix concrete,” he lamented. As anyone could see, his skin glowed. “Abi, my face no sine?” he asked. “E sine well, well,” the passengers chorused amid laughter.

QUOTE Today, there are three kinds of people: the have’s, the have-not’s, and the have-not-paid-for-what-they-have’s.

—Earl Wilson

Jokes Humour Tot Giggles TEACHER: John, why are you doing your multiplication on the floor?

John: You told me to do it without using tables.

••••••••••••••••••••••

TEACHER: Greg, how would you spell “crocodile?”

Greg: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L. Teacher: No Greg, that’s incorrect.

Gregg: Maybe it’s incorrect, but you asked me how “I” spelled it.

••••••••••••••••••••••

TEACHER: Dami, what is the chemical formula for water?

Dami: H I J K L M N O. Teacher: Dami, what are you talking about?

Dami: Well, yesterday you said it was H to O.

TEACHER: Betty, give me a sentence starting with “I”.

Betty: I is ...

Teacher: No Betty, always say, “I am”, not “I is”.

Betty: All right. “I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.”

••••••••••••••••••••••

TEACHER: Now, Mary, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?

Mary: No Ma, I don’t have to. My Mom is a good cook.

••••••••••••••••••••••

TEACHER: Daniel, your composition on “My Dog” is exactly the same as your brother’s composition. Did you copy from him?

Daniel: No teacher, it’s the same dog.

••••••••••••••••••••••

••••••••••••••••••••••

TEACHER: Willy, what do you call a person who keeps on talking to people who are no longer interested?

Willy: A Teacher.

••••••••••••••••••••••

TEACHER: Why are you late Frank?

Frank: Because of the sign.

Teacher: What sign?

Frank: The one that says, “School ahead. Go slow.”

•Culled from the Internet

TEACHER: Jimi, name one important thing that we have today that we didn’t have 10 years ago.

Jimi: Me! TEACHER: Adam, why do you always get so dirty?

Adam: Well, I guess it’s because I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are.

••••••••••••••••••••••

••••••••••••••••••••••

F

INDING an Writer’s Fountain editor: As a self publishing author you may be in the those with good English skills can find mistakes. precarious position of making the final decision If the friendship is robust and the friend is about when to go to print. If you go too soon, fearless, you can get good feedback.

If you can find a writing group where people your book will not be all it could be. No one wants to have an inferior product attached to critique each other’s work, by all means attend.

You will learn from other writers as you his or her name. Once a book is printed it’s watch their work evolve. there forever.

You will have help with your own writing.

You are a writer and you are close to your If you can’t find a group, start your own. own work; that closeness can blind you to its You may choose to hire someone for some flaws.

Trusted friends can encourage you and or all of the editing your book needs.

You can hire an editor at any stage of your Life as we know it: writing. There are as many ways for an editor •In one trip, a honey bee visits about 75 and writer to work together as there are editors flowers. and writers.

•The Australian crab spider sacrifices its body Choose your editor carefully. as food source for the offspring.

Knowledge, skill, and personality enter into •The only bone fully grown at birth is located the relationship. in the ear.

What you look for in an editor depends on •The water inside of a coconut is identical to your personality and your personal human blood plasma. Many lives in third development as a writer. world countries have been saved from coconut A writer wants an editor to be kind towards water fed through an IV. him and be ruthless towards his words. But not •The Central African raffia palm is known to everyone feels exactly the same way. Contact have the longest leaves. The leaves can an editor to get a feel for how you might work measure up to 82.5 feet long. together. This is a personal relationship that •An ear of corn consists of 80% water. works best when based on trust.

51

T

HE rustic Iloko community, in Ilesa, Osun State was very rural and undeveloped. There were hardly any schools, hospitals, hotels or social amenities of note. It was strictly a silent agrarian community. That was before the ascension to the throne of the Oba Oladele Olashore, who recently joined his ancestors.

He turned the little community into an Eldorado. When The Nation visited the town last week the late monarch’s kinsmen wore long faces and were still in mourning. Irrespective of age and status, both young and old, they were all mourning. Market women, petty traders and all wore long faces and were not ready to entertain any questions from a reporter.

Asked why they were so forlorn, one of the community elders retorted in a voice laced with a mild anger, “Why would we not be sad?’’ Casting his eyes afar he looked ahead and added, “Look, young man, the late monarch tarred our roads, brought electricity and other first class things to this small town. Who knows Iloko before? It was a real bush, but this man transformed it to become a first class town by building a five-star hotel affordable hotel, one of the best schools in the country where the high and mighty bring their children and wards to. He also established an affordable Model College and paid the school fees where an average family can also send their children and wards to study.

Aside that he built a stadium of high class. Please, you can go …we are still mourning’’ Torrents of tributes At the palace a Register of Condolence has been opened in honour of the late monarch. Among the earliest dignitaries that have signed are the Minister of Defence (State), Erelu Olusola Obada who wrote in red: “Here to commiserate with the good people of IlokoIjesha , the chiefs and the family of our dear Kabiyesi on his passing into glory.

Kabiyesi will forever be remembered for turning Iloko into Eldorado, for the gift of Olashore International School, the Model Secondary School and other great things he did for this town. He will also be remembered for his service to Nigeria as Secretary of Finance after having been Managing Director of First Bank. An astute banker and philanthropist, a lover of people, caring and always understanding .We shall all miss Kabiyesi dearly .May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II sent representatives who wrote on his behalf “The heartfelt sympathy of His Imperial Majesty and condolence to the family and all the people of Iloko in particular and Ijesa land in general is hereby delivered.

May his soul rest in peace. Amen” In his own condolence message Dr. Tunji Abayomi wrote “My Dear Sir, if you can hear the voice of my wife Foluke and mine you will shriek at our voice of our gratitude.You inspired my wife to go into nursing where she became a national leader.You gave to me [your in law]the confidence of relationship. You were worried about Nigeria’s condition …. It’s tough to say bye bye, Kabiyesi. O digba, o digbere, o doju ala. Sunre o.”

One of the community elders, Pa Amos Owoeye (73) said the ancient town has lost a rare gem, he lamented over the demise of the monarch and declared: “Araba tree has fallen. His death is painful. We are all mourning for him and mourning for the town too.

The late monarch was very close to the old and young. He rescued us from slavery. Before now this place was a thick bush and for a person who had travelled far and wide to decide to come and settle and invest here is not easy.

We pray we have such a person again.’’

The breaking of a long tradition Prince Tunde Olashore ,75 ,who is the immediate younger brother to the late monarch could not hide his feelings and that of the royal family at what he called a betrayal of custom with the

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

•Oba Oladere Olashore

Iloko mourns Olashore, its illustrious monarch When Oba Oladere Olashore died recently in a London hospital, tradition was broken as his demise was announced on the internet. This has not gone well with Iloko people. Taiwo Abiodun visited the town and reports

•Regent of iloko, Chief Ogunsanya

•Olashore royal chair

•Tunde Olashore PHOTO:TAIWO ABIODUN

announcement of the monarch’s demise shortly after it occurred. He said this was not in tune with Yoruba culture and the status of the monarch. He blamed the leakage of the news on one security man (a Nigerian) who works in the hospital in London where the late monarch died. According to him, “While I was hiding the news of his death from the people in order to follow the rules and culture of Yoruba land, a man [ names withheld ] who is a Yoruba man and works in the hospital where my late brother died called people and posted it on the internet. I expected it to be announced after seven days. It was very painful that the news

broke out and the media got wind of it, though they were very careful to disclose their source.” He expressed regrets that modernity has eroded our cherished culture. “Our culture is dying and it is painful, our children cannot speak Yoruba language again, this is bad for our culture.”

He said way back in 1989 when their father who was also the monarch joined his ancestors this was kept secret for about two weeks!

Palace after the demise of the monarch When The Nation visited last week, the palace was virtually empty. The royal stool was empty while all the chairs once occupied by the chiefs were

vacant. The vast palace was devoid of activities.

No trumpets were blown to wake up the king he had slept the eternal sleep! All the security officers were mournful while the chiefs no longer met in the palace, as they were busy preparing for the burial. There were a handful of security officers at the gate to ensure security of the palace.

The race for the next king Though the little town is still mourning the loss of the great monarch, the search for a suitable successor has begun. There are indications that one of the late monarch’s sons may join the race. There are four ruling houses in Iloko. These are: Ajagbusi Ekun,

Eyebiokin , Agusuoogun and Alatise.

A source in the palace praised the late monarch for his contributions to the development of the town. Prince Eyebiokin Iloko Ijesa who is from one of the ruling houses said the kingmakers would decide who will be the next king. He said Oba Eyebiokin Akijo who died in 1949 was succeeded by the late Oba Olashore [the father of the recently deceased monarch], who also succeeded his father.

He added “I must confess that there is no controversy over who would be king here since we have ruling houses and all the ruling houses had ruled at one time or another.”

According to him, before a new monarch is picked “the town will still consult the Ifa oracle while Christians will pray” He said none of the four ruling houses is ruled out of the contest to choose a new king. “We have the chieftaincy committee called kingmakers of 14 people which I am the head. By the time we are ready or by the time people showed interest we would know. Nobody showed interest when the late Oba came in, he did not show interest. We started going to the ruling houses asking them to send people and then we would screen.”

On what it would take to succeed a king with such a larger than life reputation and track records, he said “Whoever wants to come out must have sterling qualities. One that is educated not necessarily a Phd holder. Now, it is even tougher he (the late Olashore) had taken it to higher level. Somebody who will ascend it must be able to develop the town, he must not necessarily be a millionaire, but must be able to develop the town, do something for himself, for his immediate family, and be a philanthropist.”

Burial arrangements The time, how and where the monarch is going to be buried are yet to be disclosed. While some said he would be buried in his palatial white house located inside the town a few others said he might be buried in the palace courtyard where his ancestors were buried according to tradition. But here the question of Christianity and tradition comes up. Will he be buried according to tradition? Prince Eyebiokin, who is also the mouthpiece of the kingmakers and the community, said the late monarch will be buried according to both Christian and the traditional rites. “We don’t tell the exact date he would be buried, that is why it’s part of the mystery. It is not fetish. The mystery is when he would be buried not everybody will be there but the children will be there, you cannot keep the children away. The seven days of mourning has ended. He was a Christian and they will take control and later the traditional rites will be performed’’ Since he was very close to the late monarch, he was asked what he thinks the late monarch would like to be his epitaph, he said, “I remember that during a television interview with him about three years ago , he was asked what he wanted to be remembered for , he said to the reporter he would remember that he had a three-hour interview with him! If read the condolence register you will see what the people say about him, this is an open testimony of what he had done for them in life.”

High Chief Sola Ogunsanya who is the second in command said, “I am the acting Oba when a monarch passes on. All the duties he was doing like the head of the community, Council of chiefs, head of the king makers have been passed to me. There is nothing like burying 10, 20 people along with the Oba, there is nothing like that.”

A walk through the town showed in such awe Oba Olashore was held and loved by his people. There is no doubt that he was a modern builder of Iloko who brought the little town not only to national limelight but international recognition.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Miscellany

W

HAT are the challenges in office confronting the SSG about now?

The major challenge for me is the ability to satisfy the aspirations of my principal, His Excellency Governor Theodore Orji, who is in a great hurry to develop Abia State. This office coordinates the activities of all the ministries, agencies, and parastatal. So issues that have to do with crisis are managed by this office, issues that have to do with planning the economy of the state are organised and managed by this office, including issues that have to do with the politics of the state. This office coordinates and prepares our blueprint for economic activities, keeping records of achievements of the state. The SSG comes third in the hierarchy of governance and in the absence of the governor and his deputy, he steps in. In the absence of his Excellency and the Executive Governor, the Secretary to the SSG steps in to take charge.

How do you combat the bureaucratic process to get things done?

I come from the university setting where I was the chief executive and I could quicken the process of getting things done but this is a different environment where the bureaucratic process has been designed as part of the art of governance but the challenge is marrying a quickened process of getting things done to the old time bureaucratic method and I am glad to say His Excellency gives me support in my effort to produce maximum results with speed, without compromising due process. It is very normal for us to sit for hours in order to ensure that speed and efficiency are applied for optimum results. So when His Excellency enjoins his team to be on their toes everybody sits up trying to make things happen at very short notices. The result is usually fulfilling.

What goals have you set for yourself?

The goals I have set before myself are the goals His Excellency has set for himself.

It is the roadmap that aims at doing what Abians want him to do, which is a fulfilment of the mutual covenant of delivering democratic dividends as contained in his manifesto and this is to make Abia better than he met it, touch the lives of the people and put smiles on their faces, work for peace and stability in the system and fight to ensure Abia gets the best that could ever be obtained from the Federal Headquarters.

So, to leave Abia better than he met it, that is the dream of His Excellency and that is what I am here to implement.

Having said that, we must recognise that right from the beginning His Excellency if you recall how he came to power we would agree that his Excellency had to muster courage to break loose from a kind of a political and intellectual mode that he found himself in and that is why people regard him as the liberator. He liberated Abia State from a system that was crippling mentally, socially, politically and economically and a system popularly characterised by Godfathers and Godmothers and a system in which merit was not the order of the day and we knew who was behind it. So that was

‘Orji has taken Abia to mainstream politics’ Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa has been among other things, Commissioner for Education and Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Currently Secretary to the State Government of Abia, Agwu narrates his experiences in government

•Agwu the system we inherited, that we found to be detrimental to the aspirations of the Abia people and that was what he fought relentlessly to break free from-a suffocating strangle hold.

Today people are appointed on the basis of merit, and competence. In the past people lobbied for positions; today His Excellency goes looking for quality irrespective of where you come from. I can tell you many of his commissioners, local government chairmen et al, are people he did not know before now.

A new political age There is no better liberation than people being appointed without knowing or seeing the governor. For us this the first experience of real democracy in action in Abia State. That fact alone, places Abia on a pinnacle of acclaim with respect to democratisation of the polity and that is what every body is happy about. People now ascend to positions on the basis of merit. Regarding my appointment, I prefer not to talk about myself but if I should, I thank God and I thank His Excellency and it teaches me a great lesson. I worked assiduously at Abia State University, to place it as a front line university to be reckoned with in the continent of Africa. I am happy I did, and thanks to the support that the governor gave to me when I was there.

Why do consider Abia a mainstream state?

It’s okay to say yes somebody is building roads and sky-scrappers but, the

fundamental basis on which those structures will exist is what Dr. T A Orji has established for us. Freedom of expression, freedom to be your self, and freedom to access your individuality, that is what the Ochendo Revolution is all about. In the past, a delegation of church and town union leaders and all sorts of coalition groups would go to pay homage to the Oracle of Ungodliness but today, those things are gone and gone for good. So, that freedom of expression, that sense of self assertiveness, that feeling of relevance of the individual, that feeling that tomorrow I could be something provided I work for it, is strong in the air. It is what Abians need and that is what Ochendo has given to the people. So that comes to my mind. It’s the first and foremost legacy I will say, he has left for Abia State.

Secondly, before now, we were in the minority in the Nigeria political arrangement and you could not get much from remaining in the periphery of mainstream governance, at the centre. You get a lot more if you are within the system. So, for somebody to muster the courage to break loose from that myopic portrait that was painted for

us and for us to be led into the main stream of Nigeria political arrangement is another great thing that he has done for us. Because we are now in the main stream, we can confidently and courageously walk up to Mr President and tell the man what we need and there are concrete evidences to substantiate the fact that, it is paying off creditably.

How revitalised now is Abia’s economy?

The Aba economy was almost crippled because everybody fled when kidnappers, armed robbers and men of the underworld let loose from neighbouring states in consonance with our sons who had elected to remain criminals. It took the courage of Ochendo and his mainstream politics to drag us out of the mud. Our movement into the main stream of Nigerian political arrangement largely helped us out. If we were still at the periphery, the kidnap phenomenon would still have left Aba a ghost town.

Aba would have been sealed off today. But, today, it’s a different song we are singing glorious songs of victory because the Governor had the courage to redirect us along the progressive path, and we

got the federal troops to unleash a fatal blow on Osisikanwu, the kidnap kingpin and his cohorts.

Today, Abia is numbered among the safest states in the country. Thanks to the Ochendo. These are legacies that may not be quantified in material and concrete terms.

In specific terms, how will you categorise Ochendo’s achievements till date?

We now have constant electricity supply in Umuahia and its environs up to Isiukwuato and Aba areas.

Umuahia has had constant electricity supply for an appreciable period of time now and the whole of Aba will soon join the queue of constant power supply down to Isiukwuato. What better dividends of democracy can we brand? Transformers have been distributed to communities. We have also realised several water schemes here in Umuahia. Last week, I listened to the radio and I heard the oil community thanking His Excellency for making it a realisable dream that they have nurtured for so many years when they had no water. We have several water schemes either as work in progress or as completed projects. Umuopara, Abiriba, Umuahia and Aba are a few of

‘Because we are now in the main stream, we can confidently and courageously walk up to Mr President and tell the man what we need and there are concrete evidences to substantiate the fact that, it is paying off creditably.’

such examples.

The same is true of roads especially in Aba, which has been a sore point for this administration with respect to the near intractable problems of infrastructure development.

Now, let’s talk about the health sector; we consider health of paramount importance, because it is when you are healthy that you can do business. And we thought we could concentrate on primary, secondary and even tertiary health care delivery.

It is on record that, 210 rural Health Centres have been built across the LGAs of Abia State.

Many General Hospitals have been rehabilitated; many are in the process of being rehabilitated. I come from Abiriba and Abiriba General Hospital is in the process of being rehabilitated. I know that, there are three state of the arts diagnostic centres in the state, one in Aba, another in Umuahia and the other one in Omakor, and the intention here is to save money for people that will have to travel all the way to India in search of superior medical attention.

Permit me to mention at this stage that the wife of His Excellency continues to give her tremendous support to the revamping efforts of her husband. It is on record that, the support of Her Excellency Mrs Odochi Orji deserves a worthy mention. We know that, she has on her own initiative pioneered the attraction to Abia State, medical support from three American and UK based philanthropists, who have been here during one of our festive periods.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

53

Academic life begins at 80 —PAGE 54

‘Let the dead bury their dead’

That the wedding of Ndako Mijindadi went ahead a week after his sister, Maimuna Anyene and six other members of her family died in the Dana Airline crash has continued to generate controversy. Remi Adelowo, Adetutu Audu and Vincent Nzemeke report

• The late Anyene family

B

ARELY a week after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lost eight persons in the Dana Air crash in Lagos, its governor Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi set tongues wagging when he was turbaned as Dan Majen Kano by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, amidst pomp and fanfare.

