June 7, 2014 by The Nation

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ALHAJI ADO ABDULLAHI BAYERO (1930-2014)

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

Emir Bayero buried amid glowing tributes T

HE remains of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, who died in the early hours of yesterday, has been committed to the mother earth. The late emir was buried at exactly 6:15 p.m. inside Gidan Nasarawa Grave Yard where four of his predecessors, namely, Sarki Abbas, Sarki Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi and Sarki Muhammadu Inuwa were all interred. Thousands of Kano residents trooped out to pay their last respects to the revered royal father who ruled Kano for about 51 years. Vice President Namadi Sambo led the Federal Government delegation, which arrived Kano late in the morning to pay their last respects to the departed monarch. Other dignitaries who stormed Kano for the emir’s

Kolade ADEYEMI, Kano

burial included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki; and the Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar. Also at the burial were Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State; Foreign Affairs Minister, Aminu Wali; former Governor of Kano State and Sardaunan Kano, Ibrahim Shekarau; Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba and other top government functionaries and traditional rulers. Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, narrowly missed the burial as he arrived Kano about 30 min-

utes after. The burial provided an opportunity for his friends and associates to pay glowing tributes to him. His chief driver, Alhaji Wada Abdulhamidu, said the late emir was a peace-loving man. He said: “I came across the late emir when I was 10 years old. I have been working for him for more than 60 years. Now I am 70 years old. I have been the one driving him around. “I was with him until he breathed his last. I was just like a younger brother to him. He never discriminated. He was always calm and peaceful. He was slow to anger and accommodated every opinion. He never looked down on people. “You would hardly see anything that perturbed the emir. Based on his teachings to us, we also exhibit friendliness and togetherness with the people around us. He was a father to all.

“The Emir spent his last moments with members of his family, after which he left to sleep in his room but did not wake up the next morning. He died peacefully in his sleep.” Alhaji Ibrahim El-Yakubu, (82), who grew up with the emir, said he had lost a bosom friend. He said: “His loss is very very painful to me. He showed me compassion. He showed me care. He showed trust and he loved me just as I loved him. You are aware he just came back from a medical checkup and he was very okay. I was supposed to be with him on Saturday, but now I cannot. He is gone and I wait until the day my turn will come. I will meet with him over there. May God give us the grace to get a successor that will live by his legacies.” Paying tribute to the late

emir, elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, said: “The death of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, is a great loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Kano, but to the entire Nigerian nation. “By his death, Nigeria has lost one of its leading figures. Alhaji Ado Bayero is one of the few Nigeria’s traditional rulers who ascended the throne during the First Republic who were blessed with wisdom and rich experience. “ He was a man of great charisma, diligence and personality. He enjoyed tremendous respect and admiration throughout his tenure as a First Class traditional ruler.” Prof. Dantati Abdulkadir, a former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) said it would be difficult to get somebody like Emir Ado Bayero to occupy the throne. He said: “I knew Emir Ado Bayero since I was in second-

•The remains of the late emir being conveyed to the grave yard yesterday.

He’ll always be remembered, says Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the passing away of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. According to him, Bayero’s uncommon leadership qualities and faith in peace, unity, progress and prosper-

Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja ity of Nigeria during his lifetime made him one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country. With a feeling of great national loss, Jonathan, according to a statement by his Spe-

cial Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, commiserated with the emir’s family and all the people of Kano. He noted that Bayero presided illustriously as a traditional ruler over the Kano people for more than half a century.

Bayero’s predecessors Bagunda (999-1063) Warisi (1063-1095) Gajemasu (1095-1134) Nawata (1134-1136) Yusa (1136-1194) Naguji ( 1194-1247) Guguwa ( 1247-1290) Shekarau (1290-1307) Tsamiya ( 1307-1343) Usman Zamnagawa ( 13431349) Yaji I (1349-1385) Bugaya ( 1385-1390) Kanajeji (1390-1410) Umaru (1410-1421) Daud ( 1421-1438) Abdullah Burja ( 14381452) Dakauta 1452) Atuma ( 1452) Yaqub ( 1452-1463) Muhammad Rumfa ( 14631499) Abdullah (1499-1509) Muhammad Kisoki (15091565) Yakufu ( 1565) Daud Abasama I (1565) Abu-Bakr Kado (1565-

1573) Muhammad Shashere (1573-1582) Muhammad Zaki ( 15821618) Muhammad Nazaki ( 16181623) Kutumbi ( 1623-1648) al-Hajj ( 1648-1649) Shekarau (emir) ( 16491651) Muhammad Kukuna ( 1651-1652) Soyaki ( 1652) Muhammad Kukuna (restored) ( 1652-1660) Bawa ( 1660-1670) Dadi (1670-1703) Muhammad Sharif ( 17031731) Kumbari ( 1731-1743) al-Hajj Kabe ( 1743-1753) Yaji II ( 1753-1768) Baba Zaki ( 1768-1776) Daud Abasama II (7761781) Muhammad al-Walid ( 1781-1805) Suleiman (emir) ( 18051819)

Clan of Sullubawa[edit] Ibrahim (1819-1846) Usman I (1846-1855) Abdullah ( 1855-1883) Mohammed Bello ( 18831893) Mohammed Tukur ( 18931894) Aliyu (1894-1903) Emirs of Kano, Kano Province- British Rule Muhammad Abbas (19031919) Usman II (1919-1926) [[ado bayero ]] (1926-1953) Abdullahi Bayero (19531953) Muhammad Sanusi ( 19541963) Muhammad Inuwa (1964) Ado Bayero (1963-1967) Emirs of Kano, Kano Emirate Council- Government of the State of Kano Ado Bayero (ruled 19672014) •Source: Wikipedia

The statement reads: “The President joins them in mourning the monarch whose uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria combined to make him one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country during his long and very successful reign. “President Jonathan believes that Alhaji Ado Bayero will always be remembered and honoured by the people of Kano and all Nigerians for his immense wisdom and competence as a traditional ruler, as well as for using his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the nation. “The President reaffirms his declaration on the occasion of the Emir’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year that the late Alhaji Ado Bayero was one of the most decent and respectable Nigerians he had had the privilege of interacting with, and that he would always treasure pleasant memories of their last meeting earlier this year.” The President prayed the Almighty Allah to receive the late Emir’s great soul and grant the good people of Kano a worthy successor who will carry on his good works and wise rule for the wellbeing and benefit of all Nigerians.

ary school, right from when he was a chief police officer in the Kano Native Authority. Since that time, I was very close to him and I have been following him. “He was a man of integrity. He was a patient man, a just leader who regarded all citizens as his sons and daughters. He never discriminated.” Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Umar Ghali Na’Abba, who spoke with our correspondent at the grave yard, described the late Emir Ado Bayero as a father. “The late emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero was not only my emir but a father to me. He was very close to my parents and I grew up knowing him and I really cherished him a lot. “The late emir had a very important sense of honour. He was a very purposeful character. One thing I cannot forget about him in hurry is his sense of time. He would always keep to time. “He was a leader who led by example. He was a very wise councillor that most of us political office holders got very wise counsel from.”

His life and times

NTIL his death yesterday at the age of 83, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, was a highly respected figure and one of the nation’s most prominent traditional rulers. Seen as a key link between tradition and modernity, Bayero was part of the triumvirate of influential traditional monarchs in the North, which included the Sultan of Sokoto and the Shehu of Borno. One of the longest serving emirs in the history of the emirate, the Emir had in recent times been plagued by ill health and had even undergone medical treatment in October last year in a London hospital. Bayero was installed the Emir of Kano on October 22, 1963, following the death of Muhammadu Inuwa, who ruled for three months only. He was the 13th Fulani emir of Kano and the 56th ruler of the Kano Kingdom. His father Abdullahi, a former emir, reigned for 27 years Born on July 25, 1930 to Abdullahi Bayero and Hajiya Hasiya into the Fulani Sullubawa clan that has presided over the emirate of Kano since 1819, Bayero was the 11th child of his father and the second of his mother. He started his education in Kano studying Islam, after which he attended Kano Middle School. He graduated from the School of Arabic Studies in 1947. He then worked as a bank clerk for the Bank of British West Africa until 1949, when he joined the Kano Native Authority. He attended Zaria Clerical College in 1952. In 1954, he won a seat to the Northern regional House of Assembly. He was head of the Kano Native Authority police division from 1957 until 1962, during which he tried to minimise the practice of briefly detaining individuals and political opponents on the orders of powerful individuals in Kano. He then became the Nigerian ambassador to Senegal. During this time he enrolled in a French language class. In 1963, he succeeded Muhammadu Inuwa as Emir of Kano. Bayero is a former chancel-

Patience SADUWA lor of the University of Nigeria and till his death, the chancellor of the University of Ibadan. Long reign A much loved traditional as well as spiritual leader, Ado Bayero’s reign was one of the longest in the country. He ascended the throne at a time of rapid social and political changes in the country and when regional, subregional and ethnic discord was increasing. As emir, he became a patron of Islamic scholarship and embraced Western education as a means to succeed in a modern Nigeria. The constitutional powers of the emir were whittled down by the military regimes between 1966 and 1979. The Native Authority Police and Prisons Department was abolished, the emir’s judicial council was supplanted by another body, and local government reforms in 1968, 1972, and 1976 reduced the powers of the emir. During the Second Republic, he witnessed hostilities from the People’s Redemption Party-led government of Abubakar Rimi. In 2002, he led a Kano elders forum in opposing the onshore and offshore abrogation bill. Though he had a relatively long and peaceful reign, his years on the throne were not free of challenges. In January, 2013, for instance, a failed assassination attempt on him left two of his sons injured and his driver and bodyguard dead, among others. Recently, crisis broke out between the Emir and the Kano State Government over the installation of a radical Islamic cleric as Wazirin Kano by the latter. Bayero had recently in a brief but colourful ceremony turbaned the Chief Imam of Waje Central Mosque, Dr. Mohammad Nasir Mohammad as the new Wazirin Kano following the vacuum created by the death of Alhaji Isa Waziri last year. Reports stated that the government had kicked against the appointment in response to a notice by the Emirate Council of the intended action following allegations of ‘impropriety against the new occupant.’

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

EW hours after the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, about 30 candidates have signified their interests in the stool, with a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, emerging as one of the leading contenders. The stool, which is about 1,000 years old from 999CE, has produced about 58 rulers. Out of the 30 candidates, most of whom are doing so for symbolic reasons, seven are strongly in the race. The top candidates are exCBN Governor Sanusi (Dan Majen Kano); the Ciroman Kano (heir apparent), Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero; Turakin Kano, Nasir Ado Bayero; Sarkin Dawaki Tsakarigida, Aminu Ado Bayero; Wambai Kano, Alh. Abbass Sanusi; Galadima Kano, Tijjani Hashim; and a member of the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Abdullahi Ado Bayero. Investigation revealed that all the candidates are expected to be screened soon by a four-man team of kingmakers in the Emirate’s Council of State.

ALHAJI ADO ABDULLAHI BAYERO (1930-2014)

News 3

Ex-CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi, 29 others jostle for Emir of Kano stool

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The kingmakers are Makama, Madaki, Sarkin Wawaki Mai Tuta and Sarkin Bai. A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “The race for the vacant stool started immediately the death of Emir Ado Bayero was announced. We are talking of about 30 candidates. “The late Emir had up to 70 children, including females. The jostle appears to be a straightforward battle between the Bayeros and Sanusis whose fathers were brothers.” The source added that although the Emir appointed his son as Ciroman Kano (heir apparent), that might not translate into automatic succession. The fate of the candidates, the source said, lies with the kingmakers, who will make recommendation to the Kano State Government. Responding to a question, the source said: “The

Emirate seeks a ruler who will consolidate on the u n p r e c e d e n t e d developments recorded during the reign of Ado Bayero. “So, beyond being versed in the history and tradition of Kano Emirate, the new Emir is expected to be highly educated, morally upright,

cool-headed, well-connected and with a tinge of international influence and a symbol of peace. “This is why it is likely to be a battle royale between exCBN Governor and the children of the late Emir. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has intimidating credentials. “For the first time, the

kingmakers have blueblooded candidates who are exposed and well-educated abroad. Another source said those aspiring to the stool had been lobbying influential Kano leaders to prevail on the kingmakers to pick them for the vacant stool. The source added: “They

are already lobbying and playing some royal politics among themselves. “For instance, some are claiming that one of the candidates has a Yoruba maternal lineage and the Fulani heritage should not be handed to a Yoruba man. “They are digging up their antecedents to outwit each other before the kingmakers who have to consult within a short time to appoint a new Emir.”

Glo sympathises with Kano Emirate

ELECOMS operator, Globacom, has joined Nigerians in mourning the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. The first class traditional ruler died in Kano in the early hours of yesterday. Group Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, in a statement in Lagos, said the company sympathised with the government and people of Nigeria and Kano State on the death of the Emir. “We are deeply saddened by his passage as Nigeria has lost one of its leading lights. “Alhaji Bayero was not just one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers, he was also a distinguished national icon. “He was a man of peace, a devout Muslim and a great leader who left a legacy worthy of emulation. “We mourn with the country and wish to convey our deepest sympathies to his immediate family, his subjects, the government and people of Kano State, the Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians on the loss of this great patriot,” Jameel stated.

He noted that in his fiftyone year reign as the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Bayero contributed greatly to the development of his emirate and the country as a whole. “During his tenure, the emirate witnessed great transformation from a powerful native authority into a custodian of indigenous culture and Islamic traditions. He also discharged himself creditably in the public service as the Chief of Kano Police, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Senegal and the Chancellor of University of Nigeria and University of Ibadan,” Jameel said. “He was a detribalised Nigerian and a rallying point for peaceful co-existence of tribes and nationalities in the country, and he will be greatly missed. We pray God to grant him eternal rest and grant his family, subjects, government and people of Nigeria the strength to bear the loss,” he added. Jameel urged Nigerians to take solace in the long and fruitful life the Emir lived and called on other leaders to emulate the virtues of the late traditional ruler.

•The people of Kano accompanying the late Emir to his final resting place yesterday.

It’s the departure of a nation builder –Tinubu

HE death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has been described as a sad loss and the departure of one of the builders of the modern Nigerian nation. National leader of the All Progressives Congress and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said the demise of the Emir had drawn the curtain on one of the most peaceful and most progressive emirship in the North and Nigeria at large. Tinubu said: “The death of His Royal Highness Ado Bayero saddens the mind. However, he was first among equals and his long reign on the throne validates him as a powerful yet compassionate king who was in

tune with the needs and aspirations of his people. “I join millions of Kano citizens and Nigerians to mourn the departure of one of the greats. His wise counsel in times of peace and national upheavals will be missed. He was the poster Emir for what is good, noble and progressive. He was a respected religious leader who used religion as a tool to foster peace and harmony.” Continuing, Tinubu said the Emir left behind a legacy of peace and development in Kano and his influence reached beyond Kano to the Northern parts, the whole of Nigeria and globally. “ Such was his power and

Jide ORINTUNSIN the country needs people of his calibre to chart a better future especially in the area of security.” The forum commiserated with the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, for the loss, urging him to embrace the Emir’s death as the will of Allah. The chairman of the forum said the Northern states were passing through challenges especially as the weight of insurgency, poverty and fragmented socio-political interests have continued to rise geometrically. He said there was need for prayers to restore peace, unity and collective developmental aspiration once again in the

initiatives.” Tinubu recalled his last visit to the Emir Ado Bayero in Kano some time in March 2013, not long after he survived a brutal attack on his convoy by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. “Despite the very sad incident, the Emir was still in good but solemn spirit as he expressed hope that Nigeria will overcome her present challenges under good leadership and that the unity of Nigeria will remain intact,” he recalled. Tinubu prayed for the Emir’s family, reminding them that the whole of Nigeria mourns with them.

first class monarch was a great asset who will be missed by all in many respects. Reacting to the demise of the monarch in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, the Senate President lamented that Bayero departed at a time his wise counsel would have been needed to navigate through the nation’s trying times. Mark said: “He was a peace maker. He made Kano home for all. He was accommodating. He preached love, unity and good neighbourliness. He was a detribalised leader who made the nation his constituency.” He recalled that the late Bayero was among the few Nigerian leaders who worked hard for the unity and indivisibility of the nation, especially during trying times. He added: “His contributions to the peace and unity of Nigeria cannot be wished away. The nation

owes him a measure of gratitude for his contributions to the sociopolitical and economic development of the country.” Atiku in a tribute said their relationship spanned over three decades. Bayero, he added, was not only loyal to the people of his immediate domain, but also to Nigeria and humanity at large. He said Bayero was a pious, humble, upright and honest man whose integrity was unparalleled. He recalled that promoting unity and tolerance was one of the late emir’s greatest and unforgettable legacies. He recalled the contributions of the late Emir to Nigeria during the January 15, 1966 political crisis, a role which he said earned him the respect of the late Dim Chukuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu. “The respect Ojukwu had for Ado Bayero, a quintessential bridge-builder, was a significant message about the role Bayero played to hold back Nigeria from the brink of disaster,” he said.

Mark, Atiku mourn deceased Emir

ENATE President David Mark has described the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as a big blow and a monumental loss to the nation, just as former vice president, Alhaji Atiku

Abubakar, descriced the monarch’s death as the loss of a father. Mark noted that the late

North and Nigeria as a country. “The passing away of the Emir of Kano is indeed sad for the entire Northern states and Nigeria. We will remember him for his humility, truthfulness on issues, determination to serve the country and above all his religious chastity. “For us in the Northern states, the Emir of Kano was an encyclopedia reflecting every module needed to chart a better roadmap for the North, based on his wealth of experience. “We must work towards fulfilling his wish of seeing a united Northern Nigeria. We must emulate his dream of a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria by placing the collective interest of the Northern states, Nigeria above indi-

vidual interests.” Aliyu noted that the death of Emirs of Gombe Gwoza and Kano only reveals that as human beings, we must taste death, adding that it is time for those engaged in violent acts to embrace peace, as no one can tell when death will come calling. The NSGF Chairman then appealed that the deaths of the royal fathers should not be in vain, adding that they all worked towards ending the ravaging insurgency in the country. He said the best legacy they (the monarchs) have bequeathed was the tenets of tolerance and brotherly relationship regardless of religion, ethnic persuasion or political interests.

Gbade OGUNWALE and Sanni ONOGU, Abuja

Bayero’s death, a monumental loss —Northern Govs

ORTHERN States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday said the demise of the 83 year old Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero was a monumental loss to the entire nation. The Chairman of the forum and Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in a condolence message in Minna, said the region and indeed the nation had lost one of its foremost and forthright monarchs. He said the late Emir was a fountain of experience, who exuded wisdom and was a father to all regardless of ethnoreligious affiliations. The message, signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, reads: “The North and Nigeria will miss his contribution, especially now that

influence that he was sought after. The custodian of cultural and traditional values of his people who served as an authentic voice,” Tinubu noted. The APC leader believes that other emirs and obas must continue to play that critical role of mediator in times of conflicts and promoters of peace, harmony and a religiously tolerant society. He said: “It is our traditional rulers that we must now even look up to in tackling the Boko Haram issue and the larger problems of insecurity. Their wise counsel from the North, West, South and East can help build a critical mass of support for dynamic government

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ALHAJI ADO ABDULLAHI BAYERO (1930-2014)

Top contenders for Emir’s stool

1. ABDULLAHI ADO BAYERO LHAJI Abdullahi Ado Bayero was born on 2nd July 1970 in Kano.He attended Kofar Kudu Primary School in Kano where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1982, Junior Secondary School Sabuwar Kofa in 1985 and Rumfa College in 1988 for his Junior and Senior Secondary School Certificates respectively. He enrolled in the University of Maiduguri and graduated with an LLB in 1994 before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School , Lagos.He was called to the Bar in 1995. He also obtained an LLM in International Economics Law at the Warwick University United Kingdom in 2001 and Masters in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from Bayero University Kano in 2003. Alhaji Bayero is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in International and Commercial Law at the Queen Mary College, University of London UK and has conducted research in International Arbitration Kuala Lampur Centre for the International Arbitration, Malaysia, Regional Centre for International Arbitration Egypt, AsiaAfrican Legal Consultative Delhi, India and Regional Centre for International Arbitration Nigeria.

