The Nation - May 29, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

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Barcelona conquers Man U 3 - 1

Messi mesmerises at Wembley

VOL. 05, N0. 1774

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011

Outrage trails Daniel’s sudden foreign trip e

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He can’t escape justice – EFCC

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

Kwara tragedy: Death toll now 20

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‘May Have 29 is your a pact with the devil’ say

Lady of Songs and popular ex-actress, Christy Essien-Igbokwe decries the choice of May 29 as Democracy Day. Joe Agbro Jr. reports

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HRISTY Essien Igbokwe. Do you remember her?

For those who may not, she is widely referred to in the entertainment circuit as “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs”.

She is songstress who sang the popular “Omomi seun rere.”

Not only that, she was the popular actress in the soar away successful comedy Masquerade, in which she acted the part of Apena, the wife of Jegede.

However, this morning as the country witnesses the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan and 28 state governors, Igbokwe has warned that May 29 was an ominous date.

According to the musician, “May 29 is a pact with the devil. Someone had that pact with the devil on that day so that he will continue to rule this country directly or indirectly as long as he lives.”

She said she had a revelation when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was seeking a third term that the bid would not work.

She added that as long as that date is still being

observed, “Nigeria would not have reasonable peace.”

While for many Nigerians the date represents a ‘new beginning’, Igbokwe said she sees ‘trouble’ brewing from the National Assembly.

“From there (National Assembly),” she said, “they will take it like child’s play and it will start escalating.”

Not too averse to any change, Christy who is a member of the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, Ikeja, Lagos, believes that if there is a date that should be chosen as Democracy Day that God would accept that date should be June 12.

She said, “That was another significant day that Nigerians voted peacefully and their votes counted. No one stole their votes. That was the day that gave them confidence in democracy.”

She went on to say that she predicted the elections would not be free and fair, contrary to news reports that they were credible even “when Jega (INEC Chairman) said there were flaws.” The songstress, who clocked 50 last year asked, “What has 29th of May got to do with

•Christy Essien Igbokwe democracy in Nigeria?”

“There was serious rigging, youths were killed, and some ballot boxes were snatched. In my own state

(Akwa Ibom), that was what happened. And that was how it happened in so many places. Is that fair and free?

The songstress said she

has been with the gift of prophecy since birth and even healed herself as a child. “They said I could not walk as a baby and I was going to two years

I owe Nigerians good governace - Jonathan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his vow to provide good governance for the country.

He made the pledge yesterday saying it is the only way to ensure that those who died in the post election crisis did not die in vain.

From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

He spoke during the thanksgiving service at the National Christian Centre Abuja as part of activities for his inauguration today for a fresh term in office.

He also urged religious leaders to continue to pray for his success

Have your say The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pegged N150,000 and N1million as the maximum deposit and withdrawal by individual and corporate body respectively. How practicable is this decision?

— Send SMS with full name and location before Wednesday to 08074473182 Responses to previous week’s question are on pages 48 & 52

“We and the government I would lead owe Nigerians good governance based on the fear of God. That is the only thing we can do to atone for the great loss this country witnessed. I therefore appeal to our religious leaders to continue to pray for us because no matter how committed you are as an individual if God does not touch all of us who are to

run the affairs of the country then we cannot go anywhere.”

He also attributed his victory at the April poll to prayers made some of which were said at the venue of the thanksgiving before the election.

According to him, “We were here in this centre last year September to place our

supplication before the almighty God. Most of you here today were there that day. I thank God we are here today to thank God for answering our prayers.”

President Jonathan noted that the elections had solidified democracy in the country, hopeful that the country was already on its way to transformation.

and that I was always crying,” she said. It was after a series of sudden strange occurrences in which she said she split a bird gifted for singing and other things into seven parts each and threw them in different directions in a locked room all by herself that she suddenly started walking at about age two.

Correction Hamed Olugbenga Lawal is of Lions Club

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anaging Director of Consteng Limited Mr. Hamed Olugbenga Lawal is a member of the Lions Club International and not Rotary Club International as erroneously referred to in the interview published on page 40 of yesterday’s edition.

The mix-up is regretted.

Nurudeen Lemu, not Sheikh Lemu’s first son

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N our interview with Mallam Nurudeen Lemu published on May 22, 2011 over the appointment of his father, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, as the Chairman of the postelection probe panel , we erroneously referred to Nurudeen as the first son of the Islamic Jurist.

We have since discovered that he is not the first son, and that he has two elder brothers and one surviving elder sister. We regret the error.

-Editor.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Column

A dream for Nigeria S

NOOPER suspends all intellectual hostilities this morning to wish President Goodluck Jonathan well as he takes full charge as the third elected president of the Fourth Republic of Nigeria.

This must be a moment of charity and sober reflection. Nigeria’s history has been a long nightmare punctuated by sleepwalking. This columnist is dreaming sweet dreams this morning and we urge Jonathan to become a visionary dreamer too, if he is to rescue Nigeria from the purgatory of damned nations. The odds may be stacked against him at this point but that is just the point about visionary imagining.

Without dreams, nations and people must perish. Without hope life is a sour and surly joke. But being optimistic about Nigeria carries extremely grave risks. It is a deeply compromising ritual. To start with, analytical integrity may have to be abandoned. Hard facts on the ground may have to be ignored. The logic of events will have to be sacrificed. Yet we must dream our way out of the current nightmare. It is not the failure of nations and state collapse that we must fear. It is the failure of national will.

This is why children and youths are the best nation builders. Because they carry no ancestral baggage of resentment, no evil memory of ancient tribal feuds, youths have a better capacity to dream and to will into existence a new society. But we are already beginning to poison that romantic well of national wellbeing.

Our youths are gradually being sucked into a vortex of fear and trembling. The Other is hell. Ask prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps.

When he was asked why he re-

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Jonathan

mained defiantly at odds with the Italian state and cheerfully hopeful about the future despite bitter defeats, stunning reversals of gains, persistent harassments, incarcerations and the murder of his colleagues and comrades in arms, Antonio Gramsci retorted that it was due to optimism of the will and pessimism of the intellect. Optimism of the will is the ability to dare and dream ; the capacity for continuous exertion and permanent struggle for a better society even where the intellect tells you that it will all be to no avail in the end.

Gramsci should know. He was a human exemplar. The great Italian journalist and outstanding leftist theoretician lived life as pure hell. A hunchback wracked by every conceivable human affliction, the great man produced seminal works under

intense pressure and suffering. Here was a man sent to life-long jail by Benito Mussolini, the late Italian dictator, with the war-cry: “We must prevent this brain from functioning for twenty years!” Although Gramsci perished in jail, it was from prison and under the most abysmal conditions that he wrote his best works.

You can imprison a man but you can never imprison his mind.

Let us thank god for great mercies. Twelve years ago exactly today, the Nigerian military departed in a hail of controversy and ill-will. They turned out to be neither political nor economic messiahs. But they managed to hold the nation together in spite of themselves. It is still a tense and fraught unity with an American Nicodemus starring us in the face.

In many countries, the military often act as the human incarnation of

Okon is docked for bigamy T HESE are truly exciting times.

Nigeria is in ebullition, as Adelabu Adegoke, the late cerebral wizard of Ibadan populist politics, would proclaim. As the presidential inauguration approached, Okon has been huffing and puffing about the house, claiming that as a former presidential candidate and the first houseboy in the history of the nation to make the presidential sweepstakes, he was expecting a special invitation to the presidential Ball.

Every morning, the crazy boy would appear on the terrace in the tattered jersey of Barcelona Football club juggling with three balls at the same time while running foul commentary to the bargain. When he was quizzed as to what he was doing with three balls at the same time, the loony one retorted with a smirk on his face.

“You see oga, man pikin be man pikin. Baba no get ball again. Dem done take him ball for Ake, so I go giam one ball. But Goodluck sef he be like if say him no get ball at all.

Dat one he get as he be, but I go give am one ball. Make dem come face Okon”.

One sunny morning, Okon barged into snooper’s room uninvited as usual and began breathlessly running his presidential ball commentary.

“Oga I hope say dem Goodluck boy go play baba for centre forward.

I wan hammer him leg make him go siddon for Sango Otta. As him say him no wan retire, na me Okon go retire am. If he get one player I dey fear for dem Jonathan team na dem Patience woman. Even when dem Buhari mala see am him go cry, ‘allah wa kabr, allah wa kabr’. Patience no be ordinary woman. Na four-man he be.

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He get one big Iroko Okrika PWD man like dat for Calabar and dem dey call am Four-man. Even dem Oyinbo people him dey slap dem gbam gbam. If Patience dey game don finis be dat” “And where will they play Anthony Anenih, the game-changer himself”, snooper ventured to ask the crazy boy.

“Ah dat one no be game-changer anything. Na vote-changer dat one be. Jonathan go put am for left full back where him go dey snatch dem balls as if dem be ballot box. Him fit tackle baba from behind becos PDP na papa demolish papa party.” Okon sniggered.

One morning after Okon finally exhausted snooper with his wild but hilarious commentary, we decided to stick a pin in his balloon of selfdelusion.

“Okon, you are a big fool. A presidential ball is a big party and not football”, snooper shrieked at the boy.

“Oga, you see now, which one I go believe? Dem asinwin Yoruba professor come say for television that politics no be tea party, and you come say ball na party? Chei, dis wuruwuru Yoruba people make dem kuku leave dem kontri, na dem dey cause wahala for obodo. Ibo man wan chop.

Mala sef wan chop but Yoruba no wan chop and him say make other no chop, dem dey say dat one be Federer arrangement as if politics na lawn tennis” Okon moaned in acute dismay.

Two days later, a summons arrived asking Okon to report at the Mushin Native Authority Court on charges of bigamy. The crazy chap was disconsolate and inconsolable.

Tears of fear and apprehension began flowing freely.

“Oga, wetin be Bigamy, abi no be dem football club for England again?” Okon croaked amidst sobbing and wailing.

“If you marry more than one wife”, snooper snapped.

“Kai, kai dem crazy Yoruba people done nab me ooo. Obama don kill Osama”, the mad boy wailed.

“Okon prepare to defend yourself. What a child knows how to eat must not cause stomach upset”, snooper sneered as he left for work.

Snooper returned from work late in the evening only to discover that Okon had converted the whole house to a legal surgery with law books of all sizes and shapes. The boy had recovered the initiative and was in surprisingly chirpy mood.

“Have you contacted Baba Lekki about this?” snooper ventured.

“Oga, you no dat one him head no correct at all. Him say dem case be case of Multiple Entry. Ogbologbo digbolugi dat one be”, Okon sniggered and burst out laughing. “ I see” snooper sighed.

“But oga if dem dey charge Okon with B-gamey. Wetin dem go charge dem mad Fela with or dem mala with hundred wives? No be A-gamey be dat one?” the mad boy crooned.

“Tell them at the court”, snooper said and slammed the door at the mad boy.

“Ha oga no problem at all. When trouble sleep and yanga come wake am na palaver he dey find. I done prepare dem list of A-gamey among dem Supreme injustice, dem High Court, dem magistrates, dem lawyers, dem politicians. Thunder go strike obodo…” the mad boy sneered at snooper’s heels.

Next Week: Okon in the dock

the providential will that wields together the heterogeneous forces of a nascent nation, forging an organic community from disparate nationalities and in the process turning a nation in itself to a nation for itself.

But in Nigeria, the military goofed catastrophically and it was only by a divine miracle and the legendary luck of Nigeria that the armed forces survived the ethnic and religious fissures that have polarised the larger Nigerian society.

But we cannot blame a river for being sluggish and tardy in midstream without looking at its origin.

The Nigerian military began as an instrument of colonial pacification; an armed will of the metropolitan imperium. And for most of its postcolonial existence, the Nigerian military lived up to its billing as an army of occupation without an ennobling vision of a just and humane society or an enabling visionary for that matter.

Yet in just twelve years of depoliticisation and reprofessionalisation, we have seen how a professional military can act as a stabilising bedrock of the nation and of the political order, despite the suicidal antics of an errant political class. We salute the gallant men and women of our armed forces for this recovery of initiative and for their rediscovery of the ethos of the modern army. Had it been the army of yore, the past two years would have been sorely tempting indeed. Happy indeed is the land without the need for a military hero.

Goodluck is lucky. He is beginning his real presidency on this happy augury of a military safely ensconced in the barracks. Secure in the knowledge that the military threat has receded, Jonathan ought to have his mind free for the great feats of social engineering required to return this country to the path of sanity and rationality. But he remains gaffeprone and susceptible to unforced errors of political judgement which may prove fatal in the long run.

Like all responsible electorates all over the civilised world, Nigerians must brace for the consequences of their choice. In the long run, the Jonathan presidency may be more important in terms of its profound symbolism than in terms of real achievement. While many Nigerians had thought that the social question of justice and accountability should be superior to the political question of regional hegemony and monopoly of power, the overwhelming majority of Nigerians had thought otherwise. For them, it is more important to lay down the rule once and for all that the Nigerian presidency is accessible to and attainable by all qualified Nigerians irrespective of origins or ethnic affiliation.

For many Nigerians, then, the Jonathan presidency represents the first real people driven power shift in the country as distinct from the cartel-driven “army arrangement” that brought Obasanjo and Shagari to civilian power. But Jonathan is not his own creation and the myth of the “shoeless” boy who made the Nigerian presidency does not even begin to address the problems of power disequilibrium in Nigeria. Neither does his belonging to a minority among a minority group scratch the surface of the national question. A wound does not heal by merely clearing the pus of dereliction. It is just the beginning of the healing proc-

ess.

Yet the way history often unfolds in a neat and exacting symmetry defies human understanding. Exactly forty five years ago today, a monolithic north exploded in response to what it saw as the challenge of the five majors and the chain of events that brought General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi to power. At this very moment forty five years after, the core hegemonists of the north are seething with anger and bitterness over the chain of events or what they believe to be the chain of conspiracy which has robbed one of their own of the presidential slot.

It is to be stressed that neither Aguiyi-Ironsi nor Goodluck Jonathan initially sought to rule Nigeria. Both are beneficiaries of extra-human and cosmic forces precipitating sharp historical detours: the one profiting from a mutiny he knew nothing about but which decapitated civilian rule; the other a beneficiary of a biological accident which altered the power equations.

But no man has ever been known to throw away a juicy piece of federalist morsel. Ironsi made hay by attempting to bring Nigeria under his unitarist anti-federalist jackboot. Jonathan has consolidated his grip in an election which has further exposed the hideous wounds and fault lines of the nation.

As it was in May 1966, so it appears to be in May 2011. But if history repeats itself, it is not always under the same circumstances. Today, the northern core hegemonists are without their middle belt satraps, their eastern mercenary class of power profiteers, their Yoruba collaborators, their riverine subalterns and the military card they are wont to press into service when the going gets stormy. However, there are new kids on the bloc.

The immiseration and de-industrialisation of the north under the watch of its own military and civilian scions has dramatically expanded the vast underclass of ill-educated rabble and casual riff-raff ready to be pressed into murderous service at short notice. With their burning resentment now framed as a political jihad against their local oppressors and now framed as a religious project against an “infidel” state the stage is set for a genocidal explosion on a truly industrial scale.

What this means is that under Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria has slipped into a perilous conjuncture which requires brilliant statesmanship and extraordinarily creative political engineering. Like Ironsi, Jonathan may be ill-equipped for the job at hand. He may not have the wherewithal to deal with what is clearly an emergency situation.

But unlike Ironsi if anything untoward were to happen to Jonathan the apocalyptic meltdown and descent into hell would be such that 1966 Nigeria and 1994 Rwanda would be a child’s play.

This is not just another political game. We have arrived at the limbo between death and resurrection. It is the luminous zone of childlike reverie and collective daydreaming.

In their dream, most Nigerians will vote for resurrection. Let Jonathan join in the dreaming too. It is a dream for Nigeria, a dream for Africa and a dream for the entire Black race. The alternative is a nightmare that is too cataclysmic to imagine.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Analysis

12 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY:

The good, the bad and the way forward Today, Nigeria begins another phase of its democratic journey with the swearing in of President Goodluck Jonathan and some governors across the country, Tony Akowe, Onyedi Ojiabor, Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf and Augustine Ehikioya speak with a cross section of citizens to assess the country’s progress.

Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former governor of Kaduna State

“N

IGERIA doesn’t have democratic experience yet.

What exists is demoF cratic aspiration. In my assessment of this current democratic aspiration, I will say well, we are making some progress to the extent that we are exposing the undemocratic forces and they are moving away gradually out of the system. As for areas of improvement, first of all, there is need to change socio-economic system controlled development in the country based on selfish interest to a system based on public interest first and then self-interest comes next.

In my view, there is no need to advise the incoming government because they will not listen. My advice is therefore directed to the masses on the need to continue being hopeful.”

FESTUS Okoye, National Coordinator, Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG) and Executive Director of Human Rights Monitor The journey has been rough and full of challenges. We are coming from a background of military dictatorship that distorted the political and social landscape of Nigeria. We are coming from a background where those with the requisite knowledge and resources are military acolytes and when democracy came they jumped into the fray and became democrats. So, the struggle for genuine democracy based on the rule of law and due process is an ongoing one. Democracy is a work in progress and not a finished product.

No doubt we have made gains but the gains are not commensurate with the intellectual, human and financial resources available to the Nigerian people.

Democracy has its own dynamics. It does not at all times produce the best candidates. It does not at all time deliver on its promises. Sometimes, the process and progress and procedures of democracy can be complex and frustrating.

Yet, it builds on consensus and produces democratic results based on the will of the people. It is true that we could have done better. It is true that the practice of democracy has been frustrating. It is true that some of the leading lights of democracy do not believe in democracy. It is true that some of our institutions are finding it difficult responding to the democratic needs of the Nigerian people. Yet, there have been gains. There have been challenges and frustrations. However, democracy thrives better in an environment where people are vigilant. It thrives better in places where civil society groups and organisations hold governments accountable. Ours is still a fragile democracy in a convoluted environment anchored on huge and dangerous diversities. We must continue to work on and strengthen democracy and supporting institutions. We must also begin a genuine and comprehensive programme of empowering the ordinary people of this country to hold governments accountable. It is in this wise that the Freedom of Information Bill becomes crucial to democratic renewal. We must also expose corruption and waste in government and not cover things up on grounds that someone from our ethnic group or religious persuasion is involved.

Shehu Sanni, human rights activist Despite all the turbulence and troubles, our democracy has endured. However, this is certainly not what we struggled for. This democracy has been hijacked by a gang of criminal elements who are now in full control of state power and the wealth of the country. The last twelve years

has been years of waste, corruption and missed opportunities. Ethnic and sectional politics, monumental corruption, failed reforms, cronyism, plunder and rabid ambition is what chracterise our polity in the last twelve years. Our leaders have wasted our resources, our goodwill and our time. We are here because those who fought for democracy are not the ones in charge. Those at the helm of affairs today paid no price in the struggle so all they see in the system is the material opportunity that avails. We can’t get out of this unless all the progressive and revolutionary forces in the country accept and understand that there is no future in collaborating with the ruling oppressor class.

Unfortunately, the opposition is opportunistic. It is engaged in politics of survival. They lack the ideological direction and courage to challenge injustice and infamy.

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Constitutional lawyer “What we have is civilian governance; I don’t think we really have a democratic society yet. Certainly, we have not yet arrived at a society in which there is transparency and accountability.

But the election this year, no doubt, is an improvement on 2007, and that is the best that can be said about it. And in the issue of transparency, what you can see is rather disheartening.

If you look at the National Assembly, it is a big liability. You can see how they voted over N250 bilion just short of a billion per head, all in one year! This was reduced to N120billion, because the president refused to sign it into law, but they still brought back N30bilion.

In spite of all these criticism, you can see that these characters are totally indifferent; they are just there to serve themselves, they are there, in effect, to plunder! So, when you have a legislature which is supposed to be the number one symbol of democracy peopled with predators like we have mentioned, there can never be good governance, let alone transparency and accountability.

So, for me, there’s nothing really to celebrate.

Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite, Secretary General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs “Nigeria’s democracy is growing no doubt. But a lot still has to be done, particularly in the realm of political education of the masses, to avoid a situation where peoples’ electoral preferences would still be on the basis of primordial sentiments of tribe and where a person comes from rather than on the merits of his or her candidature.

Secondly, there is still a big disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. Government at all levels seem to be indifferent to the peoples’ plights, as most of our elected leaders are corrupt, selfish and they place their interest over and above the national interest, whereas they ought to be on the same page with the governed. I think strongly that po-

litical education of the masses will try to address some of these challenges. But beyond that the government at all levels must strive to provide the essentials of life. In the power sector, for example, we have had a lot of assurances which have failed to deliver the promises. We cannot continue to pay lip-service with the issue of power because everybody is groaning under the weight of increasing overheads as a result of generating power on their own, because of the enormous cost that goes with it.

The war on corruption needs to be strengthened as well.

And it should not be confined only to the Federal Government and the EFCC. There should be decentralization so that state agencies should also be created to fight corruption and try offenders.”

We have done well as a democracy; this should be our 13th year of uninterrupted democracy. There are challenges and the country is rising up to the occasion. I’m confident that we will continue to make progress particularly now that we are yearning for enhanced independence of the legislature. I’m confident that that will bring about stronger democracy and institutionalized system of governance. I’m very positive that so far so good even though it should have been better and it is going to be better.

One important thing today is that Nigeria is rated as one of the countries where election can really be held. The recent elections organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Attahiru Jega have been acknowledged locally and internationally as credible.

We have therefore scored a major success in this regard. We are becoming more and more accepted internationally as a civilised nation. That in itself is positive.

For the parliament there have been ups and downs. In terms of law making, we have really done very well especially the constitution amendment which we successfully achieved last year. It was a major plus and I’m sure that in the coming dispensation we will maintain the tempo and impact more positively on the lives of our people. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. We are still to embark on aggressive public enlightenment and campaign for our people to appreciate the important roles, limitations and responsibilities of the legislature.

I have always believed that there should be little interruption by the Executive in the running of the affairs of the legislature. Just like the Judiciary enjoys to a very significant degree its independence, it is important that for us to have true democracy the independence of the legislature should be maintained.

Mohammed Ali Ndume, former Minority Leader, House of Representatives As Mr. President takes oath office, I hope that this administration and Nigerians will focus on four key important areas. One is security. But you cannot have security without law and order and you cannot have law and order without those that will enforce it. You can imagine a Nigeria of 150 million people and we have less than 500,000 police personnel. That is very inadequate. The police are not well trained, they are not well paid. I hope that the president will first of all put his mind on improving the police force and policing generally because that is only when we will have law and order. Any society that lacks law and order cannot have meaningful development.

The second thing is that the level of corruption in this country is almost getting out of hand. For our democracy to thrive the president must deliberately, consciously and visibly do something about corruption at all levels. I believe that the cost of governance is too high. If you look at our budget, the government is spending more than twothird on recurrent expenditure and only one-third or even less in some cases go to capital expenditure. We cannot develop by using less than half of the annual budget on development.

We cannot develop or move forward without power.

Power and transportation, particularly the rail system is important. Power and transportation are most critical in any development programme. If we have law and order then Nigerians will have peace of mind and when they have peace of mind they can go out and think of how to develop themselves.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Analysis

Farouk Lawan, Chairman House Committee on Education

Yusuf Tuggar, Chairman, House Committee on Due Process

Yes, I believe that we are on track in our determination to sustain democracy. It is also obvious that democracy has come to stay and we are making steady progress. If the outcome of the 2011 general elections is anything to go by, it showed a significant improvement in our electoral process. The previous elections were characterised by massive rigging and other electoral malpractices but in 2011 there was concerted attempt by various stakeholders to get it right. INEC did a good job, the Executive, the President in particular equally supported INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections. The amendment the National Assembly did on the Electoral Act equally paved the way for a freer election. That is the reason I believe that the roots of democracy are becoming deeper. It is also a sign that Nigerians are beginning to hold their elected representatives accountable. It is now clear that if you fail to perform in another round of election you will be voted out. Obviously that is a plus for our democracy.

We are not there yet. There are challenges in the areas of security, the power sector in particular, endemic mismanagement of education, health care delivery are some of the challenges.

We are trying very hard to build institutions such as the National Assembly and institute the principle of separation of powers, checks and balances. Coming out of military dictatorship, I will say that we have fared well. Where we have not quite fared well is in the issue of opposition, the need of a thriving opposition is paramount. We need a thriving opposition for democracy to sustain in the polity. The issues of elections and electioneering are also a major challenge. I’m of the opinion that until we introduce electronic voting we will not get it right. I will rate the parliament very high because when you look at the number of important bills passed, when you consider the steps the National Assembly took when the former president took ill, the role the legislature played to ensure a smooth transition, people will rate us high.

Khadijat Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Chairman, House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation Nigeria is on track in its pursuit of democratic principles and institutionalisation of democracy. One good thing is that it is obvious that democracy has sustained up till this time. There were people who thought that democracy will not survive up to this point. In 2010 people were not hopeful that we will see 2011 and we have seen 2011. So since 1999 democracy has improved and God willing it will continue to endure.

Poor power supply has become a recurring decimal since 1999. Up till now power supply has not improved.

In fact, supply of power has become worse. Each dispensation that came always promised improvement in power supply but this has not been achieved. I believe that the problem of power supply should be addressed.

But the fact that we succeeded in conducting elections that were adjudged free, fair and credible is a big plus for our democracy. There are not too many petitions in the tribunals.

Henry Dickson, Chairman, House Committee on Justice Democracy demands vigilance. We must be vigilant about our rights at all times and we must be prepared to participate actively in the affairs of the country. We have just passed a landmark legislation, Freedom of Information Bill, which when signed into law calls on all citizens to be in a position to hold their leaders accountable.

Democracy has brought lots of achievements. Most importantly we have stability there is also freedom which strengthens our unity. There is no doubt that Nigeria will continue to be a good place in democracy.

Yes, we could have done certain things better. For example we could have prosecuted a more effective war against corruption. Corruption is a major problem we have. So we want to have stability, we want to have democracy and freedom particularly with the Freedom of Information Bill that we passed, people will be free to do a lot of things to contribute to bring about a better Nigerian society.

Mulikat Akande-Adeola, Vice Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary It is not easy nurturing a democracy. As such, we have had a lot of circumstances that have made us not to go beyond where we are today. But I’m sure that in the next four years, we would have gone very far in our determination to build and institutionalise democracy in the country. We are very much on course. Definitely you learn from your mistakes. You can’t be perfect all the time.

In the last four years we had a change in leadership of the country that was not occasioned by anybody’s intentional act. Now we will continue to consolidate.

Victor Ndoma-Egba (PDP, Cross River), Deputy Senate Leader “Certainly, democracy has grown in Nigeria and evidence of that is that we have had successful transition from the same president to the same president, then from one president to another president.

Even our democracy was severely challenged by the unforeseen death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua, even though it was an unusual situation, our democracy took up the challenge. The electoral process also is getting more acceptable. If you look at the statistics of election petitions, it has reduced to about onethird of what we had in 2007. For me, that is evidence that people are beginning to develop more stakes in the process and are questioning less the outcome of the electoral process.”

Olusegun Maiyegun, political scientist “We have to find a means of getting our democracy consolidated. But in terms of governmental performance, we have failed rather woefully. If you make political progress and you don’t make crucial economic progress or those political progress don’t transform to concrete meaning in the lives of the citizens, democracy will collapse. I feel that the biggest issue that our democracy has, which is the issue we have to address in the next dispensation head-on, is the growing level of poverty in the land.

That the vast 4 of our people cannot eat, they have housing problem after over 12 years of our democratic experiment, is bad enough.

So, how long are we going to wait to start seeing improvement in the economy and the social status for the citizens for whose sake democracy exists? That is the big question. However, we have to strengthen the structure of our democracy, we have to put in place a more effective legislature and ensure that the people that will represent us have to stop stealing money, and they have to stop insulting us and telling the people they have to wait before the good things of life can come their way, when they are not waiting patiently themselves.”

Bamidele Aturu, lawyer and founder of United Action for Democracy “I think that we still don’t seem to understand that democracy is not just about people walking freely al over the place. Democracy goes beyond freedom of movement.

Democracy, as far as I’m concerned, involves people enjoying socio-economic freedom, freedom from poverty, freedom from want, and freedom from diseases. Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of the citizens of Nigeria cannot be said to be enjoying this status yet. And that

5

tells you that democracy is not in Nigeria. The masses cannot remain docile forever. They can together with their leaders insist by going to the National Assembly and protest against outrageous salaries for the incoming lawmakers. The people must demand from all the tiers of government to declare free and compulsory education at all levels, because the money is there.”

Olorunnimbe Mamora (ACN, Lagos East), Deputy Minority Leader “Well, I think it is not all tales of woes.