At a time when the entire nation was mourning the over 153 people who lost their lives in that air mishap, not a few persons expected the CBN governor to show some respect for the dead by at least postponing the ceremony if it could not be called off entirely.

Considering that one of his relatives who is said to be very close to him was also involved in the crash, Sanusi’s decision to go ahead with the ceremony further infuriated his critics. Many of them took to Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks to vent their anger on him and what they called his devil may care attitude.

If Sanusi’s action generated varied comments, the wedding between Ndako Mijindadi, younger brother of Maimuna Anyene, who also died in the ill-fated crash alongside her husband, Onyeka; four kids and her mother in-law, to Halimat just a week after the heart wrenching incident has left many seething with anger. “Was it not the journey to this same wedding that claimed the lives of these people?” many would not stop asking.

Life goes on About three days to their wedding, the new couple had sent a terse invitation message that read: “Please join us on Saturday, 9th June as we hold prayers for our family members who have been called back to God. The prayers would hold at the Incubator (near Four Points) Victoria Island, Lagos at 9am. The

Fathia for Halima and Ndako would hold by 11am at Number 10, Mayaki Usman Street, off Wole Ariyo Street, Lekki Phase 1 (refreshments would be at the Incubator afterwards). May God reward you for your love and support. Thank you.”

More than a week after the wedding, relentless criticisms have not stopped. As was the case with Sanusi’s, many especially those who believe that the dead deserved to be better honoured have lashed out at the couple. They suggested that as a symbol of respect for the dead, the couple should have postponed the wedding at the very least.

However, this has generated mixed feelings among members of the public. While a few felt the wedding should have been postponed in honour of the departed souls, others hold the opinion that the death of a loved one should not interfere in the life of the living.

A septuagenarian who does not want his name in print told The Nation during the week, “In my part of Yorubaland it is a taboo to postpone such a wedding. This is because it is believed that if you do other bad things may creep in. As we say, a little problem leads to bigger ones. Why postpone a wedding because of the death of another person?

The only reason why a wedding can be postponed in my part of Yorubaland is if the death involves one of the parties (either the bride or the groom), then you call it off. However, if that is not the case the only next thing to do is to scale down the festivities and not allow the death to cause a cancellation.”

He added, “if you cancel or postpone and what date are you going to fix again? One year, two years, or a week after? So, why not go ahead and just scale down the merriment? That is my honest opinion.”

Speaking from an Islamic perspective, a

• Maimuna Ayene’s brother, Ndako and his bride, Halimat during their wedding Moslem scholar, Alhaji Abdul Rasak Olayiwola said death is an inevitable end for all human beings.

As such, the death of a loved one should not interfere with the activities of those living. “Death is a painful thing anytime it comes. In Islam, we believe that Allah gives and takes and we cannot question Him. When a person dies, a thorough

Muslim is expected to be strong and not mourn for too long. Mourning for too long could imply that such a person doesn’t respect the will of Allah who knows best’’.

Defending the actions of the CBN governor, the Islamic scholar added that it was needless •Continue on Page 55

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Life

Burning the night candle at 80 The 17th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos saw an 80-yearold Pa Alimi Amodu graduating alongside 27,086 others. He is unarguably the oldest undergraduate in Nigeria. Tunde Busari recently met him

T

HERE is perhaps hardly any resident of the Satellite Town, Lagos today that rivals the popularity rate of Pa Alimi Amodu, who recently graduated from the Lagos State University (LASU),Ojo, Lagos at 80 years. Commercial motorcycle operators especially are always available to make the trip of a first time visitor to Amodu’s residence easy.

With a casual enquiry of his location, any okada operator will drop you right at Close 12, House 1A where the octogenarian lives.

About 10 years ago, however, this was not so. Pa Amodu was like any other resident. He was enjoying his deserved private life after he had, in 1992, retired from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, where he had put in 35 years of meritorious service in the Medical Record department.

The route to fame The hitherto unknown octogenarian, however, lost his anonymity from the day he enrolled as a Sociology undergraduate student of the Lagos State University in 2005. He became the toast of the media and embraced limelight.

A visit to Pa Amodu, whose normal day starts at 3 am and ends at 9 pm when he hits the bed, is never a waste as he would ceaselessly feed you with variety of information covering all spheres of life.

Narrowing the subject down to social issues will bring out the very best in him as a man who really earned his degree in a course that studies the origin, development, and structure of human societies and the behaviour of individual people and groups in society.

He would without any sweat give you two or more definitions of every concept according to different scholars. He would also theorise and impress you with a detailed explanation of the subject and apply it to contemporary socio-political national issues.

Despite his interest in all Sociological courses, he has a bias for ‘Sociology of the Third World’ and ‘Criminology’, taught by Dr. Wahab Elias and Professor Atere Adewole respectively.

At a point, it may appear that Pa Amodu is playing to the gallery by deliberately flaunting his newly acquired knowledge, but a critical observation of the passion with which he divulges the information shows him as a man with insatiable hunger for knowledge and more of it.

“Ideas rule the world, so they say. What are ideas? They are knowledge and acquisition of it. I cannot just imagine how the world would have been without research that led to all these good things we have today. Man is made to acquire knowledge in as much as acquiring it is from the cradle to the grave. That is my driving force and my strength,” he said.

Dietary habits Aside this, Pa Amodu also derives his strength to weather academic rigour from his nutrition pattern. This perhaps may have been informed by an experience he does not always like to recall.

Before the incident, which earned him a reprimand from his lecturer and a roaring laughter from his classmates, Pa Amodu used to find rice an irresistible delicacy, especially for his breakfast because he considered it a light food.

But in the middle of the lecture, rice proved to be heavy as he suddenly fell into a nap. This bow to nature immediately caught the attention of the lecturer who charged at him and sent him to the rear of the lecture room where Pa Amodu stood till the lecture’s termination.

“The lecturer then advised me not to eat rice but to take a cup of tea before a class. And since then I have been very strict with that rule that you would think I hate rice. Although it was not taken seriously, I hate that incident because I did not think I could find myself in such a situation where somebody would be telling you that you cannot cheat nature,” he said with a countenance suggesting he is still hurt by the incident.

The bookworm While so many young students, who have all the energies to survive the academic rigour struggled to make a Second Class lower grade, Pa Amodu achieved it with ease having uncovered the secret of a good grade in hard study.

Given the fact that he has nothing to distract him, he turned the school library to his second home, the activity which would earn him a sobriquet ‘Baba bookworm’ among his class mates who also referred to him as the ‘youngest student’.

A library which he created inside his two-bedroom apartment remains his precious treasure that he could not trade with any amount. To him, spending money on clothing, shoes, and other material things should not be a priority of a man as such money could be invested in books that will teach knowledge leading to human development. That is why, he says, he will not spare any amount to buy books.

Pa Amodu, who is father to a PhD holder, Dr Akeem Amodu, is happy that he has the support of his children in his pursuit of knowledge. His son, Dr Amodu, currently a senior lecturer at Leads City University, Ibadan, is always on hand to encourage his father. Little wonder that Pa Amodu spends the leisure hour he is expected to unwind right inside the library rather than engaging in regular social activities.

“A time wasted is a time lost.

Nothing interests me again at my age as much as reading whatever book I can place my hands on.

That is what gives me joy. Without blowing my trumpet I started reading for my Masters degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations long before I sat for the qualifying examination preceding the programme.

“I have come to understand that whatever you do over and over again naturally becomes so easy for you that you cannot do anything else that will give you

•The graduand, Pa Alimi Amodu with his son and grandchildren

the same satisfaction. I am enjoying myself now doing what I choose to do to make me a better person before I leave this world,” he said.

Leaving this world is rarely a topic Pa Amodu discusses because he strongly believes that he would work his way to bagging his PhD in record time. This may be dismissed as wishful thinking for a man in the twilight of his life. However, he says, death is a natural phenomenon of which he is never scared despite his ambition.

“Is it not the grace of God that helped me to achieve this? If it is the wish of God that I will fulfil my dream fully, nothing will stop me.

But if God does not want it, so be it and I thank Him that my name will go with an academic title of a Bsc,” he said.

His son, Dr Amodu also said his father had made him and other

children proud with the strong determination he showed from the beginning of the programme till he graduated. The younger Amodu said supporting his father was an obligation which the children took upon themselves as a pay back of sorts.

“He is already working towards recording another success in his Masters degree. It will not be fair to discourage him from pursuing what he feels gives him joy. We are all happy that we are not spending money on hospital bill. So, he deserves all the support he needs to succeed. And we are happy to be identified with him as his children,” Dr Amodu said.

After his desire has pushed him into the limelight, Pa Amodu seems to be enjoying it. He is a reporter’s delight for his readiness to field any question even at a short notice. He

is also a recipient of Rotary Club of Lagos award in 2010. But the publicity, according to him, has robbed him of his privacy and also put him under pressure to succeed.

“I did not imagine this type of publicity my decision not to die in ignorance brought to me. I am not complaining though, it means I must not fail because if I fail it is going to be a bad precedence and a discouragement to other older men who may want to emulate me,” Pa Amodu.

A native of Ibadan, Oyo State, he is the chairman of Sule Oniyangi Mokore Community Development Committee in Oluyole Local Government Council where his contribution remains invaluable to his people. “This is where I will finally return to so I need to contribute to the development of the community,” he said.

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

T

HE challenges of failure in Mathematics and English in secondary schools and unity colleges, is becoming alarming in the recent times. How are you handling the case in your own college and what is the way out?

It is true that English and Mathematics remained a serious concern but I can say that, we in Federal Government College (FGGC) Zaria are lucky that English is not as much of a problem to us as Mathematics is.

We do not have many problems with English language. Mathematics has continued to be the issue and like you said, it is more of a national issue rather that a local issue. At our own level, we have done all we can. We have devised all sorts of means from getting of teachers that are young and highly accomplished. We have looked for brilliant students, brilliant graduates that we injected into the system on parttime basis to boost and complement effort of our regular teachers.

We have encouraged our regular teachers to rejoin in the marking of WAEC and NECO examinations, even if they don’t need the money, at least for them to be aware of the current expectation of the examination bodies.

It is already a mind set among students that, no one should even be surprised if you don’t do well in Mathematics, especially with girls. So, getting them to appreciate mathematics, to accept that it can be as easy as physics or chemistry, which is also science subject remained a problem. We are doing all we can to get students to practice more. So, we hope that by these strategies, perhaps we will be able to raise our standard of passing the subjects more than we have being doing in the past.

One prevailing virus in the educational system today is examination malpractice which has become widespread in virtually every secondary school including unity colleges. What is the level of this problem in your school and how are you handling it?

Well, it’s actually a no go area far as we are concerned. Even in the ordinary class room exam level, we try to make •Continued from Page 53

postponing the event since the body had already been buried. “From an Islamic standpoint, what Sanusi did was right. If a Muslim dies anytime before 4pm, it is advised that he be buried on that day. This means that the families understand that Allah gives and takes.

He gave life to the person who died and He has decided to take it back.”

It is a very complex situation said Pastor Humprey Ikemdi of Christ Life Church, Lagos. To him, postponing or calling off an event because of the death of a loved one is not the best way of honouring them. “What we are discussing is a very complex thing. I may sound harsh, but I don’t think it is right to call-off a wedding or any other event because of the death of a person.”

“That (postponement) can be done if the dead person is playing an important role at that event. For instance, if a bride or groom dies before a planned wedding, it will not take place. But when a distant relative dies, there is absolutely no need to calloff the event”.

A matter of custom Just as it is with religion, the customs and traditions of various ethnic groups also differ on honouring the dead. Cletus Ojadi, a businessman in Ikeja who hails from Oguta in Imo State, recounts that he was compelled to postpone his wedding due to the death of his younger brother two years ago. He said: “My younger brother who was billed to be my best man died exactly ten days before my wedding in 2010. As a way of honouring him, the family decided to postpone the wedding until he was buried.

Although it was not a convenient thing to do, it was right because tradition demands that we honour the dead. If I’m faced with a similar challenge today, I will do the same because tradition is supreme”.

For Ronke Odubote, a teacher in

‘How to encourage the teaching of mathematics’ Hajiya Indo Mohammed is the principal of Federal Government Girls’ College Zaria. She is a career educationist, and was recently awarded Member of Federal Republic (MFR). Isah Idris met her recently and spoke with her.

•Mohammed sure we conduct fraud free examinations. We punish any one that is caught even in ordinary mid-term exam for instance, not to talk of terminal examination.

If anyone is caught attempting to

cheat during an ordinary test, mid-term exam or any such thing, we award the student zero in that particular paper.

We bring her out and discipline her to serve as a deterrent. And we have always maintained that. Whatever it takes us, we will try to continue to keep

our integrity as an institution that would not venture into any examination malpractice at either the local or final level.

We are proud that whatever grades that our student have earned, are grades that are legitimately earned by them.

So, that remained our pride.

You were recently honoured as Member of Federal Republic (MFR). How did you attain this especially as a career teacher and as a woman?

All I knew was that, I got a telephone call from Katsina State Department of Special Duties some time ago.. I think states were allowed to nominate citizens of their state for a national honour. Now I was called to forward curriculum vitae along with any relevant materials which I had and which could boost the chances of my award.

I was in a far away Port Harcourt at that time conducting admission exercise into JSS1 and SS1 and the person told me that the submissions had to come in by the next day and I wasn’t billed to return back to Zaria until the weekend.

So, the CV was not a problem because I had one in my computer in the office but I didn’t know what else to attach, so, there is this little book that my staff wrote on my departure from Federal Government Girls College, Bakori . It was like a tribute to me for the time I spent there.

I didn’t even know when it was put together. My then vice-principal coordinated it when it was obvious I was leaving the institution. So, it is a tribute from the staff, from the students and may be a compilation of what they think we have achieved together and it

55

was only unveiled to me the day I went there when they were holding a sendoff ceremony for me.

So, I couldn’t think of anything that can tell the story of my life better than the book, so I enclosed the book along with my CV. Indeed, I never heard anything again. So, I didn’t know it was eventually forwarded to the national honour’s office in Abuja. And as you can see the submission was rated high enough for me to have merited the national honour award of MFR. What does this award mean to you?

I think it means a lot to me and many others, my colleagues and students of FGGC Bakori whose support earned me the award. In fact, if I would crack a joke with my people what do I say I laugh and say, I am only a glorified village headmaster.

So, the issue really is that, God can honour anybody at whatever point in their life and whatever they are doing.

Well, as in the ceremony also, the general lists will show as it cuts across people from all strata of society doing all sorts of things.

Women participation in national politics is relatively far bellow expectation, especially among the northern women. What do you think are responsible?

I think in the first place, politics is a frightful area perhaps for all women and so, it will be for northern women.

Like politics, it is not too long ago women started venturing into another endeavour, Now, coming back to the area of politics, it is not without all its turbulence and so on. Another problem is money. Politicians will tell you that it takes a lot of resources to be able to stand on your feet or fight a case. So, I think these two hindrances will deter a lot of northern women.

Another important fact perhaps also is that, there will be family problems.

How many men will be so disposed to have their women, their wives participating fully and actively in politics? If they are young, they may have children that still need their attention. And politics I assume is a fulltime activity. So, these many things would probably be responsible

Wedlock of controversy

• Segun Adebisi Lagos, calling off a wedding or any other important event over the death of a friend or family member is too much honour for the dead. According to her, ensuring that dead persons get a befitting burial is the best way of honouring them. She said: “I won’t call off any event not to mention a wedding because of the death of a family member or friend. The consequences of postponing or calling off could be grave. Let’s not forget that whatever you do for a dead person cannot be appreciated. They are dead. What I advise is to ensure that dead people especially those very dear to us get a befitting burial, but calling off an event is too much respect for dead people who cannot say thank you.”

A national tragedy However, a few others felt Ndako and Halimat should have postponed

• Ronke Adeyemo

• Femi Anjorin

• Faith Olumuyiwa

their wedding or at best scale down its magnitude in honour of the departed.

Dan Yeboah, an evangelist is of the opinion that “the (Anyenes’) deaths have been transformed from a mere family to a national tragedy. Never in the history of Nigeria has a family lost such numbers in a single air crash. Their loss has become our pains. So whatever her immediate family was doing, the mood of the entire nation should have been taken into consideration.”

An Assistant Regional Pastor with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church (MFM), Faith Olumuyiwa, was very unsparing in his comments.

According to him, the new couple’s action smacked of insensitivity and lack of respect for the departed. He said, “The couple should not have gone ahead with the wedding and if at all, it should be low-key. They should just

have gone to get their pastor’s blessing in the church and return home. There is no way that people will not remember that the late Anyene’s family was wiped out because they were coming for the same wedding....

Biblically speaking, the couple should have been on athree-month mourning.”

In a slightly different opinion, Alfa Junaid Sulaimon believed a postponement of the wedding till the dead were buried would have been ideal, in order to respect Maimuna and her four children whose bodies are still in the morgue.

But Pastor Femi Anjorin of The Redeemed Christian Church of God chose to look at the issue from a moral point of view. He stressed, “Biblically it is not wrong but morally it was. I expected them to do the wedding at

the lowest key, if there is anything like that and not display their photographs on the pages of newspapers”.

The views are as divergent as they came. In the views of Pastor Ronke Adeyemo of Sycamore Ministries, postponing the wedding would not have done any harm to Ndako and Halimat. He said, “The couple should have postponed the wedding because this should be a mourning period for the family. Even the Bible tells us to mourn with others, not talk of when the couple are directly involved in the loss”.

Whichever way the opinion swings, the truth is that Ndako and Halimat became husband and wife on their appointed date. The wedding took place and cake was cut and prayers said for them to have a blissful wedding. Perhaps to shame death!

56

Your HEALTH THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

A

S we go about our daily activities, we often do not stop to consider all of the places where we could accidentally pick up harmful germs and bacteria and make the effort to keep those surfaces or tools clean.