He worked as Clerical Officer at the Magistrate Court ,Gidan Murtala in 1988 and became Senior Registrar and Senior Magistrate . Between 2008 and 2009, he was Deputy Director and Director ADR centre, Kano Multi-Door Court House Kano State Judiciary. He is a part time lecturer at Aminu Kano College of Islamic Studies, Kano. Before his appointment as Honourable Member of the ICPC, Alhaji Bayero had worked as a Member of Vision 20:20:20 Committee, National Working Group on Judiciary and Rule of Law in July 2009 .He is a member of several professional associations including the Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators, Nigerian Magistrates Association and the Nigeria Bar Association. He has attended numerous international conferences around the globe and is married with children. •Source: ICPC 2. SANUSI LAMIDO BAYERO The first child of the late Emir Ado Bayero,Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero was born on April 1, 1956.He is a philantropist of note and a historical instrument of change. As a member of

the Royal Family of the ancient City of Kano State. As a man of culture and vast experience in different cultures, the Chiroman Kano, is a member of the Doha Conference on Inter – Cultural and Civilization Dialogue. He speaksEnglish, French, Arabic and Hausa. He is also a firm believer in religious tolerance which partly explains his membership[ of the InterFaith Conference Faiz, Morocco. As a legal practitioner, he believes in civil right, justice and the rule of law. Currently, he is a Principal Partner in the law firm Lamido & Co. and also sits on the boards of several companies . •Source: Facebook Page 3. ALHAJI NASIR ADO BAYERO With over 21 years experience obtained from the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy from banking to oil and gas as well as p o l i c y development,Nasiru AdoBayero is a Director at Seplat Petroleum Development Company Ltd. Nasir Bayero had a short stint at the defunct Continental Merchant Bank before moving abroad to work in the oil and banking sectors at Coastal Corporation (Oil & Gas Company), Houston,USA and Hamlet Investment, Inc, London respectively. Upon his return home, he worked at The Presidency in Abuja. Urbane and well travelled, Nasir, is member of the boards of Intel (Oilfield) Services Nig. Ltd, Barton Bay Nig. Ltd and Sofitel Hotel Abuja, amongst others. He is also District Head of Nassarawa in Kano State. He holds a B.A Honours degree in Mass Communication as a well as a Certificate in the German Language. •Source: Google. 4. ABBASS SANUSI Abbas Sanusi is the Wamban Kano. Sanusi , son of the late emir, Muhammadu Sanusi was born in Bichi, Kano State in 1936. He graduated from the Kano Middle School in 1953 and the School for Arabic Studies in 1956. He worked in the Kano Native Authority in 1957 before becoming the District Head of Ungogo in 1958, the same year, he was conferred with the title of Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar. In 1959, he won a seat to represent KumbotsoUngogo in the House of Representatives. •Source: NigerianWiki •Continued on Page58

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

•Alhaji Lamido Sunusi Lamido, the first son of the late Emir and one of the contenders to the throne in Kano yesterday

ACF, Northern delegates mourn Emir of Kano

OVERNOR Ramallan Yero of Kaduna state, the Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern delegates at the ongoing National Conference yesterday described the passing away of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero as the end of an era. Governor Yero in a statement signed by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki expressed sadness at the passing away of the traditional ruler, saying his death marked the ‘end of an era’ in the modern history of Kano Emirate and the traditional institution in the country. “The late Ado Bayero will forever be remembered as a great ruler who brought enormous charisma to bear in evolving a peaceful and prosperous Emirate. For over half a century that he reigned Kano witnessed a massive growth and advancement in all spheres of human endeavours,” he said. He noted that the legendary Ado Bayero will be sorely missed by his subjects and indeed the entire people of Nigeria for his “unique leadership style premised on love and humility for the people”, adding that “we have indeed lost a rare leader, whose influence cut across all divides and sections of the country.” While condoling the Kano Royal Family, the Government and entire people of Kano State for the loss, he urged all mourners of the late monarch to take solace in the fact that he lived an accomplished life and also left this World as a celebrated ruler at the age of 84. In its tribute,the Arewa Consultative Forum said the late Emir of Kano devoted his life to the service of his people and the progress of Kano people in the areas of education, agriculture and general socioeconomic development of Kano state. National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Mohammed Ibrahim said in a statement that the late Emir was also a bridge builder who used his connection to promote peace and harmony not only in Kano but across the country adding that the “late Ado Bayero brought candour, elegance, royalty and respect to the emirship of Kano and equally promoted its rich culture to the admiration of Nigerians and the world. “The Emir would be

•It’s end of an era, says Yero Tony AKOWE, Kaduna

remembered for his wisdom, elegance, love for peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion. Nigeria has lost a royal father. On its part the Northern Delegates Forum said it received the death of the traditional ruler with heavy heart, pointing out that the Emir devoted the better part of his life to bringing together the people of Kano state ,and helped them unlock their potentials towards positive socioeconomic development and peaceful coexistence.

In a condolence message signed by its spokesman, Anthony Sani the forum said “It is against this backdrop that one can reasonably imagine the body of the emir lying in both peace and pain:the peace associated with death, and the pains of what he has left behind: a society at war with itself brought about by misguided approach to resolving perceived grievances. “The Emir of Kano may be no more. But in a way, he is very much around, since he needs no tombstone as evidence of his legacies. We pray God to provide the

government and the people of Kano state as well as loved ones with the fortitude to endure what cannot be changed, since death which is a necessary end would come when it would come. “One way of living up the Emir’s legacies is to reflect what he stood for in our daily lives;and for those in position of authority to exercise power that is humane in its spirit,wise in its uses and moral in its purpose. May his soul rest in peace”. The late emir’s orderly for 30 years, Alhaji Gambo Kurumawa told TheNation that he (late emir) was expected to fly abroad yesterday for medical check. .

APC mourns Emir of Kano, calls him symbol of peace, unity

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, w as as sa d d eni ng as it was shocking,coming at a time that his great wisdom and wealth of knowledge are much needed to help Nigeria to surmount its challenges. In a statement issued in Lagos the APC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the late Emir was a symbol of peace and unity in his lifetime, reaching far beyond ethnic and religious divide to help foster a united Ni-

geria. The Emir’s long and remarkable reign that spanned over half a century,the APC said, “marked a period of prolonged peace and prosperity for his domain, which was a testimony to his much-revered leadership qualities and his uncommon humanity.” It commiserated with the family of the late Emir, as well as with the government and people of Kano State on the passing of “such a great man” and expressed the hope that they will do everything possible to ensure that his legacy endures.

Bayero’s death regrettable - Amosun

OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun has lamented the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero (CFR), saying his exit is regrettable. Amosun who commiserated with the government and people of Kano State, the State Emirate Council and Nigeria in general on the demise of the traditional ruler,

Ernest NWOKOLO, Abeokuta said the late Emir stood for peace. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, the Governor described Bayero as one of the revered traditional rulers in Nigeria, “who preached

Obi celebrates Bayero in death

HE immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi said that not all deaths, such as that of the Emir of Kano, Ade Bayero, should be mourned. He called on Nigerians to give glory to Allah for the fruitful life of the Emir, especially his ability to lead the Kano Emirate for so many years, Allah’s gift of long and healthy life to him. Obi was reacting to the death of the Emir. Further, Obi said that the Emir was one of the revered traditional rulers that knew the boundary between tradition institution and politics and respected that. He called on traditional rulers in the country to emulate his love for

his people and respect for others. Obi who last saw the deceased during the burial of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said that the depth of friendship between the two men easily translated to the Emir’s love for Ndigbo, since, according to him, “the Ojukwu we knew would not be close to anybody who does not respect the Igbos.” Recalling that the Emir was once a victim of terror attack, Obi prayed that all those engaged in terrorism should take the opportunity of his death to reflect on the violence they are inflicting on the country and mend their ways.

peace and believed in the unity of the country.” Amosun said: “the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero is regrettable because, even at his age, he was in the vanguard of efforts to curb the activities of insurgents in the North. “As a royal father, he was committed to the development of his people and Nigeria as he deployed his influence to foster peace and attract development to the emirate and by extension, the State as a whole. We can only hope that his colleagues will follow the good work he started. “The royal father also devoted his wealth and life to the propagation of Islam. He would be solely missed.” Amosun, who also sympathised with the family of the late Monarch and his Council of Chiefs, urged them to take solace in the fact that the late Emir led an exemplary life and left his prints in the sands of times through his unwavering stance in the propagation of Islam. He prayed to Allah to grant his soul eternal rest and Aljannah Firdaus.

THE NATION

NEWS 5

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

RMED soldiers yester day impounded copies of The Nation newspapers and circulation vans across the country in what is generally perceived as a crackdown on the media. Some other newspapers notably Vanguard, Punch and Leadership were also affected. The Defence Headquarters denied it was out to muzzle the press. It claimed the siege followed “intelligence report(s) indicating movement of materials with grave security implications across the country using the channel of newsprint-related consignments." On highways in Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi, Nasarawa states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the soldiers ambushed circulation van drivers who were on their way to deliver the newspapers to agents and vendors. The vehicles and the newspapers were confiscated, the drivers arrested and their mobile phones seized. Consequently, thousands of copies of The Nation could not be distributed yesterday. Several of the vehicles remained in the custody of the soldiers at their barracks last night, even when no incriminating material was found in any of them. About 150 soldiers stormed the Oke Padre, Ibadan newspaper distribution centre, seizing thousands of copies of The Nation, Vanguard, Business Day, National Mirror, Newswatch and Complete Sports newspapers. They were at the distribution centre even before the arrival of the newspaper distributors. When The Nation vehicle arrived at 4:45 am, they stopped the driver on the excuse that they were carrying out a routine check. They ransacked the two compartments and tore open the parcels. The vehicles of other newspapers were also searched. They seized the drivers' mobile phones, money and some valuables in their possession. After the search, which lasted for 15 minutes, the drivers, vehicles and their consignment were taken away. The circulation van serving Ilorin and environs was first intercepted at 3.10am on the Lagos –Ibadan Expressway.It

Soldiers seize The Nation’s parcels

•Detain drivers, vehicles •Leadership, Vanguard also affected The Nation condemns action, demands release of parcels, vehicles

HE management of Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation newspapers and Sporting Life, yesterday condemned the crackdown on its operations and called on the military authorities to release unconditionally its operational vehicles and newspaper parcels in their custody. The company reacted in a statement signed by the Managing Editor, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin. The statement r2eads: “As early as 3.10 am on Friday, June 6, drivers of our distribution vans began filing reports of arrests and seizures of our vehicles and consignments of newspapers for the day by soldiers across the country. “Areas of our operations affected are Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Lafia, Okene, Lokoja, Markurdi, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Warri, Benin, Asaba, Auchi, Akure, Ikare, Ilorin, Ado Ekiti, Ondo, Ore and Ibadan. “The soldiers, who stormed our offices, arrested the drivers after searching the vehicles and the consignments. “Although nothing incriminating was found in any of the vans searched, our vehicles and drivers were detained. “In Abuja, the vehicles heading for Jos, Bauchi, Makurdi, Minna and other towns and cities in the north were detained and they were not released until about 9am. Shola O'NEIL, Bolaji OGUNDELE, Mike ODIEGWU, Aiwerie OKUNGBOWA, Osagie OTABOR,Jide ORINTUNSIN, Damisi OJO, Adekunle JIMOH, Bisi OLADELE

was released after about one hour only for another team of soldiers to stop the driver at Eye-Nkorin near the Kwara State capital. This time the entire consignment in the van was impounded. Soldiers also blocked delivery vans at Area 1 in Abuja and the drivers ordered to evacuate everything therein. The Akure route driver was detained at the Okitipupa Army Barracks. The van conveying copies to Warri, Benin City and other cities in Edo and Delta states was seized by soldiers of the 3 Battalion of the Army at Okwuokoko, Delta State. A detachment of troops stormed the newspaper’s circulation depot at Effurun, Sapele in search of the newspaper and the company's staff. A source at the Effurun Barracks told our reporter that the troops were acting on "orders from above, "adding that the confiscated copies could only be released by the authorities.

Troops also invaded the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin to seize yesterday's edition of the paper, while another team of plain clothes security operatives and soldiers laid

“The Jos vehicle was again detained by another team of soldiers at the Riyam Local Government Area, about 40 kilometres to Jos and was not released until 4pm. “On arrival in Kaduna, the circulation vehicle with the consignment was detained till late afternoon. “In Warri where the vehicle from Port Harcourt conveying our papers to Benin, Sapele and other towns in Delta and Edo states was held, the driver was not released until 4.pm. “The vehicles convening our parcels to Akure, Ondo, Ikare from Lagos was seized at Ore and moved to Okitipupa Army Barrack where it was detained till 5pm. “The parcels from Ibadan, Ilorin and Ado Ekiti could not be delivered also as the vehicles conveying them were released late yesterday. “It is necessary to point out that the seizures of the editions of The Nation and Sporting Life of Friday, June 6, have caused the company huge losses. “The soldiers prevented us from carrying on our legitimate business. “We call on the military authorities to release unconditionally all our operational vehicles and newspaper parcels still in their custody.” siege to the company’s office on Sakponba Road, forcing reporters and other staff to abandon their duty posts. "I got here (Warri) at about 5:40am when they stopped me. The soldiers said they had instruction from the Federal Government to stop all newspaper vehicles and make sure they are all

searched for bombs because they are carrying bombs all over the country,” Driver Uche Uka-George said of his experience. The soldiers took the car key from him and ordered him to disappear from the scene. "They stopped another newspaper vehicle, but they

released that one. They said I should wait for bomb experts to come from Benin. I have been waiting since 5:40am till now (3pm). They have even seized the car key from me." The vehicle and driver were released by the soldiers at 4:17pm. No check was carried out on the vehicle and no bomb disposal expert came from Benin. The Nation copies for Bayelsa State arrived Mbiama, at the boundary between Bayelsa and Rivers states, at about 3:30am before the clampdown started. They were subsequently conveyed to Yenagoa in an unbranded vehicle. But vendors complained that they were threatened by persons suspected to be military personnel in mufti not to display the paper. In Asaba, Delta State capital, military men failed in their bid to confiscate The Nation newspaper. It was gathered that as early as 6.00am, two truckloads of soldiers were stationed close to the newspapers distribution depot at Umuagu quarters in Asaba with five armed soldiers patrolling the street. Continued on Page 58

We acted on intelligence, says DHQ •Guild of Editors, NUJ, rights groups, others express shock

UTRAGE and con demnation have trailed the seizure of copies of yesterday’s editions of four newspapers by security agents and soldiers. The media houses affected are The Nation, Punch, Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers. In its reaction, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, in a release said: “The Nigerian Guild of Editors is scandalized and shocked to the marrows by conduct of security agents, particularly the military, which laid siege to the roads round the country on yesterday and seized consignments of newspapers

•The siege to the newspapers distribution centre at Oke Padre, Ibadan...yesterday

Okorie UGURU, Innocent DURU, Damisi OJO, Akure, Jide ORINTUNSIN, Minna meant to be sold to the general public. The crackdown lasted throughout the morning hours, causing huge economic losses to the publishing houses. “A statement signed by Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, later in the day said the onslaught was launched after security agencies received “intelligence reports indicating movement of material with grave security implications across the country, using the channel of newsprint related consignments. “This explanation from the military is unacceptable to us. In fact, it goes a long way to reinforce the apocryphal belief quite common place among security agencies that they are much more patriotic than anybody else. Apparently, they had been itching to open a battle front with the country’s ever irresistible media and thus hid behind a smokescreen to deal a lethal blow at economic jugular of newspapers. The media do not bear arms, rather we bear information which sheds light on darkness, no matter how seemingly impenetrable the darkness is. Information sets free. It emancipates from judgments. Let no one accuse the media of flimsy and nebulous security breach and hide under the umbrella to traumatize us. Count the media out of anything not designed for the cohesion and general good of the country.

“We reject the label of bearer of arms or any other form of ordinance, to do mischief against our own country. If the siege arose out of the need to call the dog a bad name in order to hand it, Nigerian editors roundly and soundly reject such negative profiling.” In the same vein, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) described the action as unfortunate. The National President of union, Mr. Sani Garba, said the body condemned the action of the military in its entirety, saying it was “unfortunate that at this material time, when the security agencies and government need the co-operation and support of the media to address the increasing cases of insecurity in Nigeria, especially, insurgency in the Northern part of the country, the military went ahead to seize and burn copies of the four newspaper organisations. We feel that whatever the content which the military felt strongly about, they should have allowed them to be circulated. If eventually there is any content that is a security challenge to them, there are civil procedures for addressing such.” The NUJ president said the union is demanding unreserved apology of the military for engaging in such unpopular action, and that the NUJ was in contact with the affected media organizations to access the damage done by the action and would not hesitate to mobilize the stakeholders to resist and fight such action. The council chairman of the NUJ, Lagos State, Mr. Deji

Elumoye, condemned the action, saying it was a ploy of the Federal Government to gag the press as the 2015 general elections approach. He said the NUJ would take legal steps to fight the action of the military. On the reason given by the military for the action, Elumoye said such reason was comical. He went further: “These are media houses. They were taking their products to the market to sell, that is, newspapers. So, they are just trying to give reason that cannot stand. It does not make sense. In newspaper houses, we don’t carry arms, we use pens and computers. So, it is a lie. It does not make sense”. Edetan Ojo, the Executive Director of the Media Rights Agenda, said he was surprised that the government was resorting to the harassment of the media at this critical time. He said further: “We believe that it is counterproductive and it amounts to really chasing shadows. We are concerned about the widespread nature of this incident because we understood that apart from The Nation newspaper, The Leadership newspaper was also affected and that this same thing occured in several locations. It seems deliberate and systematic. “We are not at all satisfied with the explanation from the defence headquaters about it being a routine security action.” Dr. Joe Odumakin of the Women Arise described the seizure of newspapers as shocking and that it was a return to the barbaric like Continued on Page 58

6 NEWS

HE Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, yesterday asked a former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, to champion national issues instead of promoting sectional desires. He also reminded Clark that power does not last forever, and he should manage his age with wisdom. Shettima took a swipe at Clark while receiving members of the Niger Delta Peoples’ Forum in Borno State at the Government House, Maiduguri who came to protest against full emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. The group condemned Clark for demanding the appointment of military or sole administrators for the three states. The governor said: "We are one people, the majority amongst us in terms of numerical strength, whether in tribe or religion, must give a sense of belonging to the minority. "It is people like Elder Edwin Clark that do not really understand who we are and who we should be in this

THE NATION

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

Emergency: Borno Governor blasts Clark, says age should come with wisdom Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation country. "Power doesn’t last forever. Every opportunity you have is one that you must miss some day. He is 87, he should be a father to all and he should champion the course of nation-building and not sectional interest, if for nothing else, at least for his age. "From the moral point of view, God gives some consideration to the youngest and the eldest. Let us continue to urge him in a polite manner to see Nigeria beyond his walking stick. "The hat that he puts on should provide shield not only to his grey hairs, but to the young hairs of other Nigerians, regardless of where they come from. “Age should always go with wisdom of tolerance, wisdom of truth and defence

•Battling with flood in Lagos...yesterday

of it, wisdom of togetherness and national unity,” Shettima said. He told the Niger Deltans that he regards them as Borno people, contrary to what they named their group. He added: "I will prefer to call you the Forum of Borno People from the Niger Delta. Some of you were born here in Borno State; some of you probably had parents or grandparents born in Borno. “Most of you have something doing in whatever respect whether as businessmen, traders or whatever it is you are doing and by that, you are contributing to the economy of Borno State. "The allocations given to Borno from the Federation Account is given based on our population amongst other indices being considered, and all of you here, regardless of where you consider your roots, make up the

population of Borno State and this means you are stakeholders in what we get from the Federation Account, you are fully entitled to all public services and privileges that we provide as a government. "When Boko Haram members, in their evil ways, planted explosives around the post office in January, this year, the explosives did not choose victims based on their backgrounds and what part of the country they came from, the explosives simply targeted residents of Maiduguri who happened to be on the spot. This is the same of other wicked attacks in any part of Borno State. "So, to me and indeed to every reasonable person here, you are part and parcel of Borno State, you are sons and daughters of this state with roots from the Niger Delta. "My ancestral background is the Nganzai Local Government Area in Northern Borno, but I have adopted the

PHOTO: Sanusi RAHMAN

Boko Haram can destabilise Africa if unchecked, Sierra Leone’s President warns

RESIDENT Ernest BiKoromah of Sierra Leone said yesterday that the terror sect,Boko Haram, poses a massive threat not only to Nigeria, but Africa as a whole is left unchecked. He, therefore, pledged his country’s support for Nigeria in crushing the sect.

Mr Bi-Koromah, on a solidarity visit to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, said Nigeria deserves Sierra Leone’s backing having played a great role to restore peace and order there when it faced its own internal crises. He said:"In moments like this, we believe we should

come and express sympathy for the bombings that have been taking place in Nigeria and most recently the abduction of about 200 secondary school girls. "We believe that this is not an issue for Nigeria alone. We must come in and identify ourselves with the problems that are ongoing here. "We believe strongly that

the position Nigeria is enjoying as the largest economy in Africa and the fact that one out of every four Africans is a Nigerian, issues like this happening to Nigeria are issues that will affect the whole of Africa." He said African countries must rally round Nigeria to “address this menace that is occurring in Nigeria."

Security: Police Assistance Committee embarks on nationwide seminar

olice Assistance Commit tee (PAC) and its affiliate Association of Tradesmen/Women and Artisans (ATA) are commencing a nation-wide seminar/workshop on security to generate awareness among the general public on how to gather information/ intelligence for on-ward transmission to security agencies to prevent and combat crimes and other security challenges, especially the Boko Haram menace. The nationwide seminar/ workshop which has taken off, will hold in the 36 states and Abuja, and will have in atten-

dance representatives of security agencies, executive members of PAC/ATA comprising Chairman, Secretaries and P.R.Os of trade associations/ artisans, market men/women, student bodies and all other stakeholders, including members of the public. In a statement in Lagos, Director-General of PAC/ATA, Prof. Martins Oni, said the nationwide seminar/workshop with the topic “Information/Intelligence Gathering to Assist Security Agencies in the Country” is designed to generate awareness amongst the general public on how to intensify efforts in gathering informa-

tion/intelligence for dissemination to our security agencies in view of the escalation of security challenges prevalent in the country. The PAC Director-General explained that one of the major efforts being put up by the organization is the circulation of its security awareness on information/intelligence certificate which contains contact phone members /e-mail of most security outfits through which security agencies can be reached by members of the public in the event of any security breach or when information is to be passed on to

them. Dr. Oni stated that the PAC is partnering the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and Office of the National Security Adviser as well as other major security outfits in organizing the seminar/workshop, while urging state governments to lend their support in the area of logistics when the seminar is holding in their states. He urged members of the public, tradesmen/women and Artisans to obtain the PAC security awareness on information/intelligence certificate now being circulated, which contain telephone contacts and e-mail of security agencies in the country.

Maiduguri Metropolitan Council as my official place of origin. We are all one people in this country. "Believe me, I have never regarded Honourable Christopher Godwin Akaba as different from anyone that works with me on the basis of ethno-religious background and this was why immediately he was appointed as Special Assistant, I brought him directly under my office; I have seen his potential, his sincerity, zeal and commitment to progressive governance and this is what matters to me as a governor". Shettima said one of the best ways any society can grow fast is to open its doors to accommodate any person that lawfully lives within it regardless of his background. He said the United States and the Dubai Kingdom in the U.A.E have become great mainly because they accommodate any good citizen across the world who desires to live and work there without being unlawful. The governor called on members of the group to aspire for anything in Borno and be free to enjoy rights and request for privileges as others would do. The Secretary General of the forum, Prince Stephen U.A. Ebri, who read a prepared text, faulted Clark's agitation for full emergency in the three states. He said members of the group used to feel ashamed when some elders from the Niger Delta speak ignorantly on issues. "There is one issue that is seriously troubling the mind of every one of us here and that is how some of our elders from the Niger Delta that are completely ignorant of the true situation in Borno State are attacking this government that is doing everything within its powers to address the problem. "Sir, we were in Maiduguri when you were sworn in on May 29, 2011. In case our elders in the Niger Delta do not know, there are Niger Delta people living in Borno. We are from the Niger Delta, but our difference is that we are well informed about the true situation and they are ignorant, they don't know, they don't want to know and we don't think they will ever know. "We are not fools or sycophants; we are responsible people that will call a spade a spade. When you were sworn in, Maiduguri was in disarray. People were killed daily; bombs were every where; all of us were living in perpetual fears, young boys were threatening everyone with guns, calling phone numbers to threaten people. "But today, Your Excellency, you have been able to lead the people of Maiduguri to rise against threats and defend themselves. Today, Maiduguri is an opposite of what it was when you came in. "Rather than the fear and citizens’ imprisonment you met on May 29 2011, today there is peace, security and freedom in Maiduguri. It was you that led us to the peace through the intervention of God." The group faulted the agitation for full emergency by Clark in the three states.