We may not be where we ought to be but we have gone forward to some extent. Democracy is not a definition, it is a process. It has its ups and downs. It has its positive and negative experiences. But what is not in doubts is that we are truly making progress.

Even if you are looking at the electoral process, which is the most important pillar in a democracy, according to analysis and opinions, the 2011 elections is much better than the experiences we have had in 1999, 2003 and 2007. By that comparison, you will agree that we are making progress. I have every cause to believe that it will get better. So I believe we are making progress.”

Fred Agbaje, Lagos-based lawyer “It is indisputably a fact that Nigerians have fared better under democratic regime than the military and would forever prefer democracy. At least, the average Nigerian can now challenge the excesses of law enforcement agencies and other levels of government. In other words, their rights are being upheld, unlike what we had before which was the jackboot era, where people were coerced or cowed into submission. I, however, believe that there is still a lot of room for improvement that is if we want to. I would like to lend my voice to the clamour

by Nigerians for a remarkable improvement in the power sector. There should be a complete re-organisation. Besides, government at all levels must seek to empower Nigerians so as to reduce unemployment in order to curtail crime. Infrastructure must also be looked into. That is why the President must ensure that he puts the right people in the right places, not political jobbers who don’t have anything to offer.”

Ayogu Eze (PDP, Enugu North) “I believe democracy has grown in Nigeria. Don’t forget not too long ago we were battling with the issue of being able to transit from one civilian democracy to the other.

But right now that has been taken for granted.

Our democracy has grown to the extent that it is now taken as a normal occurrence that we effortlessly change from one administration to the other. That is something to glow about. It is a major development in our polity.”

Senator Abubakar Sodangi (PDP, Nasarawa) “In the over 50 years of our independence, we have never enjoyed democracy like this. There is always one political problem or the other. We have come a long way.

We have taken our legislature serious politically. We have also gone through learning process, like former President Obasanjo will say we are learning the rope. What matters to the common man is giving him dividends of democracy. He is interested in good amenities, education, water resources and the rest of them. Much as I agree that our democracy has improved, but our political improvement still cannot equate with our social development as a nation. Also Nigerians should be patient. There is no need to cast aspersion on those they have elected.

They should give them time to deliver.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

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S the nation awaits the list of new cabinet members, there is anxiety over nomination of some loyalists of some top members of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Governor James Ibori.

It was also learnt that security reports on the affected loyalists were damning and pointed to alleged infiltration of the cabinet.

But the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has the final say whether to take the risk and accommodate such loyalists.

Investigation revealed that one of the highlights of the screening of ministerial nominees was the discovery of some loyalists of Atiku, Ibori, and NPLF members, who opposed the emergence of Jonathan as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A source, who spoke in confidence, said such loyalists of Atiku like a former Group Managing Director of NNPC, PDP leaders in the North-West and North -East, a former CBN Governor, and ex-Ministers from the North are being considered.

The source claimed that some loyalists and associates of some NPLF members from the North-East, North-West and South-West were among those nominated for cabinet positions.

A reliable PDP leader added: “In fact, the wife of a prominent leader of the NPLF exchanged words with a former Ambassador at a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday over the ministerial list from Borno State .

“Everybody was shocked that the relation or associate of any NPLF leader could still aspire to be in Jonathan’s cabinet.

It was also gathered that pro-Ibori candidates were alleged to have been included in the list from Delta State in the South-South.

The source said: “Security agencies are suspecting infiltration of the cabinet list by some loyalists of the NPLF members, Atiku, and Ibori through the open-system approach adopted by the President.

“There is also a suspicion that some PDP leaders and governors in some states allegedly collaborated to accommodate such candidates in the ministerial list.

“Although some of these candidates later recanted on their opposition to Jonathan’s bid for the presidency, security reports do not favour the appointment of such candidates as Ministers.

“The security agencies do not want a situation where the candidates of the PDP leaders, who had hitherto opposed Jonathan, will sabotage the cabinet.”

Cabinet: Tension over nomination of NPLF, Atiku, Ibori loyalists …Security agencies may disqualify candidates linked with Ibori FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation As at press time, it was gathered that the President has not decided on what to do with such candidates, who are rated as “assets” to the government.

Another source added: “This is a test of the political will of the president. Will he be magnanimous to go for merit or allow partisan politics to guide his decision?

“The President is not a vengeanceseeking Nigerian but the fears border on the

fact that the affected candidates from antiJonathan camp may not put in their best.

“Some leaders of the PDP are also worried that if such candidates are in the cabinet, they may have access to vital information which could assist those who may eventually be critical of the government.

“It is really a no-win situation for the President who wants the best for the nation within four years.”

By virtue of Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President is mandated to form his cabinet.

The Section reads in part: “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government

of the Federation as may be established by the President.

“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President, “Any appointment under subsection(2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of Section14(3) of this Constitution provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.”

•From L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Muiz Banire, Senetor elect, Oluremi Tinubu, ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, his wife Sherifat, and Osun Deputy Governor Mrs. Titilayo Laoye Tomori at Aregbesola’s 54th birthday, recently.

Monitor elected members, political appointees -- Jonathan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday charged the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure strict monitoring of the performance of elected or appointed members of the party into political positions.

Jonathan who spoke at the official ground breaking ceremony for the party’s national secretariat in Abuja also said he is committed to fulfilling all the promises he made during electioneering.

He said he would continue to uphold the rule of law as he was committed to deepening the nation’s nascent democracy.

However, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP and ex -President Olusegun Obasanjo under whose administration the idea to build a befitting national secretariat for the party was conceived was absent.

Also absent from the ceremony which drew the Who-is-Who in the PDP, was the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole.

No PDP governor was at the ceremony.

President Jonathan who reminded members of the party of their campaign promises especially in the area of transforming the country, urged elected members, leadership of the party as well as stakeholders of the party at all levels of government of the urgent task of bracing up for the challenges ahead, adding that Nigeria as a country was at the threshold of history.

He noted that if properly monitored, elected officers would be on their toes to deliver on their campaign promises to the people of the country.

According to Jonathan the last elections have improved the image of the country.

…Says I am committed to deepening democracy ...Performs ground breaking for the PDP National Secretariat …Obasanjo, Bankole, PDP governors absent From Sanni Ologun, Abuja The President who called for a minute silence at the event for his predecessor, the late President Umaru Yar’adua, disclosed that the party raised the funds for the new Secretariat from members, friends of the party and 15% from salaries of office holders who are members of the party.

He added that PDP requires a good environment to operate and with the new Secretariat, the party has blazed the trail in institutionalizing party politics and deepening the roots of democracy.

The new Secretariat located on Plot 243, Cadastral Zone A00, Central Business District(CDB) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) occupies a total of 7,156 square metres and when completed would be a 12-storey building with two basement floors that can accommodate 350 cars.

President Jonathan emphasized that PDP is making a bold statement in the entrenchment of democracy in the country by plugging enormous resources in the construction of the new secretariat which would also serve as a major revenue earner for the party on completion.

He said the revenue would make the party leadership financially independent, a situation that would enable them take difficult decisions and enforce party discipline.

The Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo who is the chairman of the building committee described the PDP as the largest and most organized party in sub Saharan Africa.

Sambo said the ground breaking ceremony was a dream come true since the idea was conceived in 2006.

He said the secretariat would be a 12storey building with enough space to carry out the business of the party and other commercial activities.

He expressed hope that the contractor, Messrs BNL Limited would deliver the building on schedule.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Haliru Bello Mohammed noted that the ground breaking for the National Secretariat of the party was a “very happy moment in our history” since it was done a few hours to the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He praised the PDP’s feat during the just concluded elections saying: “We have cause to be proud of our achievements as a party.

“Today the PDP stands tall in the constellation of political parties, not only in Nigeria, but in the entire world. We have demonstrated, clearly and decisively, that we are the party of choice for the generality of Nigerians. We have proven our capacity to win in free and fair elections.”

He added: “Our great party’s growth and ever increasing administrative and organizational demands have put tremendous strains on the physical space from which the national secretariat currently operates.

“As it is well known, Wadata Plaza has become too small, uncomfortable and unsuitable for the needs of the party. All who work there have had to bear the discomfort of cramped offices and poor facilities. The need for a purpose- built secretariat building has been compelling for a very long time. I am very delighted that, after a long process of planning, deliberation and fund raising, we are, today, able to begin our move to a new, modern and efficient building with its ground breaking ceremony.

“Our new party secretariat project is a testimony to our faith in the sustainability of democratic governance in Nigeria. When it is completed, it will provide a conducive environment for effective party administration, mobilization and organization, but more importantly, it will be a monument to the solidity of our role in growing and deepening democracy, in Nigeria and the African continent.”

The National Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje said: “This is a giant step towards institutionalizing the Peoples Democratic Party as well as professionalizing the staffers of the secretariat.

“The dream is to see the PDP embedded in the tradition and culture of the citizenry.

This is more so, when one realizes that the history of Nigeria whenever it is written is incomplete without providing a prominent place to the Peoples Democratic Party. Take it or leave it.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

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•Scenes of the stampede

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BOUT 20 persons might have died in the stampede that occurred on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, it was gathered yesterday.

But the state government had in a statement a few hours after the incident on Friday night said that two people were dead but added that details of the incident was still sketchy.

The tragic event which was said to have happened at about 10pm, occurred at a valedictory ceremony for the outgoing governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki.

However, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Kwara State, has described the incident as one caused by the failure of the PDP government to frontally address the problem of poverty in the State.

The governor and his entourage had left before the incident occurred. The incident occurred at the “Mandate House,” a building which serves as Saraki’s campaign headquarters and the ceremony was said to have been well attended by supporters of PDP in the State.

It was gathered that a part of the building’s fence collapsed and fell on the victims.

They were said to have queued up for money and four yards of Ankara fabric.

A similar stampede occurred at the same venue late last year during the Eidel-Kabir celebration in which about four supporters of the PDP died. Corpses of the victims said to be mostly women it was gathered had been deposited in hospitals within the metropolis.

Those confirmed dead in the hospitals include Afusat Maja, Rukayat Isiaka, Titilayo Suleiman, Balau Jimoh and Iyabo Isiak. Others areLaro Issa, Ayoka Anafi, Kaliatu Oba, Fasilat Alagbo, Zayadel Ayoka Ganiyu and Nimota Saliman.

The state police command said it had commenced investigation into the cause of Friday night stampede. Because of the incident which the government described as unfortunate, Governor Saraki cancelled all the valedictory activities earlier scheduled for yesterday. The Command’s spokesman, Dabo Ezekiel (ASP) who confirmed the incident, declined comments on the number of casualties.

He said the police had commenced investigations to unravel the cause of the incident. Investigations showed that some people had been arrested in connection with the incident, but the Command’s spokesman did not confirm that.

On today’s inauguration of the new governor of the State, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, Ezekiel said that the police had mobilized both men and materials to ensure a hitch-free ceremony. The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Masu’d Adebimpe had in a statement conveyed the sympathy of the government to the entire PDP family in the State over the death of two of its members who lost their lives in the stampede.

He said the governor, who expressed shock and sadness over the development,

Kwara tragedy: Death toll now 20 • It’s PDP failure -- ACN From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

has directed security operatives in the State to commence full investigation into the incident.

According to him “preliminary investigation by the police revealed that some hoodlums while attempting to rob party women at the valedictory ceremony had pulled down the fence of the venue which resulted in a stampede that led to the loss of lives.”

Kwara ACN in a statement yesterday blamed the deaths of scores of people at the PDP Mandate Campaign Office on what it called the PDP-led state government’s hand-to-mouth politics which the opposition party claims often leads to avoidable deaths.

The party also accused the PDP-led government of allegedly wanting to hush up the incident by calling it an “accident in which two people died,” and said the PDP’s habit of doling out handouts to the impoverished masses, rather than evolve serious anti-poverty policies, underscores

its failures over the past eight years.

ACN also said such attempts to trivialise the deaths amount to insulting the families of the victims, recalling that similar deaths had occurred at the same PDP office last year with similar attempt to bury the story.

“We condole with the families of the people who died in a stampede in AlhajiAbdulfatah Ahmed’s campaign office in Ilorin on Friday evening. May they rest in peace in the bosom of the lord and may their families have the fortitude to bear the loss,” Kwara ACN Chairman Kayode Olawepo said in a statement in Ilorin .

“We condemn in the strongest terms the rather insensitive and pathetic attempt by the Kwara State PDP to treat with levity and to attempt to suppress the true facts surrounding the death of many Kwarans at the Abdulfatah Ahmed’s campaign office. Reports are that as many as 70 people died in a stampede on Friday while scrambling for money, bales of cloth and other greek gifts being given out by the

PDP. In a barefaced lie borne out of insensitivity and disrespect to the families of the deceased the government has sought to pass off the tragic incident as “an accident in which two people died”.

“The remote cause of these tragic deaths is the failure of the PDP government to address in any meaningful way, with sound and well thought out policies, the poverty levels in the State. Instead, the PDP-led government continues to be contented with dishing out largesse and it does so with catastrophic consequences.

We recall that last year, at the same place in the same way, there were multiple deaths of Kwarans at their hands. That tragic and unfortunate incident was hushed up in the same way as they are now seeking to do.

“It would seem that not only has the PDP-led government failed in their duties as a government to those who lost their lives while they were alive, it is also failing to honour their memories and their families in death. How long must people continue to die meaninglessly because of a failure of a government? The government must put a stop to this ‘hand-to mouth politics’.”

Nigeria on the way to steady democratic progress --Tinubu A

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 12 years of uninterrupted civil rule, saying that the country has made a steady progress towards democratic practice.

He hailed the resilience, commitment, determination and patriotism of citizens, remarking that they were substantially responsible for the progress made in this political dispensation.

Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State, felicitated with President Goodluck Jonathan, newly elected governors and state and federal legislators who won at the recent general elections, praying to God to endow them with the wisdom to utilize their sacred mandates to pursue the greatest good for the greatest number of the citizens of our beloved country.

The ACN national leader observed in a statement yesterday that elections were “reasonably fair, free and credible”, adding that there was a improvement on the 2003 and 2007 polls.

Tinubu said: “I congratulate the

...Congratulates President, govs and legislators

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, for the widely acknowledged success of the exercise.

However, the INEC Chairman must not waste any time in beginning to address some internal systemic weaknesses exploited by some unscrupulous political actors to manipulate the elections in some areas.

“It is of critical importance for all those Chief Executives taking their oaths of office to realize that this is another opportunity to utilize democracy as a vehicle for aggressively combating poverty and promoting rapid socio-economic development of the country. This is the best way to endear democracy to the generality of Nigerians and ensure that it becomes irreversible as a system of government in the polity.

“Even as we continually strengthen

the institutions of democracy in the country, it is also imperative that all stakeholders in the political process adopt attitudes and exhibit behaviour capable of sustaining stable democratic governance. We must, for instance, learn to accept the result of a free and fair election even when it does not favor us as it is only then that we can deserve the joy of electoral victory when we win.

“All those who feel aggrieved at the outcome of the polls can take solace in the fact that the judiciary has consistently demonstrated the courage to redress electoral injustices and restore stolen mandates. This is another cardinal feature of Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and a source of confidence that the selfcorrecting mechanisms of Nigeria’s constitutional process are functioning effectively. I enjoin all Nigerians to look to the future with hope, confidence and gratitude to God Almighty that democracy is making steady progress in Africa’s most populous country.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

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Oshiomhole salutes Obaigbena

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DO State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has heartily congratulated This Day Publisher, Mr Nduka Obaigbena on his election as president of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

Describing Obaigbena as a “new doyen of a different hue on the block”, the governor in a statement in Benin City says his creative ability and immense contacts will be desirable to bail out the country’s print media particularly from the challenges posed by the online media. “We need to stand the vision of those who have predicted the imminent death of the newspaper against the challenges of the online media on its head”, he says.

Oshiomhole says given “Obaigbena’s resourceful pedigree to always explore innovations in the media business, his emergence as NPAN president definitely signal a new road map for the industry in Nigeria”.

While saluting Obaigbena’s astuteness and doggedness particularly with regards to the novel introduction of the colour fad in the mid 90s, a more robust approach to print journalism with emphasis on both form and content, the improvement in the use of photo essays, the elevation of Life Style reporting for the upwardly mobile middle class.

Outrage trails Daniel’s sudden trip abroad

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ORMER Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s sudden trip to London ahead of the inauguration of the new government in the state has attracted criticism with the state branch of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) describing it as a “serious security lapse” .

The publicity secretary of the party in the state, Sola Lawal appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the former governor was repatriated to face trial for his alleged offences while in office.

However, in a statement last night, Adegbenro Adebanjo, a media aide to the former governor dismissed the notion that the former was on the run. According to him, “Otunba Daniel travelled through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport escorted by SSS personnel and police security details.” He added that the governor went through all security checks and was not stopped.

Also yesterday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said no former public official can escape justice by fleeing abroad. The Head of Media and Publicity of the commission, Femi Babafemi, affirmed that, “Fleeing the country because of EFCC’s

• He can’t escape justice- EFCC usuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

investigation is not really an escape from justice more so that it can be served anywhere, anytime. The case of a former governor is a good lesson in this regard. That is all we can say for now.”

As at press time, there were indications that about four of the outgoing governors have been placed on watch-list.

The ACN in Ogun said although Daniel’s predecessor, Chief Olusegun Osoba did not attend Daniel’s swearingin ceremony in 2003, did not travel out of the country as his vacation was within Nigeria. It added, “We hope that his case will not turn out to be like that of the erstwhile Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori whose trials for corruption was fraught with legal hurdles while he was sojourning in Dubai.”

The party reckoned that Daniel might have fled the country following security reports that he may be quizzed this week by the EFCC along with nine other out-going governors over alleged misappropriation of

funds in their respective states.

The Accountant General, Mr. Seye Senfuye last Wednesday put the debt profile of the state as at March 31 at N49, 232,597,163.67. The ACN said although it disputes the figure put forward by the accountant general vigorously, it still believes the debt profile of such a magnitude “is the height of irresponsibility for an administration” It added, “This same government, as it busied itself incurring a debt of N49.

2 billion instigated the impeachment of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Tunji Egbetokun and the suspension of 15 other legislators by nine of their colleagues when the House refused to be stampeded into approving a N100 billion bond.”

Similarly, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the last election the state, Tunde Oladunjoye, has decried the reported fleeing and escape abroad of Daniel saying it has vindicated him.

In a statement Oladunjoye, a former Coun-

cil boss of Ijebu East and which was dissolved in February 2009 following his disagreement with Daniel, alleged that the former governor deducted nothing less than N96 billion from the revenue accruable to “the 20 local government councils in the last eight years of his misrule”.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has placed some of the outgoing governors its watch-list as it raised a team to track the movement of Daniel of in the United Kingdom.

The team is to ascertain whether the former governor is actually on vacation or on the run. The top source said: “We are already tracking his movement in the UK and our desk is trying to ascertain his sudden trip. We are aware that Daniel tried desperately to get in touch with the EFCC chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri before he left but he was shut out. If Daniel is running away from justice, his presence in the UK will assist the EFCC to accelerate his investigation and trial for any offence.”

The former governor is being investigated over alleged N30billion fraud including diversion of about N12billion revenue in Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Sur-

Policeman kills conductor in Rivers From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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POLICE corporal, attached to the AntiPipeline Vandalisation Taskforce, Zone 6, Calabar (name withheld), but on duty at Olokobo in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, has shot and killed a bus conductor.

The policeman had misunderstanding with a tanker driver on Friday, but ended up shooting the conductor, who was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly after.

The tanker drivers, yesterday, poised for a showdown, blocking the main road, near the ever-busy East-West Road, and vowed to embark on an indefinite strike, to protest the killing and lawlessness of policemen, soldiers and other security personnel in the area.

The Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Ben Ugwuegbulam, DSP, who confirmed the incident, said the errant policeman had been arrested, dismissed and to be charged to court this week.

Ugwuegbulam said the police corporal was being detained as at press time, with his weapon recovered, while the state’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had taken over the matter, adding: “The tanker drivers’ threat of road blockage and strike are being managed.”

• L-R: Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, Niger state Deputy Governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, former Head of State, Gen. Abdullsalami Abubakar and former CBN governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, during the inauguration lecture in honour of the governor at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna

vey.

In the mean time, the former governor has asked the Governor-elect, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, not to try him on the pages of newspapers.

Speaking at the weekend at the Conference room, Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta, few seconds after handing over two volumes of financial statements of the state for periods spanning 2003 to March, 2011 to Senator Amosun, Daniel said, “You fought a very good battle like a real politician. I wish you most successful tenure. If you want to clarify anything, you can clarify that with me but not on the pages of newspapers.”

The documents were received by the Deputy Governor-elect, Prince Segun Adesegun, who represented his boss and equally led the delegation of the ACN chieftains to the ceremony attended by Daniel’s cabinet members and his Deputy, Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru.

He told the in – coming administration not to “panic” or show any “cause for alarm” as his administration has equally left assets that will not only make lighter for the liabilities to be borne, but also keep the state on the path of progress.

According to him, the Olokola Liquified Natural Gas [OKLNG] project in Ode – Omi, Ogun Waterside Local Government, will in the next couple of weeks attract fifteen million dollars from OKLNG as rent while the just completed OPIC Plaza in Abeokuta valued at N2bn, could be “leased” or sold if Amosun’s administration is “cash strapped.”

Adesegun, who had earlier expressed the worry that the debt left by Daniel would pose grave “challenge” to meeting ACN campaign promises, however told reporters that the party will run a “dynamic and purposeful” government.

He noted that governance is a “serious business” and said the new administration will critically examine his tenure adding that hand over note from him is not enough to tell all that transpired in the last eight years.

Lagos urges residents along river banks to be vigilant

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday enumerated measures it has put in place to contain the possible effects of the high rainfall predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, for 2011 urging residents to keep all flood channels clear of solid waste.Addressing an inter ministerial press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Drainage Services, Engineer Muhydeen Akinsanya advised that in order to stave off impeding flood disaster residents should desist from building structures along the drain alignments or compromising drainage structures .

Akinsanya, who spoke

From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

along side his counterparts in the ministries of Transportation, Mr. Seyi Coker, Information and Strategy, Mrs. Ranti Odutola and Environmental Services, Dr (Mrs.) Titi Anibaba, listed measures to be adopted by residents to include ensuring that wastes are properly packed and disposed through PSP waste disposal agents.

He also cautioned users of waterways to be more careful during excessive rainfalls which could lead to high water level, greater turbulence and changes in shoreline depth.

“Residents and property owners along the river banks and flood plains are advised to be very vigilant and raise

alarm in case of high rise in water level and ensure that they immediately vacate the water path in case of heavy flooding. They should put safety of lives before anything else”, he added.

He said the 2011 rainfall prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and analyzed by the State Government in the last three months, showed that areas like Ikosi—Ketu, Mile 12, Agiliti, Thomas Laniyan Estate, Owode- Onirin Agboyi, Owode Elede, Maidan and Isheri North scheme are susceptible to flooding.

The Permanent Secretary advised people within those areas to move to

higher grounds within the months of June to mid September and October to January “because the capacity of most canals is not likely to contain the volume of runoff expected from the rainfall.”

Akinsanya explained that many of the channels in the metropolis have been cleared while maintenance schedule is also being pursued with vigour, adding “government is confident that flooding will be effectively contained and controlled”.

“However, it is pertinent to mention that the stretch of Oworonshoki –Apapa Expressway from Gbagada to Tin Can Island, which has been depressed for a long

time, is yet to be rehabilitated by the Federal Government”, Engineer Akinsanya said, warning that the challenges usually experienced by the people living in such catchment areas as Mile 2, Rainbow, Ijeshatedo, Ilasamaja, Ewu- Tuntun and Itire during the rainy season would largely remain.

The Permanent Secretary said the abatement gang will be readily available within the state to respond appropriately to distress situation and gave some hotlines which could be contacted –Engineer A.C.K. Bade Adebowale on 08056145481, Engineer L.A. Alafia 08023151082 and Engineer K.O. Ogunsiji on 08023298197.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

Congratulations

Mr President !

Our dear President, Today you are anchoring our great country into an era of transformation as you are sworn in as the democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We, in Plateau State ,identify with your strides so far on the saddle and see in you a true partner, patriot, and nationalist with the passion to positively redefine the destiny of Nigeria.

We equally salute all Nigerians for the overwhelming believe in you, our party, the PDP and vision of a New and Better Nation.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria .

Your Excellency, Congratulations.

JONAH DAVID JANG

Governor

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Comment & Analysis

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Against pride in office Newly elected officials must learn to be humble

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ODAY marks another milestone in the democratic history of Nigeria. Being May 29th, another set of elected people at the federal and state levels are to be sworn-in in different capacities across the federation. By June 4, newly elected and re-elected legislators at the states’ houses of assembly and the National Assembly would also be formally inaugurated into office. These events mark the climax of weeks of electioneering campaign in which the elected officials, then as candidates of their various political parties, made various promises to the people and also did promise to uphold good governance at all times.

The people are expectant of the dividends of democracy and the only way this can effectively happen is for those newly sworn into office to consider themselves first as true representatives and servants of the people. By this, we mean that these men/women should not use their offices to oppress the opposition and perceived enemies and to also enrich their pockets; rather, they should use them to pursue the good of all.

For instance, the just ending tenure witnessed unabashed contempt for the people by most of those supposedly elected to lead. We have looked around and upon reflection seen most of the out-gone governors and legislators behaved as if their tenure would never end. They forgot that a day when they will be constitutionally forced to hand over power will come. The pride/impunity displayed by some of them underscored the vain gloriousness of most public office holders in the country.

We still could not fathom why former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State made brashness the hallmark of governance. He was so indecorous in running state affairs that many wondered whether public

affairs deserved to be so denigrated. Otunba Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State made impunity the other name of governance. Apart from putting inhabitants of the state under siege, and allegedly forcing public officers that served under him to take ritual oaths, the out-gone governor of the ‘Gateway State’ also ensured that the state house of assembly, for the better part of his second term, was unlawfully put under lock and key. In Kwara State, Bukola Saraki and his dad, Olusola, turned the state into their family fiefdom. Bukola also ensured that in the total eight years of his two terms, no whiff of opposition thrived in Kwara. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, before the court threw him out of office temporarily turned Osun into a police state. Segun Oni who suffered the same fate as Oyinlola while his illegal reign lasted ran Ekiti State as if it was his private business, ignoring the voice of wisdom in the process.

We call all elected men and women being inaugurated today or later on June 4 not to emulate those who behaved as if they will die in power. By midnight of yesterday, their assumed super-human status arising from constitutional immunity and other forms of state

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Festus Eriye •Olayinka Oyegbile Deputy Editor •Associate Editor Taiwo Ogundipe

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

privileges that they enjoyed must have crumbled before their eyes. The journey of four years that once seemed endless has come to a determinable end today.

We know that perquisites of power can be so tempting and alluring, but most men of power fell for it because they forget easily the transient nature of power once they have it. They are entrapped by power because they fail to learn from the history of men who were destroyed by the five letter word. We however acknowledge in this murky environment that there are still men who maintain admirable semblance of sanity while in power. In this regard, we take note of three outstanding public personalities. Worthy of mentioning is the simplicity of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and the realism of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. Also, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State moves around without unnecessary air of power around him. These three men, among very few others in public office, tend to appreciate and show better understanding through venerable official conducts, the fact that power is the most temporary of all human possession.

We call on all newly elected men and women not to allow themselves to be enslaved by the vanities of office. As mortals, no human assumed power can confer immortality on them but good deeds and levelheadedness displayed during their tenures in office.

Impunity and undue pride are historically known to precede human downfall. Hopefully, therefore, they should, as presumed rational beings, avoid these. We call on all elected men/women to learn from the inglorious exit of others before them. We expect them to start their first day in office thinking of what their last day will be.

2011 Presidential Polls: Peaceful but very bloody E VEN though the 2011 Presidential Election was generally acclaimed to be peaceful, transparent, free and fair yet the post-election violence that broke out especially in Kaduna, Bauchi and Kano States leave much to be desired about the preparedness of our security agencies to analyse intelligence reports and act decisively with a view to prevent crime. There is no point wasting our time and resources in gathering intelligence reports with a view to identify flash points if such reports will not be utilized. This particular poll – Presidential Election has been tainted with the blood of innocent souls, just because one

Osun State University fees

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CONGRATULATE the governor of Osun State, Ogbeni, Rauf Aregbesola on his achievements. On behalf of the students of Osun State University. we commend him for the reduction of the tuition fee of the institution to make it affordable for the average individual.

Susan Afolabi, Ajayi Crowther University.

Repair Festac roads

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WANT to duly congratulate the governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola on securing a second term in office. I also want him to consolidate on his good works, by paying attention to the roads in Festac town as they require urgent repairs.