Although some germs could benefit our bodies, many of these germs and bacteria can make us sick very quickly.

Explaining how these germs are spread, Dr. Toyin Gboyega of Health Sinai Diagnostic Clinic said, “We generally call germs small organisms which the eyes are most likely not able to see. They could be bacteria, fungi or viruses and they are everywhere but that does not mean that they cannot be controlled.

“For a person to come in contact with these micro-organisms, it could be through direct contact which may be skin-to-skin contact with infected people or animals, blood and other body fluids or indirect contact which occurs when germs that are present in raw food or water or in soil, are picked up on your hands or other parts of the body and transferred to the mouth, eyes, or nose from where it then enters the body.

Another way in which people are infected with germs is through the air especially in the case of air-borne

Spotting the germs in your home More often than we realise, there are micro-organisms which we can not see lurking on the surfaces and corners of our houses. These organisms could become harmful if they are not gotten rid of. Rita Ohai writes. diseases,” he concluded.

While a lot is known about certain diseases and the organisms that cause them, medical experts advocate that proper sanitation measures should be undertaken regularly to prevent the occurrence and spread of these diseases.

An important key in knowing how to stem the infection and spread of diseases in our homes is to identify the places germs grow and try to sterilize those areas as often as possible. According to international health organisations, the following places listed below are top places where germs thrive:

1.Your Toothbrush- Do you store your toothbrush on the bathroom counter or near the toilet? Considering that flushing the toilet can cause germs to fly anywhere from 6-10 feet, you may want to reconsider. At the very least, keep your brush as far from the toilet as possible, and protect it in a plastic container or holder.

Antibacterial soaps do little to kill the bacteria found on toothbrushes. To clean it, try running hot water through it at least once a week, since the high heat will help sterilize the brush. Finally, don't share your toothbrush with anyone, and

avoid storing it in a general cup or container, bacteria from another person's brush can find its way to yours. Store each brush separately in an upright position to allow the bristles to dry after each use.

2. Bar soap- The very fact that we use bar soap and the fact that the soap is often left wet and even the ingredients of the soap can create a breathing ground for germs and bacteria. To be safe, simply rinse the soap off before using it to wash your hands. Take your time washing your hands, if you take your time the bacteria from the soap will likely be gone by the time you are done washing. Even though soap may carry bacteria it is actually better to wash your hands after many activities than not wash your hands.

Soap dispensers have less bacteria than bar soaps, but the pump and the spout can still have bacteria. You can simply rinse these with hot water daily before pumping the soap out.

3. Telephones (especially Cell Phones)As we speak into the phone, bacteria comes off of our hands, face and, believe it or not, out of our mouth. A phone generates power, keeping the phone generally warm at times which creates a breeding ground for all types of bacteria.

4. Bathroom Facets-In order to wash dirty hands, the facets need to be turned and they are always turned by dirty hands. Over the day, a lot of germs accumulate on the bathroom facet and can go back onto your just cleaned hands.

Public restroom bathroom facets are crawling with bacteria that if you can use a non-touch facet, that would be the best option if it is accessible.

5. Computer Keyboards-During the day, even if the keyboard is your own and not a public keyboard, germs accumulate from touching other things throughout the day and not washing your hands before touching the keyboard.

6. Doorknobs and handles- Doorknobs are contaminated with cold germs from people touching them all day long. Do keep in mind that the bathroom door knob is probably often touched by damp hands. A virus can live up to 3 days on a door knob. So if there is someone who is sick in the household you may want to clean frequently used door knobs more often.

7. Kitchen Sponges and Cloths Sponges make it easy to wipe up spills and messes, but they also make it easy for bacteria and germs to grow. Sponges stay wet long after they aren't being used anymore, creating the perfect environment for budding microbes to flourish. These pieces designed to clean other things may in fact be some of the most germ-infested parts of the home.

The recommendation is to run sponges through the dishwasher regularly and dish cloths through the washing machine.

Generally, the key to staying safe is to watch where your hands go and wash them after encountering any of these items. On a lighter note, being in contact with germs is not always a bad thing in small quantities because it helps to build your immune system against the higher amounts of germs in the future.

57

BUSINESS

‘Hospitality industry can guarantee returns on investment’

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

-- Page 59

Wanted: Lifeline for capital market With the diminishing value of most stocks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, investors’ loss of confidence in equity transaction remains a challenge, reports Bukola Afolabi

S

IGNS that the Nigerian stock market might soon rebound has been deflated with the growing credibility crisis besetting the capital market. Specifically, the House of Representatives’ public hearing to unravel what led to the near collapse of the market, albeit, the continued downward slide of the nation’s bourse coupled with the apprehension over dwindling fortunes of the market by old and prospective investors, may have further added salt to the injury.

Worse still, the market has witnessed turn of events that rocked investors’ confidence in the past.

For instance, the controversial exit of the former Director General of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, Prof.

Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, which is now a legal tussle, and recent compulsory leave slammed on her counterpart at Security and Exchange Commission, Ms Arumah Oteh, are significant events that have put the market on a slippery ground.

Stock market out from 2008 till date A cursory view of the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index opened the year 2008 at 58, 579.77 basis point but recorded losses of 52.06% losses to close the year at 28,085.01 basis points. In the same period of review, NSE Market CAP lost N3.33 trillion after opening 2008 at N10.28 trillion and closed at N6.95 trillion. The market witnessed reduced losses in 2009 as it recorded -33.58% losses. The Index opened the year at 31,357.24 basis points and closed at 20, 827.17 basis points while market CAP also lost N1.95 trillion representing -28.14% loss at the end of the year.

However in 2010, the market bounced back to record +18.87% gains while market CAP recorded +58.52% gains. It closed 2011 with -17.42% loss while market YTD performance stands at +6.95% as at 30th May, 2012.

As at the end of 2008 Nigerian Stock Market review, 16 stocks traded at 50k while 2009 year in year change reflects Tropical Petroleum as the only stock to have recorded a positive price movement with +4.76% gain witnessed.

Anino International Plc recorded -4.55% loss as depicted by their 2010 YoY. The 16 stocks eventually closed flat in subsequent years.

24 stocks traded at 50Kobo as at the end of 2009 with three stocks recording negative price movement after 2010 year in year change while Goldlink Insurance and Transcorp Plc are the only two stocks to record price movement

•Stockbrokers on the floor of the Exchange

in subsequent years and traded above its nominal value.

Year 2010 has a record of forty-five (45) firms that traded at 50k. Goldlink Insurance Plc and Transcorp Plc which featured in the 2009 review also continued with similar outlook. No stock recorded negative price movement as they all closed flat. Also, Wapic Insurance Plc closed above its nominal value at 0.61 Kobo gaining 4.00%.

The number of stocks that traded at 50k increased from forty-five (45) in 2010 to fifty-two (52) in 2011 and all the fifty-two (52) stocks closed unchanged as no price movement was recorded within the period of review.

As the analysis of the stock market shows in the last four years, trade in stocks has not been too encouraging thus far.

The result is that many stockbrokers have since divested interest into other businesses due to the waning interest in shares, informed largely by the ongoing public hearing.

According to a broker Seye Adetunmbi of CRO Valueinvesting said describe the market since the meltdown.

“The scar is there and the effect is still biting hard. Activities have not picked up as much as stakeholders had wished. For instance the private placements

that people put money into which turned out be scam or rip off are giving the market credibility problem. Issue of confidence in the market is thus brought into perspective. This is why everyone remotely connected with the deliberate act to defraud the unsuspecting investors should be dealt with accordingly”, Adetunmbi said.

Expatiating, he said: “There is practically very few new entrants into the market, while the existing firms are thinning out operationally and in numbers.”

“Faced with the reality of the moment, we have refused to give up on the market completely as we are still following developments in the market in order to take advantage of arising opportunities. It takes investors who have not given up identifying opportunities and seize it appropriately.”

Mr. Sola Oni Managing Director Chief Executive Officer Sofunix Investment and Communications Limited, an investor, however has a different view.

The market, he argued matterof-factly has potential to bounce back from the ongoing vagaries.

But he was however quick to contend that some of the factors dogging its speedy recovery include but not limited to the following: poor regulatory perspective,

policy shocks from the money market, dwindling disposable income of an average investor prompting them to flight for safety through other asset classes and macro-economic instability among others, are some of the challenges militating against the operators of quoted and quotable companies.

In the market analysis done by the Managing Director of APT Securities, Kasimu Kufi, he said: “The most pathetic thing here is that where other markets are making move that will make them step forward; we are wasting our time to take care of issues that are not relevant. The truth of the matter is that there are no two ways about it; the problem facing our market is a global problem which is facing any other financial markets in others countries, therefore ours should not be excluded, as it affects all the frontier market, emerging markets and even the developed market with no exception.”

During the hearing, Mr. Emeka Madueke accused SEC of macromanaging the Nigeria Stock Exchange rather than regulating it.

In a similar attack on the regulatory agency, Chairman of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie, alleged that the failure of SEC to effectively regulate the market was responsible for the downturn being experienced at the stock market.

Briefs SON urges indigenous firms on global certification

T

HE Standards Organisations of Nigeria (SON) has called on yet-tobe certified business organisations in Nigeria to get the ISO 9001 certification as a launching pad to the global market.

The Director General of SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, made the call in Lagos during the NIS ISO 9001: 2008 certification of Marine Platforms Ltd, Apapa, recently.

“The challenges of globalisation including its attendant ease of movement of goods and services across borders have made the acquisition of competitive edge inevitable. Any company that wants to remain relevant in the market place will have to work hard to satisfy not just current needs but future anticipated needs of the customer,” he said.

Odumodu said that embracing the management approach which drives effective performance would enable Nigerian businesses acess global markets in their various areas of operation.

He said that the NIS ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System framework provides a globally recognised and acceptable solution to the challenges associated with quality management hence its is key to successful business results.

Odumodu noted that the audits would be done for three consecutive years in which course the company’s certification could be retained if found to have kept the standard but will be withdrawn if they are found to have failed to sustain it.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Taofik Agegbite said the occasion of receiving the ISO certificate was unique as it offers them the opportunity to further project their commitment to quality service provision for their clients.

CEO tasks Nigerians on good health

T

HE Managing Director of Forever Living Products, Nigeria/Benin Republic, Mr. Cornelius Tay, has advised Nigerian doctors’ intent on making more money and contributing to the development of health care delivery in the country to join the distributorship network of his company. Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where his company had feted distributors, Tay urged doctors particularly to use the opportunity provided by their training to promote healthy living for the people.

Speaking on the aftermath of a prolonged strike in Lagos State by doctors, Tay called on them to make the interest of the people their topmost priority.

“Having been recalled by the government, we are making a call to all the doctors not to allow more people to die, but to consider anything they can do to put the people first. We are also inviting them to come and join our network and have access to our wonderful products.”

According to Tay, “Many of the products marketed by Forever can help people to enjoy better health and even reduce the incidents of illnesses and diseases. Anyone of them who chooses to come, we would be very happy to engage into our network and they would be far more successful. You will realize that even though they were asking for money, the government too is in a very tight situation.”

58

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Business News

PHOTO SHOP

•Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Director of International Programme, Cornell University, Professor W. Ronnie Coffman, shortly after signing the memorandum of understanding in New York, recently

Kwara launches agric master plan

I

N its quest to make Kwara State one of the leading food baskets of the nation, the state government has initiated a five-year agricultural master plan.

To achieve this lofty height, the state government designed the Kwara State Agriculture Master plan (KAMP) in collaboration with the Cornell University, an internationally renowned College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in the US. At the signing of the memorandum of understanding, Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who led the delegation to New York, met with other parties including Professor W. Ronnie Coffman, Cornell’s Director of International Programme.

The KAMP, which presents a clear road map for the expansion, funding and impact of commercial agriculture in the state for the next five years, was a product of a three-month collaborative research by Cornell Professors and their Nigerian counterparts led by the Vice Chancellor of Kwara state University, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah.

Governor Ahmed, in his address, pledged to implement the document to the letter, stressing that his administration would

By Toba Agboola

go beyond the conventional system of measuring input and output to measuring the impact of the measures being taken to “make Kwara the agriculture hub of West Africa.”

According to Governor Ahmed, 1.36 million of the 3 million people that make up Kwara State are involved in agriculture, 56 per cent of the population is between the ages of 15 and 64, with another 40 per cent under the age of 14.

“We have the 9th largest land mass in the country at approximately 36,000 square kilometers, of which approximately 2 million hectares is arable land. The River Niger, which is the third largest river in the whole of Africa at 2,600 miles length and drainage basin of over 800,000 square miles, forms our entire Northern boundary.”

He said his government aims to increase the amount of land under cultivation and improve farming input accessibility and mechanization.

“As an evolving economy, depending on how you perceive Kwara State and Nigeria, inflows of capital are also supported by several preferential trade agreements. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Everything But Arms (EBA), the EU’s Eco-

nomic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in essence support these by giving preference to products from developing regions. Just last month, the Obama administration acknowledged the relevance of African commercial agriculture in addressing global food needs ahead of the G8 meeting by announcing the impending Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with key players in global agribusiness. These PPPs include companies in several countries, Nigeria included, for the sake of improved agricultural productivity in the region, and food security globally,” Ahmed said.

Explaining the significance of the MoU, Professor Coffman said Kwara made history by being the first state government in the world to succeed in partnering with the university which is renowned globally for its expertise in agriculture.

Impressed by the lofty ideals of KAMP, the Director of USAID in Nigeria, Ms Sharon Pauling, who personally attended the signing ceremony, pledged immediate support for the programme.

“We are looking into having a partnership with Kwara on rice and fish production. We are expecting to see Kwara as a leader in our drive to support food production in Nigeria,” Pauling said.

•From left: Ex-Chief Executive, Vitafoam Nig. Plc, Mr. Samuel Bolarinde, past District 9110 Governor, Dr. Vincent Akinsete and past president, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Mr. Femi Bola-Shadipe at the annual conference organised by District 9110, Ogun State, recently

Caverton Helicopters staff earn safety awards

•From left: Mr. Bashir Bakare, one of the officials of Caverton Helicopters, issuing a certificate and gift to Mr Kingsley Uwagbale, one of the awardees

AVERTON Helicopters, provider of premium aviation services to the oil and gas sector, has instituted a set of annual awards as a way of further encouraging its staff to put safety at the centre of all their activities in the company.

Ten staff were recognised at the inaugural edition of the safety awards which took place recently as part of activities to mark the third Annual General Meeting of the Caverton Offshore Support Group, the holding company for Caverton Helicopters and Caverton Marine Limited.

“The three cardinal principles of our operations are Safety, Safety, and Safety,” said Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, chairman of the Caverton

C

W

HAT do I need to consider when buying marble or granite?

Because it is a natural stone, marble has been blessed with a remarkable natural beauty that has captivated humans throughout the ages.

Inherent in such natural products is a certain lack of predictability that sophisticated architects and designers celebrate. Consumers who are less acquainted with the material expect the marble ordered to be identical to the picture or sample they were shown. Although sample stones are intended to be representative of the quarry’s product, the material quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining from the sample. Moreover, even a single marble or granite slab will possess a certain amount of color variation from one end to the other. Interior designers and architects have come to view this tendency of natural stone as an advantage.

Slight irregularities can be pleasing by introducing an element of the natural into humandesigned spaces, whether residential or commercial.

What’s the difference between marble and granite?

Because of Marble’s more porous proper-

Group, at the occasion.

“We have a strong safety culture already. But we can’t take this for granted. We have to keep instilling it in our staff that this is a non-negotiable value for us.”

The Chairman’s Annual Safety Award for 2011 was given to Captain TadeOsunfisan, a pilot, for bravery, sound judgment and professional conduct during an emergency.

In his citation, Captain Osunfisan was described as a role model “who always makes himself available at all times to further the safety aims of the company.”

The Health, Safety and Environment Leadership Award was given to Mr. Yinka Jinadu, the Grounds Operation Supervisor at the Ikeja facility of the company, for exemplifying all-round

respect for safety in the organization.

Mr. Femi Ibileye, a security at the Ikeja facility of the company, received personal commendation for insisting that a higher officer must wear seatbelt before driving out of the company’s premises.

The other awardees were Mr. Kingsley Uwagbale, Captain Chares de Mannoury, Captain Toki Adebowale, Mr. John Ogunmuyiwa, Mr. Joseph Ogunleye, Mr. Sunday Idoku, and Mr. Austin Potoki.

“Safety is at the core of our business,” stated Mr. Bashir Bakare, a director of the company, who handed out the awards. “It matters to our clients, and it even matters more to us. It is the centre-piece of our operations.”

MARBLE AND GRANITE What to buy and How to Buy

(types of marble, spotting fake marbles, processes that determine the quality of a good marble) ties, it is not recommended for kitchens or bar tops.

Marble applications include bathroom vanities, shower and fireplace surrounds.

Granite applications include kitchen countertops, bath room vanities, bar tops and fireplaces.

Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other.

Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.

The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal

skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages.

Are stone surfaces difficult to maintain?

Granite, marble and other natural stone products are porous materials and therefore require sealing. Every Marble top should be sealed upon installation. For residential use, it is recommended that the surface be sealed annually using sealant designed for use with natural For more information on Marble/Granite Care, Sales and stone.

The sealant is available Delivery contact: Mike Anazodo – Email: from the market. The process info@maldinimarbles.com, Tel: 01-8934967 . Maldini Marble and Granite Company is similar to waxing your car.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

Business

59

‘Hospitality industry can guarantee returns on investment’ Mr. Adebayo Jimoh is Group Managing of O’odua Investment Company Limited, a conglomerate with investments in different sectors of the economy. In this interview with Okorie Uguru, he speaks on the tourism and hospitality industry among other issues

T

•Jimoh

INTERVIEW

“

In terms of returns, our paradigm shift in terms of looking at investments in the stock market, into real estate, has been the greatest drive for our revenue, and that is the secret of the profitability of O’odua. There is a significant improvement in terms of returns.

“

HE O’odua Group apart from its interests in other areas of business has invested heavily in the hospitality industry. How have you been coping with the cost of running and profitably maintaining the facilities like for example, Lafia Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State?