The Secretary-General of the forum added: "We are worried so much by some of the utterances of our Niger Delta brothers like Asari Dokubo and elders like Chief Edwin Clark. Only yesterday, we read an advert by Chief Edwin Clark in the newspapers calling for the removal of governors, saying all manner of things that are out of absolute and annoying ignorance. "Chief Clark said the Borno State Government is not cooperating with the Federal Government. How can a government that is using resources to finance security agencies be accused of being uncooperative when we all know that it is the Federal Government that is supposed to fund the security? "We are angry and tired with these utterances that are making us very uncomfortable in a state that the people have been treating us with love and respect. This is a state government that went as far as giving a political appointment to a son of the Niger Delta who works directly with the governor. "This is a government that appointed an Igbo man as a cabinet member and that Igbo man is in charge of community relations, that Igbo man has been with Your Excellency for many years. "Sir, anytime people from Niger Delta speak on Borno out of ignorance, we feel very ashamed because all that they say are not the truth of the ground realities in Borno State and some people assume that we from the Niger Delta share the hate views of some of these people. "We have had enough of them. They are trying to mislead Nigerians and they are making us unhappy in a place we have been happy for many years. In the light of the foregoing, we, the great people of the Niger Delta in Borno State, hereby, disassociate ourselves from all utterances made against the government and people of Borno State. "We are, however, committed to any meaningful goal of the Niger Delta people which does not compromise the unity, peace and progress of the entity called Nigeria. The people of Niger Delta are reasonable, we are tolerant, we fight but we fight good courses. "Anybody calling for the military is talking out of ignorance of the laws of this country. If anyone has a military man he wants to make Governor of Borno State, he shouldn't come through the backdoor. He should sponsor that person to retire and contest elections for the governorship of Borno in 2015 and we will be very happy to send that person letters of commiseration after we successfully and proudly re-elect Governor Kashim Shettima in 2015 to continue his great work of sustaining the peace in Maiduguri and working to attract peace in the entire Borno State" the forum said.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

COMMENTARY 7

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Similarly the newly elected President of Ukraine met Russian President Putin and they did not come to blows as their two forces are doing killing each other in East Ukraine where Russian supported rebels are trying to secede and establish a pro Russian state on Ukraine’a territory learnt of the death of the Emir of Kano this week just as I was reading a full page advertised prayer titled NASFAT PRAYS FOR NIGERIA with the sub title Reinvigorating Godliness into Governance and Citizens Value System. This NASFAT Prayer is the underlying theme of all that I want to discuss today in the context of the above topic. I found the NASFAT prayer gripping and very brave and I think it is the first of such from a religious body in this nation that gives the vivid and clear impression that the Boko Haram menace transcends religion simply because that bloody sect does not recognise nor respect either God or humanity, in the inhuman fury with which it has waged a war of attrition and terror on Nigerians in the North East of the country, killing and maiming innocent Nigerians on a daily basis to date. Sadly the illustrious Emir of Kano was almost killed by Boko Haram for speaking up against the sect which recently killed the Emir of Gwoza. But the late Emir of Kano would smile in his grave any day if a copy of NASFAT prayer for Nigeria is shown him, as it was a pungent analysis of the problems of Nigeria and a no holds barred condemnation of Boko Haram and its claim of being a religious organisation, which was the reason the sect attempted unsuccessfully to assassinate the late Emir. Before dilating on some aspects of the NASFAT Prayer let me briefly comment on some issues on the global scene this week that lend themselves to interpretation and comments along the line of the topic of the day especially in terms of the politics and perhaps the diplomacy of deceit. The first was the news that the President and PM of Israel have sent a congratulatory messages to Egypt’s newly elected and anointed leader in the last presidential election in that nation, former army chief Abd Fattah al Sisi. Obviously the Israeli leaders are conversant with the diplomatic maxim that in diplomacy there are no permanent enemies or friends but permanent interests. Which showed clearly that Israel was perspiring nervously while the demonstrations in Egypt that overthrow former President Housni Mubarak were going on from 2011 and must have been really terrified when the Islamic Brotherhood which was an implacable of Israel won the elections after the demonstrations and President Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood assumed powers as president before being upstaged on a military coup by the army, then led by the Field Marshal Israel was swiftly congratulating as winner in the last presidential elections in Egypt. Obviously the Israelis feel more secure and safe with a military politician in power in Cairo to maintain the status quo ante, which the election of Morsi rattled. Sisi’s election would therfore ensure that the peace deal with Egypt signed during the era of late President Anwar Sadat in Egypt and PM Menachem Begin in Israel, is in place and not in any danger of violation from Cairo, to ensure peace and stability between the two most powerful nations in the volatile

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NASFAT Prayer, terrorism and the politics of deceit Middle East, a region that is definitely the boiling pot of world politics today. Similarly in France where the victorious Allies that defeated Nazi Germany commemorated the landing of the Allies in 1944 in Normandy, France, the presidents of the US, Russia and Ukraine met at the ceremony and shook hands with each other which showed the niceties as well as the deceit inherent in global diplomacy. This is because the US president, Barak Obama had accused the Russian president of violating international law when he invaded and annexed Crimea in Western Ukraine. Normally they should not be on speaking terms because the US is leading EU nations in putting in place sanctions on Russia . But the morals amongst nations is different from the morals amongst individuals. So while Barak Obama may privately think that Vladmir Putin is a lawless individual he had to shelve that in France and speak to him as President of the US in the hope that diplomacy may still make him see the annexation of Crimea differently. Similarly the newly elected President of Ukraine met Russian President Putin and they did not come to blows as their two forces are doing killing each other in East Ukraine where Russian supported rebels are trying to secede and establish a pro Russian state on Ukraine’a territory. According to reports the two president met, shook hands and promised to resolve the issues amicably which I am sure must have sorely taxed the temper of the new Ukrainean president as the innocent looking and straight faced Putin is indeed the aggressor in the way his regime has been using force and terror to intervene and disrespect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. But again the issue of morals between states and individuals calls for restraint at such moments. It is therefore on the issue of morals that we return to NASFAT’s prayer for our nation Nigeria. The prayer admits that Nigerians are a very religious and prayerful lot with Mosques and Churches in virtually every street. What is lacking, the prayer noted is‘ sincerity of faith and devotion to the requisite moral codes of conduct enjoined on the faithful by God. Incidentally the prayer concluded ruefully‘ these two are the prerequisites for prayers to be answered, irrespective of the faith of the supplicants ‘. NASFAT then went on to identify acts of immorality amongst the rulers and the ruled in Nigeria. On acts of immorality in governance NASFAT identified eight points and I will dwell on two for reasons of space. On immorality on the part of citizens NASFAT identified four points and again I will discuss two of them for obvious reasons. Let me state that each and every one of these 12 acts should form compass for every Nigerian citizen interested in the salvation of our nation and in the pursuit of a goal of the realisation of a good and decent life for all Nigerians regardless of their creed or faith. On acts of immorality in governance I have chosen –Leaders

living in mansions while the masses live in slums or are outrightly homeless and – Leaders having their children receiving education in the best private schools while large numbers of public schools are neglected, while a large population of school age children roam the streets uncared for. On the acts committed by the citizens I have picked that identified as - selling of votes and good conscience for monetary gains and – preference for apathy to partaking in tasking processes, works and organisations political and social structures through which state of affairs could be positively influenced. On the issue of mansions for leaders and homelessness for the masses nothing illustrates that more than the emergence of Boko Haram in the north where for decades school children have been attending Islamic schools while ignoring formal education. As far back as 1974 I could recollect a GOC, then General Abisoye reporting a military governor of the then North East where I did my national service to then head of state General Yakubu Gowon that the North East was not participating in the Universal Primary Education scheme of the Federal government because primary school students were not going to primary schools but were in Koranic schools under dogo yaro trees in Maiduguri, the capital of the NE state then. If schools had been established then and not mounds of blocks put on ground in far places for which bureaucrats in the capital paid ghost teachers in non existent schools, there would not have been easy converts for Boko Haram and its meaning would have no attraction, as it would never have been attractive to well educated young people it found in the gaping vacuum of poverty and ignorance it has exploited so massively and so callously in the vast arid sahel of the six NE states carved out of the former NE state. On the acts of immorality committed by the citizens the issue of the immorality of vote selling speaks for itself in terms of its rapaciousness and villainy. On the issue of neglect of education in public schools and the ascendancy of private schools and universities, nothing illustrates this more than the picture of a recent award of honorary degree by a private university to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance, grinning from ear to ear as she received her award, while the news in the same medium was replete with that of several institutions of higher learning on strike for high tuition fees. Definitely NASFAT has played a role after my heart with these prayers and I doff my hat to its leaders for giving Nigerians hope that if we retrace our steps and pray to God we still have hope like Jesse Jackson said when he lost the presidential candidacy of his party in the US that God is not finished with us yet. Many thanks to NASFAT for such hope which I had thought was forlorn for Nigeria, till now.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

Exit of the Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero ith news that Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, passed away in the early hours of Friday the 6th of June 2014, the country lost a great leader and an even greater man. As we mourn his passing at the ripe old age of 83, we also reflect on the impact he made in his position as the Emir of Kano. He was, without doubt, one of the most successful and respected figures in the country. As a leader and a monarch, he was very much respected and the human qualities and unassuming way in which he conducted himself set him apart as a leadership role model for the entire country. Alhaji Ado Bayero was a point of pride and distinction for his subjects and many Nigerians who appreciated his intelligence, humility and the wisdom which he imparted throughout his reign. He was a person who believed strongly in freedom and fairness and he stood for those values with tenacity and fortitude his whole life. He always rose above the struggles that so often drag us into the doldrums of loathing, hostility and gloom. He stood above all that. It is fitting that just last year the late Emir of Kano celebrated his Golden Jubilee on the thrown. That milestone gave his subjects and well-meaning Nigerians the opportunity to show him appreciation and it provided an avenue for his memory to be etched and carried into the future. That milestone gave those of us who were not present during his ascension to the throne an opportunity to learn more about the man behind the monarchy. 51 years ago, when the young Mallam Ado Bayero was summoned back to Nigeria while on a French course in France, little did he know the mammoth role that destiny would bestow on him. Upon the passing of Emir Muhammadu Inuwa, his uncle, Alhaji Ado Bayero was appointed the new Emir of Kano. Mallam Ado Bayero was born on the 15th June 1930 at the time that his father, Abdullahi Bayero, had been on the throne for four years. Mallam Ado was the eleventh child of his father and the second of three born to his mother, Hajiya Hasiya. He trained vigorously in religious studies and latter enrolled in contemporary school. After graduating in 1947, he then took up employment with the British Bank for West Africa, now the First Bank of Nigeria. Alhaji Ado Bayero left the bank to begin his career with the Kano Native Authority in 1949. While working for the Native Authority, he attended a number of clerical and administrative courses in Nigeria and abroad. In 1952 he attended the Clerical Training College, Zaria. He then took a course on Local Government in the United Kingdom. In 1953 he became the Chief Clerk of the Kano Town Council. He contested and won the election to the Northern Regional House of Assembly in Kaduna on the ticket of the Northern Peoples' Congress (NPC) in 1954, and he made his inaugural speech in the House on 3rd. March 1955. In April 1957 Ado Bayero resigned his seat in the House to take up an appointment as the Police Chief of the Kano Native Administration Police. He was appointed Nigeria's Ambassador to Senegal in late 1962. With such a glittering career in his past, the Emir was well poised for the role in which his popularity was unassailable; the role that he has upheld

for 51 strong years before his passing. He was an Emir who was widely recognized as a true patriot and a man of great humility and justice. In reflection of those qualities he had, Alhaji Ado Bayero, had often been called to play numerous mediating roles all over the country. His Golden Jubilee last year was not only a celebration of his throne, but it was an affirmation of his place as a national leader. People of different tribes all over Nigeria trooped into Kano last year to show their admiration for him and their respect for the job that he had done. During last years’ Golden Jubilee celebrations, all reservations over the security challenges that plagued the north and even targeted the Emir himself were drowned out by the people’s enthusiasm to celebrate such a deserving leader. In the lead up to the Jubilee, enormous crowds headed towards Kano, residents packed the streets in order to get a glimpse of their Monarch. Witnesses to the emerging crowds spoke of well-wishers of all ages who seemed genuinely moved by that milestone in their history. That he ruled over the exceptional and complex people of Kano for 51 years, given the cocktail of challenges and turbulence this country has gone through, while maintaining the respect and love of his subjects, was a testimony to the great Emir that he was. The people of Kano have, from time, proven themselves to be a resilient, independent, entrepreneurial, creative, hardworking and ingenious people. They have never opted for second best and have never been ones to suffer fools gladly. I know this because I see it in my daughters, sons, nieces, nephews and one side of my father’s family, who are all proudly from Kano. With the likes of the late, great Mallam Aminu Kano, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, Alhaji Maitama Yusuf, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, Sheikh Jaafar, amongst so many other great Kanawa, Kano people have always been ready to stand up for what they believe in and reject what they don’t. And even though, their hospitality, warmth and sense of tradition has always provided a balance to their spunk in nature, had the Emir not ruled over them with the honor and grace he has, they would not have celebrated him in the way they did last year or mourn him in the way they do so now. Through this and by any accounting, his reign and his life have been successful. As we head into an uncertain future as a nation, one hopes that the

qualities and legacies of leaders such as the Emir of Kano should be imbibed by all. May we, as citizens, learn from people like the Emir, behave in the manner the Emir did and lead in the way the Emir showed us. His leadership and the leadership of others like him revive hope. As the good people of Kano celebrate and salute the life of their leader and father and mourn for the loss of a man who has truly proven himself, many of us will join them in prayers and sorrow. To all who loved and respected him - his subjects, staff, neighbors, colleagues, admirers, friends and family, especially my step mother, Hajia Asiya Musa Musawa (Nee Ado Bayero), my little brother Mohammed Musawa and my cousins Zainab Sanusi and Darman Sanusi - I say: "MAY THE ALMIGHTY REWARD YOU AND HELP YOU TO APPLY ENDURANCE AND APPRECIATION IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME… ...INDEED, OUR SPIRIT, POSSESSIONS AND FAMILIES ARE MAGNIFICENT GIFTS WHICH GOD HAS LOANED US FOR A PERIOD AND HE TAKES THEM AWAY AFTER THE TERMINATION OF THAT PERIOD. GRATITUDE BECOMES NECESSARY WHEN HE GIVES, AND PATIENCE IS MANDATORY WHEN HE TAKES… …MAI GIRMA, ALHAJI ADO BAYERO, SARKIN KANO, YOUR EMIR, BOSS, NEIGHBOR, FRIEND, COLLEAGUE, BROTHER, FATHER, HUSBAND AND SON, WAS FROM AMONG THAT GREAT GIFT WHICH GOD ALLOWED YOU TO ENJOY IN A WAY THAT WAS FORTUNATE AND GRATIFYING. ALTHOUGH YOU LOVED HIM, HIS PLACE IS WITH HIS MAKER NOW. AS HE HAS GONE HOME, IT IS YOUR DUTY TO SHOW PATIENCE IN HIS DEATH AND GRATITUDE FOR HIS LIFE… …MAY THE ALMIGHTY AUGMENT YOUR RECOMPENSE, BE KIND IN YOUR MISFORTUNE, FORGIVE THE DECEASED, ENCOURAGE YOU WITH ENDURANCE AND GIVE YOU PEACE. I PRAY YOU HAVE THE FORTITUDE TO BEAR HIS HEAVY LOSS!" As the people of Kano close the chapter of a man and Emir that was truly great, “I PRAY THAT GOD FORGIVE AND HAVE MERCY ON THE SOUL OF ALHAJI ADO BAYERO AND MAKE HONORABLE HIS RECEPTION. MAY ALLAH KEEP HIM SAFE AND SOUND, PROTECT THE PLACE WHERE HE HAS RESTED AND MAKE HIS ENTRANCE WIDE; BLESS HIM FOR HIS GOOD DEEDS AND SURROUND HIM WITH A GARDEN FILLED WITH BEAUTY. MAY HE RECEIVE THE GENTLE BLOW OF A COOL BREEZE, BE WASHED WITH SNOWFLAKES, ICE, SLEET, WATER AND EVERYTHING PURE AND CLEANSED OF SIN AS A WHITE CLOTH IS PURIFIED PERFECTLY. I PRAY ALLAH ADMITS HIM TO PARADISE AND MAY HIS GRAVE BE SPACIOUS AND FILLED WITH LIGH…; AMIN.” It is with pride that I as a Nigerian thank, salute and mourn the exit of the Emir of Kano, Mai Girma, Alhaji Ado Bayero, whose life and legacy will be remembered in time to come…

NEWS

Jos blasts: Igbo community cries out •46 victims abandoned to fate •’Gov Jang, NEMA to fulfill promises’ n Yusufu Aminu IDEGU, Jos n HE Igbo community in Jos, Plateau State, has cried out over the alleged neglect of the victims of the May 20, 2014, twin-bomb blasts at the Jos Terminus market by the state government and other relevant agencies. The President-General of Igbo Community Association in Jos, Barr Jonah Ezekweme, while speaking to newsmen, said it lost 34 members, while 46 of its members who were injured in the blasts have been abandoned at various hospitals by the various agencies. He called on the Plateau State government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Chief of Defense Staff to fulfill their promise to offset the hospital bills of the victims. It will be recalled that the May 20, 2014, twin-bomb blasts at the Jos Terminus market left over 120 people dead and more than 50 people injured. Barr Ezekweme said: "We are crying to government on behalf of 46 of our members who were admitted into various hospital as a result of injury sustained from the bomb blasts. "The Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, came to the hospitals and gave an assurance that the state government will help the victims to settle the medical bills. The Chief of Defense Staff and the Director-General of NEMA also gave the same assurance. "But after their visits, we have not seen any effort by any of them to fulfill their promises. Some of our people have been discharged. It is our association that sourced for money to offset the medical bills of these victims. "Governor Jang is the closest to us here, and so we are pleading with him to come to our aid, because many of our people are still lying in the hospital. We still have over 30 of them yet to be discharged.”

Ekiti guber election: Poll rates Fayemi B ahead of Fayose, Bamidele

ARRING any last minute changes in voters’ behaviour, an opinion poll recently conducted by one of Nigeria’s leading research company, Brand Surveys Ltd, has rated incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as the preferred candidate by majority of registered voters in the state. The poll result made available to newsmen from the company’s corporate head office in Lagos and signed by its Managing Consultant, Olaniyi Ayeni, shows that the study was conducted in the month of May 2014 across the 16 local government areas in Ekiti State. According to the documented result, majority of respondents, representing 68% of the people interviewed via questionnaire survey using multi-stage random sampling technique, across the 16 local government council areas of Ekiti State want the incumbent governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi to continue in office to consolidate on the different spheres of his 8-point agenda, adjudged as touching the lives of Ekiti People in so many ways. The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ayo Fayose was preferred by 28% of respondents, while his Labour Party (LP)counterpart, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele scored 4%. The report further reveals that Brand Surveys Limited interviewed a total of 2,418 respondents. However, 2,372 of respondents, representing 98% of all those interviewed, are registered voters with voters cards, while only 46 of them, representing 2%, do not have voters cards. “Therefore, if the elections were to be held today, this poll result is indicative of how the people may vote,” says the poll. Also, across all the 16 LGAs visited, 60% of those interviewed, representing 1,423 of the respondents, belong to one political party or the other, while 40%,representing, 949 respondents do not”. The study also shows that APC is the dominant Party in Ekiti State. Out of the 1,423 respondents who belong to political parties, 55% of them, 783 said they belong to the APC, while 33% of the respondents belong to PDP. Only 12% of respondents, representing 171, belong to the Labour Party. According to the spokesperson of Brand Sur-

veys Limited, “We are a through-the-line research consultancy outfit in Nigeria; providing timely, accurate and actionable data and insights to guide decision-making that will impact positively on our clients’ bottom-line but on the society. “The company has over the years handled a number of high profile Opinion Poll projects, such as the Benchmark Polls for the Hope ’93 Elections for the M.K.O Abiola Campaign Organisation, leading to the overall strategic thrust of the Hope 93 Campaign, the poll on the Nigerian Road Sector Reform for the World Bank and BPE, FGDs on Youth Life Style for Coca Cola Nigeria and the Community Policing Impact Survey for The British Council, Religion and Political Culture Survey for the DFID amongst other high profile research projects handled for reputable clients locally and internationally.” On why the company opted to conduct the opinion poll ahead of the coming governorship elections, Olaniyi Ayeni disclosed that the poll is the company’s own corporate social in-

vestment towards the sustainability of the current democratic dispensation, saying, “what ended the second republic was not a nationwide crisis, but a crisis over the declaration of Chief Akin Omoboriowo as winner of the Ondo State governorship elections against popular expectations that Pa Adekunle Ajasin was coasting home to victory. So we must never assume that a post-elections crisis in Ekiti State cannot snowball into a major crisis that will mark the end of this democratic experiment. “As a corporate organization, we cannot continue to feign indifference, because should a crisis engulf Nigeria today as result of the coming elections, there will be no conducive atmosphere for us to continue to do our business. This is our own contribution to ensuring that we get it right with democratic transitions in Nigeria, and we intend to continue doing this.” The result of this poll is coming barely three weeks to the Ekiti State governorship elections scheduled to hold on Saturday 21, June 2014.