By Adebo, Oyenike, Ajayi Crowthher University

of the contestants is a bad loser.

Why should we allow some miscreants free hands to allegedly murder in cold blood innocent and armless youth corps members serving their fatherland? Some female youth corpers were even allegedly gang-raped before they were slaughtered like cows! And yet the State has failed to provide the necessary security cover to these promising stars despite the assurances. The Nation wanted to project the image of a very civil society before the International Community by ignoring these criminal elements in those flash points already identified.

Frankly speaking, a newspaper columnist – Tunde Fagbenle in his column in the Sunday Punch has described one of the Presidential Aspirants as a security risk judging by the kind of personalities that normally attend his campaign rallies. We support the recall of Youth Corper Members of Ondo and Lagos State origins by their respective state governments from those slaughter grounds.

In addition, we are recommending a comprehensive review of the Scheme (National Youth Service Corps) in its entirety. While we are not recommending the total scrap of the Scheme, we strongly suggest that corp members should be restricted to their Geo-political zones, while participating in the 1 year mandatory scheme. This will save their parents and the nation as a whole unnecessary agonies.

The culture of not melting out adequate punishment to serve as deterrent to others on the part of our Federal and State

Governments is a big minus in our Judicial Administration.

Why we don’t intend to preempt the outcome of the Judicial Probe that the President-Elect set up to investigate the postelection violence that has led to wanton destruction of lives and properties, the Nation is still waiting to know the fate of some hoodlums who gang-raped another female youth corper of South-South excraction to death in Borno State sometimes last year. There is no doubt that when offenders and their masterminds are adequately punished for a particular crime, it will surely deter others and the culprits from taken laws into their hands in future. Enough is

enough about making longspeeches and rhetorics. This is the time for Mr. President and members of his government to swing into action. This is the time to rebuild and to reconstruct the falling walls of this Nation.

To do otherwise is to allow these young martyrs of our democracy to die in vain. No amount of compensation can heal the wounds of their parents, kiths and kins.

Lastly, Mr. President should also lead the Nation to repent and ask GOD for forgiveness concerning this periodic shedding of innocent blood across the land. We don’t need to remind Mr. President that the issues causing the ethno-

religious crises in Plateau State are yet to be fully resolved.

We therefore encourage Mr. President to put his trust in the LORD and not in any human being and institutions who may fail at critical moments. His next tenure of 4 years should bring about good governance. (i.e. ruling the Nation with the fear of GOD). That is part of what he can do to immortalize all the innocent souls that were either bombed or slaughtered in the cause of these elections.

Oluwagbemiga Olakunle, JP General Secretary National Prayer Movement gbemigaolakunle@yahoo.co.uk

Time for Igbo nation to wake up

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HE legendary Lady of Songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe, waxed a musical record some years back, which included a song titled “Ndigbo Teta nu na ula”; literarily meaning “Igbo nation, wake up from slumber”. This could easily pass for Igbo nation’s theme song; all that the Igbo need to know and do, could be clear by studying the lyrics properly and act them and it shall thenceforth be well with them. But it seems that the people she is talking to do not yet properly understand this.

What is happening with the present ding-dong relationship between the presidency and southeast upon the resultant massive voting for Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency in the just concluded presidential election is regrettable.

The south-east gave Jonathan more than 98.5% of total vote cast in the zone. Now in the name of the so-called, but dead zoning

(which Jonathan earlier said never existed in PDP) is what is being applied to betray the votes given him in the south-east; the agreed Speakership of the House of Representatives is in contention?

Looking at it from another angle, I feel it is the Igbo leaders and not Jonathan should be blamed.

South-east governors and the APGA are blaming one another and that has culminated in offering the zone the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)? While south-east Senators are asking for PDP national chairmanship others are asking for Speaker of the House of Representative.

A Yoruba friend asked me some relevant questions which I could offer sincere answers as I looked foolish with my own argument at the end. He asked: When the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo was busy canvassing for the Jonathan’s presidency and as intelligent as the Igbo

people are in commerce and education; did they not know that Ambassador Uwechue (Ohaneze Ndigbo president-general) and Dr. Ebegwei (President of Aka Ikenga) were fighting for Jonathan chiefly because they come from the same south-south as Jonathan? Can the same Igbo people tell him that when Jonathan was parading his name as Ebele, they did not know it was a shortened form of Ebelemi? When Jonathan assumed Azikiwe that till today has remained not part of his names in any of his portraits that adorn public and private offices in Nigerians, the Igbo people did not know it was their intelligence that was being played on? Since they were given to believe that Jonathan was part of them, what on earth make them believe they could get the Speakership position or that Igbo would be president in 2015?

Mr. Obidigbo Mgbachi, 59 Market Road, Ekwulobia, Anambra State

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Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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HE recent Global Diaspora Forum in Washington stresses the need to bring new ideas for creating a synergy between diaspora communities and countries of birth of members of such community. The speeches of the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Daniel Yohannes, the Ethiopian chief executive of Millennium Challenge Corporation bring new attention to a matter that should be of great interest to the new government in Abuja and other state capitals.

As Mrs Clinton said at the conference on May 17, the role of diaspora communities in modern times has made great impact on natal communities, particularly in terms of family assistance through home remittances. Her conclusion that such assistance can go beyond families to community assistance is germane to the fluctuating efforts of the Nigerian government – federal and state on the need to spur new ideas to create synergy between Nigeria and its diapora.

And President Jonathan needs to pay serious attention to forging a sustainable and mutually profitable partnership between the country and its diaspora

Femi Orebe femi.orebe @thenationonlineng.net 08056504626 (sms only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Comment & Analysis

O TIME can be more opportune than now to sound this note of warning: at the rate the National Assembly is going, devouring every penny on its way even whilst working for only 186 days of the year, if Nigerians neglect, or refuse to take the bull by the horns, that institution will think nothing of bringing the country down on its knees, financially speaking.

It has just taken the new-found confidence of President Goodluck Jonathan to beat back a financially rampaging National Assembly that had padded his 2011 budget proposals by over half a trillion naira which made the Finance Minister describe it as ‘inoperable’. Nothing has indicated, since the minister made that statement, that they have shown any remorse or feel a sense of shame.

We have, in fact, since discovered that the House of Representatives has chalked up a N10 Billion bank loan after ALL its appropriated funds for the 2010 budget year had been released to it. This obviously is a criminal offence for which whoever is responsible has obviously earned his day in court. The problem with fighting corruption in this country is how easily offenders go scot free, a practice that breeds impunity. Today, proven vote robbers are being lined up by shameless PDP state executives for appointment as ministers as if Nigeria is a den of robbers.

Tapping the energy of Nigeria’s diaspora community The country needs to move out of its inertia on homeland-diaspora relations communities in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Ibrahim Babangida, despite his many political problems, stimulated Nigeria’s policy of dual citizenship, a policy that has strengthened over the years relationships between Nigerians in diaspora and their homeland communities. It is unfortunate that many other political crimes committed by Babangida have eclipsed this important policy decision to strengthen the cord between overseas Nigerians and their country of origin.

Ever since the legislation or decree on dual citizenship for Nigerians, no other country has been stronger on sound bites on the Nigerian diaspora than Nigeria. Under Obasanjo’s presidency, he influenced the creation of NIDO, Nigerian Diaspora Organisation. Heavy words and light action characterized Obasanjo’s diaspora initiative. He spent more energy wooing offshore PDP members into NIDO than strengthening the organisation to add value to the counry’s

homeland-diaspora partnership beyond the traditional practice of regular home remittances. In effect, the eight years of Obasanjo’s tenure did not bring the needed change in deveopment projects that could have come from the country’s diaspora community.

After Obasanjo, there was a lull, apart from the initiative by the House of Representatives to create a diaspora committee. This committee made several trips to capitals of European and American countries. It also succeeded in giving the right speeches in such countries. But the outcome has not been noticeable, largely because the committee had no concrete executive backing.

The government of Umaru Yar’Adua did not consider a diaspora strategy important.

This restricted the efforts in the House of Representatives to the realm of talking the talk, rather than walking the walk on how to make the best use of the country’s offshore talent. Shortly after his declaration as Acting President, President Goodluck Jonathan

said at his Washington lecture that Nigeria would create a diaspora commission to take advantage of the country’s teeming millions resident in other countries with high marks in global best practices in several aspects of life. Nothing has happened in this respect ever since.

Now that President Jonathan is back for a full term, he needs to give more attention to fostering mutually profitable projects between the country and its diaspora. The country needs to move out of its inertia on homeland-diaspora relations.

The country’s overseas population that sends home an average of $10 billion dollars a year is not one to treat with levity or drug with sweet words.

Nigeria’s offshore community has stood in as providers of social security assitance to millions of the country’s citizens over the years.

The money that Nigerians abroad send home every year is more than the foreign aid that the country receives. It will be

surprising if there is any other entity apart from the oil and gas industry that provides more foreign exchange to the country than its offshore population. A serious-minded administration that seeks to move away from business-as-usual model and adopt the ethic of transformation should not waste time in establishing a functional diaspora commission to look after this crucial segment of the country’s human and economic development potential.

President Jonathan needs to move away from the traditional focus on elite agencies with little regard for bottoms-up development. The rhetorical focus in the Obasanjo years on hunting for Nigerian expatriate experts was in the right direction, if it has been transformed into action. But most of the Nigerians that send money home to provide social security for millions of families do not necessarily belong to the group that often attracts those hunting for talents.

Even the initiative of the House of Representatives gave all its attention to Nigeria’s talented

The National Assembly will cripple the country Even if party members who had been roundly rejected at elections in their own backyard must be rewarded at all, must it be with strategic posts? It becomes totally unconscionable when these are individuals who had proved absolutely incapable in public offices they previously held.

But I digress.

In the particular instance of the N10 Billion loan, the rules for public borrowing as clearly stated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, have been egregiously breached. One key requirement is that such loans must have been appropriated for the current year and must be used solely for capital expenditure with the cost- benefit analysis clearly stated which is not the case here.

The United Bank for Africa which lent without due diligence check is no less guilty and though it had cleverly recouped its money, the CBN governor must still ensure that this illegality gets punished.

Unless this is done, we would have sent a wrong signal to the in-coming National Assembly which we hope, with its diluted PDP numbers, should be quite different from the rapacious one they ‘re succeeding.

For far too long this nation had been at the receiving end of a lecherous National Assembly whose primary function, it would seem, is to skim off the nation either by padding budgets or harassing MDA’s and Ministry officials into parting with substantial parts of

their annual budgets in bribes.

They have succeeded, especially since the late President Yar’Adua, in bulldozing their way through by means of unrestrained blackmail, to get allocated to them billions of naira as constituency projects which are nothing more than a mirage at the end of the day. It would be in the President’s long term interest to call their bluff now. He would have started on a fine note if the N464 Billion he got slashed from the budget is from the so-called constituency projects vote. It is equally heartwarming that he was able to reduce the National Assembly vote itself by N112 Billion.

That too would have gone to frivolities, disguised as due remuneration.

I have heard it said severally that Brig. David Mark is an officer and gentleman, In his personal capacity, I affirm that; but the minute he transmutes to Chairman, National Assembly, all he does is lead a pack of predators who would not bat an eyelid if Nigeria collapses as long as their humongous salaries and allowances get paid.

It can only have come as a surprise to the uninitiated that the outgoing House Speaker, Dimeji bankole, is going out in thoroughly compromising circumstances. Like Dino Melaye, his perpetual nemesis, said on an AIT programme, Bankole had long overspent, not only the

House budget, but his own middling integrity. How he started off so well!

The minute he urged that Ekiti be over run with soldiers at the rerun election, he incurred the wrath of the people and as I wrote then, he had probably seen his best days in politics unless he appropriately purges himself.

If in doubt, he should go and prosper from history books about how the bones of political opportunists litter the South-West political landscape.

Without a doubt, President Jonathan is ending one term and starting another on a high simply because of his well-reasoned refusal to sign into law a budget which a ravenous national assembly had padded with all manner of hidden votes.

And what a time he chose to call their bluff.

The House of Representatives is on its bended knees, having been run aground by its leadership; some of who have personal issues with the anti graft agencies.

With his own integrity intact, Senate President Mark was reported to have led the House leadership to the President, like sheep to the slaughter. Unfortunately, it may be too early to jubilate because we could soon see a groveling president literally begging Senate to clear his ministerial nominees. That is, if he presented disreputable individuals

like many of those names currently littering the newspapers.

And that will be quite unfortunate.

The president must make bold to let the National Assembly know that its members have no business executing projects, as in constituency projects. Their’s is to make laws and oversee government agencies at work without bleeding them.

No longer must the following content of a text message that made the rounds a while ago be true of our National Assembly whose job can, as a matter of fact, be done on part time basis as was once the case in the country: “Do you know that it costs tax payers 290m Naira yearly to maintain each member of our National Assembly in a country where nothing works, and 80% of the population earn below N300 per day? It continues: A working day earning of a senator is more than a year’s salary for a doctor; it’s more than the salary of 42 Army Generals or 48 Professors or 70 Commissioners of Police and more than twice the pay of the US President or 9 times the salary of a US Congressman, it concluded.

If nothing changes, I may very soon have to urge my readers to send that sms to at least 10 other Nigerians since neither the Senate nor the House offered any plausible rebuttal, with their remuneration, forever, shrouded in mystery.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Tunji

Adegboyega tunji.adegboyega @thenationonlineng.net 08054503906 (sms only)

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HAT precisely could be going on in the mind of President Goodluck Jonathan as he is sworn in today to begin a four-year tenure as Nigeria’s fourth democratically elected president is anybody’s guess. Today is unquestionably Jonathan’s day; a day when this son of a canoe carver has an appointment with destiny.

But that is now history. The reality now is that this man who, according to his father was earning ‘small, small kobo that kept him going’ a few years ago, will be sworn in today as president of the world’s most populous black nation. This must be marvelous. The marvel started in 2003 when destiny beckoned on him to assume the position of deputy governor of his oil-rich Bayelsa State.

By 2005, he had become the state governor, following the impeachment of his boss for corruption. He occupied this position until 2007 when providence beckoned on him again to take on higher responsibility as vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is instructive that in all these positions, Jonathan never contested any election. All through then, it could be said that his kernels were always cracked for him by some benevolent spirits. Even when he became acting president as a result of the sickness of his boss, President Umaru Yar’Adua, and when he was subsequently

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

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

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HOSE of us who live in these modern times really do not appreciate sufficiently the privileges we have to the so many time- and pain-saving gadgets around us. Imagine, to get your picture taken, you simply need to stand or sit still for a second or so; and many times, of course, you don’t even have to stand or sit still. Thanks to the pioneering work of Kodak.

Those who lived many centuries back in England had a different experience to even get some result. Their lives were not only rough (try and imagine life without television!); it was indeed, survival of the fittest. If you were not fit, you did not survive, simple. Those who did survive then had the duty to preserve their records and images for posterity, but mostly their images. Historical novels of these periods assure us that it was a painful task.

First, they had to sit for hours while the artist fiddled and tampered with aspects of their visages, the results of which many

Comment & Analysis

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Jonathan: from oblivion to presidency Having elected the president, we should support him to succeed sworn in as substantive president on May 6, last year, he did not contest any election.

But we cannot in any way liken his meteoric rise to the country’s Number One seat to a bed of roses.

That the man survived all these and got a pan-Nigeria mandate to boot in the election, suggests that a head destined to wear the crown will always wear it, no matter the challenges. If some benevolent spirits had been cracking Jonathan’s kernels for him all through his political career, the April 16 election afforded him an opportunity to crack the kernels by himself. And he did that in style, given the way he coasted home to victory across the country. The election might not have been perfect, but it generally reflected the views of millions of Nigerian voters across the country. It was pan-Nigeria through and through.

Jonathan’s election is instructive in more ways than one. At 53, he is the youngest civilian president of Nigeria at first swearing-in (Shagari was 54); he is the first Nigerian vice president to go on to be president and

the first Nigerian to rise from deputy governor to governor, to vice president to president, in that order. Perhaps the most profound of the firsts is that he is also the first civilian president of Nigeria to come from a minority ethnic group. His emergence as president, especially with the wide acceptance he had all over the country in the election has raised hopes that no matter where any Nigerian comes from, he or she can aspire to any position in the land.

It is good that for the first time, not just a minority but one from an oil-producing part of the country is being sworn in as Nigeria’s president. This will somewhat assuage the bitterness in that region that had regarded itself as marginalised in the scheme of things and it is good, not only for national unity and cohesion but the national economy as well. Jonathan’s swearing in today will boost the confidence of the people in the Niger Delta that Nigeria truly belongs to us all.

However, the president should realise that he got the mandate in spite of the notoriety

“Moreover, as an indigene of an oil-producing state, he must have understood what despoliation arising from oil exploration means; he must have seen the other side of gas flaring ...Here, one is talking of a president who should be able to curb waste and corruption, knowing what pains every barrel of crude oil means to his people back home. As they say, he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches”

of the PDP which is despised, especially in the south western region of the country. Much as the south westerners did not like the party, and indeed showed their resentment for it at the governorship and other elections, they still voted almost en masse for Jonathan during the presidential election. Therefore, he should rise above the party through which he came to power is notorious. Already, we have seen how self-centred and insensitive the party officials could be in the list of ministerial nominees they sent to the president for consideration. This shows they are deaf to the calls of the present; obedient only to those of the inglorious past. Most of the nominees were people who had been rejected at the polls; many others had served in various capacities before with nothing to show for it. How these same people could be the ones to be considered for ministerial appointment beat the imagination of right-thinking Nigerians.

However, President Jonathan seems to understand that the country can never be fixed under the business as usual model, at least going by reports that he has rejected most of the nominees submitted, even by his party.

Now, it has to be business unusual. This is not a language many PDP chieftains understand or would even care to like; it will sound like Greek to them. Many of them are yet to recover from their loss at the polls simply because the rigging machinery was demobilised in many parts of the country.

Wherefore Art thou called ‘democracy’? times had to be cancelled and the entire process started all over again. The reason was often because the poor artist could not quite capture the crooked nose without the owner thinking he had made it up. This happened to men a lot. Many times, though, the ones that were successful were nothing more than mere reflections or shadows of the real roughnecks who owned them.

Again, many times the results were so successful you just knew they could not have borne any resemblance to the being who owned the picture. This happened to women a lot. They often served as inspiration for the artist.

Then the personages had to watch in horror and consternation as their images were hung in the hall galleries for posterity to judge not only their deeds but the visages, knowing that their spirits would have to listen to and endure the irreverent diarrhea of comments from unschooled blabbermouths who passed in the name of young relatives. ‘And who is this?’, asks an innocent guest. ‘Oh, that’s Uncle Shosho. They said his crooked nose made his wife

drown herself. She could not stand the sight of it anymore.’

Once, when I sat to watch an artist at work, he was exasperated by the portrait he was working on. The lip would not turn right. Could he not just paint that part from his imagination I wondered? One has to be able to reflect the light appropriately, he explained, as he fiddled for hours on end at just a corner of that offending lip. Art, obviously, is not art if it does not reflect and mirror the original. For example, the portrait that accompanies this column is a great tribute to the artist, if not the writer. I hope to do something about it one day.

Rather than change it, as I have been urged by some of my readers, I have quietly determined rather to try and resemble it.

Luckily for us in these modern times, Kodak has opened the door to the instant capture of faces and other postures. Indeed, we appear to be spoilt for choice.

Now you can choose a camera that can capture as many of the dots and blemishes on the face as you like, depending on the pixel power. Well, many of us ladies who are not as bold and beautiful prefer to go for the low

pixel cameras that make us look beautiful in a hazy and general sort of way. We prefer to turn down the volume of our beauty, you see.

I suspect that is exactly what our politicians are doing with our democracy. This week, as we celebrate democracy, many of us are wondering what exactly its virtues are. Our politicians have so turned down the volume of its workings and benefits that all the rest of us can see are its dilapidated structures and lots of money flying around in the air which only fellow politicians can jump high enough to catch.

I keep wondering, is it part of the democratic process for high amounts of foreign currencies to be found in the cars of politicians’ offspring or under the beds of politicians? Just wondering, that’s all, since a great number of people legally entitled to the effects of these monies are really still hungry and grossly deprived.

The picture of democracy we have now is perhaps still in the dark room so I can only see through a glass darkly and steamed up, in spite of the general interest in the last elections.

As a PDP member, President Jonathan must have seen the good and the bad, and must have known most of the characters being touted for ministerial and other appointments as much as he knows the lines on his palms.

Therefore, sifting the wheat from the chaff should not be a problem.

Moreover, as an indigene of an oil-producing state, he must have understood what despoliation arising from oil exploration means; he must have seen the other side of gas flaring. He is therefore unlike other Nigerian presidents and heads of states that only read about these things or see them on television whenever they stray into our local channels to know a bit of what is happening in the country. They are like the dead who do not know the worth of the materials with which they were buried. Here, one is talking of a president who should be able to curb waste and corruption, knowing what pains every barrel of crude oil means to his people back home. As they say, he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches. President Jonathan needs no one to tell him that Nigerians are hungry for democratic dividends.

At this stage, it is no longer about whether one likes Jonathan’s face or not. What is important is that Nigerians spoke in unison on April 16 and their opinion has to be respected. The best we can do is to give the president the necessary support, even as we have to constantly keep him on his toes.

Since we have chosen him, let’s wish him what we wish ourselves.

For instance, in the preparation of the ministerial list since the last elections, some very undemocratic names that do not inspire any confidence at all have cropped up. Indeed, such names cannot be touched up by any artist in the land to give anyone any hope that anything positively democratic can come from them.

So I am still wondering if we shouldn’t ask Kodak to please capture for us the face of democracy so we may get a good look at it. Then, we will be able to recognize it and educate our politicians better.

Better still, we could ask our artists to draw us a picture of democracy to include the following, if I may give directions. First, I expect democracy to have a heart of gold – kind and caring – with which it would touch the lives of all those who believe in it. Then, it should be strong enough to be able to endure all the attacks and attempts of its enemies to weaken its structures, particularly politicians who like to call white black and black white. Then, it should look attractive. It shouldn’t look too much like a woman, beguiling and deceptive; nor too much like a man, deceptive and destructive. It should just look … right.

Once, a man was arrested for being drunk. He explained that a woman had asked him to build for her a new hen house from the materials of the old one. He should, however, not tear down the old one until he had finished the new one. So, he went out and got drunk. I believe the artist will get the picture.

16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

PAGE 17

Obiageli Page 33

‘How I miraculously met and married my husband’ Taiwo Abiodun met and interviewed physically challenged Mrs Bolanle Tolulope, a graduate in Computer Science /Economics, who recently got married to Michael Longe, Civil Engineer

S

HE was born without deformity as she walked with her two legs until tragedy struck when she was two years old. Since then she cannot stand or walk normally and she has been using crutches to aid her movement. Yet, she refused to give up. She has been hopeful and set to conquer the world .That is Bola, a physically challenged Computer Science/Economics graduate.

Decked in her traditional attire with silver necklace and hand chain to match, she was full of smiles as she stood on the veranda that afternoon when this reporter paid her a visit to interview her. She beckoned to the reporter and screamed on top of her voice: “we have been expecting you for the interview, please come in.’

In the living room where we settled in for the chat was her husband in the same Ankara clothes, while her mother – in - law was reeling in an uproarious laughter as Bola cracked jokes.

“That is how she has been cracking jokes, she is jovial and there is no dull moment with her at all, ‘’ the mother - in law told The Nation.

Bola effortlessly sat on the sofa chair and adjusted herself, she threw her shining silver- coloured crutches aside to tell the story of her life. She began: “I was not born like this. It is very unfortunate but what do I do? I have lost count of the number of crutches I have used.

That was how I found myself and it had not stopped my ambition to become a Computer Scientist in life’’, she told The Nation.

She went into labyrinth of history to narrate how she became crippled. “My parents told me that a day before I got crippled my mother took me out. I was bubbling with life until I screamed out from my sleep at night on the 31st December, 1988 and the following day which was January 1, 1989, I could no longer walk. As expected from those who were not Born Again then, I was taken to places like herbalists’ homes, churches and some other spiritual places looking for solution to my problem to no avail. Later, I was left with my grandmother in the village in Iddo- Ekiti where I started my elementary school at the age of eight. I later started my secondary school at the age of 10. I left the village at the age of 14 for Lagos to stay with my parents.’’

She continued: ‘’I spent three years in primary school because they said I was brilliant and I was given double promotion. Again when I got to the secondary school, I performed very well and only •Continued on page 18

•Bolanle and Michael

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Life

•Continued from page 17

read up to JSS 3. I did not spend up to three years in secondary school for I later enrolled in coaching centres to study, and when I did my senior secondary school exam[SS3] I came out in flying colours.’’

She burst into intermittent laughter as she was talking. With her good result, she said further, she sat for JAMB and passed the exam, and later gained admission to Olabisi Onabanjo State University [OSU] , Ago Iwoye in Ogun State in 2004 to study Computer Science. Her parents did not want her to continue and had wanted her to go to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife [OAU] for two reasons.

She said: “My father finished from OAU where he read Agric Economics and he used to beat his chest that his children must also go to the institution. Secondly, he said the institution can be vouched for its good security and discipline. Later, I sat for another JAMB in 2005 , and picked my first choice, Obafemi Awolowo University , and my name was on the Vice Chancellor’s List, Dean’s List and Faculty’s List. But when I did not hear from them I went to the Dean’s office to see the then Dean ([now the outgoing V C.), Professor Faborode to lodge a complaint to him.

“However, each time I went there I was always denied access to him. But as God would have it one day, I saw him within the premises and complained bitterly to him. I told him about my predicament .He looked at me and begged me, assuring me that he would do something. He was such a nice and loving father. He was not annoyed by the way I approached him. I later got the admission.’’

Coping with lectures and climbing the staircases were tough and stressful but she proved smart and resilient to the surprise of the students and lecturers who were always amazed seeing her in the class earlier than others.

She faced the challenges by waking up at 5am and getting to the lecture room for lectures slated for 10am. She said: “Many kept wondering how I was always the first student in the class to get to the lecture venue. They were always baffled how they always met me in the class. Some even thought I was a spirit, but the fact is that I would wake up at 5am and take a bike to the main hall and then with my crutches get to the class by 5:30am. I always refused to be assisted for I would tell them that: ‘If you assist me today, would I see you here again tomorrow to assist me?’ Later, a lot of students were asking me how I would cope in the Computer /Engineering Faculty but I maintained my stand.”

Another challenge she had was of her result: “When I was in Olabisi Onabanjo State University I had ‘A’ in all my courses throughout my first semester but to my surprise when I got to Ife it was a different thing entirely as I could not get what I was obtaining in OOSU. At OAU, I had a ridiculous second class lower while in Part One. Then I was afraid and then buckled up and made a Second Class Upper with 3.67.points.We were few who had such result.”

When asked how he met her heartthrob, she smiled, shook her head and looked at her mother in-law’s face and then responded with laughter: “It was just a miracle,’’ she said. According to her, she met her husband in a library in Ogba (in Lagos) where she went to read for her JAMB in 2004.’’I used to leave Ifako for Ogba to read and one day, a young man sat by my side, and I asked him to assist me solve a Chemistry problem I was battling with, he agreed. We later we lost contact. While a friend who knew him asked after me from him in Port Harcourt, despite the fact that I had changed my cell number he managed to get it and was calling me and even sending text messages to me. Then as a lady I knew what he was up to but I too kept a sealed lip, watching.”

However, her mother kept watching and advising her not to marry a disabled person like her. She said: “My mother one day chased away a young disabled boy from me thinking he would have interest in me. She said she did not want me to

‘I was always the first to get to the lecture venue in spite of my handicap’ capped lady .I went to meet those who are spiritually powerful than me and they too assisted me in prayer and to asked me to go on with my plan. But when I went to meet the dark-complexioned tall girl I had in mind, she told me she was not ready for marriage. And on December 26th 2005, I went to Bola and proposed to her. But she was confused and asked whether my people would accept her condition. Her parents too were sceptical of our relations until I convinced them that there is no problem.’’

The two lovebirds faced a lot of challenges as pressure mounted on Michael not to marry a physically challenged lady.

According to Michael, some of his family members did not want him to marry her because of her condition but he insisted that that is what he wanted .This was corroborated by his mother who said many people from her side too criticised her for allowing her son to marry a disabled girl.

She declared: ’’It is true the couple faced a lot of challenges. My late husband criticised me for allowing Michael to bring home a disabled girl while some of his brothers too condemned the idea. But my son who is in USA had different opinion.