Until recently we probably didn’t have all the little renovation work that you see. We didn’t have an event hall. The event hall was opened about three years ago. We opened the hall to attract people that would want to have a one-stop event. One-stop meaning, I have a hall and also I can house, accommodate some of my guests. That was the major goal. The facilities are tired, they are very old facilities and are over 60 years, but we have started phased renovation work. We had to re-roof the whole building because they were leaking. The 30-room chalets have been fixed, we have to now move to the main building and that is in this year’s budget. We only want to look at what is called the down time in the hotel business. The down-time is usually during the rainy season when patronage becomes a bit low, but we are going to do that. That will be the final phase. Thereafter, we will do the environment, the environment meaning the internal roads and we try to maintain the green ambience because that is the major attraction.

A lot of people like when they come out of their rooms they can take a walk. People come here to lodge because they have a place to jog.

You can come here to sleep, walk and jog. Also there is the gym for lodgers.

We are constrain with bigger issues of looking at buildings, bigger rooms and all that because we also have in town Premier Hotel. That Premier Hotel is our major focus in terms of branding. We are still targeting an international brand for Premier Hotel to add a lot of value to it. But before we get to that level, we want to make it very attractive, and that is what we have been doing. By ensuring that the services and the facilities keep working well.

The new manager joined this hotel late last year, he has done very well bringing new ideas especially entertainment because he has got the facilities for entertainment and I think his entertainment activities have attracted many people to visit the place.

So, in a nutshell, we are happy that at least for some months now the hotel has started making profit. That shows that if we do more, we can get more.

How have your other hotels been able to maintain their facilities and compete favourably with other relatively newer hospitality outfits and international brands?

Talking about maintenance, I think it is an area we don’t do well in this country and in this part of the world, we have bad maintenance culture. I know that in Europe and in

some parts of the world, you even pay more to stay in very ancient hotels because their facilities function properly and you enjoy the attic nature of the place. Two years ago we started with phased renovations. But we have to look at our priorities in the market. Where do we put money and we are going to get quick returns, and that led us to start our renovation work in Lagos Airport Hotel. If you go to the Lagos Airport Hotel, almost all the rooms are brand new. In terms of we had to remove all the WC, we had to change from rugs to tiles, we’ve changed all the beddings and so on, because we have better returns on our investment there. We have also moved to Premier Hotel, if go there you will see some development. The ambience has changed, then we came to Lafia Hotel. Like I said, it is a continuous thing.

Like I always tell my colleagues, when you change structures, maintenance is not costly, it requires time and efficiency. To clean, you don’t need money, you need brain. You need a work plan that will ensure that these things are done properly.

I think we are bringing back that culture gradually. It is not a culture that we’ve been

used to but changing the mindset of our people to see that they always appreciate the need to keep their environment tidy and also maintain all facilities that we have.

Let me also add that if you come to Cocoa House, you will be surprised, that this is a property that was abandoned, forgotten for over 18 years until two years ago when we took the bull by the horns and said we’ve got to go back to the place. We did a massive renovation. I tell you now, that if you come to my office, you will think you are in England or my floor, the 23rd floor, any floor above the 19th floor, you will think you are in Europe. You will see very good view and environment has also improved.

By the time we finish our mall, we are going to have a Yoruba Museum, we’ve started putting the museum together, as part of tourism. Our pent house is going to be changed to a Yoruba hall of fame and museum. We’ve already gotten binoculars for people to look through and capture the whole of Ibadan. There is hardly any week now that we don’t have excursion from school children coming to Cocoa House , to view Ibadan, but that place was abandoned, and I hope when I leave O’odua Group, my successors will maintain all these. If they don’t, the Yoruba people will question them.

With all these old properties and the huge cost of maintenance, how do you make profit?

In terms of returns, our paradigm shift in terms of looking at investments in the stock market, into real estate, has been the greatest drive for our revenue, and that is the secret of the profitability of O’odua. There is a significant improvement in terms of returns. Let me just give you one example; until recently, the space in Cocoa House or central business district was N2,500 per square meter, now people are begging to pay for the same space for $100, we’ve just even increased it to $120 per square.

Some months back, there were efforts to sign on top foreign hospitality group to manage your hotels. What has become of the initiative?

The hues and cry of our people was based on the fear of the unknown. A lot of people always don’t like change, but I believe change is something we have to embrace. Yes, we had some representations with some people saying ‘ah, our legacy is going to oyibo man and all that.’ But we went through that using dialogue. We were able

to make representations to all interest groups to say that this white people coming, they are not going to come with a ship load of their people, in fact the maximum number of people they are going to have based on the MOU is just four. The head, food and beverages, IT and technical. Now, we went through that, the major challenge we had with Golden Tulip was that Golden Tulip was not going to bring money at all. They wanted us to put the hotel/right and they will bring their signboard and manage. That was okay, we went through Afri-Exim Bank to take loan from Cairo. In 2008, I remember in the last meeting we had, we had approval in principle, $25 million to renovate the hotels through Shelter Afrique based in Kenya. But towards the end of 2008, there was this huge recession, Afri-Exim had to tell us that they would want to complete the ongoing projects in Nigeria before they will consider new ones. We had step back.

If you are going to such investment, you have to look at the numbers. With Afri-Exim, it was a single digit interest rate, let me be specific eight per cent. We now approached our own banks. I can’t imagine financing projects that have long gestation period at a rate of 23, 24 per cent, that will be suicidal, and there was not going to be a moratorium from Nigerian banks. From the day you draw, the highest moratorium they were going to give you was just six months. So, it was a big challenge for us. That is why we had to step it down, look at paying back some loans of O’odua, because at that time, we were owing some of our banks some investment in Onet.

We had to look at our priorities, our priorities at that time was complete payment of Onet loans to avoid huge interest burden and look at other windows for financing the brand project. We now went and look for new opportunities, we had ARM, Asset Resource Management Group.

They are very interested and we are still talking.

But I want to tell you that Golden Tulip has come back to say that we are still interested in that hotel, because what we are selling, apart from the brand, we have a good location and we have people that are loyal. It is also a hotel that in the course of branding, you don’t have to close the place down, you can do it in phases. We are still looking at it.

How do you relax and what kind of leisure activities do you engage in?

I am an avid golfer. I engage so much in playing golf. Playing golf is a sport that once you’re into it, it helps you to keep fit. In the morning, I do my joggings on treadmills, couple with golf, it helps me to relax.

60

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2011

PROFILE

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

Adetu, new CEO for Guinness Nigeria Plc

•Adetu

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IAGEO, the global leader in the premium drinks business, has appointed Nigerian, Seni Adetu to replace Devlin Hainsworth as its new Chief Executive Officer for Guinness Nigeria Plc. He is the first Nigerian to be appointed CEO since the late Raph Alabi

served from 1994 to 1996, over a decade plus.

Adetu who currently sits atop as the CEO and Group Managing Director of EABL (a subsidiary of Diageo Plc) is expected to assume duty as Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria on July 1, 2012 according to a statement by company

chairman Babatunde Savage.

Seni Adetu was appointed Group Managing Director of EABL in July 2009. Prior to his appointment to EABL, Mr. Adetu was the Managing Director/Vice Chairman of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited. He has also held several senior positions with the Coca-Cola

Company and the Nigerian Bottling Company PLC. Adetu has been Group Managing Director of East African Breweries Ltd since July 2009 has also served as Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), a subsidiary of Diageo since joining it in August 2006.

Before joining GGBL, Mr. Adetu worked with Coca-Cola Company, where he enjoyed a highly successful 14 year career. While at CocaCola, he held various senior positions including Country General Manager and Marketing Director. His responsibilities covered various markets across Africa including Kenya and Ghana.

He served as the Commercial Director for Nigerian Bottling Company PLC. He has been Vice Chairman of GGBL since August 2006 as well as Director of East African Breweries Limited since July 2009.

Previously, he served as a Non-Executive Director of East African Breweries Ltd. from August 28, 2008 to July 2009. He served as Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Ltd until June 30, 2009. Mr. Adetu is a Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He holds a Post-Graduate degree, M.B.A (with specialisation in Marketing) also from the University of Lagos.

For Adetu, he would be on a familiar turf as he also brings a hands-on experience garnered in serving at the top level management within the continent.

Fidelity Bank boosts spending for ICT edge

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S part of its strategic risk aversion measures, management of Fidelity Bank Plc has invested heavily on information and communication technology to boost the bank’s competitive edge.

An overview of the bank’s current statement indicates that a sum of N6.6billion was invested on computer hardware to bolster the bank’s operation.

Justifying the need for the investment in ICT, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director, Reginald Ihejiahi said it is aimed at improving the customer service delivery across the range of products and services of the banks various channels.

He said with the challenging nature of the banking industry Fidelity Bank has always maintained

By Bukola Afolabi moderate operation cost.

The bank overtime has consistently maintained a low operating cost profile which grew mildly to reflect inflationary trends. The operating expense which was N7.0 billion in March 2010, and tiptoed to N9.8 billion at the end of this first quarter, showed a growth pattern of 15% and 21.3% respectively.

The upward movement in operating expenses is an industry wide trait observable in the last few years. Fidelity Bank’s costs remain comparably low against that of Skye Bank which recorded N11.57 billion and N12.33 billion in March 2011and March 2012 respectively.

The management of the bank has always leveraged on

cost reduction strategies to enhance the bank’s profit outlook, little wonder that the past financial year end recorded N326.7 billion and N560.3 billion between December 2010 and December 2011 respectively, thus revealing 72% growth rate.

A further look into the financials suggests that the bank embarked on wooing customers through flexible interest rates and other concessions which led to a significant drop in interest expense for the period under review.

To ensure that every member of the Fidelity team is armed with the required knowledge to effectively compete and win in the market place, the bank is taking steps to enhance its learning philosophy and training models, such that strong weights will now be

•Ihejiahi

attached to self-facilitated learning both at the individual level as well as that of the team (Unit/Group/Division) with more emphasis on practical curriculum that actually deepens staff business knowledge and productivity.

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 101:

Are you a communicator or just a talker?

“The problem with communication ... is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” -George B. Shaw

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OMMUNICATION is inevitable. Whether you like it or not, or want it or not, something is always being communicated to people around you through your words or your actions or lack of both. The question, therefore, is never “what should I communicate today” but rather “what and how am I communicating today”.

What is communication? Dictionary.com defines “Communication” as the interchange of thoughts, opinions, ideas or information through words or images between speaker/sender and listener/ receiver that (i) leaves both parties with the SAME understanding of the message that was exchanged and (ii) has the POTENTIAL to change or reinforce behavior.

What is not communication? First, communication is not monologue. Jeff Daly said two monologues do not make a dialogue.

Dialoguing requires an exchange of ideas, through speaking, listening and giving of feedback, between two or more parties. Second, communicating is not the same thing as informating. Sydney J. Harris said informating is giving out; communicating is getting through. In the former, the flow of ideas is one-way, whilst in the latter the flow of ideas is two-way. Third, communication does not mean agreement. It is about achieving mutual understanding, not consensus. The fact that your lips are moving and words are coming out of your mouth does not mean that you are communicating with your listener.

Rudyard Kipling said words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind. Obama, with the simple words “Yes, We Can” and “Change You Can Believe In” won the heart of a nation and became the first African American president of the United States.

With words and actions, legends like Jesus, Mohammed, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Mandela, Jack Welch, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, etc. impacted generations and created lasting change in the world. In the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes, “speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall. Communication is a transaction. It is the buying and selling of ideas using words and images as currency. Every time you communicate you are transacting with others. It is a transaction that has the power to build or destroy trust, goodwill and name recognition. Communication can be in writing, verbal or non-verbal (body language and behavior).

Effective communication is an essential requirement for individual, team and organizational success. It is the right message, delivered by the right messenger, in the right manner, at the right time, to the right audience, who understand it in the right way and act upon it in the right manner. Effective communication is the lifeblood of successful teams. It delivers necessary information, ideas, thoughts and expectations (like nutrients and oxygen) to the members of the team (body’s cells) for performance, health and vitality. It is through communication that people are able to share information, make decisions, solve problems and execute their daily responsibilities to achieve success.

Effective team communication should necessarily involve the sharing of goals, norms, roles, responsibilities, performance standards, expectations, plans, strategies, performance feedback, issues, problems, decisions, interests, needs, business results (successes and failures), values, priorities, procedures and processes, boundaries, consequences, ideas, etc with team members. It is a useful process for creating alignment, focus, integrity and accountability within teams.

It takes effective team communication to transform a group of individuals into a collective and dynamic force that gets the right things done in the right way, and at the right time. An effective team communication strategy can eliminate distractions like office “politics”, distrust, fear, personal agendas, etc. It is like oil in your team engine.

When it is high in quantity and quality, team effectiveness and performance will be greatly enhanced.

The outcome of effective communication is to enable individuals and teams achieve set goals, and create value for their organization.

Additionally, effective communication can be used to make team members feel valued for their contributions. Team members create value by becoming more motivated, productive, efficient, effective and innovative. They feel valued when they experience praise, recognition, career development opportunities, as well as other monetary and non-monetary rewards. Poor communication can lead to waste, rework, duplication, missed deadlines, customer dissatisfaction, apathy, conflict, resistance, rebellion, attrition, employee dissatisfaction, and ultimately loss of market share and market value. When at its best, communication can minimize misconceptions, and promote mutual understanding, mutual valuing and trust.

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

61

WORLD NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

Egypt to announce election results today

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GYPT will release official results from divisive presidential elections today, the country’s top elections commission official said, a highly anticipated announcement after last year’s revolution that ousted long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak.

Tensions have risen since the June 16-17 runoff vote between the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate Mohammed Morsi and Mubarak’s last Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, with both campaigns claiming victory by a narrow margin. The electoral commission postponed official results that had been scheduled to be announced on Thursday, leading to speculation that the military rulers are holding results hostage to bargaining and backroom deals with the Brotherhood on the distribution of power.

Today’s announcement could finally determine whether Egypt will be ruled by a member of the longsuppressed fundamentalist Islamic group and make a break with six decades of military rule or remain confined in the parameters of the former regime.

Ouster of Paraguay’s president sparks criticism P

RESIDENT Fernando Lugo’s rapid impeachment and ouster by lawmakers has plunged Paraguay into crisis and unleashed a wave of criticism by fellow leftist leaders in Latin America.

The former Roman Catholic bishop elected on a pledge to help Paraguay’s poor said he would step aside following Friday’s Senate vote to remove him from office, even though he called it a blow to democracy.

His quick acceptance of his ouster appeared to have prevented a bigger confrontation and potentially violent protests in the streets of Paraguay’s capital of Asuncion,

where his supporters had gathered. But other South American presidents were critical of the impeachment trial, which several called a de-facto coup d’etat.

“This goes beyond Fernando Lugo. It goes beyond Paraguay.

It’s about true democracy for all of our America,” said Ecuador’s leftist president, Rafael Correa, adding that his government will not recognize any government in Paraguay other than Lugo’s.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he won’t recognize the “illegal and illegitimate government” that replaced Lugo either. Chavez said his ally “preferred the sacrifice” of stepping aside, and that the trial

had been a setup.

In Argentina, the government of President Cristina Fernandez said it “is not going to validate the coup d’etat that just occurred” in Paraguay.

Bolivian President Evo Morales also called it a coup.

The rapid and negative reaction by many South American governments does not bode well for the international acceptance of newly sworn-in President Federico Franco.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos also expressed concern.

“These legal procedures shouldn’t be used to abuse,” Santos said at a news conference. “What we want is

8 Czechs killed, 44 injured in Croatia bus crash

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T least eight Czech tourists were killed and 44 injured when a bus crashed and overturned on a major highway in Croatia early yesterday, police said.

The accident happened around 4 a.m. about 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Zagreb, on a highway connecting the Croatian capital with the central Adriatic coastal city of Split, according to a police statement.

Croatia’s state TV said the bus crashed through metal barriers in the middle of the highway, and overturned in the opposite lane near a tunnel.

State TV said a child was among the dead.

US warns of attack in Kenya

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HE US embassy in Kenya yesterday warned of the threat of an imminent attack on Mombasa and urged nationals to shun the country’s second city.

“This is to alert all US citizens in Kenya, or planning to travel to Kenya in the near future, that the US Embassy in Nairobi has received information of an imminent threat of a terrorist attack in Mombasa, Kenya,” a statement said.

“All US government travel to Mombasa is suspended until July 1, 2012.”

The warning came as Kenyan police said they had detained two Iranian nationals over suspected links to a terror network planning bombings in Nairobi and Mombasa.

•L - R:- Bulgaria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Nickolay Mladenov, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari, and Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski , (L) sit side-by-side on a podium in the Iraqi capital Baghdad yesterday. The ministers are to hold talks on economical and political ties between the EU and Iraq and will discuss the conflict in neighboring Syria during their visit to Iraq.

AFP PHOTO

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AN you remember the number of times that Nigerian medical doctors have gone on strike in recent years? May be not because there have been too many of such industrial actions that no one would blame you if you can’t remember. The most recent being the strike action embarked upon by no fewer than 788 doctors in the employ of the Lagos State Government.

They were dismissed by the state government when all entreaties failed to convince them to return to the hospitals, but were later recalled following third party intervention.

In the United Kingdom however, not many people could recall the last time doctors went on strike in the land of the Queen because it hardly happens. But after forty years of industrial peace, UK doctors under the aegis of the British Medical Association dropped their stethoscope and scalpel on Monday to protest a new pension law that requires them to pay more and work into their late sixties. However, unlike their Nigerian counterparts, they did not abandon their patients completely. In fact doctors turned up at work but took only emergencies and life threatening cases. The BMA in calling the one day strike reminded its members that their grouse is with the

to help stability and democracy be maintained in Paraguay.”

Mexico’s foreign ministry said in a communique that although the process followed procedures laid out in Paraguay’s constitution, “Mexico considers that said proceeding didn’t grant ex-President Lugo the space or time for his defense.”

During the trial in the Senate, Lugo’s supporters had massed in the streets facing off with riot police. But Lugo later went on national television to say he would step down.

“I say goodbye as president,” a smiling Lugo said.

The Senate tried Lugo on five charges of malfeasance in office, including an alleged role in a deadly confrontation between police and landless farmers that left 17 dead.

After the five-hour trial, 39 senators voted to dismiss Lugo, while four senators voted against and two were absent.