Okorocha removes two traditional rulers HE Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, yesterday removed two traditional rulers from office. The removal was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. A.G. Anwukah. The statement was released to newsmen in Abuja last night by the state government. The statement said: "In accordance with Sections 11 and 14 of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Autonomous Communities Law No 6 of 2006, His Excellency, the Governor of Imo

n Yusuf ALLI, Managing n Editor, Northern Operation State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has approved the withdrawal of certificates of recognition and Staff of Office of Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, the traditional ruler of Obinugwu Autonomous community in Orlu Local Government Area and Eze Cosmos Onyeneke, the traditional ruler of Lagwa Autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State with immediate effect. "Accordingly, Chief Cletus

Ikechukwu Ilomuanya and Chief Cosmos Onyeneke cease to be recognized traditional rulers of Obinugwu and Lagwa Autonomous communities respectively. "The secretaries of the Community Government Council of the respective autonomous communities will be liaising with the government on behalf of each of the affected autonomous communities pending the selection and presentation of an Eze-elect in accordance with the custom and constitution of each of the affected communities."

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

•The couple with the cakes presented when they marked their birthdays recently

I still fast and wake up at night to pray –100-yr-old whose wife is 93 Story on pages 14&15

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

•Pa

Zacheaus Ogundeko and his wife, Florence

‘The secrets of our marriage, longevity’ A centurion and his 93-year-old wife, who celebrated their birthdays the same day recently, revealed the secrets of their union and longevity, in this interview with OLATUNDE ODEBIYI. HEY are a rare couple in a country with lower life expectancy. Pa Zacheaus Ogundeko, 100, and his wife, Florence, 93, shared an uncommon grace; 70 years after they were joined as husband and wife, the couple still wax stronger in good health and agility. Dressed in the same blue Ankara fabric, the couple ushered our reporter into their sparsely furnished living room at their Naforija, Epe, Lagos

residence. Despite her old age, Mrs. Ogundeko was able to place the reporter’s face as soon as she walked into their apartment asking: “Are you not the journalist who came to cover our birthday party two weeks ago?” The reporter, who responded in the affirmative, was shocked that she could still recollect her face despite having met her just once.

The amazing life of the couple tells a story. Apart from eating all kinds of food, Mrs. Ogundeko still does a number of house chores like sweeping the floor, laundering, among others. Her husband, she says, “still wakes up in the night to pray.” Pa Ogundeko, opened up on how he met his wife during a visit to one of his friends in IjebuOde, now in Ogun State.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

‘

My wife is very stubborn but I am very patient and that has helped us to overcome all challenges. She can be very stubborn and she often quarrels with everybody in the house. She has offended me many times and she is still offending me. However, I have learnt to manage her weakness with patience

‘

He said: “I met her in Ijebu-Ode while on a visit to one of my friends called Oladeinde. She is my friend’s younger sister and she was then a student,” recalled Pa Ogundeko. “We met again when I visited Oladehinde in Naforija in Lagos State. This time around, I asked her out but she refused. Even her siblings told me not to marry her because she was allegedly stubborn and proud. Besides, I was told that her father was not disposed to her marrying a man outside of Ijebu-Ode. However, she accepted to marry me the third time we met outside Ijebu-Ode.” On the secret to their enduring marriage, he said: “My wife is very stubborn but I am very patient and that has helped us to overcome all challenges. She can be very stubborn and she often quarrels with everybody in the house. She has offended me many times and she is still offending me. However, I have learnt to manage her weakness with patience”. He explained that impatience has become the bane of marriages in recent times, advising that couples should learn to avoid unnecessary bickering. “Impatience is the cause of many broken marriages. A wife should keep her husband in mind and they must not fight unnecessarily. “ He attributed the secrets of his longevity to prayer and fasting, saying: ”It is God and the power of prayer and fasting. I can fast very well and I still fast to date, although I have since reduced it from one month or one week affair because of my old age.” Sharing his low moments in life, Pa Ogundeko said: “My saddest moments lasted for about three years during the World War II. My wife was delivered of a child but the child later died. Then, I had financial problems and while I was looking for a job, the District Officer (DO) that was to sign my employment form instead decided to conscript me into the military. “I had to run away for three years because I did not want to go to the war front. I ran to Abeokuta and later to Ibadan. I thought that my wife would have married another man because I didn’t tell her I was running away. I was, however, happy to see my wife again when I returned to

He attributed the secrets of his longevity to prayer and fasting, saying: ”It is God and the power of prayer and fasting. I can fast very well and I still fast to date, although I have since reduced it from one month or one week affair because of my old age.”

•Pa

Ogundeko

Lagos.” Going down the memory lane, he drew comparisons between the kind of life that people lived in the past and the trends in modern day society. “In my younger days, education was different. Once you read up to primary six, you can start working but now, you have to read further for you to get a better job. Education is cheaper and better today because there are so many polytechnics and universities. It was the education that Herbert Macaulay had that encouraged people like him to fight for the liberation of the people and independence of Nigeria. But for western education that opened the eyes of peo-

•Mrs.

Florence

‘

ple to demand for an end to colonialism, Nigeria would still be under the grip of British colonial masters. “Money was another major difference. The currency we spent in the olden days had more value than the one we are spending today. Our government should do something about that. Unlike our own time, children of today are very proud. They are proud in character, stubborn and lack respect for one another. On a personal note, my heart is closer to God and I serve Him more than I used to do when I was younger,” he added. His wife, Florence, who later took over the interview session, bared her mind on reasons for the increasing rate of divorce in the country and some memorable moments. “I don’t believe in moving from one man to another. I had made up my mind to stay with him even when he had nothing .Covetousness and lack of contentment easily breaks up marriages. Couples need to be patient. To this end, I want to admonish young girls to be obedient, respectful and dedicated to their studies while they should not indulge in fornication. “Unlike today, things were better under the colonial administration; there was no trouble and things were very cheap. Back then, I was always happy but I became sad when I lost three of my children. However, I am happy that my two surviving children have been taking care of me more than my expectations.” One of the aged couple’s children, who is a lawyer and Director in the Legal Department of Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikeja, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, described his parents as patient and prayerful. He said: “My mother is still very active and takes a very good care of our father. Although my father can sometimes suffer temporary loss of memory but he would always remember my mother. “ One of their grandchildren, Miss Opeoluwa Afolabi, said: “My great grandparent enjoys a cordial relationship and are always concerned about each other even at old age.” Mrs. Adedipe Adetutu, who lives with the couple said: “Love and tolerance for each other have kept them together as one”. Mrs. Kayode Taiwo, who has been living with the couple for about ten years said; “Baba is a man of God that takes the family as one. He was there for me and my sibling when we were growing up after our father died.Mama is a good and wonderful mother; and she is a selfless giver.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

CRIME & OTHER STORIES Commercial sex worker docked for stealing A 32-year-old commercial sex worker, Blessing Osondu, has been arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrate Court over alleged stealing. According to the police, Blessing allegedly stole a total sum of N730, 000. A breakdown of the stolen money showed that Blessing allegedly stole the sum of N298, 000 from one Oyerinde Adesuyi and another sum of N432000 from three of her colleagues, namely Lizzy Nze , Joy Job and Linda Ivara. Blessing and her colleagues operate as commercial sex work-

n Rukayat JIMOH n

ers at

the Easybar Hotel, opposite the Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo, Lagos. Oyerinde, on the other hand, operates a lotto game shop beside the hotel. Blessing allegedly stole the money from her friends’ rooms when they went out. She, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge pre-

ferred against her. Police prosecutor, Inspector Frank Odigie, told the court that the defendant has committed an act which contradicts section 285(9)(b) of the criminal law of the Lagos State of Nigeria,2011. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. E.B. Daodu, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200, 000 and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must also provide an evidence of three years tax payment. She later adjourned the matter till July, 17th, 2014.

27-yr-old victim of electrocution needs N12m for surgery n Kunle AKINRINADE n 27-year-old victim of electrocution, Oluwaseyi Oguntade, has cried out for financial support to enable him undergo corrective surgery in a hospital in India. The cost of the surgery is put at N12million. Oluwaseyi, who is a truck driver with a Lagos- based haulage company, had gone to deliver some goods belonging to a popular telecoms firm in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos on March 27,2013 when a segment of a high tension wire fell on him where he was sleeping beside one of his colleagues on the bonnet of a car. Speaking with our correspondent a few days ago, Oluwaseyi said:” I was asked to deliver some goods to a telecoms company at Oregun, Ikeja, on the fateful day. However, I was not able to discharge the goods on time, so I decided to pass the night there following the instruction of my bosses not to leave the goods unprotected. I was sleeping beside my co-driver on the bonnet of a car when a high tension cable snapped and dropped on us, killing my colleague instantly. The cable dropped on my face and disfigured my looks while I continue to battle excruciating pains everyday.” The father of two, according to his heartbroken father, Elder Remi Oguntade, was rescued by some policemen on patrol and he was subsequently taken to the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos for treatment. “He was admitted to LUTH after he was rescued by a team of policemen on patrol and we have since been running from pillar to post in order to restore his health. He is my second child. On a number of occasions when his mother and wife came here, they passed out on seeing his horribly deformed face, hence, doctors advised that they should stop

A •The victim (middle) flanked by her daughter and grandson

Rape of 95-yr-old widow unsettles Imo community

HE has been a widow for several years. She lives alone in an expansive was said not to be around on the fateful day. n Chris OJI n compound in her remote village in Imo State. Although her life could not And in his narration, the security man said:"Her husband died after the civil dragged outside and she asked whether they were going to kill her, but the be described as a solitary one because she ekes a living as a traditional war. And the only son she had also died mysteriously because some people rapist said he only wanted to have her. Now, she limps because of the bad efbone fixer, the aspect of traditional medicine she inherited from her maiden want to inherit the late man's property. So, they have been warning the old fect of the attack and rape," the grandson narrated. family. woman to tell me to leave the compound.” "I gave him serious bite; I wanted to bite off one of his fingers. He became The only son she had died some years ago in a mysterious circumstance. But He said that since eight months he has worked in the premises, incidents of angry and lifted me up and threw me on the ground severally," the grandher consolation lies in the fact that her daughters married out have given her burglary and other issues have reduced. He said he was not around when the mother recalled pointing to the injuries she sustained. grandsons who live in the cities. These grandchildren visit her in while and as a recent incident occurred. The old woman was rushed to a nearby Coronata Medical Centre where she matter of tradition have no inheritance in the vast property left behind by their "Few years ago, thieves came and stole all the house hold effects. Subsewas treated. The doctors there advised that she should be taken out of that grandfather. Their mothers were married to other families. quently, they came and raided the bungalow; they stole everything in the house vicinity to a new place in order for her to recover from the trauma. That is the plight of Madam Caroline Onunka-Anyanwu, who had on three without anybody tracing them," he recalled. Oguzie said one of the grand daughters, who was staying with the old occasions unwillingly paid host to rapists. Her age was put at 95 and the latest He disclosed that the male members of the compound are all residing in the woman, had just left for Owerri, Imo State capital, on the fateful day before the rape is causing tension in the village of Umugaa in Umunama community, cities, hence, whenever there is an incident, no man would raise a voice. "They ugly incident happened. Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Council Government Area of Imo state. want to kill the old woman in order to take over her late husband's property," n Kunle AKINRINADE n He recalled that during the previous incident that happened two years ago, The police said the latest case has not been reported to them. And this was said the security man. he reported to the then village head, one Nze Anyanwu, who asked him to rejob seeker, Yakubu Gyang, was more than happy when confirmed by family members of the old woman who claimed that the two earAside the alleged rape of the poor, old widow, there were two other cases of port to the traditional ruler of the community, the late Eze John Ogu, who a man who allegedly posed on the Facebook as the lier ones reported died a natural death as the culprit was set free. women in the village who suffered in the hands of sex-crazy young men in the quickly gave him a note to a police station. The recent rape of the old grandmother took place in the night under heavy area, according to Nze Ihekuna. He said one of the women died shortly after Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Serv"The police later arrested the suspect from within the neighbourhood. He rain. It was learnt that the rapist pounced on her while she was saying her night was detained and later released; the matter just died like that," said Oguzie. He she was reportedly raped. ice (NIS), Mr David Paradang, promised to secure a job for prayers and bundled her outside. Although old and frail, she put up some re"The community views such a thing as an abomination, hence the punishhim in the paramilitary agency. It soon turned out he was remarked that, that was what discouraged him from reporting the recent case sistance as much as her feeble strength could carry her but the rapist stuffed her ment for it would be so painful and terrible that the culprit would never expect. courting a member of an employment syndicate and before to the police. mouth with cloth to prevent her from shouting. The rapist tried to strangle her In Igboland, we regard such act as 'nso ala' (abomination)," said the village he knew it, he had been turned into the paymaster of the spiv, The daughter of the old woman, Mrs. Cecilia Oguzie, who is married to an and threw her severally on the ground in order to weaken her. head, who attributed the ugly development to too much indulgence by the losing N200, 000 to the syndicate. Owerri man and also the mother of Eunoch Oguzie, confirmed the rape inciHe had his way and fled but not without an injury. The old woman was able youth in the area. "The young men here drink too much and smoke a lot of Gyang who holds a National Diploma (ND) in Accounting dent. "I was at my husband's place when they telephoned me to inform me to give him a deep bite on one of his fingers. They news of the third attack on things," he added. from Plateau State Polytechnic explained how his path about what happened to my mother. We don't know who the assailant is but the nonagenarian spread through the village that fateful night and a hunt of the The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo State Police Command, crossed with the syndicate. “I received a ‘friend request’ from only God knows who did this abominable thing to my mother," she said. assailant ensued but he was nowhere to be found or identified. And angered Mr. Andrew Enwerem, said, however, that he was not aware of any such devela man who posed as the Comptroller General of NIS in SepIt was owing to the previous incidents that a security man was hired (names by the abominable incident, women of the community early in the morning opment now or in the past. tember 2013. Before I accepted his request, I checked on his withheld) to be watching over the compound. The security man, however, trooped out in protest. They chanted songs condemning the act and beat their gongs round the community. They called for the fishing out of the rapist. “We are angry. This is very ugly and disgraceful. It is an abomination,” the women sang. Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 The village head of of the community, Nze Edmund Ihekuna, confirmed that it was the third time the old woman was being raped by an n Kunle AKINRINADE n unknown person. Ihekuna, who is also the public relations officer of title holders in the community, expressed sadness as he attributed it to the n employee of a Lagos-based company, Bedmate Furniture growing presence of ‘bad eggs in the rural community. sacked. head office.” Enterprises, Miss Jennifer Tuma, has accused her Chinese "It's been long since bad people have been troubling the old woman. I “He threatened to beat me up if I turn up for work the The 23-year-old indigene of Benue State, who lives in Jakande Housing Esboss(names withheld) of assault and wrongful termination of should say this is the third time they are raping her," he lamented. The next day. I ignored the message because I felt that was not tate, Lekki, Lagos, said she would explore every legitimate means to get justice employment. village head said he alongside other title holders in the area were worthe proper channel of communicating such a decision to a for the humiliation she suffered in the hands of her boss. The boss, who is a manager with the company, according to Jenried about the series of sexual assaults and ill-treatment meted to the bonafide employee of a company. I went to work the next “I will not submit myself to any form of intimidation until justice is done on nifer, allegedly assaulted her at the company’s premises for compoor widow by some unidentified young men in the area. day and I had barely sat down at my desk when he came in this matter. In fact, I shall explore all legitimate means of seeking redress over "We know that the people doing this to her are young boys in the area, plaining about reduction of her salary. company with a Ghanaian employee and started beating the inhuman treatment the Chinese national meted out to me.” “I joined the company as a sales clerk in April 2013 and I was not old men," he added. me. When contacted on telephone, a top manager of the company, who identiplaced on a N20, 000 monthly salary. When he left for China followThe grandson of the widow, Eunoch Oguzie, an Owerri-based com“The more I protested against the assault, the harder he fied himself simply as Mr. Stone, promised to investigate the matter and revert ing the expiration of his visa, another manager took over from him mercial motorcycle operator, confirmed that the incident was not the continued to manhandle me, to the extent that he was kickto the reporter. and my salary was increased to N25, 000 as a reward for my hardfirst time his grandmother would suffer in the hands of cruel youths, ing me in the stomach on the floor. He tore my dress and “It is not everything that happens at the branches that is known to us at the work and actualisation of sales target. who specialised in raping old women within the area. beat me such that I suffered swollen head and mouth. It was head office here in Ikeja. I am not aware of this case but I will get in touch with “Recently, however, the man (the boss who allegedly assaulted "On Saturday, May 24, 2014, around 10.30pm, while my grandmother one of the bystanders who gave me a shirt to wear before I him (the boss in question) and speak with you tomorrow.” her) returned to Nigeria and took over and to my surprise, he rewas saying her night prayer, the rapist broke open the door. The rapist ran to the Ilasan Police Station to report the incident. AlIn a telephone conversation with our correspondent, the offending boss used her wrapper duced my salary to N20, 000. When I asked him the reason for the though, he was initially arrested but he was later freed said:”Jennifer is too troublesome. She came to the showroom shouting and reduction, he told me that he could do whatever he likes to any emand stuffed her when he told the police that I also tore his shirt. As you can distrupting the environment.It was while I tried to caution her that she started •Jennifer mouth to prevent ployee so long as he remains in charge. see, my head is still swollen, my body aches and stomach fighting me. Those who were around when she insulted and fought me can “Last Friday, I had pains in my legs, so when I resumed for work her from shouting pain has not abated. It is an irony that as the one who comtestify to how unruly she was that day.” the next day, he gave me the permission to go home when he noand also blindplained to the police, I am not being given any fair treatment in this case while The spokesman of Lagos Police Command, Ms Ngozi Braide, was not availfolded her before ticed my condition. He paid me N20, 000 as salary before I left for home and the suspect has been released without recourse to justice. “ able for comment as her phone lines were switched off when our corresponhe started rough- he repeated that as my boss, he could pay me whatever he likes. On Monday, I In the text message obtained by The Nation, the boss allegedly said:” You are dent contacted her, while messages sent to her phone lines were not returned reported him to one of his colleagues at the company’s head office and I had handling her. fired and if you come to my showroom, I will beat you. Go ahead to see the manager in as at press time. barely gotten home when he sent me a text message saying that I had been Later, she was

•Oluwaseyi before the incident. Inset: The victim after

coming to see him at the hospital. That is the reason why I relocated to Lagos in order to stay with him here. “We have been given up till the end of June to leave the hospital following the completion of his treatment for burns but his deformed looks would still have to be corrected via surgery, which doctors at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, India, said would cost about N12million. Where would I get that kind of money from? “As I speak, I depend on charity from people to take care of his little needs here. Most times, I go out with his photograph to beg for alms in the surrounding communities since he had been abandoned by his company for over one year now. We need financial support from Nigerians to sponsor the surgery in India,” he added. To this end, kind-hearted Nigerians who are willing to assist Oluwaseyi can forward their donation to his father, Mr. Oguntade Oluremi via a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBANK) account number 0137765899.

Man loses N.2m to immigration job syndicate A

Female employee accuses Chinese boss of assault

• She was unruly and fought me, says boss

•NIS to applicants: beware of fraudsters on social media profile and I was taken in by some of his photographs, especially the one he took with his uniform. A few months later, he told me that there would be recruitment into the NIS and he sent me the telephone number of an officer called Adebayo, who he claimed was in charge of the recruitment exercise. “A few days after I contacted Adebayo, he sent me a form and asked me to pay a non-refundable fee of N5000, into a Fidelity Bank account.” The 26-year-old applicant explained how a new date for the botched interview was forwarded to him a few months later. He said: “After paying the money, he sent •Yakubu me a letter of interview, which he later said was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Another letter was sent to me in February 2014 asking me to attend a zonal interview/test scheduled for Abuja. He asked me to call him when I arrived in Abuja so he could tell me the exact venue of the interview. I was however shocked when he refused to pick my calls when I got to Abuja. He later sent me a text message to apologise for not picking my calls, adding that he was transferred to Kaduna to monitor the conduct of zonal interview for other applicants. “He explained that I would have to pay some money in order to secure automatic employment .He gave me different account numbers demanding for N200,000, which I paid in bits. At a point, he asked me to send some tubers of yam to someone in Abia State, which I did. He has stopped picking my calls following my persistent demand for explanation with regards to the job he promised me.” The exasperated Plateau-based applicant said that he had taken his case to the Abuja headquarters of NIS. “When I got tired of his antics, I again visited Abuja in April and lodged complaints with the office of the Comp-

troller General of Immigration (CGI). The CGI disclaimed the said Adebayo and asked me to give his aides the details of the correspondences between me and the syndicate. Although, I have all the documents the impostor exchanged with me in the course of the transaction, including the teller I used to deposit the money into his account, however, I have not been able to go back to Abuja because I had an accident while travelling on a commercial motorcycle in Jos. I borrowed a lot of money from people in the hope that I would be able to pay back once given employment. Now, my debtors are after me even as I recline on sick bed. I want the syndicate investigated and my money retrieved.” Responding, the spokesman of NIS, Mr Emeka Obuah, said: “The scammers are all over the place and we receive countless stories like that frequently. However, the things the impostors post on the social media are things that can be verified by the victims before jumping at such offers of job placement. Members of public are advised in their own interest to always cross check any information that has to do with recruitment or job placement in NIS so that they won’t fall victim to unscrupulous persons. “Just imagine what N200,000 could have done in the life of the victim if he had invested it on a business instead of wasting it on securing a non-existing job.However,on our own part, we shall soon publish a disclaimer notice on those who might be using cloned social media account purportedly belonging to NIS to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

LAGOS: Communities where night is like day Story on pages 18,47&48

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

•Young men and women catching their fun

Lagos communities where night is like day ,

As you enter the street, you are greeted with the aroma of steamy foods on parade and the cacophony of music that blares from loud speakers at different spots on the street. At 12:38 am, at this odd hour, food vendors and drink sellers were just settling down to business. They would be there all night attending to the needs of fun seekers whose day had just broken

•Fun seekers at a popular night club

n Gbenga ADERANTI n and Segun AJIBOYE t was a few minutes before 11 pm. Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, had shed its toga as the melting pot of commerce to don the cloak of entertainment mixed with fun and adventure. The popular Awolowo Way, known for brimming with commercial activities in the day time, was beginning to wear a different look. The faces of casually dressed men and women searching for fun had replaced those of the serious looking men and women pursuing their legitimate sources of livelihood in the day time. Although it was a Tuesday, the popular Alade Avenue, opposite the Airport Hotel, was a beehive of activities. On this Tuesday night, rather than being filled with vehicles, the main road that leads into Awolowo Road was taken over by fun-seeking men and women in all manner of sexy attires. As you enter the street, you are greeted with the aroma of steamy foods on parade and the cacophony of music that blares from loud speakers at different spots on the street. At 12:38 am, at this odd hour, food vendors and drink sellers were just settling down to business. They would be there all night attending to the needs of fun seekers whose day had just broken. “We have been in this business for years. We are always here for 24 hours of every day to attend to the needs of customers,” said a service boy at a beer parlour, who attended to one of our correspondents. With steaming hot delicacies, ice cold drinks and a large quantity of stick meat, the fun spot began to receive hordes of customers until it brimmed with patronage as midnight approached. The fun at the spot was accentuated

•Band stand by a musical band that moved from one table to another, entertaining customers. Encouraged by the few naira notes they got from customers, the band stepped up its performance, drumming, singing and dancing. Tunde, a waiter at one of the spots, told our correspondent that “real life” at Alade Avenue begins late in the night and ends between 4 am and 4:30 am. “We sell beer and other drinks. The customers begin to arrive around 11pm and we don’t close until 4 am or 4:30 am,” he said.