He advised us all to let the couple live their lives .He asked if I were the mother of the girl would I not be happy for her for getting married. In fact, I was at the receiving end of various criticisms. But I thank God that the girl is a nice girl. I love the girl, she is very simple and she smiles always. She cracks jokes always and I see nothing wrong with her at all. My prayer for her is to deliver twins for me to carry .I am very happy that she does not allow anybody to pity her. She does many things on her own and what else do I want?’’

According to her, she met some handicapped ladies who were moved with emotions and wept on her shoulder, thanking her for receiving Bola. She recalled: “One of them narrated how her fiancée’s family members seized her documents when the boy who proposed to her wanted her to go with him to America. They accused their son of bringing a handicapped home.’’

The President Nigerian, Association of Computer Science Students of OAU Branch [09/10 set], Engineer Fadoju Oladokun describes the courage of Bola as rare for she does not want self pity. This is a girl that did so many things on campus. She was always happy and free with everyone in the class, No wonder on her wedding day, the venue was jam packed with students.”.

As this reporter was leaving, Bola threw another joke and everybody reeled with laughter.

•Michael and Bolanle

“I always refused to be assisted for I would tell them that: ‘If you assist me today, would I see you here again tomorrow to assist me?” marry a disabled husband like me but I had to tell her that we had no thought of that. Later my friendship with Michael blossomed and most of our discussion was based on Biblical topics .He was sending messages to me like in The Titanic’’ On how he responded to his ‘toasting’, she said: “One day, I went into the room and I heard a voice saying, “Hold him, don’t let him go.” The voice kept on repeating itself. Before then I used to pray to God to give me my own husband that will even love me more than myself. In fact, we are three girls from my mother and my mother used to pray for me to be rich .One day I went into my room naked and prayed to God to give me an understanding man. The prayer started manifesting when three days to our matriculation, Michael came to OAU. I was then in Part One. It was then our love life started.

And I can boast it that it was Michael who deflowered me.’’

Describing her wedding day, Bola said it was her happiest moment in life. I told few people that it would be a parlour wedding but I was too happy when I saw over 500 people who came for the wedding .We went to Agege Registry and later went to church to seal it up.

The husband, Longe Olusegun Michael, a civil engineer in Port Harcourt described their union as one sealed from the above .He corroborated what his wife said about their first meeting and courtship. He added: “While I was looking for a tall, dark complexioned lady I thought I would marry and I went into prayer session, Bola’s name kept on ringing and appearing to me. As a human being I asked God some questions on why He should give me such an handi-

•Bolanle’s mother in-law If you have any story for us contact: TAIWO ABIODUN ON 08034157684

19 SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

N

O intellectual engagement, anywhere in the world, on the contributions that shape what is known, warts and all, as African Literature can be said to be phenomenally thorough and illuminating without a distinct recognition of the evidently robust interventions of the eminent scholar and critic of all seasons, Professor Abiola Irele. Such is the measure and significance of his contributions to African literary development in a career that has spanned decades.

All of these and much more were emphasised penultimate Thursday when the great minds at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, organised a colloquium as part of activities to celebrate the 75th birthday of the “doyen of Africanist literary scholars”, and also as a way of appreciating his enduring contributions to the literary enterprise. Tagged “Theory and the African Imagination”, the colloquium was attended by many equally prominent writers, scholars, critics and students who have immensely drawn from the inexhaustible pool of knowledge of this polyglot – he speaks eight languages with almost equal competence.

Irele’s auspicious journey into the roomy world of scholarship began at the famous premier University College, Ibadan (UCI), where distinguished writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, J.P Clark, etc., cut their teeth in the business of imaginative writing, engaging criticism and robust intellectual cross-fertilisation of enriching ideas. A bright and studious student, he cut to the chase and from 1958 to 1960 served as the editor of the then popular “The Horn”, a student journal that enabled students from varied disciplines to be part of the lively literary moment that served as one of the defining traits of UCI then. After his graduation as a student of French, he moved on to the University of London and later to the University of Paris (1960 and 1966 respectively) where he further deepened his knowledge.

It was not surprising, therefore, that while he was the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at what is now known as the University of Ibadan, this Prof. of French worked assiduously for the revision of the French curriculum to the effect that it reflected “African culture and traditions and the literary aspirations of the students.”

Also, the Edo-born literary critic who has received numerous acclaims for his original contributions to the critical tradition, is no doubt instrumental to the production of many seasoned scholars at UI, the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), the University of Lagos, the University of Ghana, the Ohio State University, and the world-best university, Harvard, where he had a whale of a time as a lecturer who specialises in Anglophone and Francophone Black African and Caribbean Literature. It was at UI that this embodiment of excellence stirred the hornet’s nest when he delivered his famously controversial and thought-provoking Inaugural Lecture entitled “In Praise of Alienation”. Irele has authored many books, edited many literary journals and provided leadership for many associations, committees and institutes. All of these attest to his being fittingly described as a man of many parts. He is now at the Kwara State University where he holds sway as the Provost, College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management. He was born on May 22nd,1938, in Lagos where he was raised.

At the colloquium, speaker after speaker presented papers focusing on the rich scholarship of the prodigious critic during the two sessions of the event. The musical performances of Awoko, Cornerstone and Edaoto revived the memory of the mellifluous voice of Irele, who was described as an excellent tenor whose voice has a concert performance quality. His fellow scholars, friends, brother, wife told this writer what they think of this cosmopolitan Africanist

‘Western civilisation can strengthen our traditional cultures’ A colloquium in Ibadan, Oyo State, marked the 75th birthday of the distinguished literary critic and scholar Professor Abiola Irele and Ademola Adesola got him for an interview

•Professor Irele

as they paid glowing tributes to him.

Among the tributes, Prof. Akinwumi Isola said, “He is one of the greatest scholars that we have in academics. He has been here for long. He has done major scholarly works, academic works on African Literature in general. He is in the top scholarship of African Literature.” According to Prof.

Abdulrasheed Na’Allah (VC, Kwara State University), “ I think it’s a true claim that Prof. Irele today is number one scholar of African literary tradition in the world. I’m delighted as the Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU) to have him as

the Provost of my College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management.”

Happy birthday Prof. how would you describe your 75-year-old existence?

Thank you very much. Well, on the whole it’s been wonderful. There is a sense in which I have the impression that I have had a really charmed life, very interesting life. From that point I have been extremely lucky, much luckier than one could have expected given the condition in this country and so on. I’m very happy. I’m looking at my aging process as something that one has to go through. With all the advantages

and all the inconvenience, the body responds much less sharply as you age –all kinds of aches and pains. One is tempted, in fact, to slow down. But I think I have enough in me now to just continue basically what I have been doing, which is of course to produce work that I hope would be of interest to people in my various areas of interest, beginning with literary criticism, and in the whole atmosphere of intellectual life in general.

•Continued on page 26

20

Arts

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Promoting Art for economic sustenance

•Some of the crafts on display

The on-going Arts and Crafts Expo 2011 packaged by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has provided an avenue to use Arts to attain economic transformation and create employment. Edozie Udeze who attended the opening ceremony in Abuja writes on the need to take arts and crafts to the next level for economic emancipation and empowerment

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said that the essence of the on-going African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) 2011 “is to explore, grow, develop, promote, market and generally leverage our arts and crafts resources towards mitigating the challenges of unemployment and wealth creation for our teeming populace.” He made this declaration in Abuja while declaring open the Art Expo meant to showcase many Nigerian creative products and those of other participating nations of the world.

The president who was represented by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (Rtd) reiterated the willingness of the present administration to challenge the practitioners to strive towards acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge that will enhance the production of goods that will compete favourably in the global market.

In his words: “I have no doubt that this Expo put together by the National Council for Arts and Culture will facilitate the sharing of ideas and creating a regional market that will be an avenue for promoting the socio-economic integration of ECOWAS as well as the African continent at large… We

need an alternative resource base to oil and these crafts can be of use to us all,” the president assured amid thunderous ovation.

The President commended Mwajim M. Maidugu, the Executive Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) organizers of the event for his fore-sight in creating this noble ideal to bring out the best in our artists. This was why too, NCAC carefully anchored the theme around economic growth and development in order to draw peoples’ attention to the need to use Arts to permeate the society and help the rural people attain economic self-sufficiency with their crafts and creativity.

“Yes,” Maidugu affirmed in an interview, “with the theme as promoting the craft industry for economic transformation, we are set to encourage our people to direct attention and emphasis on product designs, development and marketing strategy. By so doing our products could be able to compete favourably and excel at the global market,” he said, twitching a smile.

The Expo which is in its 4th edition, in the words of Maidugu, “has seen many artists crossing the boundaries of poverty with their works because here the whole world comes to view and buy the best art and crafts

in the country. Therefore we need to continually stimulate ideas towards harnessing the huge resources that abound in the crafts industry which is the sole responsibility of NCAC and the Federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture,” he stated.

In his own speech read on his behalf by Mrs Sola Olumeko, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Sadiq Mohamed charged NCAC to ensure that the beauty of the Expo does not fizzle out. “We have been looking at other means of generating revenue hitherto not given adequate attention. I am happy therefore that this is the challenge that has crystalised into this Expo for the overall growth and economic transformation of our rural dwellers.”

Mohamed who has never hidden us avowed love for the culture sector promised to use his good offices to ensure that some of these products are exported for the good of the people. “We need also to sensitize investors and equally attract public attention to what we do,” he said, while guests applauded.

One of the artists from Ekiti Sate, Gbenga Oke who was so excited about the outing, said, “This is a great moment for me. I came here with plenty of local caps which I made for over a year now. As I am speaking to you now, I have sold over 20. For me, it is a dream come true. We need to continue to encourage AFAC so that the works of our hands will not go in vain,” he said, as his face beamed with smile and self-satisfaction.

For Saliu Alkali from Nasarawa State, “what we see here today is a mark of the commitment of NCAC at touching the lives of rural people and this is the best place for me to display what I have for the whole world to see,” he said demonstrating with his two hands. Alkali who produces local mat s and raffias promised to produce more quality works so that, “if government wants me to sell some to them, they will not regret it.”

Equally, Mrs Rubis David who represented ECOWAS drew attention to the presence of other nations like Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Benin, Cameroun and others as being part of the efforts to make the Expo a solid economic base for practitioners. Said she: “It is pertinent to state that the vision of the African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) is very much in consonance with the objectives of ECOWAS protocol on culture and the on-going programmes and activities within the region. We are all aware that West Africa has ample assets for the creation of a common cultural market with abundant creativity to nurture our cultural industries.

These industries are our veritable and most precious economic tools for revolutionizing the economies of the ECOWAS region…”

The event which began on the 16th of this month, was officially declared open on the 20th. Although it will end on Tuesday, it has already opened a lot of opportunities for participants to extend their professional

•Jonathan

•Mohammed

•Maidugu

hands to other parts of the world. “Yes, that is why we are here,” Oke enthused.”It is an experience that will encourage me to apply more seriousness to what I produce,” he asserted with gusto.

Some of the products on display include pottery, crafts, designs, calabashes, mats, coral beads. Others are leather bags, shoes, guinea brocade, adire, akwette and lots more.

And with the participation of countries like Pakistan and Korea, there are other varieties of art works that can meet the needs of tourists and art collectors. Indeed as the Expo is going on presently, the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, venue of the show has turned into a tourist village, with plenty of people both local and foreign milling around to feel the beauty of the array of products on display.

All set for 2011 Ayangalu Talking Drum Festival

O

RGANIZERS of the Ayangalu Talking Drum festival have announced that the grand finale of this year’s event will be hosted by the Olowu of Owu, Oba Dr. Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, CON between June 28th and July 1st , 2011. And as part of activities marking the annual celebration, the festival village will be declared open by his Excellency the Governor of Ogun State on Wednesday, June 29th, 2011.

The event which is being sponsored by MTN, enjoys the support of the Centre For Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC); Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan and Culture Brazil.

Speaking at the press conference and pre event held at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan on Wednesday, May 17 th , 2011, Laolu Osundina, Regional Marketing Manager, South West, MTN explained that the talking drum is an

essential feature of the Yoruba’s rich cultural heritage that must be preserved.

“Our support for the Ayangalu Talking Drum Festival is to provide a cultural platform for the present generation to have deeper knowledge of the history of their roots”, he said.

He added that the company is happy to partner with the Ayangalu Foundation in promoting the Talking Drum which is a unique heritage that brings the Yoruba together.

Project Director, Ayangalu Foundation, Morakinyo Draramola noted that the unique cultural celebration will kick off on June 26th, 2011, with the festival floats tour of South Western State, during which they will pay homage to key traditional rulers.

The floats will kick off from Oyo, at the Alafin’s Palace with royal blessing from Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi lll and all Obas from Oke Ogun.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Books

21

Knowing the Lagos House of Assembly

L

AGOS Legislative Fact Finder is a compilation that has no equal. The author, Oludotun Omoyele, truly brought his versatile and long standing experience as a senior legislative officer with the Lagos State House of Assembly to bear in his handling of the information contained in the book.

“This is so because legislature all over the world is unquestionably the touch bearer of representative governance.”

To begin with, the author took a historical overview of the legislature functions in Lagos State. He spent enough time to research into the stages the state has gone in fashioning out a comprehensive legislative ambience for honourable members. This is so due to the fact that the House of Assembly is the bridge between the Executive and the Judiciary in making democratic norms in any given situation function well. In other words, the legislature is the bone of democracy for its “functions are interactive, participatory and consultative in native. Indeed deep traditions and practices have made it the most involved and experienced arm of government in the art of civil governance,” the author states in the preface to the book.

Starting from 1999, when this political dispensation was nurtured, Omoyele instructs readers, especially Lagosians and researchers to refer to the book to get a dossier on the stages of legislative developments and transformation in the state. Using maps and other forms of illustrations to locate the state and its ‘original’

local government areas, he postulates that “there is need for political education and civil orientation on the part of the constituents who consistently misconstrue the purpose and functions of the legislative arm of government.” This way, it will become imperative for the Assembly to make more people-oriented laws, for democracy itself should at all times be all-involving in its approach and tents.

In doing this, the author went backwards to present names and dates of some officials of the House, beginning from 1979. With their pictures he was able to present a concrete information compilation that can help readers see and understand the genesis of democracy in Lagos State. In Lagos State, the distribution of choice positions in the House of Assembly has not really posed a serious problem because the power-sharing formula has been well articulated. This is why almost all parts of the state are always represented in committees, and other principal functions of the House.

As this is the 6th Legislative Assembly, the book has the pictures and the position occupied by some of the key members of the Assembly to indicate what they have been able to do for the state. The author who has been in close touch with the House gives the history of these key people and when they assumed these po-

sitions. On page 50, he presents the picture of Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji who was first elected speaker of the Assembly on 29th December 2005.” Yet at the inauguration of the 6th Assembly held on Monday, 4th June, 2007, he became the first legislator to serve as speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly for two consecutive terms.”

Apart from the fact that the bio-data of each member is provided, the author did not fail to indicate the political party of each member. While it is proper to state here that the Lagos State government has additional development areas, the state has not shied away from its responsibilities to the people. This is due largely to the tenacity of purpose often exhibited by the Honourable members.

By listing the names of members and the port-folios they hold in the Assembly, it is easier to see the sequence of happenings in the state. On page 86, chapter 7, the book presents what it calls activities of the Lagos State House of Assembly in pictures.

This is to further demonstrate what the House achieved during the 6th Assembly so that the electorate would be able to make their own assessment. The pictures speak for themselves; for one can truly see an Assembly in action, eager to meet the yearnings of the people.

According to Omoyele on page 86, “law making is the primary function of the House and it involves initiating new laws where none had existed and

amending existing laws to reflect the present day realities and needs of the electorates or by repeating outdated laws all of which are aimed towards the socio-political and economic progress and infrastructural development of the state.

This has been the hallmark of the State Assembly which has helped members to discharge their statutory function as members.

There are other exciting aspects of the Assembly presented in the book. However in eight chapters, the author succeeded in presenting to the public a bigger insight into the activities of the State Assembly. For instance, one can now understand such terms as state constituencies, chairmen of house committees, resolutions of the house, special standing committees and so on. Equally, it is easier to discern between what the House is up to and what the electorate ought to expect from them.

All these are what Omoyele was able to bring out. Nevertheless, he

Money-making machine

W

HAT is a machine? A machine is an instrument designed for the performance of a special task so as to achieve a particular goal.

A machine cannot function on its own without the insertion of specific input. In truth, every machine relies on the application of specific information to perform a given task. It therefore follows that a machine remains dormant until the information necessary for its operation is applied to it.

A machine is also subject to the manipulation and knowledge on the part of the user to achieve a set goal. It makes life easier and more meaningful and fulfilling by reducing the amount of effort or strength that would have been expended had it not been available for the task at hand.

The manual of money is indeed a complete machine for money making because it contains structures and varied information on how to build money from the scratch to the pyramid. It is both theoretical and practical on incontrovertible facts about becoming a big shot on money. The princi-

ples in the book work under every circumstance and in any country. When you buy a copy of the manual of money, you have purchased a life time money machine. And each time you open any page of the book, you begin to operate the device of money making.

It is a well known fact that money rules the world.

Without it in your possession, you might as well be dead to the world. Even the holy books recognise that money is a veritable tool to access a wide range of opportunities, places and positions. For this reason, a good number of people who have the money do not make the secrets available to even those close to them.

The secrets to real money making have been time held mysteries concealed by the rich and known to only few.

No writer on money has had the type of courage, honesty and directness as displayed by the author of the manual of moneyCiri Monigod. The book has a twenty page of introductory and factual advice on how to position oneself to arouse the passion that

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Manual of Money is exclusively sold on order. Sales personnel are on standby round the clock to dispatch your order anywhere in Nigeria, once you call any of the hotlines.

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will guarantee the readers attainment and proper handling of the forces that generate money. The author advised the reader to make sure of having at least a farthing in his possession before studying the manual.

The book exposes the ignorance of millions of people worldwide who continue to believe the rich have a money making machine in their homes. The plain truth is that what the rich and the nobles have in their homes is the manual of money and not a physical machine that prints money as many delude themselves.

Hear what the author says about this in chapter half: “All those who wish to make money must study the manual of money and be willing to apply the techniques therein. This original manual of money has been transmitted from mouth to ear for many generations before we took the bold step to damn the consequences of the tyrants by putting it in print.”

Again he said: “Those who propounded the manual of money publicly have often been persecuted because it is the indispensable weapon in the arsenal of the rich and the ruling class” With the benefit of hindsight from these factual statements, one can now understand the reason the rich grows richer, while the poor get poorer.

The rich perfectly under-

stands that money is the only instrument that set people free. It is very easy to oppress a poor man, but difficult with the rich.

Furthermore, the author made it clear in this chapter that the manual of money is the only tangible method of making money.

The principles are timeless like the laws of physics which remains stable despite the advancement of engineering and time.

There are twenty nine chapters of two hundred and eighty four pages, ex-

praised the House so much, that one can hardly see where they defaulted.

Or is it a House, so perfect that they delivered on all grounds? That is the question the author has to answer, perhaps in the next edition of the book.

Title: Lagos Legislative Fact Finder Author: Oludotun A Omoyele Publishers: Straight Rath Communications, Lagos Year of Publication: 2011 No of pages: 177 Reviewer: Edozie Udeze

cluding t h e twenty seven introductory pages on the various practical methods on money making.

The aut h o r w a r n s that the manual is exclusively for t h o s e who wish to become rich and therefore, it is not fit for minors, dilettantes and foot sore seekers.

T h e Manual of Money sets the foundation for a solid financial future. By adapting the principles and teachings contained therein, the reader is on the way to financial freedom.

Those who have read it attest to this. Achieving financial success and amassing a fortune have always been the dream of virtually everyone, but only a few who have the secrets contained in this book have ever taster true success and financial freedom.

This handy resource has something to offer eve-

ryone, from the novice to the most experienced professionals, because it offers a wide range of perspectives and time tested techniques on perspectives that have long eluded many on money making prospects.

Virtually everyone knows that there is a spirituality concerning money, but only few actually have the faintest idea as to what it pertains. The book offers an educative insight to money spirituality and how to harness such strength to advantage.

If making money and getting rich is a driving force in your life, you will find this book a treasure of wealth and knowledge.

The style of writing, narratives and illustrations in each chapter makes it easy to read, and presents distinctive thought patterns peculiar to the topic at hand.

The book can be likened to the black box of an airplane. An airplane may crash to rubles, but the black box remains intact. It is the same with the principles in the manual: every theoretical and practical information on money making can fail, but those contained in the Manual of Money can never fail. They remain constant and work under any circumstance.

Title : The Manual of money Author: Ciri Monigod Publishers: Plutocrats Number of pages: 284 Year of publication: 2010 Reviewer: Joe Agbro Jr.

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Arts Extra

Syrian poet Adonis wins Goethe prize S

YRIAN poet Adonis, who has championed democracy and secular thought in the Middle East, was awarded Germany’s prestigious Goethe Prize Wednesday.

“The selection committee considered Adonis the most important Arab poet of his generation and granted him the prize for his cosmopolitan (work) and contribution to international literature,” the German government said in a statement.

It said Adonis, who calls himself “the pagan poet” will receive the 50,000 euro ($70,320) prize, which is awarded every three years, at a ceremony in Frankfurt, Goethe’s home city, on August 28.

The announcement came as an uprising against autocratic rule, inspired by the revolutions that toppled the rulers of Tunisia and Egypt, is sweeping Adonis’ homeland Syria, despite a crackdown that has killed hundreds of civilians.

Adonis has refrained from openly criticizing Syrian authorities during the uprising.

But he launched a scathing attack three weeks ago on all Arab rulers as “leaving behind nothing except breakdown, backwardness, retreat, bitterness and torture. They gathered power. They

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

did not build a society. They turned their countries into a space of slogans without any cultural or human content.”

He said the uprising in Syria would test whether the Arab revolution would succeed in building “human civic life” that rises above religion.

Referring to fears that Arab uprisings might usher in Islamist rulers, he expressed skepticism that even “moderate Islam” would offer rights to non-Muslims.

Born as Ali Hamid Saeed Esber in 1930 in the mountain village of Qassabin overlooking the Mediterranean, Adonis hails from a long tradition of Arab poets who have acted as a force for modernity against strict interpretations of religious texts.

But even supporters find it hard to follow the intense imagery and complex verse that has been his hallmark.

He has little sympathy for theories that seek to mold the Middle East into a single Arab Islamic culture, marginalizing ethnic minorities and diversity of thought.

A self-styled literary “revolutionary,” he broke away from traditional Arab poetry which from

• Adonis

pre-Islamic times espoused simple forms and language to convey profound themes about politics, love, culture and philosophy.

“I think that I’m a wave, traveling, since the days of Gilgamesh (a Sumerian king who

ruled more than 4,000 years ago), toward Beirut and the Arabs,” he wrote in “Hand of Poetry, Open the book of the Horizon.”

Adonis was educated in a French high school before graduating from Damascus University

in the 1950s and moving to Beirut, the cultural heart of the Arab Middle East.

He left during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and moved to France, but he still visits Damascus.

‘Western civilisation can strengthen our traditional cultures’ •Continued from page 23

You have recorded some remarkable feats as a teacher, critic and scholar. Kindly reflect a little on these.

Well, I was challenged each time. Most of the articles and essays that I have written have been written specifically for conferences; I have been asked to come and lecture and so on. And then when I have had time I freshen them up and publish them. The pattern has been one of a continuous process. If I look back, I think it’s been a continuous process of growth – encountering new ideas, new authors and so on. It’s been very, very stimulating, very exciting. I’m very happy indeed. One of the things I’m also very glad about is that I encountered the French tradition. That is a very, very great influence on my work. I acquired it after my degree here. I went to France, studied the language and came in contact with the whole intellectual life in France, which is extremely powerful. It contributed immensely to my work, through my teachers there, especially the supervisor of my thesis, Prof. Roger Bastide. I did my thesis in the Department of Sociology. He put me through and introduced me to a lot of very, very interesting work. So, it’s been a process of constant growth.

Sometime in May 2003, your appointment to Harvard was announced. It was with great enthusiasm that you went there. What are the things you achieved at Harvard?

At Harvard I was instrumental in organising a number of programmes. Well, apart from the

• Professor Irele and wife

courses that I was teaching, I wanted a connection to be made between the African and AfricanAmerican. That was my major pre-occupation there, and also aspects of African-American thoughts. I brought a number of people there to come and talk. We also organised something for Akin Hubert for his 70th birthday. There were one or two memory things we did at Harvard. You see, the problem with Harvard is that on any single day in Harvard there are dozens of things happening. But I think in our own corner, working also with the Du Bois Institute, I think we made an impact. Of course I was asked to edit Transition. I was beginning to give Transition a new direction. But then of course I’ve started a new journal now and have had to resign be-

cause of the obvious conflict of interests. Now I’m doing a new journal for Kwara State University. I could have continued as the editor of Transition, especially as I’m still a non-resident Fellow of Du Bois Institute. Incidentally, I’ve also been appointed Emeritus Professor of Ohio State University. I’ve kept my links with my institutions abroad. Just like at Ibadan here, I’ve come here two or three times in the past to give public lecture, to speak to graduate students and so on. So, I appreciate that aspect of my activities.

Now, to your famous and widely referenced Inaugural Lecture, ‘In Praise of Alienation’, which you delivered here in 1982.

Have you at any point in time thought of reviewing your position because of the scathing criticisms

that the lecture attracted, even till today?

The statement had to be made forcibly, with as much conviction as possible! And of course giving a proper, intellectual base as I tried to do. No, I’m not going to disavow that lecture. People thought that I had gone overboard. It’s possible that I over emphasised certain things, maybe I simplified in certain respect. It’s possible. But I was giving a lecture and I had to make my case. In those circumstances you go straight to the point. I cannot say that I will undo, or unsay what I said. In fact, I still really believe that we need reconciliation, some kind of acceptance of western civilisation as the defining, the conditioning environment of modern life. So, that remains.

However, it does not necessarily imply that we deny our own personalities, our own past, and our own tradition. I wasn’t arguing for that at all. What I was saying was that we should modify, adapt so as to create ... In fact, I didn’t say it in the lecture, but I also could have said in the lecture that one of the ways in which, indeed, our own traditional cultures could have been strengthened is precisely by bringing in elements of western civilisation, notably as far as technology is concerned. Also an example, I referred obliquely to the ifa system by saying that the sort of intellectual tradition that we had we expressed it as poetry, a mythopoetic register.

We didn’t state it conceptually. But in fact, ifa has a mathematical system. There was a famous Inaugural Lecture here by Longe on ifa and computer science, where he

argues that the binary system of the computers has been in use in ifa way back – all meji, meji (two, two) classification of ifa. In other words, the mathematics was implicit. What we need to do is to make it explicit, to conceptualise it. That’s one of the ways, for instance, in which the western tradition will help us to appreciate our own tradition.

Your social life, what is it like?

Well, one of my students I supervised his thesis here, is now a lawyer, commented in one of the publications done for me in my honour many years ago on my hedonistic tendencies; that I love wine and so on. I am not by any means an ascetic! I want to enjoy my life. I love music, I love cuisine and wine. I don’t think that a drab life is anything to be proud of. You enjoy life but with moderation.

These things give a certain lift, a certain edge to life. If I want to deny myself, I would go into a monastery.

Do you see this country producing more critics of your status?

When I was listening to the papers presented here today, I was struck by the fact that all these young people have kept the discipline, the sense of application to text that we were taught, in fact, to observe. That was why in my closing remarks I said I have no anxiety. Maybe I should have said my anxiety, if I had any at all before, has been considerably assuaged because, really, the level of discussion was very high. I am extremely happy and I think that there is every hope that we can sustain and renew the intellectual life for which Ibadan was famous in the 70s and 80s. I have no fear about that.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011

Style Watch 23 In-Vogue Social Circuit Oops & Kudos Parade Well-being Entertainment plus

My father's death made me return to Nigeria – CMC boss, Yinka Osobu She looks so sweet and unassuming but make no mistake, Yinka Osobu is as tough as anyone can be. A child therapist by training, this beautiful woman has, however, found her passion making furniture for highend users, something she's done for close to two decades and still waxing strong. A true chip off the old block, the CEO of CMC Complete Interiors shares some attributes with her father, the late Kanmi Ishola Osobu, a radical lawyer and activist in his life time. In this interview with Kayode Alfred, she divulged her success secrets and her views about life

Interview on Page 26

26

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

'I don't have a beauty routine’

•Yinka Osobu

Y

ou trained as a psychologist, specializing in child abuse, why did you choose interior decoration and furniture manufacturing as a career?