It was a dramatic demise for the once-popular leader who previously had stepped down as a popular Roman Catholic “bishop of the poor” to run for the presidency amid a leftward swing in South America.

Lugo was elected four years ago on promises of agrarian reform to help the country’s many poor and landless people, but his more moderate government allies have increasingly turned against him in recent years.

Lugo’s impeachment trial was triggered in part by an attempt by police to evict about 150 farmers from a remote, 4,900acre (2,000-hectare) forest reserve, which is part of a huge estate.

Liberia extradites 41 unrest suspects to Ivory Coast

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IBERIA yesterday extradited 41 Ivory Coast nationals for their role in last year’s bloody postelectoral violence in the neighbouring West African nation.

The handover witnessed by an AFP journalist took place in the northeastern border region of Toe’s Town and followed a Liberian court ruling that the men be sent back home to face justice.

They were arrested on April 19 last year by United Nations forces as they tried to cross the border into Liberia with cars, guns and ammunition shortly after the capture of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo.

Gbagbo’s refusal to accept election defeat to current Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara led to a four-month conflict in the country that claimed some 3,000 lives.

Syrian president forms new government

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YRIA’S state news agency says President Bashar Assad has formed a new government headed by a loyalist member of his Baath Party.

Assad had promised after the May 7 parliamentary elections to make the government more inclusive to politicians from other parties.

But the appointment as prime minister of Baathist Riad Farid Hijab, a former agriculture minister, raised questions about his commitment to that pledge There was no change yesterday in the key posts at the foreign, defense and interior ministries.

The world last week

When doctors go on strike

By Waheed Odusile

government and not their patients. Most Nigerians would wish our doctors here learn from their British counterparts in all areas including how to go on strike responsibly.

In Syria, strike is not even an option for doctors as they battle daily to safe the lives of hundreds of their compatriots affected in the ongoing ‘civil war’ in the Arab country. In one of the bloodiest days since the uprising began in March 2011, human rights monitors reported that no fewer than 168 people were killed last Thursday in clashes between government soldiers and opposition forces. The fighting coincided with the defection of a member of the Syria Air Force to Jordan. The Air Force colonel, Hassan Merei al-Hamade flew his $25m dollar MiG-21 fighter jet below the radar in Syria into neighboring Jordan where he sought political asylum which was promptly granted. The embattled Syrian government has expectedly condemned the Colonel’s action calling him ‘a deserter and traitor to his country and to his military honour’ and promising to deal with him according to military rules. And as if that was not

enough, a Turkish military aircraft was shot down by Syrians forces at their common border, raising the possibility of a retaliatory attack by Turkey. Though the Syrian prime Minister immediately apologized to Ankara, the last definitely has not been heard on this matter as the Turkish government went into an emergency security meeting Friday to discuss the matter.

And as preparation for the London Olympics continues, the head of the Syrian Olympic Committee, General Mowaffak Joumaa has been refused visa to travel to London for the Games, by the British government as punishment for the continuing repression of the opposition by President Bashar al-Assad regime.

Syria is not the only Arab country in turmoil. In North Africa, Egypt, the biggest Arab country is still suffering the effect of the Arab Spring that brought down the regime of former president, Hosni Mubarak. Since the ouster of his regime in a popular public revolt, the military high command has been in charge in the country and even tried to organize an election to

usher in civil rule, but that is now in jeopardy as no winner has been declared yet, days after voting had been concluded. And last Friday tens of thousands of protesters filled Cairo’s Tahrir Square to denounce a move by the ruling generals to seize sweeping powers. But the soldiers have defended their actions, pledging to deal firmly with threats to stability.

And talking about threat to stability, the Taliban militants struck again in Afghanistan when they stormed a hotel outside capital, Kabul taking everybody inside hostage.

And by the time the threat was subdued by the Afghan military with help from international forces, no fewer than 20 had been killed. The 12-hour siege on Spozhmai Hotel in the Lake Qarga area by five Taliban militants began on Thursday night and ended with the death of the militants and 15 others including guests and hotel workers.

The response of the Afghan government to this latest threat by the Taliban was no doubt music to the ears of the US government as President Barack Obama, facing a presidential election in

November look towards drawing down America’s military presence in Afghanistan. And as Obama continues the shadow boxing with his presumed Republican opponent in the election, Mitt Romney, it emerged last Sunday that Rodney King, the African-American at the centre of the Los Angeles riot 20 years ago, has been found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool in Rialto, a city in San Bernardino County, just west of Los Angeles. King was a victim of police brutality in 1991, but the officers involved were acquitted the following year. The verdict triggered clashes between rioters, mostly African-Americans, and police which left more than 50 dead, thousands injured and thousands of properties destroyed.

And finally as Nigeria boils following repeated terrorist attacks in some parts of the north, President Goodluck Jonathan jetted out to Rio, Brazil for a UN summit on sustainable development.

The trip is seen by many Nigerians as a sign of insensitivity by the president to the precarious security situation in the country.

62

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

World News

The troubled shores of a great sea

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HILE the Mediterranean Sea itself is calm enough, many nations populating its shoreline have succumbed to fierce storms that might turn into fires that even the waters from this ancient fount cannot quench. On the southern shore, stand Egypt and Libya. Neither is as it should be, as neither has matched the heady expectations born last year when long-term despots where unceremoniously disposed. On the northern shore, Greece, Spain and Italy reside in financial purgatory, yet edge closer to something worse due to ballooning debt crises. Their financial troubles cannot be resolved without the substantial assistance of stronger European nations that heretofore have been reluctant to provide the aid needed. That these nations experience contemporaneous crises is not coincidental. Each nation is an old society; thus, each carries its own heavy load of internal social and political contradictions. The older a nation or civilization, the bulkier the cart of unresolved contradictions it carries.

These nations carry and live by their old ways, though many of these ways are inimical to growth and modernity.

What seemed progressive and enlightened generations or centuries ago is now antiquated and benighted.

In a profound way, each nation is tied down by the weight of its own history.

The struggle each faces is akin to a parent chasing an adult child. One does not catch faster feet through sheer will and exertion. One catches the fleeter of foot by wisdom and planning. This is the challenge for each.

Last year, the world heralded the advent of the “Arab spring.” For the most part, that spring proved to be a false one, turning out to be more of a political winter. Egypt is the most visible disappointment. Many saw the ouster of Hosni Mubarak as signaling the end of despotism and the blossoming of democracy. At the time, this writer warned that Mubarak’s exit was not even the end of the beginning.

Nothing had changed, save the charismatic CEO of a criminal enterprise had been forcibly retired while handing power to a more anonymous board of directors. The enterprise remained intact. Of Egypt, it was predicted: “For the people on the street, the easy part is over. The hard work begins. Mubarak’s exit is no more than the close of the first act. The drama has many acts to go. The people are right to celebrate. They accomplished in three days short of three weeks what they could not achieve in three previous decades. Yet, they best not rejoice more than a night. If so, they will go down in history as among those who won the battle only to lose the war after confusing the former with the latter.

The events that took place during the 24 hours up to Mubarak’s resignation show that there is much housekeeping to do. Mubarak and his vice president may be gone but the regime he birthed is still in place and will attempt to run things much as it did with him at the helm.”

The people had fooled themselves that the military was a patriotic institution serving the national interests. This belief was romantic to the point of being illogical. Still, most Egyptians believed it because they wanted and needed something solid in which to belief. In Egypt, there is nothing more solid and substantial than the military. Because this illusion enabled its misrule, the military nursed it as long as it could. However, this belief was always raw fiction that could not withstand objective scrutiny and events as they unfolded. Mubarak could not have been as he was without military backing. He depended on the military. However, events have shown the military was not dependent on Mubarak. Sadly, Egyptians mistakenly believed power resided in the manly figurehead instead of the impersonal institution. They mistook symbol for substance. When they cut the head, they thought they had won. All the military hydra did was to grow several others.

The end of a despot does not mean the beginning of democracy

•Hosni Mubarak

•Mohammed Morsi

By Brian Browne The military used the intervening months prior to the elections to perfect their plans to remain in the driver’s seat.

Prior to the presidential election, the military leaned on the highest court in the land to dissolve the civilian parliament. The powers of the legislature, including control of the national budget, were passed to the military council. This was not enough for the uniforms. Key powers of the presidency have also been transferred to the military. Still not satisfied, the military ran their own presidential candidate, Ahmed Shafiq, a former Prime Minister under Mubarak.

Shafiq’s candidacy is a shameless avowal that Mubarak had taken his leave but left behind and intact his authoritarian ways. They remain the dominant rules of the road.

Many presidential candidates were presented, but the election quickly distilled to a contest between two men, representing two forces, Shafiq and the military pitted against Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. A run-off election was held. We yet know the outcome. However, the recent designs of the military suggest a preordained result: the malleable Shafiq will be named the winner and the military will continue to run a corporatist enterprise in much the same way Mubarak ran it. Finally awaken to this rude possibility, the Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters have flooded into Tahrir Square. After over a year of the purported liberty and reform, thousands have again taken to Tahrir to protest the authoritarian ways of military leaders. Having to return to Tahrir after over a year, Egypt is essentially back to square one.

The people now see the military for the malignant institution it is.

However, the military has not retained power for so long by being lucky. It has been cunning. The military knows Egyptian society is fragmented. While the Muslim Brotherhood represents the strongest single civilian political institution, most of the youth and professionals who led last year’s protests are not fans of the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood’s position during last year’s protests was to stand at arm’s length indifference. The Brotherhood

•Ahmed Shafiq and the secular liberals are wary of each other. Because of its religious bent, the Brotherhood cannot be certain of strong support from otherwise pro-democratic secular groups. The army knows this, calculating that any protests by the Brotherhood will fizzle unless joined by these other groups. To ally with these groups, the Brotherhood will have to make guarantees of a secular nature it may not want to give. Ironically, this situation gives the smaller secular organizations more leverage than their electoral performance might suggest.

Yet as the third weight, they may be able to tip the balance depending on whether they act at all and do so collectively.

If they play their role wisely and if Brotherhood leaders are as pragmatic as they claim, then a civilian coalition is possible. However, it will take a lot of negotiation and some rapid trustbuilding among disparate groups more accustomed to bickering than agreeing with one another. The bottom line is whether these groups sufficiently detest the military and cherish democracy so that they agree to push aside the known evil of military rule to venture a try at democracy led by the Brotherhood, an organization of suspect democratic credentials. The military is betting that enough of secular civilian society will rather tolerate the military devil they know and not gamble on democratic pedigree of the Muslim Brother they don’t know. Even if the Brotherhood and other groups cement a deal, the military will not cede ground. Finally, Egypt has come to the real contest. Like with the phony spring of last year, the western world has been silent. Although they speak of democracy, western powers may be hesitant to see democracy in full play in Egypt. The West has taken comfort in the ways of the military because the military has been loyal to the old man’s footpath, even if not fully loyal to him. Although the great and tragic figure of Mubarak has been swept from the stage by the tide of events, his departure was mere prologue. Egypt’s historic confrontation between people and power still lies before it.

While Egypt nears its true encounter with destiny, Libya may have taken a bad path after having its encounter. At this time, it is too early to say whether

Libya will be better or worse after Gaddafi. That the answer stands uncertain speaks ill of those who have taken over since his death. Mainstream media no longer broadcast news about Libya because the news from there is not very good. Again, Western military power has proven more adept at destroying a nation than has Western statesmanship proven its mettle in helping to rebuild a nation.

Unsurprisingly, the only thing that has registered significant improvement is oil exportation. The rest of the nation is in shambles. Many anti-Gaddafi militias have degenerated into marauding gangs, fighting each other over choice turf when not making life miserable for the public or extorting suspected Gaddafi supporters. NATO bombing killed more people and destroyed more infrastructure than admitted. Public utilities and services are inferior to what exited prior to the war. Justice is a rare commodity. Innocent people, suspected Gaddafi loyalists, remain jailed without recourse to legal remedy. A disproportionate number of these inmates are black Libyans. Always problematic in Libya, racism is worse and more violent. Blacks continue to be targeted by militia gangs. The number of Blacks unjustly executed during the fighting likely number in the thousands. The town of Tawergha, where many thousands of blacks once lived, is desolate. Made by anti-Gaddafi fighters, makeshift roads still mark the route to Tawergha. Calling for the extermination of “slaves” and using more profane words to describe black people, these signs now stand as disturbing epitaphs to this ghost town and its suffering and fled population.

No one has been nor will be punished for the genocidal acts. The new leaders of Libya have enacted a decree granting all rebels impunity for their acts of anti-Gaddafi exuberance.

In other words, the rebels have been given a free pass on war crimes and the outright murder of the innocent and unarmed. While western nations applaud and encourage legal retribution against Gaddafi loyalists, they remain mute about this blanket exoneration of rebel misdeeds.

Moreover, the new regime has made it an act of treason to “glorify” the former regime. This decree invites abuse and

political baiting. Anyone who states that housing, medicine, education or public services were cheaper under Gaddafi might be booted into the stockade. A person who advocates the continuation of a beneficial social policy might be found guilty. A Libyan must now carefully watch his tongue and be even very careful in whose company he speaks. So much for freedom of speech in Libya.

While the West was liberal and generous in spilling bombs across the landscape, these nations are more reticent when it comes to giving aid to rebuild the nation. Elections are scheduled soon but how can they be free and fair in an atmosphere of armed intimidation and abridged freedom of expression? Libya will be an electoral, but not an actual, democracy. Much Like Egypt, Libya’s transcendental figure has been swept aside, but the authoritarian nature of the political culture remains intact. Thus far, the war in Libya seems more like a battle for power and not one for political rights and true reform.

The new leadership may not be as grandiose and erratic as Gaddafi. It will not adventure far and wide trying to exert influence beyond the rational dimensions of Libya’s national power.

However, this new troupe will be more attuned to the elitist financialism of the West. The new leaders will likely be much less generous in the provision of social services to the Libyan public. For the Libyan political elite, the revolution may be over. For the man in the street, the drama has just passed through one of its many acts and is now at intermission.

Meanwhile, on the north shore of the great sea, the people have spoken.

Sadly, because of their lack of economic understanding, they have spoken feebly, against their better interests. Fed a constant diet of misinformation that exit from the Eurozone would be calamitous, Greek voters elected a proausterity, conservative party. Because they were made to fear the possible cure, Greeks voted to retain their sickness.

The structure of the Eurozone has not been kind to Greece. For roughly forty percent of the time as a member of the Eurozone, Greece has been in recession.

This is not a good omen. In the longterm, Greece will fare better going its own way with its own currency.

However, that realization will likely not hit until the people are harder hit by the recession that further austerity will assure. Meanwhile, the Spanish made a similar mistake when they voted in a right-leaning government a few months ago. The austerity imposed by that government and the near insolvency of the Spanish banks makes Spain the next likely candidate to walk the financial plank. If tight-fisted Germany does nothing to loosen monetary policy and aid these strapped nations, then Berlin will be guilty of presiding over the meltdown of a financial architecture from which it handsomely benefitted. Such turmoil will be unleashed on Europe that the term “financial crisis” might prove to be an understatement.

In the end, the lessons to be drawn from these nations is that reform, let alone revolution, that truly benefits the people may be sparked by protest, demonstration and fighting but it is never accomplished through these exertions alone. Vested interests always manage to divert naïve or mindless public displays to elongate their rule under a veneer of change. Yet, people cannot eat, drink or live on a veneer over the long-term. In these nations, as in all others seeking substantial change, the possibility of real and honest change rests on the existence of a corps of reformers who have the capacity to emotionally charge the populace into action but also have the strategic understanding to weaken and dismantle the vested powers that stand in the way. Change is rare because this combination of talent and skill is rare. Consequently, despite all of the stirring and motion, when the dust settles, things will likely remain much as they have always been in these nations — that is until greater leaders are brought to the fore. Let’s hope the wait is not too much longer as it has been too long already.

THE ARTS

63

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

A peep into the past L

IKE Lyle Rexer, a famous photographer, once said: “The camera effected a divorce between the hand and mind, substituting an ocular and subtractive process for a somatic and additive one.

Perhaps it is more accurate to say that the camera became a symbol of that divorce… Then nature indeed seemed to draw itself, without human agency.

Since photography did not depend on hand, so it was free of the imperfections of bad drawing and even bad eyesight.”

With these remarkable observations in mind, Segun Taylor, a journalist, television producer and professional photographer, set out over twenty years ago to capture for posterity some of the pictures that have today proved that photographs do not indeed lie. She has, through her on – going solo exhibition, shown that photographic images are veritable truths compared to other two – dimensional art. Old photographs show that certain things, individuals and institutions, had once existed and therefore cannot be obliterated from history.

With about forty – seven photographs dwelling on landscapes, images of prominent people and institutions, the exhibition hall of National Museum and Monuments, Onikan, Lagos, venue of the show, looked like an assemblage of photo albums. “The truth of it is that I love people. I love to see people happy or sad or even moody. And when I capture such a scene, it makes my heart glow,”was how Taylor described her passion and motivation for photography.

“When I left Quality and Classique Magazines as a photographer, I decided to go solo. What I did was to open my own studio. That decision offered me the opportunity of working closely with Nigerian musicians like Shina Peters, Orits Wilikie, Majek Fashek, Charlie Boy, Ese Agesse, Ras Kimono, Adewale Ayuba, Bianca Onoh, Veno Marioghae, Mike Okri and lots of HE new method adopted by the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) to indoctrinate children into stage theatre worked wonders last week when primary and secondary school pupils and students gathered at the National Theatre, Lagos, to tell their own stories.

Tagged Schools Dramatised Story Telling Competition, and involving over ten schools from different parts of the nation, the kid artistes were able to prove to guests that they could actually be their own masters once on stage.

At various times the crowd was silent, as if suddenly hit by an unexpected bolt of surprises. The kids were really in charge, holding everybody spellbound with their mastery of the stage in art of story-telling. As soon as the first school mounted the stage dressed in royal costumes, the crowd erupted with excitement.

Before then, Israel Eboh, one of the judges, had instructed the artistes on what to expect from them. “You will be judged based on how you make your movements on stage,” he said to them. “Besides being in control, you’re expected to know when and how to move to the left or right side of the stage. Your face expressions have to show that you are in

T

Pictures, it is said, do not lie. This was what ace photographer and journalist, Segun Taylor, has demonstrated in her solo photographic exhibition holding in Lagos. Edozie Udeze reports.