•Girls waiting for prospective clients With Lizzy Spot, Ifeoma Bar, Chucks Delicious and several other joints on parade, fun seekers are guaranteed a long and lovely experience. Surprisingly, married couples are not exempted from the fun train. In fact the table next to the one the reporter sat was occupied by a married couple who danced leisurely to the music of the roving three-man band and even sprayed some naira notes on them when they got to the couple’s table. Buoyed by the gesture, the band stepped up their performance, singing

and dancing with reckless abandon. Tina and George, another married couple, said they had been a regular partaker in the night life on Aina Street for a long time. “We have been coming here for a while. Any time we feel bored at home, irrespective of the time of the night, we come here to have fun. The good thing about this place is that the foods are always hot and the drinks are chilled,” George said. Around the bend that leads into Gbemisola Street, where the shrine of the late afrobeat leg-

end, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is located, you would not need an expert to tell you that you were walking into a different world. Unlike the loud music and bubbling atmosphere that characterise Alade Avenue, the area is dark and eerie. Boys and girls of different shapes and sizes stand in groups of two or three smoking their worries away. Here, you are assaulted by the foul odour released into the air by hemp smokContinued on page 48

We have been in this business for years. We are always here for 24 hours of every day to attend to the needs of customers,” said a service boy at a beer parlour, who attended to one of our correspondents. With steaming hot delicacies, ice cold drinks and a large quantity of stick meat, the fun spot began to receive hordes of customers until it brimmed with patronage as midnight approached

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

Shocking confession of ex-bus conductor: Pickpockets who operated in our bus were ‘settling’ the driver HE menace of armed robbers who pose as motor mechanics or orange hawkers and target people whose cars break down on the highway and the challenge of pickpockets who snatch mobile phones, laptops and wallets from motorists in traffic jams are two issues now being seriously addressed by the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command. Three suspected criminals in these categories are currently cooling their heels in the cells of SARS. One of the suspects, 25-year-old Isiaka Mustapha a.k.a. Sukumalaja, was said to have posed as a mechanic on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to rob some innocent motorists who sought his services. Also in SARS’ net are Aliu Musa a.k.a. Whisky (21) and Ramoni Jimoh a.k.a. Golden Finger (25). Some other suspects were said to be on the wanted list of SARS. Narrating his role in some robbery operations he had participated in on major Lagos roads, Isiaka said: “I am a native of Ilorin, Kwara State. I trained as a panel beater and worked at my master’s workshop at Adeniji Adele Bus Stop on Lagos Island on a daily wage of less than N3,000. “My journey into trouble began on a day my master took a job from a soldier and gave him the time he should come to collect his car. The soldier came on the appointed day to collect his car but my boss was not around. And when the soldier saw that no repairs had been done on his car in spite of the huge amount he had paid, he directed his aggression at me, giving me the beating of my life. He also left a warning that if he came back and his car had not been repaired, he would make life miserable for anyone he met at the workshop. “As soon as the soldier left, my boss resurfaced and asked me what he said. I told my boss about the threat the soldier issued. I also told him that I am quitting my job with him because I would not want to experience another beating from the soldier. The following day, I went to another established panel beater and started working with him. His name is Ismaila. After a few days, my former boss came and threatened to report Ismaila to the police for taking his boy illegally. This made Ismaila to sack me and for a few days, I was jobless and had nothing to eat. “One day, I was at Adeniji Adele Bus Stop when I saw the owner of a broken down vehicle who was very desperate to get a mechanic to help him repair his car. My dress

Ebele BONIFACE

was dirty, so I looked like a roadside mechanic. The man saw me and said I should help him to repair his car. I told him that I was the best mechanic in the area. “I told him to start the engine but it could not start. I asked him whether he had enough fuel in the car, and he said he did not know because his fuel gauge was not working. I told him that he had no fuel and that he should go and buy fuel from the nearby filling station. “He was afraid to leave his car, so he gave me N2, 000 and begged me to help him buy the fuel. When I got to the filling station, I bought N1, 500 worth of fuel and pocketed the balance of N500. When I came and poured the fuel, the car started working. “To my shock, when I told the man to pay me for the service I had rendered, he said he had no cash on him and asked whether I could follow him to where he would get money to pay me. Suspecting that the man was only trying to play on my intelligence, I told him to give me whatever amount he had on him but he declined. “He insisted that he meant well and promised to give me money and food if I followed him. He took me to a bank at CMS area and used his ATM card to collect money. From the money he withdrew, he gave me N3,000. “That encouraged me to become a roadside mechanic. In order to be easily identified as a roadside mechanic, I painted my clothes with disused engine oil. From 8 am to 8 pm every day, I was on the highway looking for people whose cars had broken down. For a whole day

‘

at times, I would not see a single car that broke down. At other times, I would even see more than one and make big money from them. “The officers and men of the Nigeria Police who patrolled the area knew me very well, because they were seeing me every day and nobody had complained to them about me. Their presence around the bridge also encouraged motorists to patronise me. That also made my work easy and safe because it made police not to suspect me. “I was doing well without any criminal intention. Some days, I would go home with as much as N10,000. The more the broken down vehicles I got, the more the money I made. Unfortunately, the devil created a problem for me when for three good days I did not get any broken down vehicle. I became restless. “I had become desperate by the time I saw the next broken down car. I rushed to the scene because delay could be dangerous. The car could start working and the owner would zoom off. But when I got to the car owner, he told me point blank that he did not need the services of a roadside mechanic like me. “I pleaded with him not to see me as a bad person. I told him that I would have opened a workshop if I had enough money. He changed his mind and permitted me to check for the fault. I told him to open the bonnet and start the engine. “As he tried repeatedly to start the engine without success, I realised that it was the timing belt that was faulty. Still suspecting that I was not a genuine mechanic, the man asked me where he could get a mechanic nearby. I advised him to go down the bridge and he would see a mechanic workshop. “He begged that I should help him to push his car to that point and I asked him how much he would pay me. He asked me how much I would take and I said N3, 000. He said N500 and I said no. “As the stingy motorist wanted to close his bonnet, I sighted his mobile phone in

I was shocked on one occasion when a pickpocket who had entered our bus stole money from a passenger’s pocket and gave me N3,000 to keep for the driver. He even told the driver that he had given me N3,000 to keep for him as he was alighting at the next bus stop. When I told the driver about it, he said I was learning fast

• Continued on page 44

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

•Nwaniba-Edet Akpan Avenue pedestrian bridge at night

•Nung Udoe Road, Uyo

VERY research in Africa and in the world shows that the problem of Nigeria was not availability of resources but how to utilise the resources. Therefore, leadership has been the bane of Nigeria’s situation. I became angry with the situation I find myself and I said I wished God will give me the opportunity to be a leader, I will show the difference. “I’ll prove that government can work. Why was I so angry? I lived in Lagos, and each time I came home, I would not be able to drive my car to my village. My village is sedentary; it is on the road between Ikot Ekpene and Aba, the road that comes from Umuahia, in Abia State. For 29 years, I had no road to my village. The federal road between Ikot Ekpene and Aba was totally out of function and all the filling stations on that road were closed down. Even to get Okada to get into the road was a problem. “We used to have pipe-borne water in the 60s and we even saw some of it when we came back from the war. By the 80s, there was no water to drink, people had to resort to streams, and I said what is happening in Nigeria? I could enter train in 1973 to Zaria to go and take entrance exam in the Nigerian Military School. Thirty years after, the train disappeared. “If by 1990 as a young lawyer, I could drive my car from Lagos for seven hours and by the eighth hour, I was in Ikot Ekpene in my state and I will go to the restaurant to eat. From 1990, about 15 years after, the road disappeared between Lagos and Akwa Ibom. Don’t you think there is a reason to be

“E

n Kazeem IBRAHYM n angry?” That was Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, responding to The Nation’s questions during his 50th birthday anniversary. Akpabio’s anger appears to have turned out into something positive for Akwa Ibom State, given the transformation the state has witnessed under his leadership. Now, the Akwa Ibom story is different in Nigeria in terms of infrastructural renaissance. Before he assumed office, major roads in the state, especially the federal ones, were in deplorable conditions. Such roads as Afaha Obong-Etim Ekpo-Iwukem road, Abak-Ikot Ekpene road, Nung Udoe, Itak-Use-Ikot Amama, Enin Nsit and Iko Ekpene were completely impassable. Akpabio worked with vigour to rescue all these roads and also embarked on the beautification of Uyo, the capital city. According to sources at the Ministry of Information and Communication, the state government had so far reconstructed 320 roads covering over 1,300 kilometres and fortified them with streetlights. They include six federal roads and other inter and intra-city roads across the three senatorial districts of the state. Apart from his free and compulsory education for the children of both indigenes and non-indigenes in the state, and free healthcare for pregnant women, children under age five and the aged, his government completed the Ibom International Airport, which Ak-

UYO:

pabio said his administration met at siteclearing stage, thus opening up the state’s investment and trade opportunities to the rest of the world. The beauty of Uyo at night will no doubt thrill a first-time visitor. All the roads from from Ikot Ekpene to Abak; Abak to Aka and Oron to Nwaniba are all built with streetlights. One could mistake Uyo for Paris or London at night because of the beauty of the city and the streetlights powered with generators. These have eased movement and reduced crime rate in the state. Another project that will excite any sports lover in Akwa Ibom State is the 30,000-seater Olympic-sized stadium tagged Ibom International Stadium. Work at the stadium is at completion stage. The stadium, many believe, would be used for the hosting of major international sporting events. Many have questioned the rationale behind the construction of the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, which when completed will boast a Cineplex; a 15-storey five star Hotel with 250 bedrooms, International Standard Theme Park with waterfalls, 10,000seater Dome/Conference Centre, Complementary services Monorail/Mini Disney and Shopping Park. The Cineplex has six cinema halls showing movies at a subsidised rate of N250 per movie while a shopping mall awaits commissioning. Commending Akpabio during a visit to Akwa Ibom State, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said: “If it were possible to borrow governors to other states, I would have

ca s Y t i C

requested that Akpabio be released to certain states in the federation. You have done extremely well with the resources available to you.” During his visit to the state, Senate President David Mark said: “The fact of the matter is if the state governors have performed the way Akpabio has, maybe we would not be talking of Boko Haram today.” Also the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Mohammed Garba, described Akpabio’s infrastructural development in the state as life-touching. He said during a visit to the state: “We have noted your responsiveness in human capacity building and in infrastructure development and good governance. Indeed, your vision in

•Ibom stadium at night

The allure at night developing the state and in executing lifetouching projects have earned you accolades from all of us.” But while the accolades continue, many in the state are of the view that the Akpabio administration can do more in addressing poverty and reducing the level of unemployment in the state. An indigene of the state, Michael Asuquo, says there is endemic poverty in the state, while the governor embarks on white elephant projects like the Ibom Tropicana and eLibrary. Asuquo said: “The Tropicana project is a monumental waste of public fund. The state government subsidises the cinema, yet not up to 20 people are seen in the cinema hall at

The beauty of Uyo at night will no doubt thrill a first-time visitor. All the roads from Ikot Ekpene to Abak; Abak to Aka and Oron to Nwaniba are all built with streetlights. One could mistake Uyo for Paris or London at night because of the beauty of the city and the streetlights powered with generators. These have eased movement and reduced crime rate in the state

a time even though it costs onlyN250 to watch a movie. “This is a stark contrast to Silverbird Cinema in Victoria Island and Ikeja where movie watchers are ready to pay N1,500 to see a movie.” According to him, Akpabio’s government has received 10 times the sum earned by his predecessors but his achievement is not commensurate with the state’s revenue profile. However, whether the amount of money earned by Akpabio is not commensurate with the level of development is not a worry for Johnson Peters, who says some governors can earn such monies without developing the state. Peters faults the government for not creating adequate employment opportunities for the people. He also says the government should try to close the gap between the rich and the poor in the state. Hear him: “Look at Uyo, the state capital, for instance, it is a beauty to behold at night. All Akpabio’s projects are world standard. Even some of the roads done by Akpabio’s government will last for another 30 years or more. “Let us pray to God to give us another man like Akpabio. But this time, the next governor should address poverty and create employment for the people.” Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State believes that Akpabio has not done enough to transform the lives of the people despite the huge oil money that is coming into the state.

•Roundabout at Dominic Etuk Avenue at night

•Nwaniba water fountain at night The party, through its Publicity Secretary, Samuel Udobong, says there is a disconnect between the government and the governed in Akwa Ibom State. Udobong said: “While Akwa Ibomites are wallowing in hunger and deprivation, seeking simple bailouts of food, shelter, clothing and job opportunities, the government engages in scheming to widen the gap that exists between the rich and the poor in our society.” But Aniekan Umanah, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, says the money that had accrued to the state had been judiciously used by the government by setting aside from inception 80

per cent of its revenue for capital projects and 20 per cent for recurrent expenditure. The state’s spokesman dismissed APC’s claim that Akpabio’s government has not done enough to transform the lives of the people. Umanah said: “The starting point of development is budgeting and appropriation. The Akwa Ibom State Government, since the inception of the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio, has been doing 80 per cent capital and 20 per cent recurrent expenditure, and that is what has translated into the uncommon transformation of the state. We must celebrate what needs to be celebrated.”

Paul UKPABIO

Pg 30

Pg 32

COUNTDOWN

5 DAYSTO GO

JUNE 7,

Inside The

Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

COUNTDOWN

5 DAYS TO GO

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

I’m not a car freak but I would’ve loved to have a Rolex — Ogun Info Commissioner Yusuph Olaniyonu

•Olaniyonu

Soon, campaigns will commence for the 2015 elections. In Ogun State, one of the major faces that will be on Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s campaign train will be Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Information Commissioner. So, do not be surprised, the ex-newsroom man may have totally transformed to a politician! However, he is quick to tell you that it is the nature of his present calling that has made him so. But the truth is, amiable Governor Amosun of Ogun State, like his other projects, has built a new breed of professionals in politics and one of them is Olaniyonu. So, whether anyone likes it or not, Yusuph Olaniyonu’s lifestyle has changed. The ex-news man tells us why. He spoke to PAUL UKPABIO in Abeokuta. ow has the challenge been, running a sensitive office as yours? I have had many challenges. One of such is dealing with an opposition that is not organised. An opposition that is only interested in pulling the governor down and not allowing the government to achieve much. They feel that what they did not achieve, the present government too should not achieve it. The agenda is to distract the government, cause problem for the government, and try to pull down structures that the government is setting up. That is the kind of opposition that we have. If it is an opposition which is ready to debate issues, state things as they are, it would be easier to deal with. But now it is difficult. Take for instance, here is an opposition that is aware that over the years, there has been little investment in structures in the education sector. They spent eight years; this government is just three years old. So, if we have 400 schools and this government has already done works in 250 of them, instead of praising the government for doing the 250, they are trumpeting the number that he has not done. They forget that if they had done 100, and this government came in and did 250, we would have been left now with just 50 to fix! That is the kind of opposition that I am talking about. It is an opposition that thrives in mischief, peddling rumours and lies, saying things that are not, that is a challenge. Another one is the challenge of dealing with colleagues who are allowing the opposition to use them. They are allowing the opposition to sometimes lead them into unprofessional actions. Then there is also the new age internet. When someone wants to tell a lie, he immediately knows he cannot do so through a journalist who ethically will not want to tell a lie, and he would not be able to use the formal media due to libel, so he rushes to the internet and with a press of a button, which may not even be able to be traced or challenged, he tells the lie. There is still no well-defined legal frame to deal with people who spread false rumours on the internet. One night, I got information that people were already moving out of a town here. It was as a result of someone who suddenly spread a rumour that a soldier had been killed there and that soldiers were mobilising in the barracks for a reprisal attack. Meanwhile, the people of the town had experienced something like that about six years ago when a similar incident happened and the entire town was almost sacked. So, when people heard, they took to flight. It took the governor to meet and douse the conse-

quence of the rumour that night. He went around with his aides and traditional rulers between 1am and 3am to speak to the people. And of course the problem of finance. If you have a government that is focusing on structures and development, there would be little left to spend on publicity and propaganda. And that is a radical departure from the government that was here before. Their own emphasis was on propaganda and publicity. Even when a tap that was not bringing out water was put in place, the publicity they made was water all over the place! Some time ago, when some journalists came round here, one of the questions they asked was why the present government has not worked on completing the airport. We asked them, which airport? What the previous government did then was to demarcate a site in the bush, and because they had made so much publicity about that, people thought we had abandoned that project. The problem then arises that because we are not making as

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I love good wrist watches and I used to keep some. But since I had a robbery incident in my house and I lost all those, I have not bothered. I am the type of person that would have loved to own a Rolex but you see, if I had been able to buy it then, they would have taken it away too. So I wear good wrist watches but not too expensive

much noise as the previous government, people are comparing us with them. People were used to the government which spent N100 on a project and then used N1, 000,000 to publicise it. Now we have a government that spends N1, 000, 000 on a project and reluctantly spends N50 to blow the trumpet about the project. So people are trying to adapt to that. There is also this pressure on the present government that we are not shouting enough. But what I will say here is that, we know how to do that but we also know that it costs a lot of money. Has your sense of style and fashion changed, now that you are working in government? Of course, it has to change. Now as a commissioner, I can hardly dress casually. Before, I could wear my traditional attire to the office without a cap. But now, I cannot do that. It is compulsory now that I must put a cap so that I do not look irresponsible. Except when we go on inspection during the weekend, that is when I wear my Jeans and T-shirt these days. And with the governor, you never can tell when going to a social function will suddenly turn to an inspection of a state project and vice versa. At our executive council meetings, it is compulsory that we must all appear formal. If you are in traditional attire, it must be complete with an agbada and a shoe. And if it is English style, it must be proper suit. Nonetheless, we may finish the council meeting and the next thing, the governor says a road project inspection is next for the day. That is how you end up going in your suit or agbada. You never can tell what next. So it is difficult to dress casually unless you are totally sure of the itinerary. What vanities of life have you taken on? I do not believe I should have what I do not need. I am not a car freak, so I do not think I should have cars. Before I came into government, I had two cars. My wife has one. I have an official car. So that is it. I am even trying to dispose of one now. I like to dress neatly and fashionably. As an editor then, the fashion pages were within my purview, so I had to go through it and familiarise myself. So I learnt not to flout the rules of fashion that the style editor writes about. I like to wear perfume anytime I’m going out. I love good wrist watches and I used to keep some. But since I had a robbery incident in my house and I lost all those, I have not bothered. I am the type of person that would have loved to own a Rolex but you see, if I had been able to buy it then, they would have taken it away too. So I wear good wrist watches but not too expensive. What readily appeals to you? I am attracted by brilliant people. I admire them and pray that I can also be like them. With your heavy work schedule, do you find time for the family? I used to take my children to school. When my children started going to the boarding house, I made sure I dropped them or picked them from school. That I can’t do now. Again, I made it a matter of duty to be at their ‘open day.’ But that I can’t do now. A lot of time, I don’t spend much time with them despite the fact that my wife relocated to Abeokuta when I came here. In the last ten minutes, she has called me twice, but I couldn’t pick the call. So those are some of the family challenges that I face. But it is a good sacrifice. I have told my wife that it is part of the service and that once you accept to offer the service, then you must accept the sacrifice that goes with it. One of the commissioners in your state recently referred to Ogun State as a construction yard. At the end of the day, what is the governor’s vision and what should we expect? The governor’s vision is encapsulated in what we now call Ogun standard. What he is saying is that the best of everything you see in Europe or America can also be enjoyed here. That is what defines his vision. It is a question of prudent management of finances to put those things in place, with a system that will encourage maintenance. It is by putting modern, good infrastructure in place that you start solving many problems. For instance, if investors know that they can move freely with their goods and machines in and out of the state, from factory to market place, they will come to the state and invest. Also if people can move freely and also settle in the state, it will help the economy to grow. And when that happens, the people will be buoyant, their standard of living will be higher. More and more people will be empowered. Investors will