I didn't choose interior decoration, it chose me. I think basically, interior decoration was like a hobby, something I was doing on the side and at the same time, I was serious about my child psychology profession. But when I came to Nigeria, there seemed to be no avenue to really do it the way I was trained to practice like in the United States where therapy is a normal thing. You have children with all kinds of issues and they go to therapy. But here, it doesn't seem to be the system; in fact there's almost no system. So I had to do something, and I decided to do what was my hobby at that time, and that was how I switched. However, I must say that my degree in psychology has helped me immensely in what I do because I'm able to work well with my staff and others.

A lot of people are expecting a lot from you because of your background?

I actually agree with you and I do feel that pressure, not so much that I want to be like my father, I mean I can't be. He was exceptionally brilliant. I don't feel that I can even come close, but I do feel that I should be able to say something worthwhile. However, being a mother with young kids, there are things I may like to say that may not be popular. And then, you worry that is it really it? For example, I'm in an industry and I truly feel and believe that the government doesn't care about manufacturers. I feel I want to cry; I feel like I'm employing people and no one wants to listen to me, no one cares, no one wants to help… and all my other co manufacturers feel the same way. Look at the price of diesel, no one has said anything, and I told my husband that we are all slowly crying where you and I are not doing or saying anything about it. I now spoke to someone who is in the petroleum industry, and I said 'can you explain why you guys are doing this', and the person said it is easier now to increase the price of diesel than to increase petrol because petrol is used by the masses and there'll be a lot more noise and disruption with increasing the price of petrol. But I'm telling you that we have to close our factories on Saturdays now, that's the reality. So these are things I'm passionate about.

You don't seem to believe in the Nigerian project anymore?

No, I don't want to say that because I'm proudly Nigerian. I'm proud to be a Nigerian. I believe in this country because it's still my country and I'm proud of it.

One has to continue to believe and be hopeful; I just feel that we are not being carried along. For example, abroad, if you want to fix a traffic light somewhere, you'll have a town meeting, all stakeholders that travel along this area, we feel it is going to be blah blah blah, so you need to have a meeting where you decide if it is a good thing or it's going to increase traffic. If you want to ban XYZ, there's a process, everyone has to review it. For example, they unbanned furniture, and they banned it again in the space of three months. Now how deceptive is that? People who have gone to purchase return to find it banned again. So if you want to do something, call the attention of people who may be affected and sample their opinion.

With the meltdown and the crash of most manufacturers, what has kept you going?

There has to be a spiritual factor to what we all do.

And even though I'm not a religious fanatic, I do believe that one has to have a spiritual background. I believe that what goes around comes around. I think we've had almost 10 years of economic growth and success and I am preparing for bad economic times, because I believe that it is better to prepare one's self that way and survive, rather than deceiving yourself that things are okay. I don't think that things are going to get better that quickly. People were saying that when election starts, money will flow, and I said to people that you can't say money will flow because for people like me and my company, we don't depend on government, we don't supply to government.

So are you telling me that 100% of Nigerians or people that are buying from us are making their decisions based on an election? Also, I have been through many elections, it has never been like this. People were surprised that money did not flow. We call it trickle down in economics and they were hoping again that after the swearing-in, things would get better. My point is that there are major economic problems starting with the banks… people do not have disposable income, so election or swearing-in is not going to change that overnight. So, the best mindset is

Continued from Page 28 to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

What would you say is responsible for your success so far?

I think it's just the fact that I'm hands-on, I stuck with what I do, I stayed close to what I'm good at, and I tend not to go all about the place. Some people compliment my tables and say “you make beautiful tables, why don't you make doors”, and I tell them it is not my area of specialty.

So I believe in staying true to what you do and continue to improve in that field or area.

So, what has been the high point of the business?

Some of the high points were for example, when they say government banned this, government banned that, it is not always a bad thing because some of the high points during the initial ban of furniture was for us to ask ourselves that how much can we do if we really put our minds to it? We looked inward and discovered the things we could really do. However, we don't want to be strangled. So those were the high points. Another high point will be just the fact that we are still there. You know, when I went to Europe and I saw some shops that I went to before were no longer there, the factories I purchased from are no longer there, I had to go and look for different factories and create new relationships. Fighting to survive is the joy; it's not like you heard of it or read it anywhere, but you are actually experiencing it. So, the fact that we were able to keep our head above water gives us a reason to pat ourselves on the shoulder.

You are a busy person, how do you juggle your time?

First, the children are growing up and are becoming more and more independent, but I have a good support team. One cannot do everything, so I've learnt to delegate.

My nannies are wonderful, my grandmother, she's always been there for me. My husband is supportive, so everyone has a role. Having a good team helps, and so we manage like every other person.

You are one of the few MDs around that take life easy, how have you been able achieve this?

Ah! I get a lot of that from my father! Isn't life just easier and simpler that way? I mean there are days when I'm looking at the time and I need to wear make-up, I just forgo it because it'll probably take another 10 minutes. I'm actually lucky I'm not in the fashion industry, so I don't have that pressure on me. Also, I love people; they are what make life tick. So, I just enjoy my life; I like to be low-key, I like to go to Sunday market (laughs), I like to be human, and I don't know any other way to live. Everything else but being myself is stressful.

Coming back to the country, are you happy with your life, looking back?

You know, I thank my father every day. Before he died, he spent so much energy trying to get me to come back. He just was very saddened by the fact that I didn't want to come back. A lot of parents are like that and I was one of those kids. There was nothing he could do to convince me, and when he died, of course I came back. I always say that it was his death and me coming back that triggered all of this; I couldn't have done it better anywhere else. I mean my children know where they are from, and they have a sense of belonging. My older children are in Canada and they keep telling me that they are coming back home. I didn't grow up here, so I didn't have that sense of attachment. But because they did, up till university level, they have that sense of attachment, and they are able to see that it's not a jungle.

What makes you happy?

Quiet makes me happy, my generator makes me happy because I work all day in the hot factory, and so my generator helps me sleep well. A good movie makes me happy, mundane things makes me happy, just knowing that I haven't done any wrong makes me happy, having cold water too does it (laughs).

So how do you relax?

I go to the gym by 6:30am everyday, work the treadmill for an hour and swim for an hour, so I can still make it to work by 9:00am. I call it my daily gift to myself because it makes me feel better, keeps my health going.

You still look very beautiful, do you have a beauty routine?

I don't! When I pour the shampoo on my hair, I use it to wash my face and everything else. I guess I'm not inclined that way. I don't have a beauty routine except to wash my face with anything but soap.

What do you think one needs to succeed in life?

If you don't love yourself, there isn't much else you can do. If you can't help yourself, you can't help anyone. Look yourself in the face, you know your fears and weaknesses.

Knowing them is the beginning of success. Of course, there's also luck, chance, opportunity, being in the right place at the right time. All those things are relevant, but you need to have a conversation with yourself first. When I came to Nigeria, I had a conversation with myself. I'd done the partying and enjoyment, but it was time to work.

What is the greatest lesson that life has taught you, and what more do you want from God? It is the lesson that life continues! But the greatest is age because growing older automatically brings you to a lot of realization. What I need at this stage of my life is to be content with what I've gathered, not to keep gathering, but remain with just what I need to continue.

What is your present obsession?

My present obsession is to stay healthy really. I eat and do the things I do to stay healthy.

What is a must for a stylish person?

You are asking the wrong person (laughs), I really don't know… I think for everyone, it is different.

What is your definition of style?

My style is one word- comfort.

27

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

–an eye on celebrities and society people

Goodbye! * Queen of talk ends show after 25 years * Her rags-to-riches story * Her style hits and mistakes through the years

H

By PATIENCE SADUWA

ER bio reads more like a movie script for a Hollywood blockbuster than a real-life, flesh and blood story. Born dirt poor to a single mother and raised by her grandmother on a farm, Oprah Winfrey rose from such lowly origins to become the queen of daytime TV. And in the process of doing so, acquired an eye-watering fortune estimated at about 2.7 billion dollars.

With her kind of background and a black woman in America to boot, Oprah's story should have been more typical of the fate of the average girl from her humble background-single parenthood, drug addiction, deprivation, frustration and a life of struggle and pain. But she rose above that, thanks in part to a combination of factors such as personal drive and talent, some luck, hardwork and a sense of purpose among others. There was some parental guidance too, especially from her grandmother and father Vernon Winfrey who inspired her love of books and encouraged her to strive for success in life. As she noted sometime ago: "As strict as he was, he had some concerns about me making the best of my life, and would not accept anything less than what he thought was my best."

At age 19 she became the first female African-American news anchor. And she never looked back. Her talkshow was charactererised by confessions from the rich, famous and the relative unknown, mostly people with addictions, family secrets, survivors of abuse who all felt comfortable to share their stories with Oprah who had her own horrific past of sexual abuse.

As she ended the popular talkshow last week after a 25-year run, Oprah has entered history books as the first African-American woman billionaire. And what makes it so impressive is that it's all self-made. While the show garnered many awards, it also received a lot of flak and criticisms as well.

Her weight, style and love life Oprah's battle with the bulge is as familiar to her viewers as the show's signature tune. In the late 80's, she lost 67 pounds of weight, which gave her a more svelte figure. It was only temporary as she put the weight back on and has over the years been very vocal of her battle with her weight. She has showcased dozens of diets on her show over the years but declared last year that she had given up dieting. Thus, she ended her career as she started-overweight.

While the weight war has been won by the bulge, Oprah however, has not given up in the style stakes. Starting her career in the Eighties, with big hair and even bigger shoulderpads, her style has been a mix of hits and mistakes, mostly the latter. Low points include a Nineties penchant for shiny fabrics, and some very dubious choices on her Australian visit last year - but she has managed to redeem herself thanks to clever stylists that understand her body shape and know what works on screen.

Classic tailoring suits her better than voluminous shapes and simple styles that let her personality shine through have proved better choices than fussy designs that end up wearing her than the other way around.

Though unmarried with no children (she had had a baby as a teenager who died in infancy), Oprah, 57, seems contented in her relationship with long-term partner Stedman Graham. In a tribute to her on the last day of the show, he had declared: “I love you for making the difference in my life.”

Angelina Jolie

08023201831(sms only)

28

Glamour

T

HE first Iyalode of Ondo Kingdom, Chief (Mrs.) Olamojiba Fadayomi, who passed on recently at the age of 82, was given a befitting burial passage penultimate weekend.

Commencement of the funeral rites began with a wake-keep at the deceased's residence at Agbogbo Oke, Yaba area in the ancient town of Ondo.

This was followed by a funeral service at The Cathedral Church of St. Stephens, Oke Aluko, Ondo.

Thereafter, interment took place at her residence, which was followed by a lavish reception at Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre also in Ondo town.

•Engr. Niyi Oyeniyi and wife Jumoke.

•L-R: Joke Sogunro and Lawunmi Bibilari

VENTS

BY OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

08033572821

Iyalode of Ondo, Chief Olamojiba Fadayomi buried with funfare

By REMI ADELOWO

• Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and wife, Kemi.

• Mr and Mrs Folami Kute

•L-R Mrs Joko Oni, Princess Cynthia Andrew and Christy Andrew

Photos: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

• Mr and Mrs Akinbote

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

• L-R: Toyin Akerele and Mrs Bukola Faleke

• Sir Alex Akinyele.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

P

ASTOR Deola, kindly introduce me to this Kike in your write up of 8/5/11. I am a man of 42 years, a business man based in Port.

Hi Deola, your write up was quite interesting and highly inspiring, more grease to your elbow.

Please I will be grateful if you can link me up with Kike, I am 40 years old, Christian, separated, jilted, I have never experienced true love. Forget about material and stature, I need somebody like her in my life as she is God fearing.

Thanks for your write up of 8/5/11. Could you please link me up with Kike, It is important for me.

Good day Deola Ojo, kindly link me up with kike that I read about in the Nation Newspaper of 8/5/11 for discussions.

Adewunmi I have received so many requests about Kike.

An interactive seminar will be coming up where Kike and others like her will be present. Preregistration is required.

For more information about this, please TEXT Dayo on 07029293674.

I must confess that I really enjoyed the article on the above subject. I want you to strike balance between ego and pride that both men and women exercise in the process estab-

Relationship

Re: Why are men and women marrying late lishing a formidable relationship. Because, you have been one sided. Thanks, Akintola.

The article is in two parts. Last three weeks dealt with the male side and the next three weeks will deal with the female aspect. Look out for it.

I really appreciate God’s potential in you and the wisdom with which you handle issues. Please help me; I am a 29 year old S.S.C.E. holder. I have never had sex before. Please I want you to connect me with a Yoruba girl. I am from Ogbomosho, I will be very happy if you help me.

I think a man who has kept his virginity for 29 years should be interested in getting married and building a good home. I want you to put this into prayer and to avail yourself of singles programs in your city.

Is it not too early for a boy of 21 to decide on a female future partner?

A man of twenty can decide on a future partner depending on his maturity

and stage in life. If he is already working and thinking of getting married within a year or two, he needs to start thinking seriously about a marriage partner. If on the other hand, he is still in secondary school and planning to further his education in higher institution, then he needs to be focused on his studies and pursue his academic goals. While he will be interested in ladies at this stage of his life, he may not want to start a relationship which he might find difficult to sustain. He runs the risk of breaking up with the lady later. The lady may then accuse him of leading her on. A young man may fall in love with a lady and promise to marry her in the near future. Then he may convince her that they should have sex since they are planning to get married later. The lady may agree since she believes that he is her future life partner. However, when the years roll by, there is a tendency for him to want to try other relationships. He would then seem to be a wicked person who never had the intention of getting married to the lady but just wanted sex. She may say that he lied to her that he would marry her

and that when his status changed he ditched her.

The purpose of relationship is to prepare singles for marriage. one a man and woman say that they are in a relationship, it means that they are both in a preparatory mode for marriage and are getting to know one another better even as they prepare for married life. So the age is not as important as the man’s maturity and stage in life.

For the past one year, my fiancé and I have made effort to lay a proper foundation for our home. We have prayed, fasted, sowed and attended a few singles programs. We plan to get married within a year, we want to continue the process of laying the right foundation for our home. How do we continue to prepare for our life ahead? What are the things we need to work on? Which and what are the priorities you will generally counsel anyone within the season we are in to give attention to? In the first five years post wedding; what are the challenges we should expect in the building of our home and how do we prepare upfront to counter them?

•Couple with their parents

•Mr. Yekeen Amusat with his wife Fatima Rafiu of The Nation last Wednesday at their wedding Nikkai in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State

•Couple with staff of The Nation

31

Relationship Deola Ojo 08027454533 (text) pastordeegfc@yahoo.com Aside from the books you have written, what is the possibility of getting your audio teachings and messages on the subject matter of courtship and marriage on CD’s(b)how much do they cost? (c) and where can they be purchased (particularly if there is a distribution outlet anywhere in Lagos.

(Concerning my books, cds, and vcds call or text Jide 07042398782.)

I am quite impressed that both of you are interested in building a strong marriage by desiring to know and understand what it takes to make your marriage work. May God bless you both and give you a home that is a model Christian family. I trust you will find the answer to your question quite helpful.

•You need to read books. As many as you can lay your hands on. A book that talks about personalities is compulsory at this time. E.g. Personality plus.

•You need premarital counseling.

•You need to consider a model family. A couple who have had a very good marriage and are committed to living their married

life the way God intended •You need to decide who to go to if you are having marital conflicts that you are not able to resolve on your own.

•It is crucial to practice holiness. Even if you have made mistakes in this area in the past, do you best to avoid premarital sex not just with one another but completely. A man may agree not to have sex with his fiancé before marriage, but if he is having sex with someone else they are not laying the right foundation for their marriage. Both the male and the female should abstain from sex before marriage.

Sometimes single people just wonder if some relationship experts do not want them to enjoy when they keep saying that singles should abstain from pre-marital sex. No genuine leader enjoys keeping people from having fun if it is the best thing for them.

It is easier to allow people to do what they want and tell them what they want to hear than to tell them the truth. It takes great courage and sincere interest in people to tell the truth.

Continued next week

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

32

DIS GENERATION

Have Your Say A

LAS! The 7th National Assembly, to be inaugurated on the 7th June, 2011, appears to be ready to take off on a wrong note, respondents moan. The issue of who will/should occupy the principal offices is now, needlessly, the bone of a contention that is already pitting the new members against the returning oldies.

In the drama that is gradually playing out, the returning legislators have effected a change in the House Rule, and this has painfully excluded the new members from seeking the available elective offices.

In the most dismissive and scathing manner, respondents to this hilarious and asinine drama berate the supposed “experienced senior members”, saying the basic principles of democracy should be allowed in determining the eligibility of members for the various posts.

Baring newly elected members from contesting for any key elective positions is unconstitutional. Plans like that are against the principles of democracy.

Efe Richard Owumi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Since experience matters in this issue, newly elected NASS members should not be allowed to contest for any key elective position.

Juliet Orji, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

This is a clear re introduction of the abrogated barbaric apartheid system. This is manifesting in the amendment of the House Rules.

Adamu A. Adamu, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

I am not surprised, that is the only way the returning National Assembly members can cover the corrupt practices they perpetrated.

Uche Frank, Garki, Abuja.

The newly elected members and the returning ones are individual representative of their own constituency. Therefore, the 7th NASS members are all with fresh mandates and equal values. No one among the elected members should be barred from seeking elective office of the NASS. Rather, office seekers should be encouraged to market their credentials to the non-office seekers for votes. Any means other than this is purely unethical and undemocratic.

John Otaru, Lokoja, Kogi State.

What do you think of the plan by the returning National Assembly members to bar newly elected members from contesting for any key elective positions?

It is usually their wont to do the absurd. What stellar performance did they display in the out-going tenure that can recommend them? In the National Assembly of Nigeria, a new man of charisma is far better than those ‘experienced’ charlatans who would encourage the rigging of elections.

They are only selfish!

Akinduro, H.O., Okitipupa, Ondo State.

The decision is selfish, wicked and undemocratic. IQ defers in individuals. A new member with high IQ may comprehend the modus operandi of the NASS better than an old member with low IQ whose only qualification to be a member is his ability to rig election. Let there be a levelplaying field for every member. Our NASS should not be turned into “Animal Farm”.

Tony Modungwo, Benin City, Edo State.

It’s unconstitutional, selfserving, mischievous and glaringly undemocratic. Nigerian Constitution is superior to any obnoxious House Rule. This only exposes the more, those gangsters and political rascals, who have wickedly hijacked our miserable lives in the last 12 years.

Dr Fijabi Adebo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The plan is undemocratic.

They were all new in 1999 yet they contested for key positions. They should allow the new entrants to come on board, may be they will be able to put the N. Assembly on the right track and correct the past mess and lapses.

Alagbawi Emman, Ibadan, Oyo State.

When critically analysed, one would see such a plan as nothing but political rascality and diabolical jingoism aimed at undermining the people’s right and adequate representation. It should be rejected as they all have equal rights.

Barr Jide Olawole, Ilesa, Osun State.

It is quite unreasonable of the current senators to bar the new senators from contesting for key positions. Were the old senators barred the first time they got elected into the Senate? It is too selfish of them.

Obasi Raymond, Lagos State.

Barring newly elected members from contesting for any key elective positions is not democratic and should be null and void and of no effect. Let all of them contest for the position of their choice.

Akinleye Hassan, Iloro-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

It’s not surprising that we are being subjected to this. We aren’t practising real democracy. Otherwise democracy would have been allowed to play out in the election of the principal officers.

P.K. Emele, Kaduna State.

I think it’s a case of mediocrity that has eaten deep into every facet of Nigerian society. Otherwise, we would be talking about merit, irrespective of who you are, new or old, young or elderly, connected or unconnected.

Simon Oguine Jnr, Ilorin, Kwara State.

ans “shine our eyes” and be ready to expunge from our atmosphere every narrowminded, joy-killing and selfserving Law from NOW on.

Won tun de niyen.

Mrs C. Fadeke Alabi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

•David Mark

•Dimeji Bankole

I am totally not in support of the decision. The position should be thrown open to new members to vie for, after all nobody has a monopoly of wisdom. They should allow for a competitive spirit so that merit is chosen.

Isiaka Ibrahim, Iree, Osun State.

elected members from vying for key elective positions.

How are they going to learn?

Let them be allowed to learn on the position.

Barr Ogar, Calabar, Cross River State.

The ranking legislators (old members) stand on key House elective positions is welcome development to our democracy, as we have passed tutelage politicking. Legislative business after 12 years of democracy should lack the lexicon ‘learning process’, we should be consolidating on our gains over these period in order to move the country forward and give the masses true democratic dividend, rather than spending time settling rancor.

Hon. Adolph Osuji. C, Imo State.

To bar them under what ever guise or disguise is simply unconstitutional.

Dr Kuti Usman, Otukpo, Benue State.

Personally, I feel this is madness. Of what benefit is this out-going National Assembly to Nigerians. This is pure selfishness. Please help me ask our jobless law makers what would happen if the whole house were all new members.

This is unacceptable; Nigerians should reject this nonsense decision.

Glorious Kelechi Francis, Abuja.

I think it’s right. It allows for continuity in the ongoing reforms in the upper chamber.

We need progression, not retrogression.

Chief Musa Ishaku, kaduna State.

The returning national assembly members are right because such key elective positions are not meant for mediocre if at all they don’t have hidden agenda.

Elujoba Muritala, Owerri, Imo State.

It is nonsensical to bar newly

The plan to bar newly elected Senators from holding key post is just a ploy orchestrated by David Mark and others to retain their respective posts. What a personal aggrandisement!

Muniru Gambia, Iwo, Osun State.

It is perfectly in order.

Newly elected members do not have any single experience to lead. They should be humble enough to learn for a while before thinking of leading us please.

Evang. Mbabie Chinedu, Kano State.

They are not fair to the incoming members. Some incoming members are more experienced than the stalites.

Most of these returning members have never spoken or contributed to the debate on the floor of the house for a minute.

Niyi Olabiyi, Saki East, Oyo State.

It smacks of acute and unprecedented selfishness to bar newly elected Senators from contesting key elective positions in the Senate. In 1999, did we have ranking Senators?

Yet, the likes of Dr Chuba Okadigbo and Anyim Pius Anyim have remained shining examples in the Senate. What about Dr Joseph Wayas in 1979 to 1983, was he a ranking Senator before? Please if we must harness the potentials in most Nigerians we must do away with those things actuated by vaulting and selfish ambitions that have held us back.

Barr Robert Ahaneku, Owerri, Imo State.

Did not all those old officials have a “FIRST TIME” when they came into their positions?

Nonsense! Even the RECURRING DECIMAL, David Mark, must have had it! Let the President and all patriotic Nigeri-

The National Assembly is so exalted that new members can’t pilot the affairs of the House, hence they will fall short and be impeached. Let them learn the trend after which they can vie for position.

Charles Chigbundu, Ikeja, Lagos State.

There is no moral justification in barring newly elected members from holding any elective positions because the old ones were given the opportunity to learn on the job.

Equally, new ones should be given the same opportunity to learn on the job.

Emmanuel Okon, Niger State.

Barring the incoming members of National Assembly from holding any elective position is selfish and an attempt to allow for only old wine.

This is not good enough for our democracy. Give equal right to all members.

Oyeniran Ajayi, Irrua, Edo State.

It is still too early to introduce such policy in the National Assembly. All elected members of the of the NA should be given equal opportunity to contest for key elective positions till such a time we have internal democracy within the parties. That is when returning to NA can be attested to based on credibility and performance.

Ikpechukwu Ogbonnaya, Ubahu, Enugu State.

That is why we still are not getting it right in Nigeria.

What experience? How did the so-called old hands start?Were they not new when they first got their?

Sabo Madaki, Zamfara State.

It is the height of madness and irresponsibility on the part of. David Mark, Ayogu Eze and other greedy members to even contemplate amending the Senate’s standing rules to satisfy their selfish desires few days to the end of their tenure. It is not only undemocratic but also criminal, hence the perpetrators should be treated by Nigerians as enemies of democracy.

Comrade John Kalama, Bayelsa State.

It’s not good enough for our democracy. It is a manifestation of our old political leadContinue on page 52

By Jennifer Ehidiamen 08054503875 (Sms only)

Cultivating the right attitude

J

OY Ekeledo, a first year student of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism shares an interesting insight into the life of a young person struggling to gain admission into university.

Can you remember your attitude during this period of your life? What is your attitude towards any challenges you might be facing right now? Remember to keep adopting a positive attitude towards life! Enjoy Joy’s story:

By Joy Ekeledo (Guest W r i t e r ) joybecky57@yahoo.com Attitude is the way one feels or thinks about something or somebody. It equally refers to how one acts or behaves towards someone or something. I can vividly recall the trauma I passed through during the four years I waited patiently at home for a university admission. It looked more like a nightmare than a preparatory ground to get me matured for the system. I saw everything and everyone as a hindrance because the urge to gain admission increased tremendously overtime, like a dry grass sprinkled with petrol and set ablaze.

However, the tune changed when I finally gained admission. And so did my lifestyle. I felt that I didn’t have any role to play at home. All I did was go to school, and receive lectures.

I began mixing with the wrong people at school. We went clubbing a lot. My attitude changed generally (I knew it) and because I went to school from home daily, it created enmity between my family and I. It was like becoming a stranger in my home.

It was not like socializing at school is bad but like they say, too much of everything is not good. Keeping bad company at school got a greater part of me and I started going down academically.

The consciousnesses of my running down fast on wrong lane made me realize the need for me to sit down and take stock of my life. It dawned on me that if I don’t retrace my steps, I would end in ruin. The following semester was a huge battle.

Developing the right attitude leads to a successful realization of a right life. If you have the right attitude, you can improve your life and change your life for the better!

My experience has taught me that the worst nightmare of any man can be changed with the right attitude. We can differentiate our right from wrong, like separating the wheat from the chaff.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Life

33

Obiageli Entry by Kehinde Ademoye

A

FULL moon hung in the sky that night. Alika paced outside his hut praying and hoping. The mid wives were with Chineye, his second wife. He prayed for her safe delivery, but above all, he wanted a male child. He had been laughed at enough by his kinsmen and friends.

“The gods of our land, please hear my prayer and give me a male child”.

There was a cry from within the hut. A big smile played on his lips.

Chineye was trying to get her breath back while the mid wives cleaned the new born. As one of the old women mopped her brow, she stretched her neck to know the sex of the child.

“My child, a groom does not climb a palm tree to see his bride, when she is being brought to his house”, the old woman scolded her gently.

“You don’t understand, mama” “More than you know. Remember, every child is a gift from God, whether male or female” “Is the child a female?” Chineye asked, “I don’t know, they’ve gone to clean the baby”, she continued, “Oh, here is the answer you seek” Mama Chinedu received the child and handed the neatly wrapped baby to her mother.

Chineye pulled the piece of cloth that held the baby apart, and her eyes went between the legs. Her heart sank. As the little girl sucked, Chineye began to wonder about her fate. ‘What would her husband say? What would he do? What…’ She decided not to think of this anymore, but concentrate on God’s gift to her.

The smile died on Alika’s lips as the mid wives trooped out to congratulate him. Alika thanked the old women even as he bit his lower lip. Why were the gods doing this to him? After all, he had performed the required rites and poured libations when due to the gods.

The gods must be angry with him. After eight children, he had no single male child. Why were his women giving him female children? Was he cursed?

His mind went to the dibia, Ononiju. To think the ‘idiot’ took a keg of palm wine and his young goat, all in the name of helping to ensure he had a male child this time around.

Alika entered the hut and looked down at the mother and child. He hissed even as his wife bowed down her head in shame.

Frustrated, he began lamenting, “I need a man to carry on my name, or do you want my name to be wiped out? Who will go with me to the farm? Who will take over my farmland? Don’t you know girls don’t get an inheritance? Do you want my kinsmen to make me a laughing stock; after they have taken over my property?”

Chineye, exhausted from child-bearing, she pleaded, “Biko, let me try again” Alika turned red, as he barked, “After four female children! I don’t think so” As if on cue, the baby tried out her vocal prowess.

“Shut that thing up!” he yelled and stormed out of the hut.

The baby was named Obiageli.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• At first light, he was at the dibia’s hut in the forest. All he hoped was that the native doctor had not made use of his goat.

“Ah, Alika the gods greet you”, Ononiju welcomed him “I greet the gods back” Alika saw his goat and the frown that had creased his face turned into a smile. He untied his goat and made to leave. Ononiju saw his dinner walking out of his hut with its previous owner and knew his game was up. He had been caught! Alika rained curses on the native doctor as he left with his goat, Ononiju bit his fingers.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Alika worked his girls till their muscles ached every night.

He would take them with him to the farm, and make them clear his vast land, build ridges and plant. The girls came home tired.

Obiageli was not spared either and as she got older, she prayed daily for an escape.

While heading to the market a week after her fourteenth birthday, she was approached by Eze, a young man from the city. He wanted to meet her father to ask for her hand in marriage. She was very excited about his proposal. Alika saw this as an opportunity to get rid of one more mouth to feed and readily gave his daughter away.