•Fashek, Peters and Okri

•Taylor

•Agesse

•Bianca

Not a child’s play

•School children telling their stories on stage at the event

By Edozie Udeze

total control of yourself and the stage,” he said.

In all, each school was given 25 minutes to tell their stories and demonstrate the stuff they were made of.

And so, most of the stories centred on moon light village setting where

the older people in the rural areas used to tell their kids stories of years of wars, community exploits and valours. It was good to see the kids in good artistic mood and make-ups delivering their lines and marshalling out their ideas.

As they mounted the stage, the drummers beat away steadily to usher them in. The drummers were also school children, dressed in different colourful costumes and expertly manning drums of all sizes. At a stage, people began to wonder what was in story telling that the kids were so engrossed in it and were equally capable of proving their mettle.

It was Marywood College, Ebute Meta, Lagos, whose colourful outing first ate deep into the psyche of the crowd. As they arrived with their king waving his horsetail majestically to greet the people, the drums went on with evocative frenzy. The costumes depicted those of the Niger Delta people as one of the actors first introduced the story line. “Look,” he said, “our people, the brave people of this village, have been known to overcome their

others,” she said.

While Taylor worked mainly in the entertainment sector, she had the opportunity to do the flick album covers of these artistes. She said: “oh, yes, Shina Peters was the one I worked with longer than others. I was the one who did the picture cover of Ace. That was in Sonny Music. After that, I did four more albums for him. You see, Shina is a born natural. He is a natural person and pleasant to work with,” she said.

Apart from her encounters with the big names in the entertainment industry, Taylor said her penchant for the camera began early. “All you do is when you go to places, try to take pictures. You never can tell where or what they will lead to. Photography is like a passion to me. I like people. I am more into people deeply. I love to see and admire people, the way they live and react. And that’s the whole essence of why we are here on earth; to love God and to touch lives.”

She added, however, that the primary reason for the show was for people to come and share the arts with her. “People can buy whichever they like. This was why it took me a little longer to package these works. I wanted people to come here and truly identify with the pictures of yesteryears and have a peep into the past.”

Taylor who studied Television Production, Photography and Journalism abroad stressed the need for professionals to go into documentary photography. “That is the essence through which photography remains a documentation of an object of the past and present. I have gone into documentary now so that my snapshots of today will make history tomorrow.”

And so, for her, time is distant whereas space is present. And pictures will for ever remain indelible in the annals of human history. enemies in the past. This village is noted for bravery and valour,” he intoned. Thereafter, he turned sharply to greet the King who, inadvertently, raised his symbol of power to bless his people. Thus began the story telling proper as the kids spread out in different corners of the stage.

It was an elaborate outing indeed and according to Josephine Igberaese of NTN who spearheaded the show, “this programme is designed to reintroduce the story telling tradition of our people as Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora to our children. In the past, it was through stories that the values, history, music, dance, heroism of various communities and so on, were handed down from one generation to the next. That is what we want to re-enact and to let our children be part of it,” she said.

At the end of the day, the following schools came tops. In the primary school category, Golden Bells Schools, Lagos, came first, while Liham and Handmaids Schools, Lagos, came second and third respectively. The best actor in this category was Peculiar Reginald of Our Lady of Apostles Schools, Lagos, whose acting prowess was extra-ordinary.

64

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

65

Abia : Savouring the gains of liberation

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH T 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

My name is/names are…?

M

Y family and bosom friends celebrated my birthday last Tuesday, June 19. It was a splendid occasion with so much aristocracy as a prince and panache. I must thank a few especial pals of mine for their exceptionally inspirational messages that hallmark indelibility. The eminent names are not in any particular order: Lekan Otufodunrin, Tunde Ipinmisho, Clement Iloba, Muyiwa Akintunde, Ugo Onuoha, Basil Okafor, Oludare Mayowa, Kenneth Ugbechie, Angela Agoawike, Ikechukwu Amaechi, Sanya Oni, Emma Ndukwe, Chido Nwakanma and Ogunshola Arogundade.

May God embarrass you all and hundreds of others unlisted here with favours. And so shall it be in Jesus’ name.

A subscriber to this column called last week in respect of today’s headline: which of the two is correct? ‘My name is…’ is the correct version because we do not put a comma behind each name: Ebere, Nnamdi, (and) Wabara. Nobody does that! It is correct in both formal and informal situations. Its usage is perfect and establishes individuality. ‘My names are…’ sounds ‘Igbotic’!

That it is commonly used even by the literati does not confer registry on it.

Its illogicality is recognizable even by brilliant kindergartens. Ubiquity of application of the awkward expression cannot supplant orderliness and morphological sequence.

So, my name is Eberechukwu Nnamdi Wabara. Biblical references also support this position: (John 5-43: ‘I have come in My Father’s name….’); (Acts 4-12: ‘…for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’) and (Acts 10-43: ‘To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in him will receive remission of sins.’). Constructive and well-researched reactions are welcome.

THE GUARDIAN of June 20 offered its esteemed readers an avalanche of commercialese and editorial improprieties: “Institute’s chief lists gains of cassavabased foods to diabetes’ patients” News (exclusive to and for Rutam House): diabetic patients

(or diabetics as context/ style demands).

“Egypt’s military pledges to hand power to elected president” African News: hand over power “…and restrictions to (on) freedom of movement, expression, assembly and religion.”

“As trade is the lifeblood (sic) of the local economy….” (Standard Chartered Full-page Advert) What good can a bank do? Livewire (not lifeblood!)

“Establishment of light training school tickle (tickles) Chime” “The Board, Management and Staff of NCR (Nigeria) Plc. (sic) congratulate our chairman….” (Full-page Advert by NCR) Experience a new world of interaction: delete the full-stop after ‘PLC’ (take note of the upper case).

“Commission ties quality service delivery on (to) funding” “Series of interventions aimed at preventing….” For the record: a series of interventions…. “…majority of them are free of charge or what is known in legal parlance as pro bono.” Law people: a majority of them….

Finally from THE GUARDIAN under rev i e w : “Unforgetable…the anguish I feel at (in) loosing you….” Spell-check: unforgettable and losing.

“Poverty remains one of the most serious problems confronting the developing world, a world in which the poor is (are) struggling to stay alive.”

“These kind of policy measures from an economic standpoint are progrowth and pro-poor.”

(Source: as above) An option: this kind or these kinds.

“Is (Are) there some barriers that may prevent you from developing a serious liaison with them? Is this carelessness or half-literacy?

“Nigerians are by nature very compassionate, almost to a fault, their brothers’ keepers you may say.” Plurality notwithstanding, the stock expression is ‘brother’s keeper.’

“We believe there is no discernible excuse for the shortage except bureaucratic bottleneck or non-challance.” Let us write well: nonchalance. “…was guest at Vanguard Newspapers yesterday during which he rubbed minds with Van-

guard editors.” Could that have been possible?

He only exchanged ideas/discussed with Vanguard editors—there was no supernatural rubbing of minds!

“There cannot be a single solution to the plethora of problems confronting the refineries which often result to (in) fuel scarcity.”

“There was a case of a couple that divorced on the ground of sexual disequilibrium.” (Daily Sun, June 21) The right chemistry: on grounds of sexual….

“The husband got himself involved with another lady and pregnated her.” (Source: as above) What lascivious men do: impregnate (not pregnate) ladies indiscriminately!

“She shook her head, gasped for breathe and bit her lips as the stared forlornly at the air.”

First, verb: breathe; noun: breath. Second, you stare in (not at) the air. “…the incursion of the ‘419’ kingpins into the area whose lifestyle, like that of the drug lords, was a superfluous display of pomp and pageantry.” Post correctly: pomp and ceremony (or circumstance).

“Properties and cash carted away worth millions of naira….” Except in special applications (contexts) like physical science and mortgage, ‘property’ is uncountable.

“The UNILAG supporters advocate without restrain that premium institution with global linkages should be allowed to retain its brand equity.” Verb: restrain; noun: restraint. I hope GEJ and his co-travellers are listening to the voices of wisdom.

“Nigeria…to bath in the same pond, on the same spot, where four years ago, instead of limpid water, it scooped putrid grit.” Verb: bathe; noun: bath.

“It was late (the late) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who….”

“Second, because Abacha was not forthcoming in his plan to handover power....” Phrasal verb: hand over (two words).

“But the Awo legacy is not based on half-truths and double standards” The vindication of Bola Ige: double standard.

“It has been postulated ever since the country joined the bandwagon of free enterprise….” Standard expression: climb/ jump on or aboard the bandwagon.

HOSE who seek a solution to the puzzle as to whether President Jonathan is doing his first or second term may well proceed to Abia State.

There, they will discover that the people have chosen to proceed as if their governor, Chief T.A. Orji was assumed office just one year ago, that is in May 2011. Although, the issue, unlike for President Jonathan, is not whether or not governor can present himself for re-election in 2015, Abians seem to be ready to tell anybody who cares to listen that as far as they are concerned, Ochedo's (as they fondly call their governor) reign began on May 29, 2011.

That may sound like a hyperbole but the people insist on creating such a scenario. To them, it is the only way the can best situate what Governor Orji has come to mean for them vis-à-vis their collective experience since the advent of the current democratic setting in 1999.

In Abia state, there is a preponderance of views that what Governor Orji used his first term in office to do was to liberate the state from a previous setting where it looked like a personal estate of those who presided over it before T.A Orji. In Umuahia, the state capital, such phrases as "…the cabal that ruled Abia State before…" is quite common.

For four years, Governor T.A Orji fought this "cabal" head on with the attendant distractions. He was almost choked in that battle to the extent that at the end of his first four years, even his best friends began to think that Theophilus Ahamefula Orji was not, after all, the best choice for the people of "God's own state", as Abians proudly describe their state. Today, the situation is different. The story has changed. Abia State is today typically illustrative of what could happen to a people who successfully liberate themselves from self-seeking individuals who masquerade as political leaders.

The details of how Governor Orji freed himself from the hands of elements who wanted him to remain their stooge are certainly for another day.

For now, the big story is that Orji, in just one year after he escaped from his 'captors', is making even his worse critics begin to fall in line in total embrace of the transformative essence of the Ochendo era.

A visit to Umuahia would reveal a depiction of the state capital as one big construction site. This is on account of the numerous but varying projects that suddenly sprang up in the state capital. When recently a group of journalists were in the state on a fact finding tour, their major observation was that nearly all the numerous projects were still on going, despite that the governor had had four full years before his current term. Being 'unini-

•Orji

By Ethelbert Okere

tiated', their curiosity was understandable but when they got to know of why things are the way they are, their refrain became: "so, what happened in the past twenty years".

Here, the news hounds were trying to understand why Umuahia, for example, was devoid of any single infrastructure that could be matched with its age. For example, they wondered how the state government could have functioned without a secretariat since its inception .The reporters discovered, to their biggest surprise, that the state was just beginning to build its first secretariat after over 20 years of existence. They discovered that all these years, the state work force had had to make do with the federal government secretariat that could hardly provide accommodation for half of the civil servants.

At the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA), the journalists were full of pity for their colleagues who have been operating with very scanty office spaces for twenty years. At the expansive premises has now sprang up a gigantic office complex under constructions; which the governor embarked upon after his re-election in April 2011.The story is the same everywhere and is one that would make any first time visitor bet his last kobo that Umuahia had existed as a state capital for twenty years But Abians seem to have put all that behind them, apparently finding solace in the aphorism that "ones morning begins anytime he wakes up from sleep"Compared with what they have been used to, there can be no doubt that for the good people of Abia State, the morning has begun. But for their Governor, T.A Orji, it is yet morning on creation day.

He seems to be telling them, as the Americans would say:"you ain't seen nothing yet". And they believe him since as they also say "seeing is believing". In Abia, the people are seeing what seemed impossible before now.

In Aba, for example, residents are still marveling at the ease with which the Orji administration opened up the access road that links the town with the famous Ariara International Market. In what is evidently the biggest irony, not many people outside Abia know that the only road leading to Ariara, the second biggest market in the entire Eastern (not just South-East) region (next only to Onitsha market) was blocked by refuse for the past 18 years.

For that length of time, residents of Aba had to access the market through the Port Harcourt-Enugu express road end, something that elongated the journey from a mere five minutes, ordinarily, to upwards of one hour. Things became so bad that commercial banks which had opened branches close to the market had to close them because even the traders under the circumstances had to look for another means of keeping the proceeds from their daily sales.

But all that is now history. The over five-kilometer road that links the city to the market through the famous Faulks Road has been opened up with the clearing of the mountain of refuse that hitherto was located at a spot popularly referred to as UKWU MANGO(under the mango tree) on account of the existence of an old mango tree there.

As a matter of fact, the situation at UKWU MANGO had become a campaign issue for at least two previous elections; just as all the past administrations tried to clear the place but couldn't get a handle.

Ukwu Mango became such a touchy issue that even after Governor Orji had cleared the mess, his opponents still kept on feeding the newsrooms located in far away Lagos or Abuja with the falsehood that it was yet to be done.

Little wonder the reporters who were on the fact finding visit referred to above, could not hide their surprise and excitement. It was the same measure of surprise they showed after listening to the true story behind a new pedestrian •Continued on page 67

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

66 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBAJE

AGHA IDAM

IGE

OBEH

I,formerly known, called and address as Ogbaje Cordelia now wish to be known and addressed as Clara Jeremiah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBAJE I,formerly known, called and address as Ogbaje Cordelia now wish to be known and addressed as Clara Jeremiah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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General public should please take note.

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IGE

I,formerly known and address as Miss Ige Oluwatomisin Kemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adedeji Oluwatomisin Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State SUBEB, Ikenne LGEA and general public should please take note.

SAKA

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OGBONNA

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AWOLOKUN I,formerly known and address as Miss Awolokun Roseline Oluwabunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akanbi Roseline Oluwabunmi. All former documents remain valid.

Ekiti State University Teaching Service Commission and general public should please take note.

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ADEOLA I,formerly known and address as Miss Adeola Nimota Adepeju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adekunle Adepeju Elizabeth.

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EKSUTH, Ado-Ekiti, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should please take note. 12

ADEKANLE I,formerly known and address as Miss Adekanle Olufunke Olawumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akunyemi Olufunke Olawumi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Abigi and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I,Taiwo Emmanuel Olasunboye is the same person as Taiwo Emmanuel Akinboye. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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AHANONU

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OGUNSANYA

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JUNE 24, 2012

I

T is not just at the federal level that billions of naira has been invested in water resources with nothing to show for it. The states are not any better.

SOKOTO Billions of naira invested in water in Sokoto has failed to yield any result as most residents still rely on water vendors for their daily needs.

Recently the government spent N1.65 billion on four projects but since a majority of the citizens still patronise water vendors, it seems the investment has gone down the drain.

Yearly, the government spends N845.5 million on water supply, treatment chemicals, including 1,700 tonnes of aluminium sulphate; 1,500 tonnes of chlorine; and 506 tonnes of other chemicals.

Many residents patronise water hawkers popularly referred to as “mairuwa” who sell a jerry can of water for between N20 and N30.

Recently, the state governor revoked all water contracts awarded before 2011 which have not been completed.

TARABA Jalingo, the state capital, and major towns and villages in the state groan under acute shortage of drinkable water. Like Sokoto, corruption has been identified as the main problem.

Recently, a traditional ruler, Alhaji Hassan Marafa Danbaba (Magajin Gari), was dragged before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged water contract scam.

The petitioners – Obadiah James, Silas Bayero and Josiah D. Jen all residents of Taraba State had accused the Magajin Garin Sokoto of failing to implement a N350 million water supply scheme contracts awarded to his company (Monarch Hydro Works) by former governor Jolly Nyame’s administration.

The EFCC, through a letter dated April 3rd 2012 invited Danbaba to the commission’s office over the allegation.

The petitioners further alleged that the water supply contract was initially awarded at the sum of N195.3 million for renovation but that it was later reviewed to cost N350 million.

It was also alleged the contractor neither commenced work nor showed any commitment to implement the contract after collecting full payment.

NIGER The state’s huge investment in water and its continued scarcity is a major headache for Governor Babangida Aliyu who recently called for a probe of the sector. The governor had also at a time ordered the suspension of the management staff of the state’s water board over allegations of misinforming the government on the true position of the water supply in the state.

The problem of acute water scarcity in Minna once degenerated to a level where 20 litres of water earlier sold for N10 by the local water vendors skyrocketed to between N80 and N100. The government identifies lack of maintenance of two dams; Bosso Dam constructed in 1942 and the Taigwa Dam 1976 as responsible.

About N210million was earmarked to fix the two dams. In 2009, the state government budgetedN1.2billion to solve water problem.

ADAMAWA For the capital Yola and other parts of the state, the problem of water scarcity is no longer news.

People are accustomed to drilling boreholes, patronizing water vendors, as well as the use of rivers and streams.

Recently, residents of Mubi, a major town in the state decried the acute water scarcity.

They appealed to the state government to provide hand pumps to enhance access to potable water in the area.

KANO A few weeks ago, the Kano State government revealed it had spent N5.6 billion to complete abandoned projects and construct new water pipes to ensure increased distribution of water across the state in the past one year. The bulk of the expendiContinued fron page 65

bridge which the governor built in front of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba to prevent the killing of the students by motorists.

A good number of the journalists in that tour corroborated the story planted by Orji's opponents to the effect that the bridge was built by an oil magnate from the area. Such is the politics of the transformation agenda of Governor Orji. But the way his opponents have so far reacted merely underscore the fact that the governor is actually hitting on the right places and in the process, is silencing those critics of his who thought he wouldn't muster the political will and courage to tackle the problems of the state.

In the same Aba, Governor

Insight

Water supply: State of the states

•Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, chats with villagers at a public tap. ture was used for maintenance services at the Challawa Water Works and Tamburawa Water Plant.

But Kano residents have not benefited from the past or even this new investment. One claimed that since he moved into a flat in 2008, taps in the house have remained dry. “We have resorted to buying water from water vendors,’’ he said In many parts of Kano metropolis like Hotoro, Bompai, Hadejia Road, Sabon Gari, and Naibawa the story is the same. Water vendors are a common sight in Dala, Fagge, Nasarawa, Gwale and Tarauni municipal councils.