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014 employ from the locality and support services will spring up for the locals in the community. People who are coming in to do business with the new companies will spend money when they come into the state. With a well laid out state, people’s traffic into the state will increase. That is why we are champions of the residency clause that people should pay tax where they reside as the personal income tax clause states. So where more people live here, IGR will increase and government will have more money to provide more infrastructure and social services. And it is already paying off. The other day, I heard the Commissioner for Commerce say that we are already about to receive the 47th company that has just started building its factory; and these are companies that are investing above $200 million each into the state. Apart from that, we have smaller companies coming in but below the high investment margin. But we are not even counting those among the A-league investors. Every now and then, you see the governor receiving top businessmen who are relocating here from other countries because of the trouble areas that they are running away from to Ogun State. Some of them are from the far East, and the West, some Turkish companies relocating from Iran. We have the highest number of higher institutions, which means that every year, we turn out more graduates than any state. A lot of these graduates will choose to stay back here. So, we have to have these companies here to employ them. If we do not do these now, then it will only mean that we will be creating an army of unemployed people, a potential time bomb. That is why the governor is doing all these things that he is doing. The infrastructure he is building is to attract. •Olaniyonu How did you find yourself in the newsroom? Since my secondary school days, I had actually been interested in journalism, law and political science. I pondered about these options. Someone discouraged me from reading law. Those days, people felt that reading political science meant you’ll likely be a teacher. That was how I felt too. So, I chose Mass Communication, which could give me a professional platform. Those days too, I was interested in Dele Giwa and his Parallax Snap and the writings of Ray Ekpu and later Yakubu Mohammed (of Newswatch magazine). I lived with an uncle, who used to buy newspapers. I read and dreamt of being like great journalists. I got into Ogun State Polytechnic in Abeokuta to study Mass Communication where I had my Ordinary National Diploma and later the Higher National Diploma. At the end of that, I went to the university. Which of the newsrooms did you start with? At the Department of Communications then in Ogun State Polytechnic, we had a monthly newspaper and a newsroom. Apart from that, from year one then, we were attached to a media house in Abeokuta. Every Thursday, we reported there to work. In my first year, I was at OGTV. In the second year, I was at OGBC. So we worked in their newsrooms like normal reporters. That was my first real exposure to the newsroom. Then again, during my one year industrial attachment, there was a sports newspaper then that I worked with within that year. When I went back to school for the Higher National Diploma programme, I was the sports editor of the in-house newspaper. We used to produce it at The Tribune newspapers. There I also had the opportunity of seeing what a newsroom looks like. All those experiences added to my practical training. Then doing my National Youth Service Corps year, there was a newsroom in the camp. I was the News Editor of the bulletin that we were producing. But my first job as a professional was with TSM (The Sunday Magazine). It was a good magazine. The publisher was Senator Chris Anyanwu, who is now a Senator of The Federal Republic of Nigeria from Imo State. She put together a good team led by Ely Obasi. We were doing very well. I left after four years. I left for The Week magazine, which was owned by Alhaji Abubakar Atiku. It was a good political magazine. And I was the Head of the Political Desk. From there, I went to This Day. So, was it your dream to be a journalist? Well, choosing to study Mass Communication already defined my career for me. At the campus, we used to contribute money to buy Newswatch magazine every week. More importantly, we used to do serious work in the polytechnic then, which produced more of the journalists for the country then. There were only two universities offering Mass Communication in the country then. They were the University of Lagos and that of Nsukka. An assignment made me to read a book from Frank Barton. He wrote that, “every soldier carries the baton of a field marshal and every reporter carries the baton of an editor. That is, the dream of every reporter is to become an editor.” That day, I made up my mind to become an editor, an editor of a title. Along the line, there were so many offers which came my way. I was a political editor at an important time in this country, a time when the Second Republic was being given birth to. I knew most of the key players. And I was known too as a professional. When 1999 came, I was offered political appointments but because I had made up my mind to become an editor, I refused. I actually enrolled at the Lagos State University to study Law and used that as an excuse not to leave. That was also to satisfy my initial desire to study Law. The media has received bashing from the government for one thing or another in recent times. Having now experienced working in government and also having been in the newsroom, what is your view about this? I think that the degeneration that has affected most parts of the Nigerian system has also affected the media. I don’t think that the Nigerian media is immune to it in anyway. Like Professor

39 Lai Osho wrote in one of his scholarly articles, he said the media is a reflection of the society in which it operates. Just as the media mirrors, it also reflects. The rot in the system is also reflecting in the media. Yes, perhaps more graduates are now in the newsrooms than before, and technology has helped to make things done faster but the quality, the dedication and the ethical orientation of the professionals may not be as good as they used to be. Though I was writing for a weekly, we had to contest for news even with dailies because we wanted to break the news. We used to go looking for exclusive stories. But I don’t think it is as much like that these days. Perhaps that is why the newspapers are all looking similar these days. Financial inducements, people not taking pains to crosscheck facts are more prevalent than before. After associating with politicians and working in government for a while, can one say that it is possible that you have metamorphosed into a politician? Now, I am holding a political office; so do not be surprised when you see me in the congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC). That is because I am now a member of that party. That is the party in government where I work. But that has not made me to decide that I am running for any political office. By virtue of my present position, I have to be associated with politics. If my governor is addressing an APC gathering for instance, I have to be there. In the grassroots where I come from, if they are holding a meeting, I will likely be there. Belonging to a political party is one of the qualifications for the office that I occupy; the same goes with those in the state House of Assembly. So what do you think of politics? I think it is an interesting and complex game. I also think that there are a lot of things that those who are not in it will not understand, though they think that they do. If you are not one of the decision makers, you may probably not understand it. I believe that more professionals should go into politics in order to raise the stakes. They will also have a better understanding of what is happening and why it is happening, when they are in. I believe that it is not a game that should be left with those usually referred to as ‘professional politicians.’ Professionals in various fields should come into politics to enrich it. If truly we want democracy the way we say we want it, then we must get involved because government is a product of politics and political parties. In some states where there has been improvement, it is likely you will see professionals there. In Ogun State, for instance, the governor is a chartered accountant who also has a post-graduate degree in International Finance. That has helped the way we are running government in Ogun State. Some people were even expecting that the economy of the state would collapse on his head. But he has been able to swim through it because of his educational background and professional experience. Moreover, modernisation and development which people never imagined will come to Ogun State are now visible. Someone who inherited N750 million a month IGR, with about N2 billion or less coming from federal allocation, and a bill of N3 billion or more, how was he going to survive? The money wouldn’t have even been enough to pay workers not to talk about constructing roads, bridges, and fulfilling his promises to the electorate which included giving free education to students, providing health care facilities and then ensuring that women and youths are empowered through various soft loans.

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I was a political editor at an important time in this country, a time when the Second Republic was being given birth to. I knew most of the key players. And I was known too as a professional. When 1999 came, I was offered political appointments but because I had made up my mind to become an editor, I refused

But now, the governor is not only paying salaries and entitlements when due, he is also embarking on numerous projects. In his first year in government, he constructed an overhead bridge. Whereas, for over 30 years, past governments did not do such. Also because of his experience, he made sure that competent people are working with him. The Commissioner for Finance, a woman, is a chartered accountant; ditto the Commissioner for Budget, the Commissioner for Agriculture is a lawyer, while an Agric engineer is in charge of the Environment Ministry. Some of these people may start participating in politics and raising the quality of governance. Tell us a little about your principal, Governor Amosun. Will you say he has been able to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people? Soon, he would have spent three years in office. Here is a man who obviously did not just jump into politics or become governor one evening. You will find out that it has been something that he had been planning to do perhaps since he was in school. That is because he had belonged to various organisations that have been helping society. Again, he is somebody who has over the years built himself and ensured that he has a stable source of finance. A self-made man, financially comfortable when he was running a private practice, he used his resources to help the community, awarding scholarship, building structures for his alma mater, funding so many community projects, preparing him. This is a man who understands every nook and cranny of this state. He tells us two or three other ways you can take to any part of the state. He is also passionate about the state. When he talks about the state, it is as if he is talking about a daughter, child or wife. He is a hard worker. Sometimes you wonder whether he sleeps. Do you know how he cleared the logjam on Ogere road where trailers used to block the road? He used to take a squad of security people along with some of his aides there at midnight. Any trailer seen to be parked there was towed. They thought he would be tired of coming at there in the night. But he didn’t stop. He continued until the trailers stopped doing that. There is sanity there now. He was not just going and immediately leaving, he used to stay there for over three hours. When he closes from the office in the evening at seven, you can rest assured that he is not going straight home, but going with aides to inspect projects. He gets home when it is very dark. On Saturdays, he does inspection. He allows us to have our breakfast, after, he calls us out. We usually already know that we are going for inspections. There are some parts of Ogun State that take a whole day’s journey. For instance, in Ilara Ijoye is where we are constructing the longest road, 102 kilometres road linking four local government areas together. Every weekend is like that too. I wonder where he got his knowledge of engineering construction from. He flows with the engineers, sometimes corrects them and insists on some things. And he walks kilometres. I do not know much about how the political campaigns will be, but I am already feeling it that his re-election campaign will be very easy because people see him every day doing the work. He has also demystified government in the state. He is not frivolous about his administration. We hardly carry security about; no commissioner carries security about. When we walk about around our offices, sometimes the civil servants may almost push us aside until they recognise who we are. You are going your way and they too are going their way. The governor is in the market place, he is everywhere. People send text messages to his phone. He reads them at night and forwards to the person concerned. I wake up in the morning and get mine. Talking about his performance, I think in all the five areas and beyond, he has done landmark things that people will remember him for. Do you see the common man in Ogun State having a feeling of being a stake holder in this state? Of course, I think more than before. Funny enough, I am one of the commissioners who are usually 70% of the time in the governor’s entourage. And I listen to what the members of the public are saying more than what the people in government are saying. I hear people right from the period before I was sworn in, that at last, here is a governor who they can relate with. People actually walk up to him, talk to him, touch him and generally feel free with him. People say it that before his tenure, that when governors were arriving at an event, people would be pushed out of the way, sometimes beaten and molested. But that Governor Amosun is not like that. People see government as closer to them as they are now closer to the government. And people who say these are the very ordinary citizens, not paid praise singers like it used to be obtainable. People send text messages to the governor and he treats them at executive council meetings. In the ministry here, we have a feedback programme where people can phone in to say it as it is, and the matter will be acted upon immediately. Here also, you see commissioners who are friendly. Some of us even walk to our houses. It is a form of exercise and also an opportunity to move freely, talk to people and feel their pulse. At whatever standard, there is close relationship between the government and the governed. People feel the impact of the empowerment going all around the state. A lot of projects are targeted at the common man. There was a man who sent a text message to the governor that he was late to work because he normally passes in front of his house. So the governor replied that he had been up but was receiving a guest at home, that was why he was late to work. The man then sent back a message that he wanted a diary and calendar from the governor. At the exco- meeting, the governor insisted that he wanted to know who the fellow is. He asked me to call him over. When he came over, it turned out to be just an artisan. So, I gave him the diary and calendar. I have even been expecting the same man to send text and ask for these items this year, but he is yet to do so. Should we expect a book from you some day? I don’t know. Sincerely, I do not know yet. I have tried to keep a dairy of some important events but the truth is that I do not know. I have seen so many important things, not necessarily just in government. So, only time will tell. Before getting government appointment, I had reported politics for 20 years. So I have materials of major political events in the country.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

‘How we graduated from scavengers to pickpockets and highway robbers’ • Continued from page 19 the car. I took it and ran a few metres before I jumped down from the bridge and escaped. I later sold the phone for N3, 500. From that day, in addition to looking for broken down vehicles, I was prepared to steal anything of value I found inside the vehicle. “With time, the people around the area started seeing me as a thief, but it did not bother me because they did not call me an armed robber. In fact, I refused to join some boys under the bridge who were using guns to snatch vehicles.” Asked how he was arrested, he said: “I pushed a broken down car from the bridge near the office of the Nigerian Road Safety Corps in the area. I even gave the owner of the car the sum of N1,000 to buy fuel and refund it to me later. “As I sat down, waiting for the man to come back from the filling station, I saw some members of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) coming towards me with machetes, broken bottles and other dangerous weapons. “When they came, they said they were looking for Iresi (rice) and Ogi (pap) who used to rob motorists on the bridge. Iresi and Ogi were the nicknames of two notorious armed robbers who were terrorising the area. “My own nickname is Sukumalaja, and I was never as dangerous as the two robbery suspects they were looking for. I had been a one-man squad and had several times refused to join them. There were times I had to relocate to other areas when the activities of Iresi and Ogi became too embarrassing in the area. “As the OPC men were still asking me about Iresi and Ogi, the two armed robbers saw them and escaped. The OPC men then arrested me and took me to the Dolphin Police Station. After one week I was transferred to SARS. “I thought that my legs would never touch SARS’ cell. If I regain my freedom, I will never steal again, even if it entails relocating to my village.” The second suspect, Ramoni Jimoh (25), a native of Ilorin, Kwara State, who used to scavenge for metal materials in Falomo area on Lagos Island, said: “I was doing well in scrap collection and waste disposal before I fell into the temptation of stealing and robbing people. “I used to get contracts to dispose refuse for houses and restaurants before the state government took over the job and contracted it out to private companies who use modern refuse disposal vehicles instead of the wheelbarrows we were using. “When we were collecting refuse with carts and wheelbarrows, some houses were paying us daily while others were paying us monthly. We used to collect N500 per drum of refuse disposed. So, we could dispose as many as eight drums in a day and collect N4, 000. “But the restaurants paid monthly and there were about six of them. So, I used to make up to N32, 000 monthly. That was during the administration of Senator Bola

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One day, our bus broke down again and I ran away with the N10,000 we had made that day. The driver reported me to the chairman of the garage but I told him that he had cheated me more than three times. I did not return the money. Instead, I became a full-time pickpocket and a ‘golden finger’ that is what you are called when you get to the level that you can pick virtually anything from a victim’s pocket without being caught

Tinubu. But when Governor Fashola took over, he introduced the PSP because he did not want wheelbarrows or carts. That was what made me to start scavenging for aluminum, iron and other scraps to survive. “Sometimes, I got up to N2,000 in a day. It could also be as low as N500, depending on the value of the items you were able to pick. There was even a day I made only N200.” Asked why he left scavenging to go into phone, bag and laptop snatching at bus stops or traffic jams, he said: “When I became frustrated with picking scraps because the money I was getting was too small, I decided to look for something better to do. But everywhere I went in search of employment, they asked about my academic qualification and experience. Even when I asked to be a houseboy or work in a hotel as a bar man, they asked for my qualification. “I stopped school at Primary Four because of the death of my father who was singlehandedly sponsoring me with the hope that when I grew up, I would be able to assist the family by sponsoring my younger ones. “When I came to Lagos in search of survival, the

hard reality of life dawned on me as someone without a helper or where to live. This made me to join some boys that were sleeping at a dump site. We were not paying to sleep there. “Anyywhere around the dump site was our toilet or bathroom. After the morning bath, the next thing was go out to find any work that can give you food for the day. But in my own case, I did not even know where to go and get a job. To make my condition worse, my fellow dump hill tenants searched my pocket while I was fast asleep and took away my money, leaving only N200 for me. “To make my case worse, I had a girlfriend from Togo who was carrying a four-month-old pregnancy. I had not

even gone to Togo to formalise the marriage before I was arrested.” On why he abandoned his scavenging job to go into handset and handbag snatching, he said: “The person who was buying the scraps I was able to pick, Ismaila, was my good friend. But one day, I went to ask him for money so that I could eat and he told me point blank that he had no money to give me. When I told him to try and find something to give me, no matter how small, he got annoyed and asked me whether he was the one who brought me to Lagos. He warned me to stop disturbing him. “Frustrated, I went to P&T Bus Stop near Obalende Bridge and stood there. I dressed well to avoid policemen on patrol coming to question me. As I was there, thinking about where to go next, especially as there was a sign post in the area that says, No stopping, No loitering, No hawking, I saw a girl who was trying to make a call from her phone. I went straight to her, snatched her phone, jumped down the bridge and ran to a place where she could not pursue me. I sold the phone the same day for N4,000. I later asked about the market price of the phone and they said N8,000. That was how I started snatching phones. “Later, I became notorious in the area for snatching phones from victims and jumping under the bridge where ‘area boys’ smoke marijuana. People were always afraid to pursue me to that place because the boys could attack them. Once I entered the place, it would become difficult to locate me. “One day, the boys there got annoyed. They arrested me and took me to the Dolphin Police Station. It was on May 10 this year. I was sitting at the dump site when I saw a crowd. They approached me and asked me whether I was Ejo (snake), and I said yes. They asked me about a lady’s bag containing a Nokia phone, a bunch of keys, a lady’s shower cap, an invoice booklet and an exercise book which I had just snatched. “They took me to the police station and the police recovered everything except the N2,000 cash which I had already spent on food, bathwater, drinks and cigarettes. I was later transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).” Asked why he was not returning important items like identity cards, ATM cards, keys and SIM cards found in the wallets he snatched, he said it would be too risky to do so. The third suspect, Aliu Musa a.k.a, Whisky (21), a native of Ataida village in Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State, said: “I attended Baptist School, Araromi near Kamselem House in Lagos. I later went to Dolphin Senior Secondary School. “I dropped out in JSS 1 and travelled to Benin, Edo State, because I had nobody to support me. When I came back to Lagos, I became a bus conductor in order to survive. At the end of every day, I got about N3,500. “But when my driver boss started living an extravagant lifestyle, carrying prostitutes and spending heavily on them, he ran short of the money to maintain the vehicle and I left him to become a garage boy and at least went home with N1,000 every day. With it, I could barb my hair, eat and drink. Even at the close of work each day, the other bus conductors used to give me money.” Asked how he became a pickpocket and highway robber, he said: “Being a garage boy gave me the opportunity to stroll around. One day, I got to one of the bus stops and saw a boy who removed a phone from somebody’s pocket and crossed to the other side of the road. “I followed him. When I met him, I asked him what he removed from the victim’s pocket and he said it was a phone. He later sold it for N10,000 and gave me N3,000 out of the money. I was very excited because I got the N3,000 without much stress. “When my boss repaired his bus, I started the conductor work again. One day, I saw a pickpocket who was well dressed and was reading a newspaper in our bus. In my presence, he picked the pocket of a passenger and left. When the passenger realised that his wallet and phone were gone, I told the driver that I saw the pickpocket but he told me to keep quiet if I did not want any trouble. “I was shocked on one occasion when a pickpocket who had entered our bus stole money from a passenger’s pocket and gave me N3,000 to keep for the driver. He even told the driver that he had given me N3,000 to keep for him as he was alighting at the next bus stop. When I told the driver about it, he said I was learning fast. “When the victim (passenger) started complaining, I asked him if he was sleeping. But he showed me his torn pocket and said the pickpocket used razor blade to tear his pocket and remove his phone and wallet. When I reported the matter to the driver, he told me to mind my own business. “One day, our bus broke down again and I ran away with the N10,000 we had made that day. The driver reported me to the chairman of the garage but I told him that he had cheated me more than three times. I did not return the money. Instead, I became a fulltime pickpocket and a ‘golden finger’ that is what you are called when you get to the level that you can pick virtually anything from a victim’s pocket without being caught.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN

OGBENI AREGBESOLA

Repair Odogbo-Eti Oni-Ilesa Road

Ogbeni Aregbesola

GOVERNOR ELECHI GOVERNOR ORJI JAMB REGISTRAR

Gov. Orji

Gov. Elechi

Prof. Dibu Ojerinde

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

LAGOS: A city that doesn’t sleep

•A popular night club in Lagos

ers. Yet, one of the young men found at the spot said it was the best place to be at that time of the day. “There is nothing to be afraid of. This place is safe. There is no wahala (trouble) at all,” he assured. At Allen Avenue, the road was lined by young sex hawkers in skimpy dresses. Ironically, the spot considered the hottest in the area is located directly in front of a church. In a scene reminiscent of the market place, the girls try to outdo one another as they flaunt their breasts and buttocks to win the heart of potential customers. Soon, a girl dressed in tight leggings and a spaghetti top that barely covered her large breasts, approached our correspondents. “Hi, you wanna catch fun?” she asked with a smile, and the following conversation ensued: “How much would it cost to have you for the night?” “My short time is N5,000. You will pay N20,000 if it is TDB (Till Day Break)” “What’s the last price?” “For you, I can bring the short time down to N3,000 and N10,000 for TDB.” If you think she would be stunned with the next request, then you are in for a shock. “What would it cost the two of us to have you till day break?” “Two of you? I will collect N20,000. No reduction. If you trust me, I will give you good time.” Strangely, the girl, who identified herself as Tina, did not see herself as a prostitute. “You can see that I am a big girl. You think say I be ashewo (prostitute), abi? I be runs girl. I take good care of myself, and I am very neat.” Tina suggested several guest houses in

the area where the deal could be concity. summated. But just when she thought Although it was past 1 am, the popushe had a deal, a heavily endowed girl lar Balogun Street was filled with peoemerged and offered to take less than ple. While the shops had closed to N20,000. business, another form of business was At Ipodo, another hot spot in Ikeja, taking over. A short distance from the time was 12:40 am. Some young men Idumota bus-stop, a woman nicknamed were busy hawking hard drugs while Iya Kiisun (the woman that never sleeps) young women hanged around for had her table filled with different kinds would be customers. of steaming hot food. Her customers The Nation investigation revealed that lined up with plates in their hands, most of the offices in the area served as eager for a bite. rendezvous for the girls. Rather than And if your choice of food is bread spend money on a guest house, some of and beans or butter, they are not in short the girls arrange supply. A middle aged with the security woman was seeing guards of some ofhawking loaves of fices in the area to bread arranged in a Tina and George, wait at their front wooden tray. All gates. around, men and another married Driving round the women, mostly of a couple, said they city at night is a particular extraction, lovely experience. were seeing preparing had been a regular With the roads to sleep in front of the partaker in the largely deserted, the many lock-up shops night life on Aina journey from Ikeja along the road. to Lagos Island took On the road between Street for a long just about 25 minBalogun and the Lagos time. “We have utes. Although the Central Mosque, hour would be conyoung boys had generbeen coming here sidered ungodly, ous time and space to for a while. Any there would be no demonstrate their foottime we feel bored cause for alarm if ball skills. And with your car developed the World Cup contest at home, irrespeca flat tyre. There already in the air, the tive of the time of were one or two road was turned into a vulcanizers at work football pitch, with all the night, we come in different parts of the razzmatazz of a here to have fun. the city. Unlike in stadium on display. The good thing many parts of the Marina was a direct country, there was opposite of what it about this place is no visible sign of inrepresents during the that the foods are security driving day. With the roads lit round the city at with floodlights and always hot and the that odd time. The cool air blowing in drinks are chilled presence of policefrom the lagoon, Mamen could be felt in rina was sure a place different parts of the to be at such time.