Once Obiageli got to the city, her husband insisted that she enroll in a secondary school to her surprise and that of her family, she quickly rose to the top of her class and stayed there. Impressed by her academic excellence, the state government offered

her a scholarship to study any school of her choice. She chose a school near-by so that she could be close to her husband. Her ground-breaking research in Molecular Biology won her a Nobel Prize, the first Nigerian woman to do so.

Alika had heard of his daughter’s many accomplishments and had regularly measured her level of success with those of the other men in the village. He realized that Obiageli had achieved much more than many of his friends son’s had and as he lay on his dying bed, he wished he had treated her better.

Many thanks to our amazing readers who send in their comments. If you are passionate about writing exciting short stories, you can send two copies of your writing samples to pearlohai@yahoo.com. Winning entries will be published once every month.

N.B: Each entry must have a minimum of 800 words and a maximum of 1000 words. Credit will be given to each writer for every story published.

Continue from page 48 ers’ greed for power and their inordinate desire to hold on to it. They need to know that the young shall grow and the elders will leave the stage whether they like it or not. That has been the design. It is better the oldies allow the new members to vie for positions in the house if they have what it takes (brain) to make Nigeria great.

Abraham A., Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

It is not proper to bar newly elected senators from contesting key elective positions, who knows the ways of God. He fished them out of their respective constituencies for a purpose.

Old Nigerian legislators, let God’s will be done. This time, ‘project Nigeria’ is marching towards greatness.

Bishop Uwe Akan, Calabar, Cross River State.

The returning members are greedy and they want to occupy key positions without challenge, especially the position of Senate President. They are afraid of Danjuma Goje and Bukola Saraki in case either of them emerge Senate President.

Justin Nwachukwu, Bida Niger State.

The plan is arrant nonsense aimed at sharing the available positions without healthy competition. It will eventually backfire as it can’t stand.

Oludare Adewale, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ab initio, it is the fear of failure that makes one feels that he is the only indispensable human being born to rule. Nobody is a born ruler/ leader. Rulership/leadership can be acquired through learning, enlightenment, studies, copying others as role models, etc. Therefore, baring newly elected National Assembly from occupying or contesting for any key elective positions is corruption in disguise.

Padfait N Idemili, (ESQ) Jos, Plateau State.

Have Your Say What do you think of the plan by the returning National Assembly members to bar newly elected members from contesting for any key elective positions?

The whole idea for the new members of the National Assembly not to contest any position as Principal Officers of the both chambers is undemocratic and not for the interest of this country. But for the interest of only few individuals who want to remain in power until they die. That is not promoting our democratic institutions. They should rethink and allow the spirit of democracy to direct their actions at all levels of government.

Okeke Chinedu, Enugu State.

This is simply politics of exclusivity and the intrigue of a self-seekng cabal in the National assembly. If someone who has never governed a state could be elected president of a country, which school trains people to handle principal positions in a National assembly? We’re playing down the applicability of cognate experience. This is belittling, evil and selfish. Senators are distinguished people of different backgrounds and varying cognition.

Akosu, Jos, Plateau State.

The action of the National Assembly to bar newly elected members is to say the least unjust, barbaric, unnecessary, selfish, unpatriotic and

above all, undemocratic. The new National Assembly should discard and disregard the plan with immediate alacrity.

Ojo Hezekiah O., Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State.

The idea is retrogressive as well as illegal. In law, every member of the National Assembly can hold any political position, vote and be voted for. It is illegal, contrary to the rule of reason and inconsistent with the spirit of Democracy, to bar the newly elected members. How did the first Senate President start? How did we get the first Speaker, the House of Representatives? The questions are many and varied.

Barrister C.C Obi, PHC, Rivers State.

Those so-called returning National Assembly criminals are trying to create problem in this country.

Jonathan, please do something, this is democracy.

Ibrahim Gaji, AKure, Ondo State.

The clause, ‘RANKING SENATORS’, must have been borrowed from the military. Is the NASS now an extension of this arm? Let Mr Mark and the ‘ranking senators’ tell the nation that they came into the Red

To bar new members is outright unconstitutional and wickedly self serving. It must be condemned and discouraged, period.

Dr Kuti Usman, Otukpo, Benue State.

Undemocratic and very much uncivil! This dictatorial tendency must be resisted by new members.

Collins Ewenike, Owerri, Imo State.

Chamber by virtue of their military ranking and not through the ballot box?

Mr Wilsom Monday, Area 11, Abuja.

I think it is very wrong to bar the newly elected members from contesting elective positions in the new National Assembly. If we desire change, then we must have a level playing ground for all. I think this story is weird.

Achi Casmir Izuchukwu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The decision to bar newly elected member from any key position in NAAS is ill-informed, egoistic and undemocratic. It’s a wrong signal.

Buhari B.A, FGGC, Benin City, Edo State.

The plan smacks of some kind of lunacy. After all, the old members for what ever they are worth have proven to be monumental disasters.

Kalu Wosu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It is an arrant nonsense and collective abuse of Nigerians’ intelligence.

There is no law that says new National Assembly members cannot be principal officers, apart from one being proposed by the parochial, selfish and greedy old members of the National Assembly. Take it from me, the idea will fail like the defunct 3rd term agenda because nobody possesses monopoly of knowledge. I am sure those proposing the law have a lot of things to hide from Nigerians, otherwise such law is needless, because those proposing it were elected the same way like the new members.

Olayinka Odufuwa, Surulere, Lagos State.

The returning National Assembly members’ plan to bar the new ones from key positions is just because the old members want unhindered avenue to further exploit Nigerians in areas they where did not have full control earlier on. They want just little contest to get their selfish interest.

Basil Bagudu.

It’s not good for democracy in Nigeria for now.

Mohammed Umar, Ilorin Kwara State.

The plan is satanic and should be avoided. The truth remains that newly elected members are indeed the electorate’s choice and will go to any length to protect their interest.

Ume-Ezeoke Anthony, Lagos State.

Continue on The Nation website: www.thenationonlineng.net, Click on Sunday Magazine, then Have Your Say

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

34

Young Nation

Olaitan Akisanya 08056745268 SMS only

with

Hello children, How are you doing great leaders of tomorrow? Trust you all had a splended time on Children’s Day? Have a lovely week ahead.

WORD WHEEL

Children’s day celebrations

• Children having fun at the Children’s Day party held on Tuesday by the National Musuem, Onikan, Lagos.

This is an open-ended puzzle. How many words of three or more letters each including the letter at the centre of the wheel can you make from this diagram? We’ve found 19 including one nineletter word. Can you do better?

PHOTO: JOE AGBRO JR.

WORD SEARCH

Birthday

F

•Marvelous Oladejo of Jomomat Private School, Ishaga, Lagos, celebrated his 3rd birthday on Saturday, May 21

Riddle Tola’s mother gave birth to five children. They are Kemi, Bola, Tunde and Ronke. Who is the fifth child?

By Florence Abisoye Ajayi Basic 5 Gold Fasta International School, Ikeja, Lagos State

First Aid kit

IRST aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. It generally consists of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially lifesaving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.

The instances of recorded first aid were provided by religious knights, such as the Knights Hospitaller, formed in the 11th century, providing care to pilgrims and knights, and training other knights in how to treat common battlefield injuries. But it was in 1859 that Henry Dunant organized local villagers to help victims of the Battle of Solferino, including the provision of first aid. Four years later, four nations met in Geneva and formed the organization which has grown into the Red Cross, with a key stated aim of “aid to sick and wounded soldiers in the field”.

Today, there are several groups that promote first aid, such as the military and the Scouting movement. And new techniques and equipment have helped make today’s first aid simple and effective.

Find some items of the First Aid kit in the word search below • Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Deepak Singhal, First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola and Mr. Tope Ashiwaju during the 2011 Children’s Day fiesta at Apapa Amusement Park Lagos on Wednesday, 25th May

D

UFIL prima foods makers of No 1 children’s favorite meal indomie noodles gathered over 1000 children on Wednesday from various primary schools in Lagos state at the Apapa Amusement park to celebrate this years’ chil-

dren’s day.

Children’s day is usually celebrated every year nationwide. The wife of the Lagos state governor graced the occasion while popular musician Big Bamo thrilled the children with music and there were other side attractions from the kids.

ASPIRIN BANDAGE COTTONWOOL DISINFECTANT FLASHLIGHT

Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

HANDGLOVE IODINE METHYLATEDSPIRIT PLASTER

SALINE SCISSORS SOAP THERMOMETER

Word search supplied by Joshua Ayomide Ajayi, JSS 1A, Kings College, Lagos

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011 CHANGE OF NAME JIMOH I formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimoh Amudalat Adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Obidare Olasunkanmi Adeola.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AWOYOMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibukunolu Adebimpe Awoyomi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibukunolu Adebimpe Nwaobi.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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ISIAKA

I formerly known and addressed as Isiaka Monsuru Mayowa, now wish to be known and addressed as Tella Monsur Mayowa.All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

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OKE

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Rasheed Kunle is the same person as Kunle Rasheed. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

35

CHANGE OF NAME AKINWUNMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinwunmi Adunola Adeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bello Adunola Adeola.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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I formerly known and addressed as Adebola Ibiyemi Adeokun, now wish to be known and addressed as Adebola Ibiyemi Akintunde.All former documents remain valid.

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ODUGBESAN

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Lateef Adeoye Odugbesan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Samuel Adeoye Odugbesan. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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OYESOLA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyesola Adedire Odubanjo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dosu Oyesola Adedire. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Local government Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

ADEKOYA I formerly known and addressed as Mr Adekoya Gabriel Adewale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Orebanjo Moses Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, INLGEA, Ijebu-Igbo and general public should take note.

UBALE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Laitu Ubale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Laitu Elisha. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa (UBA) and general public should take note.

OKOLI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoli Juliet Uzoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikeji Juliet Uzoma. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ODEYEMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Folashade Oluwadamilare Odeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Folashade Oluwadamilare Tukoroa. All former documents remain valid.

Eco Bank Plc. and general public should take note.

OGHU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss IIBI Abbot Oghu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. IIBI Mrshall Ekpete. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Abia State Polytechnic and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME CHIPO I formerly known and addressed as Chipo Mujuru, now wish to be known and addressed as Ihechukwu Thankgod Oha. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AKINLOLU

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Akinlolu Lameriu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Akinlolu Ibrahim Ajani.All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OGUNTUNBI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oguntunbi Abosede Odunola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebayo Abosede Kazeem Babalola.All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

IDOWU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Idowu Musile Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogundipe Musile Modupe.All former documents remain valid. Ayedaade Local government and general public should take note.

OYEDEJI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyedeji Odunayo Dupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olanrewaju Odunayo Dupe. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Osun State, GTBank Plc. and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oni Stella Ayoola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olominu Stella Ayoola.All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Local government Service Commission and general public should take note.

ODEYEMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odeyemi Kehinde Rebecca, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebisi Kehinde Rebecca.All former documents remain valid. Osun State University and general public should take note.

ONIFADE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onifade Sayo Ayoni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Zainab Ayoni.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

LAWAL

AMAEFUNA

ADELEKE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Amaefuna, Assumpta Adaobi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Somiari, Abiye Adaobi. All former documents remain valid.

National Enronmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Abuja and general public should take note.

AGWU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Agwu, Chinwe Igbetu Chiori, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Somiari, Amina Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc. and general public should take note.

BALOGUN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Sherifat Mojishola Balogun Jubril, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sherifat Mojishola Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AINA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aina Mary Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bello Mary Olayinka. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

NWAWUWO

I formerly known and addressed as Nwawuwo Ogbonnaya Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwachinemere Ogbonnaya Peter. All former documents remain valid. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo and general public should take note.

OGUNDARE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundare Esther Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunjimi Esther Temitope. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEGBITE

ADIO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegbite Bukola Adepeju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Talabi Bukola Adepeju. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, NYSC and general public should take note.

OLOYEDE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adaeze Odimega, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adaeze Chigozie. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Nigeria Plc. and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Adio Nurudeen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mahmud Nurudeen Olalekan.All former documents remain valid.

University of Ado-Ekiti and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolola Oluwayemisi Oloyede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolola Oluwayemisi Subair.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EKONG

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Inyang Jonah Ekong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Inyang Blesssing Muritala Ayenigba.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ALABI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Alabi Olabisi Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abejide Olabisi Sarah.All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEGBITE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegbite Bukola Adepeju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tai Atinuke Adebukola Haulat.All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission and general public should take note.

IBEKWE I formerly known and addressed as Ibekwe Harriet Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwabueze Harriet Nneka.All former documents remain valid.

IMT, NYSC and general public should take note.

ODIMEGA

AKINOLA

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Lateef Olasunkanmi Akinola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Akinola Olasunkanmi Lateef. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Ministry of Education, Education District IV, Teachers Establishment (TEPO) and general public should take note.

NWACHUKWU

I formerly known and addressed as Daniel Okechukwu Nwachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Okechukwu Okereke. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

BABALOLA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Babalola Kehinde Olubunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Giwa Kehinde Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NKWO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkwo Anne Chibuogwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iwezu Anne Chibuogwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EKWEM

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Ikechi Amanze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Blessing Wokem. All former documents remain valid.

Management, Staff and Students of the University of Education, PortHarcourt and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olasumbo Latifat Adeleke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olasumbo Latifat Otagbo.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ETIM

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Uduak Richard Etim, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Uduak Kingsley Ezeanya.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME COKER I formerly known and addressed as Miss Coker Omotunde Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeniji Omotunde Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM and general public should take note.

LAWAL I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal Nimota Afolake, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojo Nimota Afolake. All former documents remain valid.

Ipokia Local Government and general public should take note.

ODOGUN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odogun Endurance Mirabel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okonkwo Mirabel Odiri. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

ALABI

ADEYANJU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Alabi Latifat Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kareem Latifat Omolara.

All former documents remain valid. IFederal Polytechnic, Ilaro, NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEYANJU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogu Perpetua Onyinye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onyia Perpetua Onyinye.

All former documents remain valid.INEC, ESUT and general public should take note.

OLU

I formerly known and addressed as Ogunleye Abimbola Victor, now wish to be known and addressed as Dere Tamunoiduabia Victor.

All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyanju Kemi Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajayi Kemi Florence. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Adeyanju Adewale, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeyanju Adewale Adeola. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olu Eunice Jumoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olanrewaju Eunice Jumoke. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

LASISI

I formerly known and addressed as Ismaila Oladiti Lasisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ismaila Oladiti Abdulazeez All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AKOREDE

I formerly known and addressed as Akorede Semiu Alani, now wish to be known and addressed as Akorede Semiu Alani Adediran.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BELLO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bello Oluwakemi Bilikisu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Godwin-Jegede Oluwakemi Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AYODELE I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Ayodele Olubunmi Oke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayodele Olubunmi Oluwadare. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MADUME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Beatrice Oroma Madume, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Beatrice Oroma Theophilus Sese. All former documents remain valid. Rivers State University of Science and Technology, NSDCDC, NYSC and general public should take note.

EKPE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Rosemary Onyinye Ekpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rosemary Onyinye Iroka. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OGUNMOYOLE I formerly known and addressed as Ogunmoyole Temidayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adewole Temidayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADETOYE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekwem Maureen Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwanoro Maureen Oluchi.

All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Plc. and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adetoye Abimbola Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinmurele Abimbola Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADISA

AZEEZ

AGU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ujunwa Chinwe Agu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ujunwa Chinwe Emmanuel.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AMANZE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal Olajumoke Rukayat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajibowo Olajumoke Rukayat. All former documents remain valid. LUTH and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONI

OJO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Josephine Toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Makinde Josephine Toyin.

All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGU

OGUNLEYE

MBUONYE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Mbuonye Onyinyechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwala Onyinyechi. All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note.

DAODU I formerly known and addressed as Miss Daodu Oluwatoyin Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akiode Oluwatoyin Abiola. All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note.

OLALEYE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaleye Aribike Oluwayemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hassan Aribike Oluwayemisi. All former documents remain valid.Teaching Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

SOLARIN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Solarin Oluwaseyi Taiwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeniji Oluwaseyi Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SALAU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Salau Kuburat Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Quadri Kuburat Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, LGEA, Ijebu-Ode and general public should take note.

HUSSEIN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hussein Rukayat Mosunmola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olusoga Rukayat Mosunmola. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

ADESOYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesoye Islamiat Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mutairu Adesoye Islamiat Olayinka. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AJAYI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajayi Victoria Olamide, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abe Victoria Olamide. All former documents remain valid.

Local government Service Commission, Osogbo, Ilesa West LG, Ilesa and general public should take note.

OKE

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adisa Bilikis Olayemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anrinle Bilikis Olayemi.

All former documents remain valid. Universal Basic Education Board, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Azeez Kafayat Renike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lateef Kafayat Renike. All former documents remain valid.

Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igbora and general public should take note.

ADEYEMI

IBEKWE

I formerly known and addressed as Adeyemi Olukemi Joanne, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tolulope Olukemi Joanne.

All former documents remain valid. NBA, NYSC and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tina Ifeyinwa Ibekwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tina Ifeyinwa Richard Udo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, IMSU and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oke Joy Kofoworola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayanbeku Joy Kofoworola.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this! Change of name is now publish every Thursdays and Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

36

National Reading Competition winner wins scholarship to Harvard University EBERE WABARA

L

ET us welcome TheNEWS to this column for the first time. Its edition of May 30 circulated this gaffe: “A week to the end of his stay in the House and office, the reputation of the House and that of himself look (looks) wretched.”

“Osun Deputy Governor, SSG, others pay last respect as Agbelekale goes home” (THE NATION SOCIETY Headline, May 21) May his soul rest in peace (not perfect peace, by the way, as emotional people write): pay last respects.

“Testimony galore at RCCG Holy Ghost Service for May” (Sunday Mirror, May 22) Praise & Worship: Testimonies galore….

“Ameobi lays siege for Baggies” (THE NATION SPORT Banner, May 22) Sportsmanship: lay siege to (not for), if at all this lexical structure has to be used!

“Ouattara sworn-in, preaches unity, reconciliation” (THISDAY Front Page Headline, May 22) Still on this drawback: phrasal verbs do not take hyphenation.

“WAFU Cup Finals: Adedeji exonerates Siasia over Eagles’ loss” (Saturday Mirror Sport, May 21) Siasia was exonerated from (not over) Eagles’ loss.

“Why Tantalizers is reopening Abibu-Oki outlet” (Saturday Mirror Headline, May 21) Yet another phrasal verb catachresis.

“Izunaso sets to dump PDP for APGA” (Nigerian Compass, Politics Headline, May 19) All the news, all the time: Izunaso set (not sets) to dump PDP… “Despite the fact that these ex-bank chiefs are on bail and has never negate any condition of their bail….”

(DAILY INDEPENDENT LAW, May 19) How did we arrive here? The ex-bank chiefs are on bail and have never negated….

“Katsina-Alu, Salami should have stood aside while investigations last (lasted)” (DAILY INDEPENDENT LAW Headline, May 19) “It hasn’t been too good (sic) in the last four years and it’s something that borders (bothers) me.”

(Nigerian Compass Politics, May 18) Next on feature is THISDAY of May 18: “The euphoria among workers over this year’s May Day find (finds) expression in the fact that they can now take their destiny in their own hands.”

“It was an unenviable task given the palpable

O8055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Testimonies galore at RCCG hostility that rented (rent) the air.”

“ACN senator-elect advises colleagues to brace-up for the next republic” Politics Today: Still on phrasal verb brouhaha (brace up). It is not a syllabic entry.

“The lack of adequate knowledge of the areas have (had) often made past exercises to be.…” “ … e x e c u t e programmes and policies which they promised the electorates (electorate) before being voted for.”

“The redeployment of the sports administrator comes in (on) the heels of sweeping changes presently (sic) going on in the federal civil service.”

Yank off ‘presently’ in the interest of purity and word economy! “…we are assuming that among the privileged specie (species) of homo sapiens….”

“A major platform under (on) which banking regulation has been carried out in Nigeria over the years has been through the use of statutory regulation.” “…I thought I heard the preacher talked (talk) about the message of Jesus being rather simple….”

“But, of course, the country is still indebted to the tune of a whooping $29 billion to the same IMF with service arrears mounting by $1 billion annually.” Spell-check: whopping.

“Without my vote it could have been minus one vote for either of the two candidates.” It couldn’t have been ‘either of four candidates’! Delete ‘two’ in the interest of purity. “…that we are indeed free at last to breathe easy and live without the fears of yesteryears.” The last word in the excerpt cannot be pluralized.

“Lack of other skills force (forces) men and women into occupations that carry more risk than others.”

“The other week, illegal fuel hawkers at Ojuelegba, in the Lagos metropolis, fell out with some of their codealers and fourth themselves.”

The miscreants fought one another (not themselves).

“Areas like…have had one skirmish or the other (another) since last week Thursday. “Either last Thursday or Thursday, last week.

“Ikedi Ohakim looked dazed and traumatized

even as he beamed smiles to the crowd.” The man could not have beamed a frown! We should not ignorantly circumscribe meaning of words through redundancies.

“It is regrettable that the police has (have) virtually turned Mushin and parts of Isolo into a police state, subjecting such areas into (to) a nightmarish reign of terror and anarchy.” “…the new chairmen and councillors would usher in improved grassroot development schemes for the welfare of the people.”

Always: grassroots.

“During his investiture ceremony held at the college campus.…”

Always on (not at) the campus.

“The truth of the matter is that both the Liberian and Sierra Leonean crisis cost Nigeria a fortune.”

Singular: crisis; plural: crises.

“Also, the country’s educational and health institutions are in total shambles.” This way: in a total shambles.

“Building and construction firms have began (begun) to submit bids for….” “…Nigeria was observing a mandatory requirement for the conferment of validity to (on) its 2011 elections.”

“Your life is an examplary one…” This way: exemplary.

“He who pays the piper dictates the tune.”

He who pays the piper calls the tune.

“In spite of distance and regional location, the two countries at one time has (had) so much in common.”

“Murder: Lack of funds stall (stalls) prosecution” I appreciate the source of confusion. It is a recurring shibboleth. “…many Nigerians are dead, millions are today walking corpses, while unemployment, hunger and destitution is (are) rife in the land.”

“Personal sacrifices and discipline are the only ammunitions civilians have for rescuing the nation from.…”

This way: ammunition.

“One had thought that after the allegation levied (levelled) against Lionel Messi.…”

“The UNIBEN Alumni Association has congratulated two of its members for (on) their achievements in politics.”

T

WO-TIME winner of the NB Plc sponsored National Reading Competition; Miss Chisom Mildred Okpala has been offered a four-year scholarship to study at Harvard University, United States of America.

Chisom, ranked No. 1 in the world, got admitted to Harvard with a $62,050 (N9.5 million) scholarship a year to be increased each year as school fees increase. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, personal expenses (pocket money), travel allowance (flight to the US and an international vacation during the holidays) and health insurance. This scholarship offer was made possible because Harvard has the highest endowment fund for any university in the world- $25 billion.

Planning to study Economics and Computer Science in addition to doing a minor in Creative Writing, Chisom (18) said Harvard admitted just 6% of the record number of applicants this year and she

•Chison

was honored to be part of the incredibly low but distinguished 6%.

Speaking on how her success in the National Reading Competition had stood her in good stead for clinching the scholarship, she said “I don’t think my acceptance to Harvard would have been possible without the National Reading Competition. As part of supplementary materials for my application, I submitted newspaper pages on which I was featured for my

victory at the two editions of the Competitions. I think it caught their fancy because the admissions officer who interviewed me mentioned something about it”. Chisom emerged winner in the third and fourth editions of the competition in 2008 and 2009.

On each occasion, she was awarded a laptop and cash prize of N200,000. She also won for her school, two desktop computers, two printers and books worth N650,000.

A former student of Dorithy International Secondary School Aba, Abia State, she thanked Nigerian Breweries Plc for giving her the opportunity to express her exceptional abilities and creative imagination in the two editions of the competition, where her interests on issues outside her curriculum were aroused. She lauded the company’s initiative and urged her not to rest on her oars in giving the youths a clear direction in life for the achievement of their future academic goals.

Safety and Security Alert!

Redefining the meaning of security

I

T IS widely held that security is the protection of life and property. The implied meaning here is that as long as the life of a client is not lost, the security personnel has performed creditably well even when the clients suffer bodily or mental fractures. This has been the misconception making the rounds among all and sundry. The security practitioner is duty bound to protect the body, soul, spirit, goodwill, reputation and interests of his client.

Here is a proper and refined definition: Security is the process of putting in place defensive measures in order to protect assetsperson(s), property and information- as well as prevent losses, wastages and thefts. A good security has two fold basic functions: assets protection and loss prevention.

Security pre-requisites: •Security survey report •Vulnerability assessment •Risk assessment •Intelligence gathering •Threat analysis and •Security education.

FEEDBACKS Re: Fraud! National Catastrophic Disaster!

I thank you for the topic.

Employees should be paid for salary, management.

Our leaders should display good governance. The follower should be treated as such and not servant.

C. G. A. Rivers State.

081-370*****.

Re: Caution! Your identity could be stolen.

Reading The Nation on Sunday, ‘Identity Theft’ was very helpful. Need to be more careful with personal

data exposure.

S. O. 080-230***** Re: War against fraud in our life!

I saw the write up in the Nation newspaper which makes me remember my story which happens sometime in April 2001. On that fateful day, l got a text saying l have won myself N1, 000, 000, you can imagine someone telling you, you have won this kind of money without participating in any promotion and he says I should go to Lagos immediately. I set out for Lagos when l reached the place, he said I should come to Lekki in Chevron.

When I got to the gate, I then asked the security men on duty about any promotion going on and the answer was no. That was how I just understood what was going on. That I have been talking with a fraud person. Sir, your write-up has really opened mine eyes the more.

Sir, l will be very happy to be involved in the war against fraud.

Thanks.

S. S. FCT. 081-218*****.

Re: Anti-Fraud Series.

Timi of a truth, your write-ups in The Nation on Sunday is good enough for a book publication on security management. Honestly your articles are stimulus to private industry issues on fraud. It is handled with due diligence.

Congratulations.

I. U. Akwa-Ibom State.

080-232*****.

Re: A Vote for Community Policing Your security tips on

‘Community Policing’ are viable and people inclined.

The security measures were apt and timely for us in Kaduna. The people revisited the miscreants before the arrival of the Police, Army and Civil Defense corps.

Thanks and keep on the good professional works.

J. Kaduna State 080-645*****.

Timi, I enjoy your security column so much in The Nation Newspaper. Please, keep it up as security is the responsibility of everybody who cares.

O. FCT. 080-340*****.

Re: Useful guides on Hotel Security Mr. Ajayi, I have just read your well written useful guides on Hotel Security. I will like to read more on the topic in my e-mail. It is a good piece.

However, it is important to state the category of Hotel to which each method can apply. I am a retired army officer and a security consultant.

Warm regards.

F. O. Ondo State.

080-324*****.

Re: Useful guides on Hotel Security.

Timi, Thanks for the write ups; they are quite interesting. More grace to your works. I read your column in the last Sunday Nation Newspaper, it was a good piece.

Many cheers, keep it up.

E. U. Akwa-Ibom State.

080-358*****.

37

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011

TELKOM/HELIOS MÊLÉE:

What happens to Visafone?

Visafone’s recent acquisition of another CDMA business has run into troubled waters.

The company’s dream of dominating the CDMA market is gradually falling to bits like a pack of badly-arranged cards, as a tower company is set to secure a court injunction to prevent the acquisition. Experts blame Visafone’s legal representatives for its woes, writes ADLINE ATILI

T

HESE are distressing times for Telkom, Africa’s largest fixed-line phone company.

Last year, the South African Telco, a major investor in MultiLinks Nigeria announced plans to re-align its business and exit the Code Division Multiple Access market segment in Nigeria owing to financial and capacity constraints.

A lot of people expressed surprise at the inability of the company to turn the Multi-Links business around after acquiring 75 per cent of the company. They said it was too hasty to beat a retreat as there are still opportunities for the CDMA business to thrive.

But Telkom proved it meant business when in April, it sold off the business to Visafone for $52 million, after investing $410million to buy the company between 2007 and 2009, as part of efforts to increase its presence across Africa.

The company had since proved to be more of a liability than an asset.

TelKom’s woe At a press conference to announce its exit last year, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MultiLinks, Vincent Raseroka admitted: “It is strategically, financially and commercially challenging for us to continue to do business in this segment despite the comprehensive turnaround programme of the company.

“With a current market share of 2.6 per cent in a market dominated by the GSM technology, it has become imperative that we explore other options and chart a new path to growth and profitability for ourselves as a business by utilising our fixed infrastructure here in Nigeria.