RIVERS When he became governor in 2007, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi pledged to deal with the water problem, saying it was humiliating that water was being supplied by vendors. But five years on water is still supplied by vendors in all parts of the state.

This is due to lack of investment. Recently, contracts worth N709 million were awarded by the state government to Process Contracting International Africa Company (PCI Africa) for the construction of a water supply and treatment plant for the Phase 1A of the Greater Port Harcourt city.

But in Port Harcourt, the capital, residents in some parts of the metropolis lack access to pipe-borne water and depend solely on local water vendors while the well-to-do can afford boreholes either to service themselves or the apartments of their tenants.

It is a helpless situation for residents in places like Bundu, Town, Diobu, Rumukalagbor, and parts of Abuloma, Marine Base, Borokiri and the densely populated outskirts of the capital.

EDO Water is scarce in the state not because of lack of

investment but corruption.

In 2008, the Assets Verification Committee set up

by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, discovered that an $18 million grant from the World Bank for the provision of potable water in Edo State was embezzled by top officials of the state urban water board.

Many towns including Benin City the state capital lack water. Residents of communities in rural areas rely on wells and streams, while the affluent have boreholes.

OYO Another thing synonymous with the state besides the 3SC Shooting Stars and Amala (Yam flour) the popular local delicacy, is scarcity of water.

Most houses in the state capital have boreholes, while it is not unusual to see wells in many compounds.

Despite having Asejire and Eleyele Waterworks, both huge investments, water is still a scarce commodity. Water supply in areas like Mokola, Dugbe, Oluyole Estate, Adamasigba, Bodija, and Agodi Gate is not guaranteed. Residents of highbrow areas like Bodija and Iyaganku also have their share of scarcity.

DELTA Arguably one of the richest states in the country, Delta has invested billions in water supply since 1999.

Ironically residents of Asaba and other major towns could not recall when last water ran in their homes.

Deltans are angry that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is creating water fountain roundabouts, but not giving water to homes. “We don’t have water in our homes and this man is wasting water on the road.” a resident said.

ENUGU In the last two years, pipes have been laid in

67

Enugu and other parts of the state. Residents hope that the World Bank assisted multi-billion naira project will bring the era of the 1970s and the 1980s when water ran 24 hours from public tap daily.

Today, water is not available and it has been so in the last twenty years.

Many residents who cannot afford to buy water from commercial vendors resort to wells and others to more unsanitary sources.

Because of its rocky terrain, boreholes and wells are difficult to drill or dig in Enugu unless you live in Abakpa and Emene.

Areas like New Haven and Obiagu as well as residents of Government Reserved Area, (GRA), Independence Layout, and Ogui New Layout enjoy epileptic water, but others have to buy water daily.

OGUN Under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ogun State had one of the most ambitious water projects, with billions invested in major and mini water works. Residents of Abeokuta should enjoy water supply by now. The purchase of machines and accessories would cost about N7bn while plant houses cost about N3.6billion. By 2010 the government had commissioned six major water plants in the state, with an assurance that the projects would serve the people of the state for the next 20 years.

But as at today getting water remains a pain in the neck for residents in Abeokuta the state capital and other parts of the state.

KADUNA Residents are fed up with successive government’s promises and huge investments that have all failed to put an end to water headache.

From Kaduna to Zaria residents rely on mai ruwa and boreholes for water supply.

LAGOS In Lagos, some parts of the state like Surulere, Yaba, Ikoyi , Victoria Island, Ilupeju and others enjoy pipe borne water, though not 24 hours daily.

Other areas like Iyana-Iba, Iyan-Ipaja, Ajah and others, the residents rely on boreholes and water vendors.

BENUE Recently, President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the N 6.3 billion Makurdi water treatment plant.

But residents are not enthusiastic that the new project will solve the over 30 year Benue water problem despite its proximity to River Benue.

Their domestic water supply is through water hawkers who display their commodity in 20 litre jerry cans. A container is sold for about N25.

PLATEAU In Jos, the Plateau State capital, the situation is getting worse daily forcing residents to depend on ponds, streams and other sources usually shared with animals.

The festering crisis in the Tin City has forced water vendors to avoid populated areas.

Before the crises, a 20-litre jerry can of water was sold for N50, a 50-litre gallon for N70, while 100 litres went for N120. The Plateau State Government, which has constantly expressed its sadness over the situation, attributeds the continued water shortage to the upsurge in the population of Jos metropolis.

Tales of thirst: Some water stories

T

HE Gumshi community in Yobe State celebrated the arrival of water in their community the way Christians will celebrate the coming of Christ.

After 300 years of living without water, the community got a bore-hole last month. This led to wild celebrations. The female folk came out in their Sunday best to celebrate the arrival of water.

Fugar residents trek 10 km to get water Most residents of Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo engage in a mandatory fitness regiment, as they trek a distance which keep them in shape.

But they had to engage in long distance walk-

ing recently when acute shortage hit the community.

With vendors increasing the price of water by more than 300 per cent, the situation made residents, who could afford the high cost of water to trek several kilometres to the only functional borehole in the town to get water at more affordable rates.

Thousands of villagers threaten to relocate to Kano Thousands of villagers in Rigar-Rana, Agale, Dandani, Kwabo and Barebari in Gwarzo district, 120km south of Kano city, have threatened to relocate to Kano City after 15 years of appeals to

local authorities to build a well fell on deaf ears.

The villagers are protesting 30 years of grappling with acute water shortage.

Water everywhere but not Nigeria AS the world celebrated the World Water Day earlier this year, it was revealed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that more people worldwide now have access to improved drinking water sources, but there are indications that Nigeria may not have contributed significantly to the global feat going by the increasing acute water shortage being reported from virtually all parts of the country.

Abia : Savouring the gains of liberation Orji has to his credit the repairing and maintenance of Owerri road which though a so-called federal government road, had remained the same way most 'federal' roads in the south-east have been since the end of the civil war. The over five-kilometer stretch through which over 90 per cent of visitors to Abia pass, stuck out like a sour tongue until recently, thanks to the efforts of T.A Orji.

In all this, one big question has always come up: from where will Governor Orji get the funds with which he will carry out his program through and make life better for Abians. At the moment, the revenue trajectory of the state is nothing to write

home about. The state gets a monthly allocation of not more than N3 billion. With a monthly salary bill of N2.5 billion, many wonder how Governor Orji will pull through what is evidently a very ambitious programme.

To be sure, Abia is not the only state that finds itself in such a situation but what seems to worsen matters for the good people of Abia state is that their governor is almost starting to build the state from the scratch.

However, to the question as why he believes he can be exonerated from the alleged ineptitude of the administration before his, given that he served in it, Governor Orji's response is that he would want to be judged from the day the buck began to

stop on his table. This is even as he is unwilling to disclose his game plan on how he will match the state's lean resources with his very elaborate development plan for the state. He says that is his trade secret. Governor Orji is also not willing to disclose how he was able to route criminals from Abia state; not even to his next door colleague in Imo state where kidnappers and armed robbers have found a safe haven.

But it would appear that the more the governor tries to keep his 'trade secrets' to himself, the more they become common place. For example, he may be unwilling to give details of how he routed the state almost completely of criminals but it is no

longer a secret that came about through a matrix of economic policies that made it possible for more resources to be channeled into security especially in the area of intelligence.

As for how he is coping with lean resources, the state and its people may well be reaping the benefits of having an experienced bureaucratic as a governor. Perhaps the difference between what is happening in Abia state today and in other states with equally lean resources is that it is being governed by a seasoned civil servant who had spent all his career in the state civil service.

Abia is the only state in the whole of the former Eastern region that is being governed by a

former civil servant. The other states are being ran by businessmen and so-called technocrats who in most cases find it difficult to blend that sole proprietorship mentality with the discipline of public administration.

Not that there are no traders or other categories of private practitioners who have made good governors but the Orji example may well form the basis of a future agitation to allow more people with civil service experience to mount the saddle as state Chief executives.

If that happens as it most likely to, Chief T.A. Orji would have brought another refreshing vista in the collective quest for leadership that would be less wasteful but more resourceful.

68

WORSHIP THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

CONTROVERSY

NEWS

With Sunday Oguntola (08034309265) Email: shinystarontop@gmail.com

Is it right for women T to lead churches?

A

TIME there was when leading a church was considered a no-go area for women. Things have really changed these days. Many women are not only finding their way to the pulpits but also founding churches.

In Nigeria, some of these notable female church leaders include founder Power Pentecostal Assembly Lagos, Bishop Bola Odeleke; General Overseer Church of God Mission Church International Benin; Bishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa and General Overseer of Bethel Worship Centre for All Nation, Rev. Roselyn Oduyemi. Several other women have been leading different churches in Nigeria.

Yet, it has not always been so. In days of Apostle Paul advised that women should learn to be in silence during church services. So many theologians have held on to this to mean women should not hold leadership positions in churches.

Many denominations, till date, do not consecrate women or allow them to lead. According to them, women are important to God but not suitable for church leadership. They reason Jesus had them as supporters but never included them in his disciples or inner circle.

But the western world has been redefining this perception.

Many women such as Kathryn Kuhlman and founder of the Foursquare Gospel Church International, Aimee Semple McPherson, have emerged to challenge the fad. They recorded many record-breaking results in church administration and died venerated. Advocates for women leaders dismiss their accusers as male chauvinists, still living in the past. Yet, this has not silenced the debate about whether or not women are suitable and created for leadership in churches.

To the President of International Church Growth Ministries, Dr Francis Bola AkinJohn, women are important in the church. He said they can take up leadership roles provided they are not the main leaders.

Women, he explained, are better as supporters and not leader.

According to him, ‘’Women are not made for church leadership.

Experientially, we have found they are more suitable as associate leaders, departmental heads and all that.’’

Reminded that women played leadership roles even in the Old Testament days, Akin – John explained that was only in rare cases where real men failed to show up. ‘’Men are leaders and women are supporters. If we would lead our churches well, men should lead. In some rare cases, we can put women there but she must be under a man and submissive too.’’ He also pointed out that churches led by women hardly thrive because of weak leadership. ‘’How many churches led by women are thriving?

How many of them have survived for years? God knew the composition of women and put them in supportive roles.’’

•Akin-Alamu

•Akin-John

HE General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has charged the federal government to deal decisively with corruption to ensure national growth and development.

He spoke at the special programme for parents and intending parents held recently at the RCCG, Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta Lagos.

According to him, Nigeria has experienced distorted growth and development because of increasing cases of unchecked corrupt practices in most public and private institutions.

He said: ”We have continued to sink deep into the quagmire of poverty, inadequate infrastructure and dilapidated health centres, increase maternal mortality among pregnant women and children because

Adeboye tasks Jonathan on corruption

By Adeola Ogunlade

of selfishness of the privileged few in our society.’’

Adeboye, who spoke through the Special Adviser, Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said: “it is imperative that government deal decisively in the fight against corruption because I believe that some people would have to go to jail for looting public funds and some would have to refund stolen public fund to deter others from corrupt practices.’’

He lamented the spate of corruption, which has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society with various emerging scandals.

According to him:”Posterity will bless President Goodluck Jonathan administration if he can be sincere in fighting corruption without fear or favour.

Adeboye implored government at all levels to encourage Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) by enriching school curriculums with emerging studies on entrepreneurship and self empowerment.

He noted there have effort by agencies of g o v e r n m e n t supporting SMEs in rural communities but said “we must begin to find a better way for young people to access funding of their varying creative ideas”.

‘How the church is failing Nigeria’

T •Dauji

But the Senior Pastor of Empowerment House Oregun Lagos, Pastor Dexter AkinAlamu, said such gender considerations no longer count.

According to him: ‘’The Bible is clear, in the New testament there is neither Jew or Greek, male or female, which means God does not see us in terms of gender that is because He relates with our spirit and not our bodies, we are tripartite beings. We are spirit beings with a soul and live in a body, so we are primarily spirits and there are no male or female spirits. It is our body that has gender classifications and it is our spirit which is neither male nor female that God uses. ‘’So, there is no reason why God cannot use women to lead churches. Of course where such women are married, the leadership in the church does not get transferred to the home, they must learn to switch roles to becoming submissive wives when they get home like I too need to become father and husband when I get home.’’

Akin-Alamu, whose London church is led by a woman, said: ‘’Pastor Kate Ijeh does such a wonderful work like any man would do.’’

The Rector of Methodist Theological Institute Sagamu, Ogun State, The Very Rev. Olukayode Adeogun, concurs.

He said women are effective and capable in church leadership. The theologian said: ‘’From our experiences in training them, we have found they are effective and capable. The gifts and grace of God are not limited by gender considerations. If God can use men, He uses women even much more’’.

The Parish Priest of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Lekki, Lagos believes leadership is not about gender but effectiveness.

According to him: ‘’The church as an institution cannot insulate and isolate itself as a silo

•Douglas-West

disconnected from the unravelling convolutions of human development in the society. The church does not exist for itself in a vacuum but it does exist for the interest of human kind.’’

He added: ‘’Leadership or the opportunity to occupy the topmost hierarchy of leadership should not be deliberately reserved for or made the exclusive preserve of one domineering gender.

Leadership is delivering service and discharging responsibility directed at uplifting the spiritual and material wellbeing of the congregation. Regardless of the gender, whoever possesses the proven capacity and has earned the merit should be given the support to ascend the throne of church leadership.’’

The General Overseer of Amazing Grace Pentecostal Church, Bishop (Mrs.) Chioma Dauji, sees nothing wrong in women leading churches.

Leadership in church, she argues, is about God’s call, gift and impartation and not gender. ‘’It has nothing to do with your gender but what God has deposited in you to use and do.’’

She said she enjoys full cooperation from male members because ‘’they have found out female leaders are more focused, result-oriented and compassionate.”

Dauji acknowledged the concerns about whether such church female leaders will be submissive at home or not. This, she said, is a balance that godly female leaders must learn to strike. According to her, ‘’I separate my leadership in the church from that of the home.

My husband is the head at home.

He has the full authority at home.

I am just his helper. When he says he does not want anything, I have no choice but to comply.

That is the balance every woman church leader should strike.”

IGERIA is backward and pressed on all sides because the church has failed in its responsibilities, the founder and president of Prayer Action for Successful Season (PASS), a faith-based nongovernmental organisation, Pastor Bolaji Akinyemi, has declared.

Nigeria, he said, is sick

•Akinyemi

By Sunday Oguntola

because the church is equally sick.

He spoke last week in a chat with our correspondent.

According to him: ‘’The church is supposed to be the conscience of the nation.

When the conscience of a man is sick, he will definitely be overcome by evil. I think the church is sick and we can no longer hide from the truth.’’

He lamented the church has failed to promote positive moral values among Nigerians and encourage those in leadership positions to serve the interest of the masses.

Akinyemi declared: ‘’until we stop preaching money and start emphasising value, these people would continue to involve themselves in corruption and the rottenness will continue at all levels.’’

The church, he explained, should be praying for the nation and not getting carried away by activism and intellectual arguments. ‘’The way out of the plethora of crisis going on is not protest, uprising, wanton destruction of lives and property nor revenge or retaliation nor being vindictive. ‘’ Nigeria will continue to witness terrorism, corruption, poverty and bad leadership as long as the church is prepared to tolerate them,’’ he stated.

PASS, he said, will hold another prayer conference for the forthcoming Edo governorship election on July 11.

The session is expected to attract 7,000 pastors, evangelists and other minister of God on a sevenhour fasting and prayers for the election, which holds on July 14.

Cleric marks birthday with book launch

F

OR Pastor Oluwafemi Ikusagba, it was double celebration last week.

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) pastor presented a book titled “Christianity and some challenging issues” preacher to coincide with his birthday.

Ikusagba thanked God for giving him the inspiration and capacity to finish the book.

The book, he explained, considers fundamental issues and how they affect Christianity, saying most of them are not really biblical but have become Christian doctrines.

He said: “For a very long time, practical issues

like birth control, artificial insemination and capital punishment have been portrayed as a grievous sins’’.

Ikusagba lamented disunity among Christians.

He attributed the development to deeprooted tribalism, selection or election into church offices, incessant lust for p o w e r , denominationalism, hypocrisy, corruption and money. ‘’If the church can come together, then the world would be a better place to live in,’’ he asserted.

The book considers issues such as mercy

killing, divorce and remarriage, same-sex, HIV/AIDS and capital punishment as to how they affect Christians.

The reviewer, Dr Julius Adegbola, described the new book as a must-read for Christians, especially those in theological schools irrespective of their denominations.

He explained that the book throws more light on some controversial issues affecting the foundation of the church in some countries.

Adegbola praised the author for extensive research on the issues before drawing conclusions.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012

A city on a hill (2) Pastor Afolabi Samuel Coker

SETTLE ME OH LORD “

Y

e are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be

hid.”

Mat. 5:14 KJV “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you on a hilltop, on a light stand- shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Mat.5:14-16 (MSG) Everywhere light appears darkness fades and when located upon a hill; light has an abundance of capacity to shine over a wider coverage area. The sun’s light shines over a very wide coverage area because it’s located high above. The altitude of the sun is so high that even the moon depends on it to reflect light to the earth. When you allow your light to take its source from God; The Rock of our Salvation, you surely can do greater than ordinary exploits.

Unfortunately many of us are living and thinking like ’valley-minds’.

Mentally, physically, materially and spiritually, you have been created to be above. You carry the gene for extraordinary radiance in you because you were made in God’s image. If you think and live like a slave it’s entirely your choice; because you have chosen not discover who you are or locate the Hill; the Creator and the path He wisely rafted you for. ’For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope’. Jer23:11. The hill is the place of drawing strength and hope for victorious shining and God

is the umpire and the conductor of all that you would eventually produce thereon. You’ve been brought forth here to reign.

You were endorsed for hilltop radiance and exploits.