Continued from page 47

Girls were seen strutting along the road with no visible sign of fear. Taxis were the commonest vehicles. In front of the Bar Beach, at the bend from Eko Hotel and Suites, our reporters’ car was approached by a young drug hawker in a red shirt. “S and K, Sand K (a street phrase for drugs),” he shouted. But as soon as he realised that he was advertising his wares to wrong people, he vanished into the darkness. At a dark spot near the Eko Atlantic City project, some young men were at work. Armed with torch, they busied themselves with gambling, smoking and drinking. They were also not unaware of the illegality of their activity, as they were all ready to flee at the slightest notice. Obalende was devoid of the hustling and bustling that usually governs it in the day. It was, however, not totally deserted, as boys and girls seized the opportunity to catch some fun. At Ojuelegba, although it was about 2 am, commercial buses and taxis were still operating, waiting to carry commuters to different parts of the city. Ayilara had lost most of the notoriety it gained in the past on account of the activities of prostitutes. Apart from a few young men and women who kept late night, the area has largely assumed the status of a residential area. Down the road towards Lawanson, Ogunlana Drive and Bode Thomas, Lagosians were seen going about their businesses, not minding what time it was. Maryland proved to be a popular spot at night. A filling station located at the roundabout was busy dispensing fuel even though it was past midnight. A man dashed across the road, eager to catch a bus heading towards Yaba. As he made to cross, an oncoming car had to screech to a halt in a desperate effort not to run over him.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

•Erelu Fayemi receiving award from Elder Akinyemi (holding microphone)

When Erelu Bisi Fayemi flagged off agricultural revolution for widows HE First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has flagged off an agricultural revolution for widows in OdoAyedun, Ikole Local Government Area of the state. The project is aimed at gainfully engaging widows in mechanised agriculture in order to boost their income and food production in the state and the country at large. The occasion was the recent launching of the Ekiti State chapter of Akindoye Akinyemi Foundation (AAF) and the investiture of the first lady as the Grand National Matron of the foundation. AAF is an international non-governmental organisation that caters for widows and their children. It has its headquarters in Lagos. The widows under the foundation’s programmes are called Jesus’ wives. They were formed into groups to cultivate a 20acre expanse of land provided by the monarch of the town, His Royal Majesty, Oba Evangelist Solomon Ilesanmi Ajibade (JP), Ajigbotoluwa 1 of Owa Odo Ayedun, Ekiti. Thousands of women from various parts of the state thronged the community to show their love and support for to the first lady for the various programmes she has put in place to empower women and alleviate their problems. Erelu Bisi Fayemi has a track record of attending to issues affecting women long before she became the first lady. For instance, she has been a social change philanthropist and organisational development specialist. She has been involved with several international development organisations in the UK and across Africa, some of which she co- founded. She established the African Women’s Leadership Institute , a training and networking forum for young African women, which has trained over 6, 000 women across Africa and most of these women are now in senior decision – making positions. In 2000, she co- founded the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)- the first Africa- wide grant making fund, which supports the work of organisations promoting women’s rights in Africa. Since it began grant making in 2001, AWDF has supported over 1, 000 women’s organisations in 42 African countries with over $20 million in grants. It has played a key role in the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Africa, through its support for grassroots initiatives, policy engagement, and movement building for social justice. She is the founder of Ekiti Development Foundation , a nongovernmental organisation that focuses on women and youth development. She is also the initiator of the Multiple Births Trust Fund in the state. Addressing the beneficiaries of the project, Erelu Fayemi assured them of the support of the Governor Kayode Fayemiled administration and enjoined them to maximise the opportunity provided by the AAF project to improve their well-being. “ I want to re-assure you of the support this administration for you. We will provide the necessary support for this project to succeed. I sincerely thank our father, elder Akindoye Akinyemi, for bringing this laudable project to the state and the community in particular. I want to enjoin you to do your best to

•A cross section of women at the occasion

Innocent DURU

make sure that the project succeeds.” She also used the opportunity to seek support for the husband in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, saying: “You know, elections are around the corner. Please, don’t allow people that do not have the love of this state to deceive you. When Fayemi made promises to rehabilitate the roads for you, he did it. He has not failed in carrying out the promises he made to you. He needs your vote to continue the good work he has started in the state. When the time comes for you to vote, vote rightly. Put your thumb print on the box with the symbol of a broom. Vote for APC, vote for John Kayode Fayemi for continuity.” Speaking on behalf of the women, High Chief Omowumi Ajayi, the Olulokun of Odo Ayedun, thanked the first lady for her love and kind-heartedness for women. “We sincerely appreciate the first lady for all the love she has been showing to women. We are also very appreciative of Governor John Kayode Fayemi’s monthly stipend for the old people. The money has in no small measure helped many of them to have something to meet their basic needs. It is a laudable exercise that has brought smiles to the faces of many of such people that previously had no means of getting money to attend to their daily needs. We further ask for more of the administration’s support in transforming our community.” The monarch also expressed his unreserved gratitude to the first lady. He said: “I thank the first lady for accepting to grace this occasion despite her very tight engagement. I thank her for the role she is playing and would continue to play in the lives of women not only in Ekiti State but in Nigeria as whole. It is

‘

We sincerely appreciate the first lady for all the love she has been showing to women. We are also very appreciative of Governor John Kayode Fayemi’s monthly stipend for the old people. The money has in no small measure helped many of them to have something to meet their basic needs. It is a laudable exercise that has brought smiles to the faces of many of such people that previously had no means of getting money to attend to their daily needs

very gratifying that God in His infinite mercy has spared Erelu Bisi and John Kayode Fayemi together to bring inestimable progress to Ekiti State. OdoAyedun is blessed with special luck from the government of Kayode Fayemi. Apart from what the government has done for this city of God, almost all important dignitaries in his government have visited this town at one time or the other. “I am using this opportunity to thank and appreciate our son, Elder Akindoye Akinyemi, for bringing this project to Odo Ayedun. This laudable action of his, is not really a surprise to us in Odo Ayedun. His father late Pa Akinyemi was one of those who brought Christianity to this town. We thank God he is following this path and may God continue to shower blessing on him. “I congratulate all women, Jesus’ wives, who will benefit from this programme. This is the first of its kind in Ekiti State. It is my hope that you will take advantage of this empowerment to improve yourselves. You are created to be happy and Jesus will be with you. God has helped you, Doye is helping you, Ekiti State is helping you, please help yourselves.” Explaining the choice of Erelu Fayemi for the honour, Elder Akindoye Akinyemi said: “We have carefully studied your pet project, the Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF) and noted with keen interest that some of what Your Excellency set out to do, is the reason we are gathered here today. Among our requests, which Your Excellency has already granted us, was your motivational stimulation to connect us with State Ministry of Agriculture for a continuous supply of equipment to clear the land for the widows and youths and a healthy supply of seedlings, among others. “Today we are specially privileged to have destiny recorded in our favour that Your Excellency becomes our grand national matron. From Your Execellency’s strategic planning, startling records of achievements and through your impactful capabilities, we are at heart rest that under your grand national matronship and mentorship and with God always on your side, you will take AAF to greater and higher levels in the very near future. “ I charge and challenge our widows, the current leadership and motivator of (EDF) in the person of its president, the first lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, should be an injection and incentive to you all to toe the line of unyielding thinking pattern of AAF. Here is a wake up call for all, especially the widows. Please, wake up and give hope to the agricultural revolution that is about to emerge in our midst today.” Giving a summary of what the foundation stands for, he noted: “AAF is an international non-governmental organisation that has the passion to care for widows, their children, orphans and the less-privileged and gracefully ageing group- the elderly in the society. We render services to humanity, which is reflective on the lives of those we have been able to touch and empower since inception seven years ago. We have been mandated to give our services to humanity in assisting them to face and overcome their challenges and face life constructively.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

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On hearing what he had done, I began crying. I ran out and stood by the large gate of the company, weeping bitterly. How could my own father do this to me, I thought as the tears rolled down my cheeks. What was I going to do now? How could I go back to school without money, I wailed, crying profusely with my hands on my head

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

Managing your home (1)

Ways of poisoning

THE NATION, SATURDAY JUNE 7, 2014

EXUALLY Transmitted Diseases are popularly called venereal diseases. They are contagious diseases, easily transmitted by sexual contact from an infected person to a sexual partner who is otherwise healthy. The germs causing these diseases vary a great deal, but all depend on the warmth and moisture of the sexual organs for survival. They readily penetrate the delicate skin and moist membranes that come in contact during sexual intercourse. Once the germs have invaded the tissues of the sex organs, they propagate and spread to other tissues, even throughout the body in some cases. The sexually transmitted diseases cause various kinds of suffering with tragic results as damage to an unborn child, infertility and even premature death. Once established in a person’s body, the disease tends to persist, if untreated, for the duration of life. Syphilis and Gonorrhoea are the bestknown venereal diseases, but the range also includes genital herpes, candidiasis and warts, as well as trichomoniasis, chancroid, staphylococcal infections and Lymphogranuloma venereum. The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases vary, depending on the causative agent. There may be abnormal discharge from the sexual organ, with foul odour and itching sensations, as in Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. There may be ulcers and pinching sensations as in Genital Herpes Simplex, Staphylococcus, Syphilis, Chancroid and Granuloma inguinale. Thirdly, there are those characterized by the appearance of lumps and bumps in the private parts, as observed in cases of genital warts and Lymphogranuloma venereum. Prevention It should be well understood that when a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed in a man or woman, the disease has probably already passed on to the sexual partner, it is therefore important that both should treated to prevent

NAFDAC destroys N120m expired, fake products Wale ADEPOJU

HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed expired and fake products estimated at N120 million. Its Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii, said some of the products were seized through NAFDAC surveillance, while others were handed over to the agency by some marketers and manufacturers. He spoke at the Sagamu, Ogun State, destruction/dumpsite of the agency. Orhii, represented by the agency’s Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Mr Garuba McDonald, said the fight against fake and counterfeit products is yielding result. “We have been able to curb the re-introduction of spurious, counterfeit and unwholesome products from finding their way back into the market,” he said. He said surveillance and enforcement operations will increase in the country’s ports, borders, and identified some routes used by smugglers. Meanwhile, NAFDAC said it certified no fewer than 50,000 products last year. Orhii made this known a joint capacity-building programme, organised by the agency in collaboration with Merck Millipore on Biomonitoring and lab water technologies for laboratory staff in Lagos. He said more can be done if the agency continues to build the capacity of its laboratory staff to improve their competence to meet world regulatory standards. The agency, he said attached great importance to the quality of regulatory framework and training of staff. Deputy Director, Lab Services, NAFDAC, Mrs Abiodun Falana, said the aim of the laboratories is to generate and certify quality products for the country.

Polio will be eradicated by August, says health minister

HE Minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, on Friday said only three cases of polio had been recorded in the country this year. Alhassan noted that the reduction in polio cases was due to Federal Government’s concrete measures taken to eradicate the disease in the country. The minister said, “by August, polio will be history in the country.’’ He commended traditional and religious leaders in various parts of the country for mobilising the people to participate in immunisation against polio. He said the massive participation of the royal fathers had encouraged parents to bring their children out to be immunised. Alhassan called on the mass media to do more to sensitise people on the dangers involved if children were not immunised. He said such sensitisation would educate parents and encourage them to come forward with their young ones to be immunised. The minister said that health-related matters should not be left in the hands of government alone. He added that collective efforts would ensure the total eradication of the disease for the common good of the society. Alhassan said that qualitative and meaningful life for the nation’s future leaders would only be possible if effective health care delivery was put in place.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH 53 AMILY HEALTH

re-infection. Also, it is strongly advised that any suspicion of a venereal disease or of possible exposure to infection, calls for urgent medical attention. In fact, prolonged cases of venereal infections have been shown to predispose one to more dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS. Treatment/Control In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that in order to

avoid suffering in the midst of plenty, we must turn to NATURE. Some of the natural remedies being advanced for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted diseases include the extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata and Plumbago zeylanica. For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-3303897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

NEWS 58 Lamido Sanusi Lamido Continued from Page 5 Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (born 31 July 1961) was appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on 3 June 2009 and suspended from office by President Goodluck Jonathan on 20 February 2014 due to FRC reports about reckless spending.Sanusi also exposed a $20 billion shortfall in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)which is being investigated. Technically, his term ends this month. He is a career banker and ranking Fulani nobleman, and also serves as a respected Islamic scholar. The global financial intelliegence magazine, The Banker, published by the Financial Times, has conferred

THE NATION

Contenders for Emir of Kano stool on Sanusi two awards, the global award for Central Bank Governor of the Year, as well as for Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa. The TIME magazine also listed Sanusi in its TIMES 100 list of most influential people of 2011. In 1985 Sanusi joined Icon Limited (Merchant Bankers), a subsidiary of Morgan Guaranty Trust Bank of New York, and Baring Brothers of London. He moved to the United Bank for Africa in 1997 in the Credit and Risk Management Division, rising to the position of a General Manager. In September 2005, he joined the Board of First Bank of Nigeria as an Executive Director in charge of Risk and Management Control, and was appointed Group

Managing Director (CEO) in January 2009. He was also the Chairman, Kakawa Discount House and sat on the Board of FBN Bank (UK) Limited. Sanusi is recognized in the banking industry for his contribution towards developing a risk management culture in Nigerian banking. First Bank is Nigeria’s oldest bank and one of the biggest financial institutions in Africa.[6] Sanusi was the first northerner to be appointed CEO in First Bank’s history of more than a century. SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA 6. TIJJANI HASHIM (GALADIMAN KANO)A close ally and friend of Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim is the chairman of The Phormex Com-

pany, which is a diversified healthcare firm.SOURCE: THE PHORMEX 7. AMINU ADO BAYEROBorn on August 21st, 1961 to the royal family in Kano, Prince Aminu Ado Bayero attended Kofar Kudu Primary School, Emir’s Palace, Government College Birnin Kudu and Ado Bayero University all in Kano State. With a Bachelor

junta era of harassing innocent citizens. She continued: “It is a sad reminder of the dreaded military days. It is disheartening to know that our security agents would descend on lawabiding citizens of this country. Honestly, this unruly security agents should have been seconded to the war zones where they can use their overzealous muscles against terrorists and not against peaceful drivers who were just conveying papers. “Our security agents should be reminded that part of what makes democracy work is the recognition of the rights of our people and also the freedom of the press as enshrined in the constitution. They should never degenerate into this anarchy and vicious cycle that they have resorted to.” Human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, said the action was “ condemnable in every ramification. Unless we stand firm and protect this democracy, there are many government officials in the military and in the police who are out to scuttle it. We won’t let them do that because we fought for this democracy. “Whoever did it should be fished out and punished. The action is against freedom of expression. We saw it earlier when Mbu gave a directive that people should not protest any more against the abduction of the Chibok girls. Now we are seeing newspapers being harassed, may be at gun point. It is condemnable. “

Chief Ladi Williams, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed surprise at the development. He said: “ The military owe Nigerians explanation on this.” Exasperated by the apparent throw back to military era, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) vowed to mobilise Nigerians against the development which it said could be a prelude to the clampdown on the media in contradiction of the various charters on human rights that Nigeria is signatory to. National Vice President of the committee, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaiye, expressed dismay over the turn of event by the government, saying the Federal Government should concentrate on using the military to tackle the raging insurgency in the northern part of the country instead of using them to muzzle the media. Otitolaiye said: “The CDHR sees this as a brigandage employed by the Federal Government, using security agents to carry out what is clearly a rape on the right to information and freedom of expression. We see it as a form of human rights abuse o the drivers who are detained and vendors and other workers affected by this development. “It is a rape of the right to freedom of information; it is a ga against the media. The government should look within itself and face the serious insurgency of Bokko Haram and use the military there instead of using them against the media.

“We call on Nigerians to be vigilant and fight for their rights because freedom is never won on a platter of gold. A people will always get the type of government they represent themselves. As for us in the CDHR we are ready to mobilise Nigerians against this development. We condemn it in very strong terms.” Akure activist and lawyer, Titiloye Charles has condemned the seizure of ‘The Nation’ Newspapers. The activist noted that the action of government is a ploy to gag critical press and deny the general public access to information. Titiloye said: “We are in a civil rule, government and the governed should seek recourse in court and refrain from any act of self help like this. “It is unacceptable that an edition of The Nation newspaper can be confiscated by security agents without recourse to the law court.” Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Newspaper Vendors and Distributions Association in Niger State, Mr. Festus Elijah, said they were shocked by the actions of the soldiers which he said reminded them of the military era. Also the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) in the state, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, who was at the newsstand when the military raided condemned the actions of the soldiers and lamented that the military action had denied people their source of livelihood and access to information as guaranteed by the constitution.

Soldiers seize The Nation’s parcels Continued from Page 5 But the copies of The Nation were saved by the circulation van driver, who in a bid to save time, handed them to a public transporter before continuing his journey to Awka, the Anambra State Capital. This action by the driver foiled the attempt by the soldiers to intercept copies meant for sale in Asaba. The vehicle was later impounded at Elele-Alimini Roundabout in Rivers State on his return journey to Port Harcourt. As at 3.00pm he was still been held by the soldiers. The delivery cars of The Nation, Leadership and Daily Trust were intercepted at Kilometre 10 in Minna, Niger

State at about 6.3am. The drivers of the vehicles were asked to park and asked to surrender their car keys and mobile phones. The vehicles were still with the soldiers at 4.3pm yesterday. A team of soldiers later stormed the newspapers distribution centre in two pick-up vans with registration numbers 31AB 033 NA and 31AB 006 NA at about 7am, searching for unnamed newspapers. The Nation’s delivery van conveying copies of the newspaper to Ondo State was impounded by soldiers on the Ore-Lagos Expressway. Driver of the vehicle, Tayo Oluwole, said he was arrested with the consignment at about 5am.

He was later released while the vehicle was driven to the Military Barrack in the Okitipupa Local Government Area. Some other soldiers from 32 Artillery Brigade,Akure went to the distribution centre in the Ondo State capital at about 5am waiting for the delivery vans of the newspapers to arrive. An official at the Public Relations Unit in Owena Barracks, Akure said he was not aware of the development, urging our correspondent to link with the Army Headquarters PR Unit in Abuja. Six soldiers invaded the Ilorin newspaper distribution centre on Emir's Road, Ilorin and proceeded to confiscate copies of some newspapers.

of Arts degree in Mass Communication/Political Science, he also attended Sierra academy of Aeronautics, Oakland, California, USA. A Flight Engineer licensed Boeing 727. He was also a PR Manager and Flight Engineer at Kabo Air Services.He heads lots of community based organizations as grand patron and currently the chairman of AID group of

Jama’at Nasril Islam of Nigeria (General Purpose Committee). He also was decorated with the prestigious traditional titles; Dan Maje of Kano, District Head of Nassarawa Local Government, Dan Buran of Kano, Turakin Kano, Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida and currently the district head of Dala. SOURCE: BLOCK GROUP

TRADE

Chibok girls: We’ll not relent, says military

HE Nigerian Army yes terday said it will not re sign or relent its effort on the fight against terrorism and rescuing of the abducted

We acted on intelligence, says DHQ Continued from Page 5

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

According to him, “this is a democratic setting; this action is uncivilized, and should not be condoned by all well-meaning Nigerians”. It would be recalled, security agents and military personnel, in the early hours of yesterday, stopped vans conveying copies of newspapers of three media houses, The Nation, Leadership and the Daily Trust to different parts of the country, causing huge losses to the newspaper companies. The Punch also said some newspaper parcels were torn by the soldiers.

Chibok girls. The Army spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, said this yesterday in Abuja during a press briefing. "Nigerian Army and other security agencies will not resign or relent on our effort in the fight against terrorism and rescuing of the girls. We will continue with our duty of protecting the country against any attack because resigning means given up on the war," Olukolade said. The co-ordinator of the briefing centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, said it is not in the character of the Nigerian military to resign in the middle of this kind of issue, adding that they have been known for protecting the country against any attack. "They are known for bravery, protecting and guiding the country and these they will continue to restore peace and

normalcy back to the country," Omeri said. He also announced that the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs met yesterday with the leadership of the United States interdisciplinary team for assistance to Nigeria. "It was resolved that subsequent phases of the efforts will feature continuous engagement among the partners while also recognised the need for less pressure to disclose operational information as is usually mounted on the Nigerian military," he said. The centre also said that the confiscation of some newspapers has nothing to do with content or operation of the media organisations or their personnel as is being imputed by a section of the media. He stressed that the action was a routine security action and should not be misconstrued for any other motive.