“Additionally, a number of contracts have rendered MultiLink Telkom’s CDMA business unprofitable and unsustainable.”

He explained that the company is committed to reducing costs in a manner that ensures sustainable long-term benefits.

CDMA business in the country is still facing a lot of challenges in a highly competitive environment, requiring scale to successfully compete.”

According to Raseroka, despite intervention, Multi-Links’ operating revenue decreased by 1.7 per cent from N15. 325 million to N15. 065 million as at 30 September 2009.

Subscriptions and connections revenue decreased 18.2 per cent due to termination of access fees as a result of increased competition.

Traffic revenue decreased 24.6 per cent mainly due to decrease in traffic volumes and higher churn rates.

He explained that CDMA’s only 10 per cent market share limits the necessary scale opportunities for the players.

According to industry figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the first quarter of the year, total CDMA connected lines as at February 2011 was put at 12.4 million against GSM 108. 5million; where CDMA active lines were only 6.1 million.

According to the data, the CDMA operators - Starcomms, Multilinks, ZOOMmobile and Visafone—lost about 1.08 million active subscribers between January and July, 2010.

Telkom, therefore, saw no reprieve in sight but to sell off the

“They should have done their own due process before they signed the contract.

At the same time, Telkom did not do justice to the deal by being untruthful”

•Chairman, Visafone, Jim Ovia

•Chief Executive Officer, Telkom SA, Nombulelo Moholi

•Chief Executive Officer, Helios Towers Nigeria, Inder Bajaj

ailing Multi-Links to Visafone.

Legal fireworks Regrettably, a foreign firm has thrown a spanner in the works for it. A suit was reportedly filed at a Lagos High Court last week, by a firm, Helios Investment Partners.

The firm, backed by George Soros, Lord Rothschild and former United States Defence Secretary, Madeleine Albright, is struggling to get paid for its flagship $250million (£154million) telecommunications contract in Nigeria.

The London-based firm, Helios Investment Partners, run by two former Texas Pacific Group executives, started off building and maintaining telecoms towers across Africa seven years ago.

It secured capital to construct 360 mobile phone towers in Nigeria through a company called Helios Towers from various investors, including $50million from CDC, a UK government development fund.

The business is considered a model of successful private equity investment in Africa, securing a $250million package led by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).

On the back of this, it attracted Mr Soros, Lord Rothschild and Ms Albright to invest in a separate $350million Helios Towers Africa fund to “replicate the success of Nigeria.”

However, this $250million contract is now under threat after the mobile phone company that rents the towers claimed the agreement is invalid. Multi-Links, owned by South Africa’s Telkom, told Helios Towers that it is under no obligation to pay rent or a termination fee years after the masts were built.

The company is about three years into its 10-year contracts.

Multi-Links argues that the contracts are unenforceable, because they were not signed off by a state official. Helios argues a signature is not necessary.

In an effort to recoup its

investment, Helios Towers is suing Multi-Links and Telkom in Lagos for $250million that would have been due to it in rent over the years.

In a further complication, Telkom agreed to sell Multi-Links to its rival, Visafone, in April. Helios Towers claims an injunction granted in Lagos in December 2010 maintains the status quo and prevents this sale “pending determination of the suit.”

It is feared that the legal action could complicate Telkom’s sale of Nigerian unit, Multi-Links CDMA to Visafone. Helios Investment Partners is said to be one of the world’s largest private equity investors in Africa. Its second panAfrican fund being raised at the moment has exceeded its $800million target.

It is about three times bigger than the previous fund, Helios Investors 1, which raised $305million in 2007.

Multi-Links/Visafone deal After the sales of Multi-Links to Visafone, the combined entity of the two Telcos, according to Visafone, created a total active subscriber base of 4.2 million and amassed for it, a coverage area that cuts across over 85 per cent of Nigeria’s land mass, making it the largest CDMA Company by subscriber base.

At the signing ceremony in South Africa, Chief Executive Officer of Visafone, Jim Ovia, stated: “Visafone recognises that this deal will solidify its position in the Nigerian marketplace and is committed to offering world-class voice and data solutions to existing Multi-Links customers.

“This transaction brings us closer to achieving our target of 10 million subscribers within 3 years.

“We believe that the superior technology offered by CDMA, combined with a subscriber base of 4.2 million active subscribers will enable Visafone to continue as a game-changing innovator in the Nigerian marketplace. Multi-Links customers will be afforded the same high quality of network and

customer service as existing Visafone subscribers enjoy.”

Ovia may not be opportune to deliver on these promises until the litigations are cleared.

Industry watchers have however, blamed the company’s lawyers for not carrying out proper forensic investigations before rushing headlong into the deal.

Experts’ perspective Chief Executive Officer, Geoid Telecommunications Limited, Olubiyi Ismail said: “I will put the blame at the feet of Visafone for not doing a complete forensic analysis.

“They should have done their own due process before they signed the contract. At the same time, Telkom did not do justice to the deal by being untruthful.

“However, if the person you are buying something from is not straightforward, the onus rests on you to carry out your own research and investigation.”

President of the National TelecomAssociation of munications Subscribers (NATCOM), Deolu Ogunbanjo corroborated Ismail’s stand, saying: “It’s quite disappointing this is happening; Multi-Links is one of the earliest fixed wireless lines in Nigeria. I don’t know why Telkom of South Africa did not fulfill its part of the agreement. I wonder why they pulled out in the first place. Didn’t they study the terrain? Or perhaps, they wanted to reap quick profits.

“In telecoms, you don’t just start to reap gains immediately; you have to invest in infrastructure before it starts working for you. In signing any agreement or investing in anything, you must read inbetween the lines; cross the t’s and dot the i’s well.

“I will blame the lawyers that handled the deal; they did not do their homework pretty well. If they did, they’d have noticed some discrepancies in the deal. They missed certain lines in the agreement and that’s why they’ve run into murky waters.”

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IGERIAN Breweries, appetite for expansion and growth, seems insatiable, given its resolve to add two additional plants to its production lines.

The goal of the expansion drive is to maintain what the chairman of firm termed, its leadership position in the industry, as well as improve on its market share.

“Our resolve in the Board is not just to maintain our leadership position in the market, but to improve on it. As a result, the Board is proposing to enter into discussions with the majority owners of two companies, Sona Systems Associates Business Management Limited (with breweries in Ota, Ogun State and Kaduna) and Life Breweries Company Limited (with a brewery in Onitsha) with a view to acquiring those companies,” the chairman, Board of Directors, Chief Kolawole Jamodu, said.

He stressed the urgency and timeliness of the need to increase capacity, saying that at the moment, existing installed capacity is tasked to its health and with expanding demand, there’s virtually no room to await the longer period required in building a new factory or plants.

His argument: “One of the opportunities created by the offer is a ready availability of capacity that will enable us complete effectively in the market. At the moment we are stretched for capacity and would need to build/invest in a new brewery to enable us meet the growing demand for our productsbuilding a new brewery would take a period of not less than 24 months.

This acquisition opportunity is therefore a very good investment decision we need to take as it will give us a quick access to production capacity and facilities. Apart from increased capacity which the proposed acquisition will produce, we will be adding three brands to our portfolio. Further, the proposed acquisition will broaden our geographical reach and optimize our distribution costs.”

Financials The company recorded a turnover of N185.86 billion in the 2010 review period. This figure represented a growth of N21.65 billion over the N164.21 billion attained in 2009. Of note, is the fact that export contributed N88.69 billion to total turnover.

Business

‘Sona, Life Breweries’ acquisition ‘ll add value’ Nigerian Breweries’ careful selection of existing brewing plants to add to its production lines puts the brewing giant in a position to attain its set goal of maintaining its leadership in the brewing sub-sector, writes SIMEON EBULU, Deputy Business Editor

DUE DILIGENCE

•Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, MD, Nigerian Breweries

Also, associated sales costs gulped N98.69 billion in the review period and N87.18 billion, a year before, leaving the firm with a Gross Profit of N87.17 billion and N77.03 billion in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The brewing firm made N44.88 billion Profit Before Tax in 2010, a figure that was slightly higher by about N3.48 billion than the N41.40 billion PBT, posted a year before. After provision of N14.55 billion for

taxation, its profit After Tax (PAT) levelled up at N30.33 billion in the review period. On the other hand, NB Plc, recorded PAT of N27.91 billion in 2009.

Directors and Staff remuneration The brewing outfit spent about N261 million in the review period as remuneration for its directors who discharged their duties mainly in Nigeria, as against N198.82 million in the previous year. Correspondingly,

NB Plc spent about N15.49 billion in staff costs, including provision for gratuities for its over 2,000 employees in 2010. For 2009, the figure was N14.42 billion in respect of 2240 employees. Additional 47 staff were recruited in the period under consideration.

Corporate Social Responsibility The company was involved in the provision of certain projects as part of its corporate social

responsibility. These include educational/Community development projects, Youth Empowerment/talent Development, Sports and Health related issues. Over N272.3 million was spent on such projects in the review period, and another N67 million went as gifts and donations to several interest groups, including motherless babies homes, erosion control, training and sports promotion.

Daar Communications records two years loss

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OR two years straight, Daar Communications Plc operators of AIT and RayPower television and radio stations recoded losses as a result of federal government’s failure to pay the company N3.5 billion for broadcasting the Under 17 FIFA world competition in 2009.

Chairman of Daar Communications Chief Aleogho Dokpesi and the shareholders have appealed to the Federal Government and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the competition to expedite payment of the debt.

According to the Acting Chairman of the company Alhaji T.Y. Bello who read the chairman’s address at Daar communication’s first and second Annual General Meetings (AGM) for 2008 and 2009 in Abuja yesterday, he described the business environment for the periods as unfriendly and hostile.

In his address T.Y. Bello noted that “the operating environment was hostile and we directly encountered one of such hostilities when we carried out the hosting of the FIFA U-17 world Competition (Nigeria 2009).”

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

For Daar Communications to prepare and key into the FIFA agenda he said the company had to acquire all the facilities and put in place infrastructures to “position the company to secure the competition bid for appointment by FIFA and the Host broadcaster of the U-17 competition.”

The company was subsequently appointed by FIFA as the official TV production company for the television signals for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009, however he lamented that the services the company rendered despite the commendations from FIFA and the LOC “are yet to be paid for by the LOC and the Federal Government.

Alhaji T.Y. Bello however assured the shareholders of the company that “discussions with the federal government on the payment of the debt is at an advanced stage”, thereafter he dropped the shocker that “in view of the non-payment which has led to full provisioning, the company recorded a loss of N2, 625,781,000 in 2009 and N381,487,000 for the year 2008.”

L-R: General Secretary/CEO Bible Society of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Fred Odutola, Senior Pastor of He’s Alive Chapel, Pastor Austen Ukachi and his wife, Pastor Mrs. Yide Ukachi during their courtesy visit to corporate headquarters of the Society in Apapa, Lagos recently.

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E still oozes activism, and there is no doubting his passion for the country. You can feel it even in his voice.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Mr Labaran Maku, could easily be said to be a reporter’s delight. But it is not surprising because he is a reporter himself.

As the saying goes, a reporter is always a reporter.

There are not many politicians today who were once journalists. Maku falls into that small category. And he runs a ministry which he can call home. When he visited the headquarters of The Nation in Lagos the journalist in him stood out.

“The journalist and the politician are in an interminable tango,” he begins when asked how he has been able to successfully switch to politics from journalism.

“As a journalist, journalism offered me great opportunity to know this country, to understand human affairs, to learn. It also offered me the opportunity to work, because journalism is so engaging, so time-consuming that hardly does anyone really focused on journalism have a family life”, he said.

To those who have no idea how tough a profession in journalism could be, Maku explains: “Because of the engagement of this profession, you are working 24 hours. You wake up with an idea. If you don’t capture it into writing, it is lost. You can be sitting with your family but you are dreaming about something else you are going to write or report.”

This generated laughter from Maku’s hosts, led by Editorial Board Chairman, Sam Omatseye. But they all knew he said the truth.

“It is also largely a job in which you have to be on your toes. You have to be up and doing. You can’t do it sitting in one place.

You must move round. You must engage people. You must find out things yourself,” the minister added.

What else has the “pen-profession” taught him? This is it:“Journalism also offered me the opportunity to learn judgement and balance. No matter what you hear, you need to hear more to come to judgement. You need to dig more to be able to come to the truth of what you want to say. And that indeed helped me a lot.”

Maku said it was not difficult to make the career switch: “If I compare myself as a journalist and a politician, I believe strongly that if I wasn’t a journalist, I may not be the politician I am now. Because I find that in politics, the life of a politician is virtually tailored to that of a journalist. A politician hardly has private life for his family.”

His perception about the life of a politician has also changed. “Politics is very, very engaging, the same way journalism and soldiering are,” Maku said.

“As a journalist I used to think that politicians were probably lazy people, just sitting and enjoying the coziness of their offices. But I now know that as a politician, you are virtually 24 hours engaged.

“I’m not sure that anything is as difficult as politics, and that anything is as difficult as leadership. I have learnt to appreciate more now the efforts of those before me, even those we used to criticize.

“I do know that fixing a problem is often not the same thing as talking about it. As you try to fix a problem, you understand the complexities, you understand the various communities that will be affected negatively or positively, and you are motivated by the fact that you are now dealing with human beings. It is not the same thing as writing about them.

“Being in politics has helped me to see society through; it has also balanced my life.

As a journalist, a reporter in government, I am intensely aware that people are looking at me, and that whatever I do will be reported.

And that has helped me to sit up. It has helped me to try to do my best, to try not to diminish my image or to diminish my personality.”

Maku, a former Nasarawa Deputy Governor, also said journalism helped him to constantly focus on the good of the country and the good of the society. “I wish that every politician will have the experience of being a reporter. That would help us to work harder, and to be focused on the national agenda,” he said.

He went on: “I believe that the two groups – politicians and journalists – are in the forefront of trying to push society to a higher level. And probably we need to appreciate

•Maku

Politician’s life is like that of a journalist —Labaran Maku Outgoing Minister of Information and Communications who may be retained by President Jonathan as a cabinet member, Labaran Maku, visited The Nation’s corporate headquarters last week. He reveals how his journalism experience has served him well in government and politics.JOSEPH JIBUEZE writes each other more – our difficulties, our possibilities, our capacities.

“I do not think that we need to be at war.

Yes, we could be at war to the extent that we’re playing different roles, and each one must be given the opportunity to play its role.”

Maku is one of the few politicians who is a staunch supporter of the Freedom of Information Bill. And that is primarily because he has not forgotten his roots.

On why he is in support of a mass media with easy access to information, he said: “I saw it differently. Before my entry into government, the media was looking at every member of the National Assembly as an opponent of the FoI Bill. And people in government were also looking at the FoI Bill as an incursion into governance by the media.

“But my own understanding of it was different, because I’ve had the opportunity of living in the two worlds, I could appreciate it.

I know that FoI Bill will help the media to have access to critical information about the country, and to report to the people of Nigeria , mobilise them for national development.”

Maku knows that politicians live in the era of new journalism where technology has combined in unique ways to make it almost impossible for anyone to really hide anything.

Therefore, he thinks it is important that gov-

ernments all over the world give journalists easy access to collect information about what goes on in government, rather than to fence them off.

The former student unionist also believes that it is good for politicians to have wellrounded experience. “This (being able to understand the need for freedom of information) was possible for me because I have been able to live at both ends. I believe that is what we need – varied experiences to understand the country better. Just one experience cannot make you a leader.

“You need experiences from different sectors to make you a leader. Leadership is everything. Therefore the more you’re able to pass through different angles of society, the better your ability to lead and I think that this has been good for me.”

For him, dearth of good governance at all levels remains a challenge. “If you ask me, I’ll tell you that the greatest challenge we face is governing properly. All of us – in the ministry, in the press, in the government- should work hard at improving our nation’s governance index. That is where my attention has gone,”he added.

Maku thinks people in public service should work even harder that those in the private sector. “I believe we should work harder in the public service than in the pri-

vate sector, because as a private person, you can choose to go to work or not. As a public servant, the weight of the nation is on you – there’s a privilege that has been given to you that has not been given to millions of other people.

“I think that propelling ourselves and everybody to work hard is important. Governance has suffered at different levels. If you look at our financial sector, the private sector, as well as the public sector, there are issues relating to governance that has cost this country dearly. And those issues are also related to the collapse of values.

“I believe our attention must be how to do things properly so that our image can soar. If we don’t do things properly, no matter how hard we pretend, the image problem will always be there,” he noted.

The minister said President Goodluck is determined to change things for the better: “I have heard the president speak a lot about improving the way things are done. We believe that in the next dispensation, this country is going to see a new President, someone that is focused, someone that is determined to make a change and someone that is determined to work on those key issues that have become a national problem.

“He is prepared to do that. And that is why it is important to engage each other and give him the support. The President alone won’t transform Nigeria . But working together and understanding the basic issues, we can do that.

“There are leaders at different levels, not just the President. From local government chairmen to governors, to councilors, to all sorts of people who are in positions of responsibility. We need to engage them.”

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Living Faith

By David Oyedepo

You need power from God! (5)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Worship

IGHT is your guarantee for dominion in the world of darkness, because light will never lose in any conflict with darkness. When you are in possession of light, you are in command of all the forces of darkness.

Last week, we studied the relevance of the Spirit of Revelation, if we must enjoy victory in this wicked and wild world. This week, I will be showing you how you can be empowered through the Spirits of just men made perfect.

Your golden destiny and my golden destiny are only realizable by the operation of the Spirit of God in our lives. In this golden year, to realize your own golden destiny, you require the empowerment of the Spirit. We have come to discover that one dimension of this empowerment is called the Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect.

It’s a major plus in the school of breakthroughs; accessing the spirits of breakthrough giants qualifies you for supernatural breakthroughs in your life.

The Reality Of The Spirits Of Just Men Made Perfect: We have a man in the scripture by name John. In Luke 1: 17, the Bible says: And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

What were working in John the Baptist were the spirit and the power of Elijah. So, he was riding on the wings of Elijah, which empowered him to command supernatural breakthrough in his assignment. It was God Himself that orchestrated it!

Also, we saw a young man by name of Elisha, when he too smote the waters, they parted hither and thither and the people exclaimed, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest upon Elisha and they bowed themselves to the ground…” (2 Kings 2:15). So, the repositioning of Elisha was as a result of the spirit of Elijah that then rested on him.

In Chapter 3, he emerged a national hero. There was crisis and they needed to hear from God. So, they said, “Is there not a man…” They answered, “Yeah, there is one Elisha, who was the servant of Elijah, the Word of the Lord is with him, let’s send for him.” In Chapters six and seven, there were crises and they still went after him. He became the prophet in the land, by reason of the operation of the spirits of just men made perfect.

What Does It Take To Access The Spirits Of Just Men Made Perfect?

1. When you Identify one, receive his person: The guest you don’t receive into your house, you cannot be a partaker of his gifts he brought. You cannot access his treasures until you receive his person. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward (Matthew 10:41).

There are certain things that God won’t pass to you on your own. He has loaded them in some persons, so, you either receive them, or you’ll lack them forever.

2. Believe in his Ministry: Believe in his ministry, because he is not playing pranks. The prophet you do not believe, you are not entitled to partake of what he carries. People in Nazareth could not partake of what Jesus carried because they did not believe in Him. He was to them a carpenter, who just went away to start preaching. So, the power of heaven came down to Nazareth, but they could not access it!

3. Honour him as father: Honour him as father (Malachi 1:6) because what he carries is what defines his honour. You cannot dishonour his honour and access it. What he carries is an honour from God; so when you despise that honour, you cannot access him.

4. Engage in a soul-tie relationship: The Bible says: As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man (Proverbs 27:19). It takes an emotional connectivity to draw maximally from your father’s inheritance.

For instance, Elisha had a soul-tie relationship with Elijah (2 Kings 2: 4, 6, 10). Hit-and-run people don’t have connectivity.

They are detached from the source because of lack of soul-tie relationship. It’s not a hit-and-run system; it’s a stick-on system!

5. Crave for it: Having found what you are looking for, crave for it. Let nothing on earth deter you. Earnestly covet everything that spirit is worth. When the spirits of just men made perfect come on you, you will begin to command their order of breakthrough in your life.

Friend, the grace for the Spirit of just men made perfect is the preserve of those saved. You get saved as you confess your sins and accept Jesus as the Saviour and Lord of your life.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners.

Our midweek services hold on Wednesdays between 6 and 8 p.m. We have four services on Sundays. The first one holds between 6.30 and 8.15 a.m., the second between 8.25 a.m. and 10.10 a.m., the third between 10.20 a.m. and 12.05 p.m. and the fourth between 12.15 and 2.00 p.m. God bless you as you come!

Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — The Release Of Power, Anointing For Breakthrough and Anointing For Exploits.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO, Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org

How Jonathan can write his name in gold - Oritsejafor National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, spoke with reporters last week on the state of the nation, especially the post-election violence in the North and agenda for President Jonathan, among others. Excerpts:

•Oritsejafor

W

HAT is your advice for President Goodluck Jonathan as he takes another oath office?

Jonathan’s government enjoys mass support from Nigerians and people are actually expectant. The level of expectation is very high and they want to see performance. Let me begin by saying things are getting better. I want to begin with the election that brought in Goodluck Jonathan. It was adjudged by both local and international observers as the best ever conducted in Nigeria in recent times. That, to me, is a signal that things are getting better. Believe me give Nigeria another four years and things will take more shape.

I believe President Jonathan has the opportunity to write his name in gold and he can do it in a wonderful way by not relying on party men to determine his ministerial list for him. He must look beyond his political party for credible and God fearing people to work with; god fearing people who can be held accountable by the people for their deeds and misdeeds.

What should he do specifically?

He should take security and power seriously. I tell you if he handles these well, Nigerians will not forget him in decades to come. Of course, there is the growing need for infrastructural development, especially construction of good roads and hospitals. It does not take much to put these things in place and I think Mr. President must do these as a matter of urgency.

NEWS Methodist Church gets new presbyter for Minna

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HE Very Reverend Lewis Emmanuel Afolabi has been inducted by the Archbishop of Abuja Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev.

Chimaroke Iweha, as the Presbyter and Minister of the Minna Circuit of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.

The Archbishop of Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev-

erend Chimaroke Iweha in his message urged the newly inducted Presbyter to surrender all his pains and disappointments to God who will take over it all.

Family and Couple’s Reunion

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LORY Christian Ministries is organizing a three-day Family and Couple’s Reunion programme from Friday 10 – Sunday 12 June, 2011.

The weekend programme will take place at the Gloryland Dome, 20 OdoOlowu street, Odo-Olowu Bus stop, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway Ijeshatedo in Lagos State with the aim of strengthening marital ties, building healthy family and re-awakening marital and family bliss.

According to the programme’s co-ordinator, Pastor Ronald King, “It is a family health weekend specifically put together to impact the youth, the single the married and the once married from all works of life.”

The programme on Friday the 10 of June starts by 6:30 P.M, Saturday the 11, by 2:00 P.M and Sunday the 12, by 9:00 A.M. With the kind of society we are today, where everyone is occupied and most couple’s have no time of re-

freshing and unwinding, thus, injecting new bond, the Saturday’s programme is strictly a “Couple’s Reunion programme” It is packaged to create a different atmosphere of expression, openness and bonding as talkshows, seminar, couselling, red carpet/dinner, networking, interactive and power-packed prayer sessions are part of the activities of the day. “It is going to be a weekend of fun, rekindling marital union

Tributes as Erumaka becomes Bishop

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HE imposing auditorium of the Wordbase Assembly, Okota Lagos last week played host to great ministers of God for the consecration of its presiding Pastor, Rev Humphrey Erumaka, as Bishop.

The consecration was conducted by Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) who led seven other senior bishops.

Bishop John Osa Oni

asked gospel ministers to conduct themselves well at home and in the society.

The office of a Bishop, he said, calls for self restraint, responsibility and holiness.

He added that Afolabi had been sent to Minna for a purpose which he should take seriously and he should draw inspiration from the way Esther bore her purpose to fulfill the need of her people.

The Archbishop charged the ministers of the circuit and the entire members to assist the presbyter to move the circuit forward as he cannot do it alone.

Sharing his vision with members of his circuit, the new Presbyter Afolabi said that he will be to give top priority in evangelism and ensure spiritual, financial and numerical growth of the church adding that he will also embark on massive infrastructural development.

He then said that he would ensure that a befitting place of worship is built so that the worshippers will be comfortable while worshipping pointing out that after all these, he would work toward making the circuit to be a diocese of the Methodist church.

The newly inducted Presbyter also presented a book titled, “Overcoming Poverty Mentality.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 29, 2011

Worship

An evening of hymns and rhymes

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Making Sense of Life with adeWale Adefuye

Rusty does not a stammerer make!

“T • Choir performing at the event

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HE atmosphere was electrifying. Excitement was legibly written on the faces of the frenzied worshippers. An eclectic young man who first took the mic raised the tempo a little higher as he swept the crowd in the gathering storm of passionate praise. His sonorous voice, acrobatic eulogy of God and soulful streaming of some evergreen inspirational songs were simply too irresistible for the people. The response came. Feet stamped ecstatically, hands jammed forcefully and voices stretched beyond their bounds. And it was just the beginning. Then came the moment everybody had been waiting for the renaissance of angelic hymnal renditions . It was simply beautiful! Choral groups from several assem-

By Folarin Samson

blies clad in colourful uniforms sang to the admiration of the worshippers. The hymns were assorted - classical, Victorian and ecclesiastical in origin. The event which held at the ambient auditorium of the Youth Centre of Redeemed Christian Church of God was the third in the series.

In his opening remark, the chief convener of the event, Pastor Patrick Abraham who is also the CEO of DoveMedia, gave an insight into what gave birth to the initiative. He said the concern for re-enactment of sweet, old time hymns that used to be the harbinger of hope and miraculous happenings, made the vision a necessity. “It is to remind ourselves of the power of hymn,

of what hymn used to do to those who started the reformation of the praise of Christ” he said.

The event, which was broadcast live on DoveVision TV, witnessed a large turnout of people from different ministries. The Youth Centre has played host to the concert in its three runs. Lest the vision is circumscribed to a denomination, Pastor Abraham made it clear that it’s an interdenominational programme and the organisers are planning a shift in location to other ministries in its subsequent editions.

The almost four-hour programme was filled with fun.

The evening performance featured great musical and instrumental talents. After each rendition, the enthused crowd of worshippers leapt in exultation. The most dramatic mo-

ment was when the children choir from PortHarcourt took the stage by storm. The hall was agog with cheers. The kids added to the fun when they were too carried away to follow their little music director, who in turn was also too lost in the song to follow the keyboardist.

Then came more applauds to urge the little angels on.

They grinned from ear to ear.

Towards the end, it started to rain. The noisy down pour began drowning the mellifluous voices on stage. The satiated audience was however not done with praising Jehovah, just as some of the groups who had performed already were filling out, despite the rain.

Badejo calls for renew vision on missions

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HE Former Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Wilson Badejo, has called for renewed vision and revelation for end time mission as that remains imperative for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.

Badejo made this known at the 21st Convocation Ceremony of the West African Theological Seminary (WATS) held last week in Ipaja, Lagos.

According to him, the world is tired of the increasing number of pastors that are out for momentary gain as they look forward for world changer who can with renewed vision take on the world for the end-time revival.

Badejo said we are in the challenging time as the world faces untoward crises with corruption eating deep into the moral, social, economic and political fabrics of the system. Thus the church must come to the recue by bringing forth the difference Christ has provided for mankind.

“It is worrisome that we get pastors turning out in their numbers just for academic ability and it doesn’t go down well into the heart of men as they want men that would pronounce words that will change the heart of men and give them

By Adeola Ogunlade

a new life, beginning and a new perspective,” he lamented.

The cleric, who is a member of the Governing Council of the seminary, applauded the graduate saying it was an increase in the number of the soldiers of the Cross. “I wish they will leave up to their

expectation, fulfill mandate and carry out the onerous task which has been committed to their hands,” she said.

In his welcome address, the Provost of the Seminary, Rev William Udotong, appealed to the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the kingdom of Christ by living out the life of Christ and serving the church as

servant leader.

He went further to announce the partnership programme of the seminary with Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky to start the Doctor of Ministry Programme which would provide training for top level leadership for the church.

Women convention at Upper Room

I

T was jubilation galore at the Divine Appointment Ministries International, a.k.a Upper Room, Palmgroove, Lagos, when the women group of the church known as Great Grace Women held their convention between Wednesday 18th and Sunday 22nd May 2011 with the theme: “What is thy Request?”