You’ve been so wired at creation to reign and rule over all challenges. The ’valley’ represents the world while the ’Hill’ stands for God’s kingdom. The valley which is the world you now live in is full of challenges and wickedness; it’s the harbinger of darkness and the habitation of cruelty because it’s the devil’s roaming abode. Despite this, your place of eminence is guaranteed if only you can stand upon God (the Hill) by living a lifestyle of faith in Him. ’For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1John 5:4 KJV. Your faith in the Potency of God’s word is your divine license to shine unhidden on the hill and deflate the darkness in the valley around; take over your world and reign. If you’re finding it difficult to believe this, then, this tract may just be a lifetime valued gift to you if you can read to the end.

Your life will receive a spiritual rebirth after now.

Though the world is full of disappointments, weights and struggles which are fighting your life and destiny the overriding will of God for you is to reign.

The guaranty for conspicuous and uncoverable glory victory is your faith and the simple route for overcoming is to be located in God. The only victory that brings the world permanently under your feet is achievable through your faith! Faith in whom? Faith in God! Faith is giving hope a substance and believing in the unseen. No one have seen God and you don’t have to wait to see Him before you have faith in Him If you do this, you can be sure you’ll be a ’double-loser’; you’ll lose your battles here and lose your soul in eternity. God is not interested in losers! This is why you have only one choice; to locate your place in God and traverse the path of victory, glory and winning here and in eternity. To locate in God is to live a life pleasing unto Him and strive daily to do His will.

Defiled understanding of purpose and destination

69

Worship makes a man succumb to fate like an inflated balloon thrown to a desert wind and makes him abandon the life of dominion. Once you’re not located on the Hill you become a toy in the hands of alley weapons of frustration; you daily wallow in sin, revelries, poverty and sickness and then lose your own soul For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life? Matt 16:26 (NET). For every man, an appointed date with death is inevitable. Just as death and life are realities that confront man while in the world, Heaven and hell are realities that will confront him after death and transition.

Heaven is made for divine champions just like the Hill is the vantage location of those who will be victorious at war. Most of the wars won by the Israelites are won as they situate on the hill. Until you locate on the hill there is no guaranty for your victory over the battles of life. It will so happen that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered. For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who survive, just as the LORD has promised; the remnant will be those whom the LORD will call (Joel 2:32).

Once you’re located in God; you are more than conqueror. This means every battle Jesus Christ fought and won is on your behalf; you qualify for eternal victory. More so, there’s an assurance of light in abundance for you no matter the battles and onslaught against your life and destiny.

The light shines in darkness (sin, revelries, poverty and sickness) and darkness could not comprehend (win over) it.

Whether as a private individual or as a nation this is the formula for winning.

You don’t win a war easily at the alley level Proceed to the hill and you will see clearly the soft spots of the enemy. It’s a must for you to live as a champion here and after here. If you would search for His divine agenda for you with all your heart you can soar on the wings of victory.

Locate on the hill and you are guaranteed to win. afocoker@yahoo.com 08033374095

The consequences of sin and God’s commandment Pastor Lazarus Muoka

HEAVEN AT LAST

B

ELOVED, we must understand that the Devil is the originator of sin and the father of sin and sinners.

John 8:44 says, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Devil is the originator of all kinds of sin including impure heart, malignant, ungodly propensities, inclinations, desires. He was a murderer from the beginning.

The death of the human race, in its widest sense, is ascribed to him. All the falsehood in the world owes its existence to him as the spiritual parent of this fallen human family.

Satan introduced sin to our fore parents in the Garden of Eden and consequently man inherited it and became disconnected from God. Due to the deception of Satan, man disobeyed God, died spiritually and lost the glory of God. Genesis 5:1-3 says, “This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:” Adam and Eve gave birth to Seth not in God’s image and likeness but in their own image and likeness hence any man/woman born of man is a sinner. They were originally made in the image of God, but when fallen they begat a son in their own sinful and defiled image. Not only people like themselves, consisting of body and soul, but sinners of their kinds. This was the reverse of that Divine likeness in which Adam was made; having lost it, he could not convey it to his seed. Adam lived, in all, 930 years; and then died, according to the sentence passed upon him, “To dust thou shalt return.”

Though he did not die in the day he ate forbidden fruit, yet in that very day he became

mortal. Then he began to die; his whole life after was but a reprieve and condemned life.

That is why the Bible says that all have sinned, which means that none is qualified to enjoy the glory of God…(Rom. 3: 23).

And consequently are equally helpless and guilty. For this reason there is no school dedicated to study how sin could be committed anywhere in the world. Yet all human beings are prone to devil and devoid of the needed power to avoid it because it is in their nature having received it from the devil via Adam and Eve. From the time one began to sin: from that time that he became what he is, a member of devil’s family. He seems to have only kept his first estate a very short time after his creation just like his fore parent Adam. He that keeps on doing sin is from the devil. Ezekiel 18:4 says, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” God has no respect for persons. The soul that sinneth it shall die.

Every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. The Lord overrules every event for the eternal good of believers.

All souls are in the hand of the great Creator and He deals with them in justice or mercy.

If a man who had shown his faith by his works, had a wicked son, whose character and conduct were the reverse of his parent’s, could it be expected he should escape the Divine vengeance on account of his father’s piety? Surely not.

And should a wicked man have a son who walked before God as righteous, this son would not perish for his father’s sins. If the son was not free from evils in this life, still he should be partaker of salvation. The question here is not about the meritorious ground of justification, but about the Lord’s dealings with the righteous and the wicked.

Though hand joins in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished. Everybody must suffer for sin committed Though sin is sweet to the flesh yet it represents the greatest threat to the soul of man. It has indeed caused many to be afflicted, sorrowful and die prematurely.

Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

We have here an account of the way and end of a great many self-deluded souls. Their way seems right to them and

they please themselves with a fancy that they are as they should be, that their opinions and practices are good. The way of ignorance and carelessness, the way of worldliness and earthlymindedness, the way of sensuality and flesh-pleasing, seem right to those that walk in them, much more the way of hypocrisy in religion, external performances, partial reformations, and blind zeal; this they imagine will bring them to heaven; they flatter themselves in their own eyes that all will be well at last. Their end is really fearful: It is the ways of death, eternal death; their iniquity will certainly be their ruin, and they will perish with a lie in their right hand.

Indeed there is a way which seems right unto a man but the end is destruction. This may be his easily besetting sin, the sin of his constitution, the sin of his trade. He may have an imperfect repentance, a false faith, a very false creed; and may persuade himself that he is in the direct way to heaven.

Sin may be very fascinating and alluring to man but is so deceptive and damning because it leads man to destruction. So many people in this present day have died because of sin yet whilst they were in it, it was so sweet to their fleshes but unfortunately and regrettably it caused them to die both spiritually and physically. Sin is responsible for death, divorce, sicknesses/ diseases, poverty, failures, rising and falling syndrome, spiritual attacks, etc. No matter how rich a man could be or how exalted his position is, one thing is certain, sin can bring him down or even kill him.

But if sin is not found in a man, the power of devil (affliction, diseases and premature death) cannot prevail against the person. Jesus says, “…: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” (John 14:30). The prince of this world is coming but he hath nothing in Him- no right, no claim, or power. There is no guilt in Christ, to give Satan power over Him; no corruption to take part with the temptation.

Devil has no power over any believer who does not continue in sin except permitted by God. Beloved, the question now is, when the devil comes to attack you, will he find sin in you?

If the answer is no, then all is well and good but if it is yes, then you must hasten to do something now before it is too late. Repent and sin no more or else the worst thing shall come on you.

NEWS

Free training for RCCG members

A

BOUT 130 members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 12, have been selected for a fully paid six week intensive training in entrepreneurship development and skills acquisition programme.

At the induction of the trainees held at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) Lagos, the province Pastor, Cafe Obasa, said the programme is one of the corporate social

responsibilities of the church, noting that training will be a worthwhile investment in the lives of the beneficiaries.

“We believe we should empower and assist our people at no cost to them so that they can gain requisite knowledge for them to be self-employed and productive,” he stressed.

On the choice of the EDC, Obasa said, “The church is sponsoring this first batch of 130 members to the EDC because we known that the centre is one

of the best entrepreneurial centres in the country and its funded by the jointpartnership of CBN and ALF and they have the pedigree of training people efficiently in skill acquisition.”

The centre’s project coordinator, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, commend the effort of the province at teaching its people how to fish, saying that religion bodies should aim at reducing poverty among their members by giving them necessary skills through the centre.

•L-R: The Minister, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo Lagos, The Rev. Femi Adebanjo with The Minister of Alex Williams Memorial Church, Ogba Lagos, The Rev. Magnus Bukohmo during the 2012 annual confirmation of the church recently

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QUOTABLE “I don’t think that there is anything that puts a threat to Nigeria other than the petro dollar. That is the reason we have refused to sit down and speak the truth to ourselves, especially the elite, the so-called ogas who run this country...”

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 2163

—Former NADECO chieftain, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade advocating for the convocation of a National Conference

S

OMETIME in August 1914, British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey and a friend stood at a window that opened into the street. It was getting dark and gas lamps were being lit, and he had just helped Prime Minister Henry Asquith draft an ultimatum to Germany, which in those tense times, was threatening to invade Belgium.

“The lamps are going out all over Europe,” he said with a pensiveness that foreboded the gathering storm of World War I. “We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” Neither that war nor World War II, which followed some 25 years later, was averted thus making one European generation to witness and fight two major wars in a lifetime, and producing considerably inept leaders and incomparable statesmen. These wars, and many others before them, have reinforced in the minds of historians the conviction that leadership is forged in the purifying furnaces of crises, and great leadership by the anvils of war.

But after one civil war and dozens of crises and many insurgencies and insurrections, Nigeria is still yearning for just one great leader. With 2015 around the corner, and the jockeying for the presidency and state executive mansions about to commence, it is neither too early to ask ourselves what kind of leadership Nigeria needs for these times, nor the courage to focus on the issues that should receive the most attention. Nearly 100 years after the founding of Nigeria and more than 50 years of independence, at no time in our history have we found the brilliance or courage to tackle the crises that afflict us and draw us apart. The elite, either by poor training or by the deliberate corruption of their souls, have often surrendered themselves to the base emotions of those who look up to them for leadership and example.

Their followers, the underclass, have sunk deeper into the tyranny of coarseness, as fractious, disagreeable and quarrelsome as ever. When they do not submit to unproductive ethnic fury, they lunge biliously into destructive religious fervour, as devoid of common sense as they are obsessed with bloodletting. For the moment, and with 2015 in view, it is not surprising that we are again typically and dismayingly fixated on sustaining and even nurturing the status quo, maintaining and rooting for uninspiring leadership at all levels, and confusing technocracy with brilliant and great leadership. I have nothing but contempt for all of them and the political systems that engender that ilk.

I know that Nigeria is not an island and is therefore not unaffected by the general decline in quality leadership all over the world.

I also appreciate the point that leadership is not immune to the periodic Darwinism that purges the class and sometimes produces a better breed. This is why at key junctures in history, bad leaders are got rid of, sometimes with extreme difficulty, and great ones are

Needed: A leader for the times

•Jonathan

•Obasanjo

thrust into limelight, though often few and far between. It must be one of the curious problems of statistical probability that Nigeria has suffered interminable crises without the redeeming feature of producing even one inspiring national leader. With each passing year, indeed, we have appeared to produce worse leaders, sometimes in quick succession – leaders who submit to the passion of brutality or who have abandoned themselves to all forms of sensuality.

It is settled, as I have discussed here before, that free and fair elections do not necessarily conduce to peace and development nor to great and inspiring leadership. Election observers, both local and international, judged the 2011 polls to have met international standards. But the elections managed to produce a class of leaders considerably worse than those of the past. It is sometimes argued that the cause of this deformed ability to elect the right people into office is poverty, for this factor of hardship has so affected national values at all levels that the lines between right and wrong have become unalterably blurred.

But I also think that beyond misshapen values, even the pool of potentially great leaders is thinning out worrisomely by the day. The requirements of great leadership are so tasking and demanding both physically and emotionally that few are qualified. In fact, the nearest a potentially great leader gets to

the optimum level, the equilibrium point if you like, the more he is likely to be considered a distasteful puritan or an extremist.

Europe blundered into WWI. But the appalling scale of slaughter did not prevent it from stumbling into a costlier and deadlier WWII. On both occasions, leadership failure was a huge factor, just as leadership fortitude was also a factor in how and why the world came out of the wars with loss of values far less profound than expected. In recent years, leadership failures have produced the Arab Spring, and leadership brilliance will also be a factor in how the Maghreb emerges from the revolutions, whether stronger or weaker. The fact is that democracy, the regnant political paradigm for peace and development, is not the only or sufficient means of producing great leaders. History shows us why.

But whether through autocracy or democracy, Nigeria has since 1960 reeled from one bad leader to another. The prospect of betterment is simply not there. This is not because the model of our democracy is inherently faulty, in spite of our pretentious federalism, or because corruption is so pervasive that it disables us from intelligent leadership selection processes. What makes a Goodluck Jonathan ineffectual, or an Olusegun Obasanjo imperious and provincial, or a Shehu Shagari insular and tactless, is not the balloting that got them into office, but the will, character

IG Abubakar deserves more than cursory support

I

T may be too early in the day to tell how effective the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubabkar, would be, but for every Nigerian humiliated by the transactions that took place at police checkpoints nationwide over the years, the scrapping of those barricades should be applauded. This is not the first time an IG would take that step, but it is hoped it would be the last time an IG would reverse himself. Abubakar has spoken enthusiastically about the scrapping of the checkpoints, and has even promised they were gone for good, never to return again.

He must be encouraged to make the measure permanent.

Neither he nor the rest of us have any illusions about the pitfalls consequent upon scrapping what for decades became a subsidy regimen for sustaining police operations. Checkpoints were derisively described as toll gates, where the police collected money from motorists and travellers to subsidise their low wages, fund the repair and fuelling of patrol vehicles, and secure their retirements in terms of personal

houses and other investments. But no one was left in doubt that the whole world regarded the Nigeria Police as one of the most corrupt in the world and a disgrace to black people everywhere. It is unlikely policemen were themselves unaware of the heavy stain on their reputation, but they seemed powerless to do anything about it on account of neglect by government and poor funding.

Abubakar is obviously ardent about doing something about that bad reputation, and he wants to reclaim police pride. But there is nothing to show the IG put anything in place to replace what policemen would lose as a result of the scrapped checkpoints. Admittedly, if he were to wait until he did, the measure would never leave the drawing board.

Yet, rather than pretend the funding and perks gaps do not exist, he must urgently address the logistics and financial shortfalls that are bound to crop up.

There are already indications policemen could in frustration encourage or even participate in criminal activities, but for now, this has neither been proved nor as pervasive as feared. Abubakar must work hard to

keep the initiative. He must go beyond holding police commanders responsible for crimes committed in their jurisdictions; he must motivate, encourage and show them how the job should be done. Apart from recreating the police into an ethical force through rules and regulations, he must also prepare – however he wants to do that – a brilliant and sustainable blueprint for a modern Police Force the country would be proud of.

The support I write about is not limited to the public who should be as enthusiastic and passionate about the changes Abubakar is midwifing. The best support should come from the federal government, that is, assuming that from their various travels our leaders have formed a definite and civilised impression of the kind of police we need. The government must not only fund the police substantially well, it must also not meddle in the running of the law enforcement organisation or deny the IG the room he needs to reshape the police and imbue them with the character required for modern and accountable law enforcement.

and principles they show once in office. It is rare indeed to find an electorate that can correctly assess the noble qualities of a great leader before he gets into office. The point is that the electorate is quite unable to determine the forces that would challenge and shape the leader and the country, or even to determine how that leader would respond to those unknown challenges.

History tells us that some of the world’s greatest leaders assumed office either against the general will of the people or with their reluctant and grudging acquiescence.

Abraham Lincoln lost election several times; Winston Churchill came in as a last resort, not as first choice; Charles de Gaulle barely overcame the detestation of lawmakers who resented his obsessive political superfluities; Julius Caesar got into power with subtlety and was soon assassinated, etc. There was no way to judge that Churchill would offer such a splendid response to Nazism; and there was no way to anticipate Lincoln on the American civil war. In short, no one could ever tell how a leader would respond to the exigencies of the day.

Indeed, while it can sometimes be gauged how leaders would face the challenges of the present, it is often difficult to appreciate how they would anticipate and react to the challenges of the future. This talent for futurism requires an indescribable mix of talent, character, intelligence, charisma, self-will and peerless intuition. In a situation where the ordinary citizen finds his ability to understand the present severely curtailed by so many factors, it is better imagined how he would respond to the leader who futuristically sees the difficult trajectory his country should take and the painful sacrifices needed to fulfil that aspiration.

Even after reforming the Nigerian political system, securing true federalism, and restructuring the country possibly along regional lines, these do not guarantee that great leaders would get to office. More, I am suggesting that it is even more difficult for the electorate to correctly judge the capacity of a leader to overcome mediocrity and rise into greatness. We are tempted to blame ourselves for putting the likes of Obasanjo and Jonathan in power, men who by their inelegant approach to the challenges facing the nation have plunged their country into a morass. We should not be hard on ourselves. The history of the world is in fact a history of majority of bad leaders and an infinitesimal minority of excellent leaders. We are not immune, for the whole world is also bemoaning bad leadership everywhere.

But we must blame ourselves when we re-elect an uninspiring leader. We were foolish to return Obasanjo in 2003, as if it was an obligation, and we would be foolish to return Jonathan in 2015, as if ethnic balancing and regional zoning demanded it. If we could not appreciate their weaknesses before they assumed power, once in power, their shortcomings could no longer be hidden. Great leaders respond to crises intelligently because they are armed with the relevant character, principles, knowledge, charisma and intuition.

These attributes are not forged from anywhere else but from books, for books are the windows into a man’s mind. A man finds his heroes and role models in his studies. We could tell that US President Barack Obama’s heroes are Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lincoln; just like we also know the heroes of the world’s great leaders. What ennobling books have Nigerian leaders read, and who are their heroes?

If we cannot demand excellence from our current leaders, let us at least recognise the grave challenges facing the country, and let us strive in the coming elections to make an enlightened choice of leaders for public office who are equipped with the irrepressible character of rising up nobly to these perilous challenges. There is a limit to how any country can continue, like Nigeria, to fly in the face of providence without destroying itself.

•This column was first published on March 25, 2012.

PALLADIUM IS ON VACATION. HE RETURNS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

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