UNILAG bows to protesting students

UTHORITIES of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) yesterday bowed to pressure from the students of the institution to reverse the increment in the fee for late registration. This followed a protest launched by students of the university against the decision of the authorities to increase the fee for late course registration from N5,000 to N25,000 and the introduction of N5,000 fee for online editing. It was also gathered that students were being asked to pay up to N1, 000 to register for GST courses. As early as 7am, the students shunned the heavy rain and barricaded the main gates of the university, disrupting academic activities on the campus. They bore placards with inscriptions like: “Late registration fee of N25,000 is illegal”, “No reversal of the illegal fees, no exam.” Shops owners refused to open their shops and traffic stood still while the protests lasted. The Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Systems (CITS), UNILAG, Prof. Alex Ike Mowete, who attempted to address the students, was booed. It took the timely intervention of some students’ leaders to save him from being mobbed by the angry students. He was hurriedly moved into the nearby mosque where he stayed till students left the area. Students were seen chanting war slogans and calling on the Vice Chancellor, Prof Rahmon Bello, to reverse the decision. They also went to

•Revises hiked fees

Godwin SIMON the recently-unveiled statue of the deceased Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe near the Senate building, invoking his spirit to save them from the ‘draconian’ law. One of the protesting students said: “The normal late registration fee used to be N5,000, but we were surprised to discover that even when the portal was said to have been reopened, we could not gain access, and enquiries at the office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs revealed that we would need to pay another N25,000 instead of the usual N5,000. “In fact, this is against the fact that another N5,000 had been introduced at the beginning of this session, which they tagged NHIS fee. We feel that it would not be right for the management to just think they can be milking us dry. Our parents are paying tax but we cannot see what the taxes are being used for. So, we cannot be overburdened again.” Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South West, Comrade Olatinwo Jeremiah, a 400 level student of Building Technology described the increment as an injustice to them. “UNILAG students are agitating for the reversal of payment of GST fees as well as the imposed fees on editing of course forms which was free. Students are now asked to pay N5, 000 to edit courses. Late registration

payment has also been increased from N10,000 to N25,000. All the students demand is the reversal of these payments. “Early this morning, we demanded to see the Vice Chancellor, but we were told he was called to Abuja this morning to attend a Council of Vice Chancellors meeting. Some other management staff attempted to talk to the students, but they were booed as the main aim was to see the Vice Chancellor. “However, the Dean of Students Affairs has announced that the portal has been opened for free editing of courses. Though I have not personally confirmed, some students said they have confirmed it.” The NANS spokesperson noted that all the demands of the students must be met before Monday morning to avoid disruption of the forthcoming convocation scheduled to hold on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. He added that if the management remained adamant, the whole of NANS, South West would dabble into the case and mobilise students across all tertiary institutions in the South West for mass protest. Adeniji Leke, a 500 level student of law in the institution and the acting coordinator of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), UNILAG Chapter, noted that the protest was a child of necessity considering the ‘unthinkable increment’ of late course registration and editing fees. He asserted that the portal should be opened for free editing before examination.

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

Amaechi laments Governors Forum crisis •Lets close ranks, NGF chair tells colleagues T he Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed concern over the continued crisis within the NGF, saying Nigerians and the country bear the biggest brunt of the crisis. Amaechi, who made the remark in his welcome address yesterday at the 4th NGF Retreat at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, also stated that mandates must be respected and held sacred, declaring that the time to bring everyone back together is now. Present at the retreat were 13 of

n Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt n

the 36 governors, a former President of Liberia, Prof. Amos Sawyer and other eminent personalities. In his address, the NGF chairman said: “To my colleagues, as we prepare to bow out, I want us to reflect on the matter of the crack in the body of the NGF. Since it is our dream and aspiration to remain intact and grow together as one, regardless of any disagreements, the time to bring everyone back together is now. “Our country and our people

bear the biggest brunt of a fractured forum. As we forge ahead towards 2015 and the democratic bells ring again, let us continue to imbibe and internalise the democratic tenets, where freely-given mandates are respected and upheld, even while allowing the minority to have their say. “I strongly hope in the coming elections, democracy will be practised as it ought to be. In all future elections, winners must be congratulated, while losers must of necessity be commended for taking part. Mandates must be respected and

held sacred. Therein lies the true democratic spirit and therein lies the way forward.” Also speaking, Prof. Amos Sawyer called for good governance by Nigerian leaders at the three tiers, in order to ensure commensurate development. The ex-Liberian President said: “The strength of Nigeria as a federation lies not only in good governance at the federal level, but also at the level of state and local governance. “The federal system of governance works best when there are strong institutions of governance at all levels and when the interaction among them works smoothly, especially in the delivery of public goods and service to the people. “There are always challenges in the relationships between federal and state levels of governance. Contentions over jurisdictional re-

sponsibilities and prerogatives, resource allocation and budgets, among others, will always exist and solutions to these challenges might not always satisfy all parties. Governors in attendance were Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Umaru AlMakura (Nasarawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Kassim Shettima of Borno State, who was represented by his deputy, Zanna Umaru Mustapha. Also at the retreat were a former Chairman of the NGF, Senator Bukola Saraki; ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasir el-Rufai and the representative of the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe among other eminent personalities.

Publishers association urges FG to relax S part of the concerted efpolicies on books forts to ensure the survival

•Flood at Oke-Odo, Iyana ipaja due to heavy down pour...yesterday.

PHOTO:

Isaac jimoh AYODELE

of books and build capacity in the book industry in Nigeria, the Nigeria Publishers Association (NPA) has asked the Federal Government to relax policies such as the recent introduction of tariff and duty regimes on books. This was made public at the recent summit organized by Nigerian Publishers Association, a forum through which publishers meet and deliberate on various issues affecting the publishing industry and the book trade at large. According to the Executive Secretary of the NPA, Mr. Banji Aladesuyi, the purpose of the minisummit was to examine critically, the survival of the publishing industry and the effect of a number of current practices and nuances of

Government and individuals on the publishing industry. Such government policies include the sudden introduction of the tariff and duty regimes of 50 percent on school books, although this has been put in abeyance following an all round condemnation. Other policies discussed include the frequent changes in the school curriculum, which necessitates change of textbooks and an inability to follow the National Book Policy by the Government. Also, on the issue of piracy, the publishers resolved to work more closely with Nigeria Copyright Commission and more importantly, requests that Government funds the Nigerian Copyright Commission.

Match-fixing… not again! Continued from page Back page beats my imagination, especially as Kaita was unhappy with himself by covering his face? Criminals do not show the kind of remorse exhibited by Kaita after it dawned on him. Coach Samson Siasia led Nigeria to beat Argentina 4-1 in Abuja. Most people celebrated the feat since it marked Siasia’s first victory over the Argentines. But like a thief at night, the story broke that FIFA eggheads were looking for the referee from Niger. Till date, nothing has been heard about the referee. And I’m not sure if we see the danger in keeping quiet in the face of odium poured on the nation by a few criminallyminded people. It’s easy for Nigeria to fall into the fixers’ traps because we always like things delivered to us a la carte. Perhaps, if the friendly matches are played here with our NFF in direct control of what happens before, during and after such games, we can be free of this unholy stigma. I feel strongly that the Eagles should play friendlies at the team’s terms and not on mercantile conditions set by profit-seeking agents. It is true that countries trust them with such issues. Yet our country’s integrity supersedes whatever monetary gains the matches would accrue to us. For instance, the day after Nigeria held Scotland to a pulsating 2-2 draw, Republic of Ireland played a barren draw game against Italy with no tales of match-fixing at the same stadium. There is something wrong with how our matches are packaged. We need to redress this issue before charlatans destroy us. I won’t delve into the Eagles’ 23man list. I have written a lot on it. The coaches have decided. We must re-

spect their decisions. But the coaches have shown us that they can’t trust Chijoke Agbim to keep the goal for us. Against Greece on Wednesday morning, the coaches didn’t have the courage to substitute injured Elderson Echiejile with Oshaniwa at the left back position. Instead they opted to switch Ambrose Efe to man the position. They introduced Odunlami in his place on the right side. On Wednesday morning, Greece exposed our inefficiency in the midfield. Eagles’ coaches paraded two holding midfielders (John Mikel Obi and Oguenyi Onazi). Our coaches tasked our wing players (Osaze Odemwingie and Ahmed Musa) to drop into the midfield to help when we lost possession of the ball. However, our first substitution most times comes from these wing players and it affects the team’s rhythm. These flaws were repeated on Wednesday morning against Greece. Modern day football is anchored on the 3-5-2 formation or the 4-4-2. I wonder how the Eagles will cope against countries grounded in these formations. Good luck to Nigeria. Welcome Danagogo Sports Minister Dammy Danagogo said the National Stadium in Lagos is dead. Good talk. We have heard it several times from his predecessors. We have not seen much in terms of renovation of the facilities at the Sports City. What we hear later from Danagogo’s predecessor is that the budget for sports is too small. On Tuesday afternoon in Lagos, I put three posers to Danagogo over the way forward for sports. His response was intelligent. He showed that he understood the politics at the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation

(NFF). Danagogo doesn’t want to create factions within the sporting media. He picked one of his critics as his special assistant. Last year, stakeholders met at the seat of government in Abuja to chart the way forward for sports in Nigeria. Decisions were taken; many - it is being said - are in the works. But unfortunately, the problems in the industry are still apparent. Perhaps, the biggest problem with us is the frequent change of sports ministers, culminating in policy somersaults. Specifically, I asked Danagogo what was the government policy for sports. His response on the aspect of strengthening the federations and getting them to develop sports to attract corporate funding raised hope. But it must be said that sports nosedived here the day a former sports minister, Jim Nwobodo relocated the federations to Abuja. The hub of sports in Nigeria is Lagos, which interestingly is the commercial nervecentre of the country. Indeed, Danagogo anchored his perception of Nigeria’s sports policy on the need to effectively evolve a system that would develop sports at the grassroots. He cited the National Sports Lottery, which he stated formed the basis for sourcing for more funds independent of government. Aside, this is the ongoing concession exercise of sports facilities. However, the minister was told to ensure that the right firms were picked and not land speculators. It must be stated that Danagogo assured everyone that politics won’t play any role in this initiative, especially concerning one of the facilities – the National Stadium, Surulere. Danagogo acknowledged the need to create the enabling environment to appreciate the contributions of

sports-friendly corporate organisations through the Hall of Fame. The minister needs to visit those firms that identified with sports in the past to find out why they backed out. But he must be told that the corruption in most of these federations is chiefly why these credible firms backed out. No company worth its onions would want its goods and/or services tainted with tale of corruption or scandals. Our federation officials must be upright and see the task of developing sports as a business, as it is done in other climes. What I have observed here is that we strive to develop sports from the top, tasking the National Sports Commission (NSC) to provide the template. But the NSC ought to be the clearing house. The burden of grassroots development rests with the states. Not many states take the issue of sports development seriously. They hardly organise sports festivals. They only remember sports as a vocation when their governors want to jog for fitness. Most local government areas (LGAs) in this country don’t identify with sports largely because their chairmen are puppets of godfathers without the cognate knowledge of what it takes to lead people. Schools in the LGAs are in dilapidating state. Most of the recreational grounds have been converted to expanding such schools or most times, converted to motor-parks or business premises. Such settings encourage the kids to embrace social vices rather than dissipate such energy into sports. I left the minister’s parley with one view: the task of giving the NSC and NFF a document to run their operations would soon be unveiled. Like I always end this piece, Oba Khato Okpere, Ise!

Don’t run for second term, group tells Jonathan call has gone out to President Goodluck Jonathan to discard any ambition for a second term in office, as he has failed in delivering on his promises in his first term. Making the call recently, the Ndigbo Unity Forum, in an open letter to the President, noted that Nigerian leaders for the past fifteen years had not made the welfare of the masses their priority, resulting in the avoidable suffering of the masses of the country. “Today we are faced with numerous problems, ranging from insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, poverty, strikes by schools of higher learning. Mr. president it is obvious you are not bothered about all these problems because your priority is how to win the 2015 presidential elections, even if all Nigerians will die in one day, you don’t care,” the statement signed by its President, Augustine Chukwudum said. It added that the Boko Haram menace had continued unabated, with the group on a spree, ‘killing people as if they are cutting weeds and not human beings. “Instead of tackling this Boko Haram menace you treat them with kid gloves, you only continue to inform the world that you are on top of the situation while more people are killed on a daily basis.’’

THE NATION SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION There is another jester by name, Tony Igiehon, operating from Dallas, U.S. At a function involving Edo indigenes in Dallas last year to which Oshiomhole was invited as special guest of honour, this comedian literally groveled at the feet of aides to set up a meeting with the Comrade Governor to market ‘a proposal’ on behalf of ‘we in the Diaspora

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 2865

O Femi Fani-Kayode has finally pulled the mask off his face, showing his true chameleonic colours and the yamheads at the Wadata House headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party are offering him a red carpet to strut on? Why is Knucklehead not amused? Since we are all agreed that the constant tendency in political gimmickry here and elsewhere is ‘permanent interest’, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with a dog going back to eating its vomit! And so, rolling out the drums for a prodigal that is, at best, a political liability is a needless indulgence for anyone who cares to look beyond the laundering stream of excuses. The tragedy of the democracy this nation professes is that it is deceit-laden. It is a wonder, really, that our home-grown democracy is still wobbling on wooden crutches in spite of the deadly pummelling inflicted on it daily by the strange bedfellows in our political space. Fifteen years after the military went back to the barracks; it has been same of the same in this yoyo game of politics. So, let no one rejoice over a mere ‘deflection’ of a man who has the capacity to defect times without number so long as personal benefits swing in his direction. In fact, Fani-Kayode should be commended for his patience and tenacity. At least, not many politicians of his gross, self-seeking type would patiently remain a loyal card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress for close to a year-and-a-half before jumping the ship to a nest where his bread would be buttered once again! For someone who raises the stakes as one of the few “nation builders” in our midst in addition to a wanton self-proclamation as a devout Christian, Fani-Kayode would have, in a way, exposed the faces of evil to millions of hapless Nigerians by naming and shaming those “handful of people that have sympathies for Boko Haram with a clear Islamic agenda.” Or did his Christian mind fail him at this most critical moment when the nation is in search of a hero that he had carried his shoes on his head and run to a party which he once condemned with no less infantile verbiage? The crying truth is that no one needs to be clairvoyant to predict what would happen after that visit to Aso Rock to, presumably, interact with ‘my President.” Be that as it may, with FKK, certain categories of aides to President Goodluck Jonathan shouldn’t make the silly mistakes of sleeping with two eyes closed. But should they ignore this unsolicited advice from this bird with a broken beak, they may wake up to rue the day they allowed a gadfly that speaks from both sides of the mouth to share a table with their boss! Anyway, didn’t someone say that deceit is an open-ended rule of engagement in politics? And so, this man of faith whimsically tagged along even while eating on the same table with members of a party that was “working hard silently” and “behind the scenes” to produce an all-Muslim pairing for the 2015 presidential election! He danced to the tune for months even when he saw clearly that “all the substantive positions of the national executive of the party are made up of almost exclusively Muslims!” So, he knew all the while that he had been mingling with “closet Haramites” for more than a year only to realise how ‘repugnant’ it was to him after just a visit to the seat of power? Oh, c’mon! In all honesty, it would have been shocking if a man with stellar educational background like Fani-Kayode had not regurgitated all the

—Austin Nosakhare

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga

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

On the musing plain... ‘ The crying truth is that no one needs to be clairvoyant to predict what would happen after that visit to Aso Rock to, presumably, interact with ‘my President

’

conspiracy theories that have been flying in the social media in the past few months, to drive the final nail on the coffin he specially designed for the APC. He did not remember that the Federal Government, for years, kicked against every attempt made by the United States of America to label the Boko Haram sect a terrorist group until the demon took things into its own hands, killing, maiming and stealing our joy. Of course, he must have forgotten that the President once appealed to our understanding, reminding us that the people bringing terror to our doorsteps ‘are our cousins, brothers and fellow citizens.’ But he recorded Lai Mohammed saying that it was unconstitutional for the same government to proscribe the sect. He vividly forgot that some leading members of his former party had vehemently dissociated themselves from the ‘devilish’ sect and had even threatened to sue those linking them with the herd of killers. Yet, his memory was fast in recording an occasion “where the leading presidential candidate only last year said that Boko Haram ought not to be killed but ought to be treated like the Niger Delta militants, granted amnesty without any conditions, pampered and paid and who said, in 2001, that Muslims should only vote for people who will protect their faith!” He never recollected an interview where the Borno State Governor, KashimShettima, told Christiane Amanpour on CNN that the members of the sect were a ‘bunch of lunatics” and misguided irritants. But he would not only question the role of the governor in the abduction of school girls in Chibok but

would also accuse the APC leaders of politicising the “whole of the Chibok issue and who are not sincere in trying to get the girls back”. I’m sure, for him, like many other delusional aides, the abduction story and images of dejection on the faces of parents of the abducted girls remain a farce aimed at distracting the transformation agenda! No wonder the President told a gathering of his party men on Thursday that “most of our PDP states are doing very well. In fact, security challenges are less in the PDP states because of the commitment of the governors.” I’m sure the governors of Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kaduna and Niger must be giggling when he said this. No. It’s not as if we are strangers to this trend. Decent men don’t play politics here and we should not expect anything less even in the APC. Perhaps, if politicians have not mastered the art of lying through the teeth, Nigeria wouldn’t be in this mess. Hardly do you get anything that inspires or gives you the hope to believe that there would be an improvement soon. But, as citizens who feel the brunt of the shenanigan in high places, we owe it a duty to remind these folks of their antecedents. For a man who proclaims a much vaunted but vain ‘principles’, we would like to advise Fani-Kayode not to recant his earlier declaration that the Jonathan government has been progressing in reverse gear because it only succeeded in frittering a whopping $47 billion left by the Obasanjo administration. We would like to know if the once frittered money had been miraculously ploughed back into the system or if more misery has been inflicted on our collective treasury since Fani-Kayode first accused this same PDP-led government of reckless spending. In case he has forgotten, let me remind him of statement credited to him during the public presentation of “High Life: the Lifestyles of Nigeria’s Rich and Famous” authored by the Society Editor of THISDAY, Mr.Lanre Alfred. He was quoted thus: “In 1999, when President OlusegunObasanjo came to power, he met $1.5 billion in our foreign reserves. Yet, by the time he left office in 2007, eight years later, he built up those reserves from $1.5 billion to $67 billion. Out of that $67 billion he deducted $20 billion and used it to pay off a large chunk of our foreign debt. That is how we arrived at the figure of $47 billion, which was left in our foreign reserves in 2007 when Obasanjo left office and handed over

power to the incoming administration. “Today, four years later, despite very high crude oil prices and record amounts of oil and gas sales, Nigeria still only has approximately $45 billion in her foreign reserves. Let us look at our foreign debt profile. In 1999, when President Obasanjo came to power he inherited a foreign debt of over $30 billion from the Abubakar administration. Yet by the time he left power in 2007, he had paid off that debt fully and for the first time in the history of the world, sub-Saharan Africa had a country that was completely debtfree. No other African country has ever achieved this. Yet sadly, four years later and under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, our foreign debt has risen from zero to $9 billion. Consequently, all the admiration and wonderful accolades that we won as a country from the international community for exercising and indulging in financial prudence and good oldfashioned fiscal discipline when Obasanjo was in power have been squandered and lost.” In an interview with this reporter, Dele Anofi and Faith Yahaya titled “Biafra: Blame Ojukwu not Awo or Gowon for death, suffering and starvation” published in this paper on November 4th, 2012, Fani-Kayode lamented: “In 2012, Yoruba are not in the Federal Government as far as I’m concerned. We have been shortchanged and there is a lot of instability and discontent. How can you have 50 million people as part of you, I’m talking in diaspora as well as in this country, and they don’t play key role in the Federal Government? And also, you don’t treat people in various Yoruba states in a very fair manner at all and you expect everything to be okay for you. You can’t do that to Yoruba people, we are just too big. So, if they get anything else wrong, what they need to get right is that they need to treat Yoruba with immense sensitivity, reach out to them and try to carry them along. If you continue to treat them as if they don’t matter you are asking for trouble.” Now that he has traced his steps back to the Jonathan network, I hope the Yoruba people would begin to experience some levels of stability and contentment without any trouble. What’s fair is fair. A proud son of the land is back to reckoning in high places! Hmnnnn! Of course, there were truckloads of other allegations levelled against Jonathan when some persons were shut out of participating in the eating of our national cake. All this pales into insignificance after that curious visit to a “wonderful” President. Now that the “doors” have been opened for the former Minister of Aviation to, again, see those “wonderful” persons living in Aso Rock, Nigerians can trust this fellow who pretends never to see or hear any evil while feeding at the master’s table to continue in his vainglorious ways. We can only wish him luck as he settles down to eat his vomit under the lure of the high table with which he is so fondly familiar beyond any earthly restraint. Since every principled person must accept the fact that conscience is an open wound, those speaking about religiosity should also understand that someone more higher than them would finally judge our trajectory through life—the One that sees through the deceit and political flirtations that continue to alienate that mass of the citizens! And by the way, I’m a Christian too but equally conscious of the vanity in a tiger proclaiming its ‘tigritude.’ We know one when we see it! God bless our nation.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Match-fixing… not again!

(My World Cup diary, 8)

HE die is cast. Mind games now rule the media. Every team dreams about lifting the World Cup on July 13. It is five days to the opening game of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. No country can change her 23-man squad. Errors made can’t be corrected. Pundits have begun their permutations. But the disturbing news from FIFA is that of matchfixing. I wouldn’t have been worried if our beloved country, Nigeria, had not been listed among match-fixers, albeit allegedly with some unscrupulous chaps admitting to under-cover investigators that they can dubiously influence the result of Nigeria’s World Cup matches. I’m sad because all our World Cup matches

will be under the spotlight. This will put our players under needless pressure. It will also smear whatever results we get, especially if we win handsomely or lose so woefully. We don’t deserve this perception, not now when our players have excelled for their European clubs. Innocent errors will be misconstrued as matchfixing. If any player scores a long range shot which should be the talking point of the Mundial, there is the possibility of some people winking than a deserved applause. Unlike in previous allegations made by indicted Singaporean, a certain criminal Henry admitted to be the evil genius. He also linked a Nigerian player, who the report said didn’t

show up at the meeting. Did Oguenyi Onazi report the matter to his coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) chiefs or FIFA in line with what the law stipulates? We are being told that Onazi informed Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi in Philadelphia that he reported the issue to the police. I believe Onazi and trust the police report can be relied on since it was done in Europe. Otherwise, he would be in the soup. Nigeria is a football nation. Our exploits in age-grade competitions even though tainted with allegations of cheating suggest so. Besides, our players have competed well for jerseys with their European counterparts to underscore the

fact that they are talented. The NFF chiefs must commence their investigations on all these allegations. It should start with subjecting the list of players’ agents to scrutiny. Those with shady background can be invited to provide further details about their backgrounds. It isn’t enough for us to say that they are unscrupulous. We must arrest the trend by prosecuting those with substantial evidence to show that they are culpable. One is puzzled that the match-fixing bug has stuck with the Eagles since the red card issued against Kaita. Kaita’s conduct on that day was ungentlemanly. It clearly showed that he is a temperamental person. How such misconduct can be related to match-fixing

•Continued on Page 59

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