The leader of the Great Grace Women, who is the wife of the founder and senior pastor of the church, Pastor Iquo Eragbai disclosed that the women convention is an annual event where women of virtue from different walks of life are gathered, counselled, tutored and prayed for. This is done in order to nurture and discipline the women so as to fulfil their godly roles and assignment on earth of being a helper to their husbands and lovely mothers

•Pastor Mrs Iquo Eragbai

By Alidu Balogun

to their children.

Pastor Mrs Ukamaka Ntia, one of the guest speakers at the convention, disclosed that one of the reasons why woman was created by God was to be a helpmate to her husband and a loving mother to her children.

She therefore implored women to do their best in fulfilling these biblical injunctions. “You

should always be good helpers to your husbands at all time and not competitors or challengers,” she urged the women.

She described Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as a virtuous woman who is worthy of emulation by all women.

Pastor (Mrs) Eragbai, felt elated and fulfilled. She effusively poured ecomiums on the Great Grace Women, describing them as women of virtue, Queens and Jewels of inestimable value. She urged them to behave like queens and treat their husbands as kings. According to her, only queens can reach and touch the kings’ heart. “Be steadfast, key into the words of God and always be in support of your husbands in achieving his dream for it is in doing these that God will grant thy request,” she conselled.

ELL us more about that first encounter with the Big One.” “I could never have anticipated such an encounter. Nothing remotely close to it was on my

mind—” “Could it have been on Zipporah who was expecting your second baby?” (ignores the interruption) “—It was more like an ambush, really. But it was clinical and, as earlier mentioned, businesslike. He introduced Himself, demonstrated His understanding of events in Egypt and gave a brief outline of His intention. I was still trying to recover from the initial shock and trepidation when I heard a bombshell, ‘Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’

“My mind went into a spin! “What? Me, at 80, to go back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh? That’s suicidal...and to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, now that’s a joke gone too far. Where are the troops, tanks and personnel? I’d lost touch with current military warfare. I’d concentrated on shepherding and raising a family. What effect will this earth-shaking move have on my family? Will Zipp, my loving wife, agree to go with me? Forget it God. It won’t work. I tried to find words but my brain wasn’t engaging so I began lamely, ‘What do I tell them if they asked for your name?’ His response was even more baffling: I AM WHO I AM. “It was getting really crazy. I pinched myself and I realised I wasn’t dreaming neither was I in a trance. It was real. On, the sun-god of my Egyptian mother, I could understand... but this one.

“But I got a bit of relief when He reiterated, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”

“Okay, His identity was sorted out. But where are the troops?

He says, “Gather the elders of Israel together and tell them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” He went on to assure me that the leaders would listen and they would accompany me to the pharaoh. At least I wasn’t going to Pharaoh’s palace alone.”

“Even with that you were still reluctant?”

“He showed me a few signs: my shepherd’s staff suddenly turned to a snake and when, at His instruction, I grabbed it by the tail, it became a staff again in my hand; my hand became leprous after putting it inside my cloak and was restored when I put it back. Finally, He told to pour some water from the Nile on dry ground; it turned to blood.”

“That must have been thrilling, a power show!”

“Still I wasn’t ready to bulge. Man, I was 80 years old; I‘d seen it all. Moreover, I wasn’t eloquent. I was slow of speech and, well, tongue-tied.”

“But wasn’t that just an excuse? Stephen the Martyr described you as a polymath, educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, powerful in speech and action. I’ve read that update of The Book, you know.” (with a mischievous wink) “Well, well. OK, I was a shining star in Egypt; went to the best schools, excelled in almost everything.

But forty years as a fugitive in Midian would humble and undo any mortal. My morale and self-esteem had become terribly battered. Only Zipp found me adorable. I had not received any speaking invitation in forty years; no national or local course to arouse my passion. Then, suddenly, Someone comes calling, asking me to confront a world power. That would require tremendous military, diplomatic, social and organisational skill.

You’re right. I wasn’t a stammerer, just plain rusty. Secondly, when one comes face-to-face with the Almighty, a sense of unworthiness and inadequacy does envelope one.”

“Like it did the prophet Isaiah?”

To be continued DON’T YOU JUST LOVE THIS FELLOW! “I am well known in heaven, on earth, and in hell, (as) the notary of God and the witness of his gospel.”

- The Reformer, Martin Luther adeWale Adefuye, dean of LifeClass, can be reached at dean@lifeclassonline.org or by sms at 070 3002 3002 The Dean Speaks: @ Graceville Chapel, 129 Awolowo Road, Ikeja; Sunday, 5 June 2011 at 5.00pm. Theme: Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.

46

NATION SPORT

THE NATION SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011

•Serena Williams

Nigerian tennis started declining in the 80s –Ademola

T

HE atmosphere was livelier than that of the commissioning of a government sponsored project. It was at the Ikoyi Club, Lagos, on the launch of a specialized sports magazine, Tennislife Nigeria, a foremost Tennis magazine which has spread all over the major cities of the world. From all indications, taking root in Nigeria will give the needed fillip to the development of Tennis from the grass root. In this interview with INNOCENT AMOMOH, Chairman of the board, of Galatians Media, Publisher of Tennislife magazine, Oduwole Ademola explains what led to the decline in Tennis in Nigeria, and how Tennislife will contribute its quota to the development of the game in Nigeria. Excerpt.

Can we meet you?

My name is Oduwole Ademola, and I work in Galatians Media as Chairman of the board, and Galatians media are the, Publishers TennisLife Africa, and Galatians Media headquartered in the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius.

What do you intend to achieve bringing this Magazine to Africa?

Tennislife first and foremost is a US title; it is been on for 11 years in the United State. It is the largest selling magazine, with 1.2 million readers every month, both in the United States and United Kingdom; it is also the most aggressive Tennis magazine in terms of international expansion. So today there is Tennislife U.S.A, Tennislife Island, there’s Tennislife U.K, Tennislife Mexico and Tennislife Africa. And there’s also Tennislife Asia, and we hope that with this strong foundation, the market is ripe for Tennislife for the entire Africa continent.

Africa has two major championships called ATP for the men, there is one in Johannesburg, South Africa early February every year, and there’s one in Morocco in April every year. So in January this year we launched the Tennislife for the Southern African market during the SA open in Mountain Casina in Johannesburg, in Casablanca, Morocco in the North African market which is Morocco and Egypt and Tunisia at the 250 ATP in Casablanca Morocco.

Why the interest in Tennis as a sport?

Well Tennis is a sport that hasn’t had as much exposure from a media stand point in the African continent. Like I said if you take out the ATP in South Africa and Morocco, by the way Morocco has the women tournament called the WTA, if you take this away, Africa has what we call regional challenges, like the African juniorschampionships, but nothing recognize by the ATP, and WTA. But that

is not to say Africans don’t play Tennis.

Right now we just had a media brief at the Ikoyi Club Nigeria. Ikoyi Club is arguably one of the most prestigious social clubs in the country. But Ikoyi Club has nine Tennis courts. Very few Organizations or institutions have two or three Tennis courts. Even major organizations have four Tennis Courts maximum at most five. But Ikoyi Club has nine that means there’s vibrancy in the Tennis community. The club has 2000 Tennis membership that is a lot for one particular sport, so that is so much. There’s actually a strong Tennis following here in the country. Take Lagos, the Apapa Club has a strong Tennis section, the Ikeja Club which has a strong Tennis section, and then there’s a Lagos Tennis Club opposite the TBS which have a very strong Tennis section as well. Incidentally, that is where they play the Governors Cup every year. So Tennis is being played in both the professional and recreational level, but no one is talking about it, yet there’s a following. So there’s need for professional magazine dedicated to Tennis on the African continent. So to answer your question, it means the time has come for a structured professional platform that talks about anything and everything Tennis from the African perspective.

So how far do you think the magazine will go in sensitizing Africans on the development of the game in the continent and the world at large?

It is not so much how far can it go, but does one have the believe. I will give you an example. Golf is played in a lot places in Africa even in Ikoyi Club, if you look at those that plays golf, theirs is an age grade, from age 25 to about 65. So it is not about sensitizing them, it means there’s a already a golf community, but nothing stops them from having a junior

golf championship. In the same way is Tennis, it is not about sensitization, there’s always one sensitization or the other going there’s the Governors Cup, but a platform where people can read about Tennis in a way that it has never been done before. They see the magazine and read about thing going on in Nigeria for instance, Ghana. For instance Ikoyi Club and Accra Tennis Club have Tennis Championship ones every year. So when

they read about things like that it brings about the awareness of what’s going on in Tennis. Now at the grass root level, competitions like the Governors Cup comes ones a year, by doing an article and a preview about it not so much to the children, but also to the decision makers, who will realize that if the country is paying attention to this game, the list we can do is give the support so that the children can be trained in this sport, by organizing Tennis clinics for this children.

So it is not enough to sensitize them, it is to provide a platform. Like the old saying goes, if you build it they will come. What we want to do differently is build it very well.

What are the challenges you encountered and that you still envisage in driving the magazine to the Nigerian people?

There’s nothing in life that does not have its own challenges. We spent about

•Ademola Oduwole, chirman of Galatians Media [Indian Ocean], publishers of Tennis Life Africa, introducing the magazine to the media at the Ikoyi Club tennis section. With him is Kunle Ajayi, a member of the Ikoyi Club Tennis section commitee.

two and half years researching this. The very first step is the awareness and education of the sport of Tennis. Tennis can do two things for people in the average community. One, it is a great sports of the mind and discipline on like soccer that has a lot of people, Tennis is predominantly an individual sports.

Second it is also a good form of recreation; you sweat a lot a loss some calories and loss some weight, it keeps you feet. If I mention a name Venus and Serena Williams, everybody says I know who they are, but guess what, they came from poverty. They came from County California, a place like Ajegunle in Lagos, but today look at where they are. So Tennis can be a means of emancipation from poverty.

Was there any effort towards contacting the Tennis Federation in Nigeria?

I have to find a diplomatic way of answering that question. Some just like the Macus slogan goes, you just do it. We never asked for permission from any association yet it was launched in the South African Open. It was launched at the Moroccan Open, as an official event.

Sometimes in life, with too much questions and permission, nothing gets done. So we just did it. I believe they will get to see the magazine, but we can only do one thing to support the development of Youth Tennis from the grass root.

How do you view the prospect of the game on the African continent?

I mean if you mention Nduka Odizor, 25 years ago he was ranked 85th in the world; he was a Nigerian Tennis player.

They haven’t been any since then. It is not about prospect, and not what has not been done before but the question is we still keeping an eye on the ball. Serbia is a population of less than five million people. Look at Djokovic is one of the best male Tennis players right now as I speak in a country of less than five million people. So the prospects are high but the point is, do we want to support it? Are we ready for it? Because like I said it is not like Tennis is not being played in Nigeria, this magazine is just going to give it the publicity it desires. We have some copies already in some few hotels, and also in the Club levels. So it is out there except that this is the first official release of the magazine by having media briefing.

Now you must have put in so much into getting this done, what do you intend to get in return?

If you are talking about money, then we would have focused on the United States market. Rather we are concerned about the platform it creates. The awareness, the opportunity to get children involved in the game of Tennis.

Yes good things some times take time. If you build it well they will come. Things like this, don’t come easy but we want to get the foundation right, somewhere along the line the monitory benefits begin to emerge, but for now we just want to create the awareness and get the focus straight, and better understand the reason why we are doing this. A platform for Tennis from a professional point of view while we keep an eye on the development of grass root Tennis on this part of the world.

Where as far Tennis is concerned do you think we got it wrong?

I think our priorities changed. There were challenges, and we took our eyes off the ball. Wherever in the world, when everything is running well everybody stays their foot, but when things begin to fall apart, every stays away. Someone is in charge of sports development. People are afraid of what they don’t know, and people don’t like what they are afraid of.

So if they don’t understand something, I think that was what happened to Tennis.

Remember Tennis began to die in the 80’s when there was the structural adjustment programme and the IMF loan, so Tennis was not a priority, but hopefully the private and public sector will step in to support the game of Tennis. Look at the Governor’s Cup; they have major sponsors like FCMB, ETISALAT. I hope that will begin to happen again.

How long will it take the continent of Africa to raise a world beater in Tennis, and do you think Africa has the potential?

Absolutely. I was at this magazine in the Moroccan Open this is Eunice, who was ranked 20 in the 90’s. Twenty is not that far from number one. So I believe Africa have what it takes definitely.

47

NATION SPORT

THE NATION SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Utaka, Musa arrive on Monday for Argentina

Barcelona wins fourth title T L

IONEL Messi scored one goal and created another, leading Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United and a third Champions League title in six years.

Barcelona dominated play at Wembley this morning with trademark passing, but needed the Argentine striker to conjure a 54thminute solo strike from the edge of the penalty area to take the lead for the second time.

Messi followed his 53rd goal of a remarkable season with a fake and run that led to David Villa taking possession on the edge of the area.

From there, he curled a shot into the top corner of the net.

Wayne Rooney offset Pedro Rodriguez's opening goal before halftime.

Barcelona's victory was as convincing as its 2-0 win over United in the 2009 final.

•Outclasses Man United 3-1 at Wembley

•Messi

F

•Team to reconvene in Port Harcourt in few days •To proceed to Faro,Portugal for 6 weeks camping •U-20 to engage Egypt, Colombia, others in friendly ties.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

Flying Eagles would leave Nigeria for Portugal and train at the world class state of the art facility at Faro adding that the team would remain there for six weeks or thereabouts and would prosecute some friendly matches against Egypt, Colombia and another country the NFF are still speaking with.

“The Flying Eagles will be converging in a couple of days. They will initially camp in Nigeria and we are looking at Port Harcourt.

They will be in Rivers State for some time before they travel to Portugal for six weeks, from where they will play a lot of friendly matches.

“Of course they will play a lot of friendlies because the secret of their success has been those friendly matches that have kept them in shape ahead of the task ahead of them and not forgetting the AYC they just won in South Africa. They will play Egypt, Colombia and another country that we are still discussing with. NFF

is doing a lot to keep them busy and to enable them to aim at surpassing the heights set by their predecessors.” Barr. Green noted.

It would be recalled that the Flying Eagles engaged in so many friendly matches before the AYC which toughened them ahead of the championship which the John Obuh tutored lads won after a nail biting 3-2 victory over perennial adversary, Cameroun.

The twice silver medalists at the WYC in 1989 and 2005 are pooled alongside Croatia,Saudi Arabia and Guatemala in Group D at the FIFA U-20 World Cup which analysts have termed a balance one for the Flying Eagles and their bid to land Africa her second consecutive World title after Ghana's feat two years ago .

F

ORMER Super Falcons coach Rolandson Odeh has described the one month tour of Austria as a ground-breaking move in the history of women teams’ preparations for global football events.

The team started a four week training camp last Wednesday to prepare for the Women’s World cup set for June.

“This development is laudable. It is the first time it has happened.

Before it was ten, 12 days or at most two weeks and now we have a month foreign training tour; it is kudos to the NFF. I hope they will continue like that and that coaches will maximize on the opportunity.”

The COD United coach said the recent elimination of the team from the All Africa Games by Ghana’s Black Queens has placed an added burden on Coach Eucharia Uche to excel in Germany.

“The All Africa Games misfire is behind now and she has to win at the World Cup because if she doesn’t, people will call for her head. I believe she will get it right and make appreciable impact as far as the World Cup is concerned.”

Odeh who predicted a glorious outing for the six-time African champions in Germany hinted that with a good frame of mind qualifying from the group stage could be taken as given.

MONTHLY SATURDAY BOXING SHOW

IdikaNsoforlaudscompetition •Recommends electronic score board

T

•John Obuh

first thing on Monday and by God’s grace I will be in Nigeria by same day in the evening,” the Nigerian attacking winger said.

Utaka also revealed that he has made a booking to fly out of Denmark on Monday after his club’s Superliga game on Sunday.

OB Odense, Utaka’s team, confront Lyngby in the Danish Superliga in the last round of games in that country’s topflight.

“I will play for my club on Sunday. So that will mean I will leave here on Monday and team up with my Nigerian teammates for the games against Argentina and Ethiopia,” he said.

After the international friendly against Argentina, the Super Eagles will head to Addis Ababa to face Ethiopia in a crucial 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on June 5.

Austria tour, first of its kind —Odeh

NFF rolls out programme for F/ Eagles OR the victorious Flying Eagles of Nigeria, there is no time to waste as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed exclusively to NationSport that the African Champions would in the next few days begin preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup with Port Harcourt as their first port of call before proceeding to Faro, Portugal for the remainder of the build up to Colombia,2011.

Making this known to NationSport, the Chairman, Technical Committee of the NFF, Barr.

Christopher Green, said that the nation’s governing body does not want to rest on its oars and would continue to give full support to the Flying Eagles until the team follows the path of the West African neighbours and reigning World U-20 champions, The Black Satellites of Ghana.

Barr. Green who is also the chairman of the Rivers Football Association, hinted that the team would begin preparation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, same place they trained on their return from training tour to Antalya, Turkey from where they left for the AYC in South Africa which they won at the expense of stubborn, Junior Cubs of Cameroun.

He thereafter posited that the

WO players of Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa and Peter Utaka, have revealed that they will arrive in the country on Monday ahead of the June 1 international friendly against Argentina.

Musa explained to SuperSport.com that he will be playing in the Dutch Eredivisie relegation playoffs final second leg for VVV-Venlo against FC Zwolle on tonight.

The 18-year-old winger revealed that he will leave Holland on Monday to arrive in Nigeria in time for next Wednesday’s international friendly against the South Americans.

“I won’t be able to leave my club until Monday because we have a big game on Sunday that will determine whether we will stay in the premier division of football here (in Holland). So I will leave

HE Technical Adviser to the national amateur boxing team, Idika Nsofor, has joined the list of Nigerians who have commended the Monthly Saturday Boxing Show.

An amateur boxing competition organised under the auspices of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), in conjunction with the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association (LABA).

Responding to questions from NationSport after the nine- bout competition yesterday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Lagos, the boxing coach expressed gratitude to the Lagos State government for the venture, adding that if other states could emulate Lagos, boxing will return to its glory days in Nigeria.

By Innocent Amomoh He, however, pointed out that to further ensure that the efforts are not in vain, the state government through the LBHF, must endeavour to provide an electronic score board to score the boxers, as that is what will count when they attend international tournaments.

“Anytime there’s a competition like this you are first, giving the boxers the opportunity to box consistently.

But giving them money as part of the incentives is simply promoting boxing. Some of these boys don’t have other jobs this is what they do for a living.

“I have always said it is a good development for boxing, and it gives the

“If we have the right frame of mind, good team selection picking a quarter finals ticket will not be a problem. I can see the Falcons defeating France and Canada and with six points, we should qualify for the quarter final,” he observed.

Odeh, however, did not have good word for the team’s German trainer, Thomas Obliers whom he described as a distraction on the team’s technical team.

“I have continued to wonder how much the inclusion of the German trainer into the team’s technical crew has impacted on the team. It is during his tenure we are seeing our players playing without strength and losing an important game to Ghana. I want to believe that his inclusion is more of distraction than a success to the team,” he told SuperSport.com.

•Perpetua

boxers a sense of belonging as they have something to look forward to. I am very impressed.

“The truth is that this is still like the old fashion of boxing, without the electronic score board. The electronic system is very difficult to score. Three of the judges have to synchronize to score well. What they now just to box and jab, nobody is letting them know the rudiments of how to score and score well,” he said.

He further hinted that with consistency and these recommendations implemented, Lagos State will be far ahead of other states in terms of discovering new boxers and keeping them in shape for the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, this edition which emerged the highest in terms of the number of bouts, with six extra bouts included in the traditional nine, is also used as a yardstick to select boxers that will represent the state at the forth coming National Sports Festival in PortHarcourt.

Interestingly, amateur boxers from some High Schools participated in the competition.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net

QUOTABLE “When I read a media report that I was being investigated over an N8bn deal, I laughed because such money will just make me mad.”

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 5, NO. 1774

-- Outgoing governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, saying that he was not afraid of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any other anti-graft agency

T

HERE is a peculiar form of depressing arrogance common among Nigeria’s military and police personnel, and it is probably a carry-over of colonisation and the years of autocracy after independence. Concerning the death of a soldier in mufti on the Badagry Expressway last Sunday, and the reprisal killing of senior police officers by soldiers two days later, both the police and the military have found it convenient to hide the truth and to flaunt their half-truths in our puzzled and irritated faces. As expected, police sources, with practiced profundity, attribute the death of the soldier to accidental discharge proceeding from a struggle between him and a policeman at a checkpoint. And with accustomed superior airs, but without proper investigation, a military spokesman has exonerated soldiers from the reprisal killings, on the implausible excuse that soldiers had no ammunition to waste. Let us hope the joint investigation panel will unearth the truth.

Both the military and the police repeatedly say they are abreast of changes taking place in Nigeria and other parts of the world. We must disagree with them very violently. Both services, like Gen Muhammadu Buhari in the last general elections, have lost touch with reality and with the changes they claim to be acquainted with. Just as the extrajudicial killing of the soldier in mufti was bound to happen sooner or later because of the lack of respect for human life by some police officers, the clash with soldiers and reprisal killings was also inevitable because soldiers, though more disciplined, generally see themselves as above the law.

Neither the police nor the army has done anything to change their men’s orientation.

Indeed, they apparently prefer to sustain and even surreptitiously nurture these unhealthy orientations.

As I have warned repeatedly in this column, we would continue to have extrajudicial killings and rampaging soldiers disgracing the image of black people until we have a leader with the political will to put an end to the mad killings and total disregard for human life by men in uniform. If a stop is not put to the killing frenzy, one of these days, the men in uniform will furnish a revolution against the government, as it happened in Tunisia. It must not be forgotten that the revolt in Tunisia was triggered by a policewoman slapping an unemployed and frustrated graduate. The unhappy victim’s self-immo-

Police/Army clash has no place in 21st century Nigeria

•Azubuike Ihejirika

•Hafiz Ringim

lation was not originally designed as a political revolt, or for what has now been described as the Arab spring. It was a simple protest that tragically took on larger and ultimately more portentous political expression.

In Nigeria, the police, long used to getting away with murder, alternate periodically between moments of inspired rhetoric on police courtesy to, and friendship with, the public, and appalling brutality, sometimes occasioned by failed extortion, against the same public they are paid to protect. The unending impunity feeds on both the reluctance of superior police officers to punish offenders with the severity the crime deserves and on the slap on the wrist which orderly room trials, dismissals and half-hearted prosecution imply. The military, on the other hand, exhibits both the behaviour of a colonial army of occupation and the attributes and ethos of law enforcement agents indistinguishable

from medieval autocracies. Tuesday’s clash and killings were, therefore, bound to happen, even as they were a reflection of decades of leadership failure in both the police and military.

If the clash had been anticipated immediately after the initial killing of the soldier, Tuesday’s bloody reprisals, which began to peter out only on Wednesday, would have been averted. It says so much of the competence (or complicity) of those entrusted with senior positions in the security agencies that the rampage was neither anticipated nor, once it began, brought quickly under control. The killings, particularly the reprisals, also indicated a sense of frustration that has been seething against the police. Like helpless civilians at the receiving end of police brutality, the soldiers probably felt the case would end with the dismissal and prosecution of the offending policemen, with nothing done substantially

As new governors assume duty

W

HEN a few weeks ago I counselled President Goodluck Jonathan to watch out more for democracy and its attendant philosophical companions than the other pressing problems of roads, decaying infrastructure and electricity crisis, a few readers stung me with their abrasive rejoinders. “The electricity crisis was the most pressing,” bawled some of them, “and woe betide that president that takes it lightly.” I certainly do not enjoy annoying my patient readers, and I am even more reluctant to stoke their anger with my point of view. But I regret they misunderstand the subtle message embedded in admonishing a president to rise above the powerfully mundane level to the extraordinarily transcendent level.

However, much more than even Jonathan, who at least pays more than the traditional lip service to democratic values, the counsel I offered when I discoursed upon the president’s four-year tenure is more relevant to state governors. While the tyranny in Abuja often comes under intense scrutiny and pressure, with the press and opposition obsessed with putting reins on the presidency’s sometimes exuberant highhandedness and budding plutocracy, little or no attention is paid to the states where a more pernicious form of anti-democratic

tendency is on display. Indeed it is precisely in the states that the worst forms of democratic subversion are practised. A president seldom gets away with abridging the people’s rights, for the people instinctively expect the worst from him and are always poised to curb him, but state governors routinely escape with murder, literally and figuratively, with the electorate and the law put in firm harness in those forlorn territories.

I still think my counsel to the president stands, notwithstanding the nervousness of some of my readers. I believe Jonathan must rise to the transcendental level if he longs to be a great president, though I think he is more likely to opt for the safety of the platitudinous, rather than inspiring, style that comes effortlessly to Nigerian leaders. But more than what I think of Abuja under the Jonathan presidency, I would like to now draw attention to the states in the next four years. It is in these 36 states that our democracy will be watered into life or starved of nourishment to the death. Given the predilections of many of the governors voted into office either for the first or second term last month, I suspect very strongly that some see themselves as messiahs, and others as 18th century potentates. Few love democracy.

States like Benue and Akwa Ibom, to my surprise, prove the thesis that states are more

likely by their brutal suppression of the opposition to threaten this democracy than the Federal Government could. In addition, they corroborate my argument that democracy and physical development are two different things, though they need not be mutually exclusive. Whatever developments are recorded in Akwa Ibom, for instance, will be attenuated by the climate of fear and intolerance being enthroned in that state. That intolerance, we admit, is more episodic than habitual. Yet it proceeds out of bureaucratic incompetence in which the government lacks the imagination and initiative to respond appropriately to the stresses of opposition politics.

As new and returning governors take the oath of office, it is time the public and media focused critically and, if necessary, unsparingly on the states. There are too many governors whose idea of governance is nothing more than economic development. We must remind them that the wellbeing of their people goes far beyond roads and infrastructure. Democracy and the many freedoms that come with it are doubtless more important. Democracy, not its deplorable facsimile, helps to drive and nurture lasting development and gives the people a more fulfilling existence.

to end the culture of impunity or to protect the soldiers’ bruised ego against what seems to be continual invasion by policemen.

As last Wednesday’s killing and maiming of commuters along the LagosIbadan Expressway showed, police shooting rampage and reprisal attacks will never end until the Federal Government takes decisive step to end the cycle of madness. But to start with, the policemen that triggered the crisis on Sunday in Badagry and the rampaging soldiers must be brought to book speedily and without hesitation. We no longer have unknown soldiers. All the killers should be fished out and brought to justice. It must be remembered that sectarian and ethnic protests have cost Nigeria thousands of lives because the government often fails in its responsibility of bringing offenders to justice.

Beyond the disgrace the security men have brought the country in the eyes of the whole world, it is important for the government to understand that if it treats these latest killings with its customary kid gloves, it will not be long before we witness a replay.

For surely it must agitate the mind of every patriot that we harbour in our armed services creatures so bloodthirsty that to them vengeance must be procured speedily against the innocent, and without recourse to either the law or common sense. What would they do if they were licensed by the law and constitution to exact vengeance?

This decline into savagery goes against the grain of our spiritual and even cultural essence. We were not always like this. Years of military rule may have fostered arbitrariness and indefensible superiority complex in the armed services. But we ought by now to have outgrown these public shows of periodic eruptions of uncontrollable rage.

Before soldiers and policemen lead us down a road whose end we cannot foretell, the government must address not only the need to speedily punish the men who participated in the orgy, and their officers whose dereliction of responsibility encouraged it, but also urgently find a way of accommodating behavioural modification in their training manuals. To leave improvement in responsible behaviour of security officers to chance or time is to ignore the fact that the unlawful killings by policemen and reprisals by both soldiers and civilians have not been tempered by time.

Alao-Akala’s last-minute frenzy

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VEN by his own appalling standards, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala exceeds himself. It was only last week this column was puzzled by the Oyo State outgoing governor’s last-minute frenzy to right what he considers the many wrongs of his and previous governments.

Among the so-called wrongs was Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Lautech), which he sought, by the most ingenious interpretation of the laws setting up the institution, to appropriate. He refused to be incommoded by the constitution, and paid no regard to the co-owner, Osun State, nor to any logic.

Well, barely a week to his exit, he has inaugurated the school’s Teaching Hospital complex with flourish and perfect calmness. His many unilateral actions over the school have now culminated into the most bizarre and irrational action of gazetting Oyo State’s sole ownership of the university, as if what is written or decreed cannot be erased or repealed.

Alao-Akala is evidently lawless. Had such a man ruled in medieval times, given the fever that is working his mind into an inferno, he would be one of the cruellest dictators ever. If democracy could not vitiate his appetite for unilateralism and authoritarianism, imagine what farreaching excesses and arbitrariness indulgent autocracy would lead him to.

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Editor - 08050498530, Marketing: 4520939, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Telephone: 07028105302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN

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