The Nation May 05, 2012

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Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL.07 N0. 2114

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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Governor’s aide’s assassination

Oshiomhole in tears: ‘I've lost my son’ Gives Police 14-day ultimatum PAGES

2,4&5

How he was killed -Security guard

The late Oyerinde

There is no going back. They have killed my son. They have killed my brother, they have killed my people but they cannot kill my spirit...

Outrage over murder ACN, Soyinka, Aregbesola, Fayemi, 2&5 Senate leader condemn act PAGES

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (arrowed) with Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members protesting the killing of the governor’s private secretary, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, in Benin-city ... yesterday PHOTO: Otabor OSAGIE (SEE ANOTHER PICTURE ON PAGE 2)

2 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

KILLING OF EDO GOVERNOR’S AIDE Ajimobi commiserates with Oshiomhole over killing of aide

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•Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole addressing ACN supporters who trooped out yesterday to protest the killing of his private secretary.

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has commiserated with his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, over the killing of his Principal Private Secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Friday at his Benin residence.

The governor, in a message issued on Friday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, described the killing as heinous, wicked and barbaric.

Saying that the incident was unfortunate, Governor Ajimobi also recalled the recent fatal accident involving Oshiomhole’s convoy during which three journalists attached to the Governor’s office were killed.

“I recall that the accident was so fatal that my brother, Comrade Oshiomhole, only escaped death by the skin of his teeth.

While the dead bodies of the victims of the accident, promising professionals, were still fresh and their untimely departure still being mourned, the messengers of death struck again, killing the governor’s aide.

“The masterminds are nothing sort of agents of darkness, who are hell bent on visiting Edo State with a reign of terror, all in a bid to take over the state through the backdoor and set it on the path of retrogression again.

“They are surely dazed by the rapid transformation which has taken place since Governor Oshiomhole came on board.

They are not happy that they are gradually heading for political extinction and will, therefore, stop at nothing to create confusion as part of their do-or-die approach to politics.

“By the grace of God, the forces of darkness will not triumph over the forces of light. ACN will be victorious in the next gubernatorial election and Edo State will be free from brigandage and violence,’’ Governor Ajimobi said.

Outrage as assassins hit Oshiomhole’s secretary

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SSASINS hit the political camp of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiohole yesterday.

They killed his Principal Private Secretary, Mr.Olaitan Oyerinde, just six days after the governor himself escaped death in a auto crash and five days after gunmen missed his Commissioner for Information, Mr.Loius Odion, at home.

Four persons, including three journalists, died in Saturday’s auto accident on AfuzeAuchi Road, with the governor crying out that he was the real target.

Oyerinde’s murder in the presence of his wife has provoked an outrage across the land.

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said: “The hand of the assassin is clear as day,” while Gov Oshiomhole told the Police to fish out the killers immediately.

Oyerinde, 44, was shot dead by four gunmen who invaded his house located in Ugbor area, Benin City around 1 am.

They first tied the security guard while two of them forced their way through the front door and made straight for his bedroom, but it was Oyerinde’s brother-in-law they found there. They left him and went for the wife, Funke, asking her to lead them to the husband who, unknown to them, was sleeping in the living room.

Once they sighted Oyerinde, the hoodlums fired four shots, one each to the head, chest, abdomen and hip. He died instantly.

Mission accomplished, the assailants fled, taking nothing from the house.

Oyerinde, a Mass Communication graduate of the University of Lagos, was seconded from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to work with the comrade governor in November 2007. He is survived by his wife, Funke, and four children as well as aged father and mother.

Only on Saturday, a tipper crashed into Governor Oshiomhole’s convoy on the Afuze-Auchi Road after it veered off its track and headed straight for the staff car, missing it by a whisker. Three journalists were killed while others, including security details,

• Soyinka, Agbakoba, Oyegun, Tsav, others condemn killing • We are on killers’ trail __ Police

How he was killed -Security guard

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HE security guard of the assassinated Olaitan Oyerinde, Principal Private Secretary to the Edo State Governor, yesterday painted a picture of the murder.

Ali Alhaji said the four-man assassination gang forced their way into the compound of their victim and tied him (guard).

He was held to the ground with one of the murderers pointing a gun to his head.

The remaining three, according to him, went inside the main building through one of the windows.

Having identified their target, they shot him in the head, chest and stomach.

They quickly fled the scene after collecting all the mobile phones of the residents.

The Police were contacted and they cordoned off the house at the start of their investigation.

Late Oyerinde’s residence Augustine AVWODE Assistant Editor and Osagie OTABOR, Benin sustained various degrees of injury.

At about 2.45 am the following day, the home of the Information Commissioner, Odion, was invaded by four gunmen who also missed him because he opted to pass the night in a friend’s house located in another part of the city.

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnson Oghuma, was similarly attacked by gunmen recently. Oghuma, who represents Etsako Central, was on his way to Fugar, his hometown. His car was riddled with bullets.

Odion said last Sunday that certain government functionaries were being targeted for elimination.

Special Adviser on Media to Gov.Oshiomhole, Mr. Tony Iyare, said yesterday: “This sequence of sordid events, com-

Subsidy probe: SNG calls for Adoke’s resignation

was later barricaded by the Police.

Only last Saturday, a lorry rammed into the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole on the Afuze-Auchi Road, killing three journalists on the governor’s convoy.

Killed were Mr.George Okosun and Mr.Olatunji Jacobs, both of Independent Television (ITV), and Mr. Fidelis Okhani of African Independent Television (AIT).

All of them rode in a mini bus.

The governor himself escaped death by a whisker but several members of his entourage were injured.

The governor’s saving grace was that he chose not to be in his official car and opted instead to ride in a small car he drove by himself.

He described the accident as “very horrible” and said he was the real target.

He said of the accident: “The tipper squeezed the bus so much that axe was used to cut through the bus to get the victims out. You would see people bleeding. Even when we got to them, their legs were trapped.”

At about 3 am the following day, suspected assassins stormed the residence of the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr.Louis Odion, but missed him because he decided to pass the night in the house of one of his colleagues.

Odion, speaking to reporters on the development, said given the litany of open threats made by political opponents to deal with top officials of the state government, “we are persuaded to strongly believe that there is more to the Saturday incident than readily meets the eye.

“As if that is not enough, at about 3am on Sunday, my private residence in Benin City

came under attack by a gang of four gunmen. It happened that the governor and a few commissioners, including myself, had a meeting which lasted till 1.30 am. ‘’After departing the Governor’s Lodge, a fellow commissioner, who lives within the GRA, kindly suggested that it was too late for me to drive to Ugbowo at that hour and asked me to come and stay at his place till morning.

“By 3 am, I received distressed calls from my relations at home that some shadowy figures with automatic weapons had managed to force their way into my compound. They were shouting, ‘Where is the commissioner? Where is the commissioner?’ The alarm my relations raised alerted the neighbourhood vigilance groups, who engaged the gunmen in a battle. Apparently sensing trouble, the gunmen fled in their SUV.”

ing each time on the eve of the flag-off of Governor Oshiomhole’s campaign, raises grave concern and therefore demands thorough investigation by the security forces.”

Deploring Oyerinde’s murder, Soyinka said “the agents of darkness and retrogression will not triumph.”

Soyinka, in a text message, said: “The hand of the assassin is clear as day. It reaches all the way back to the killing of Bola Ige. Please convey my deepest condolences to his (Oyerinde’s) widow, children and colleagues.

“Tell Oshiomhole we all stand by him against the agents of darkness and retrogression.

They shall not triumph.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also condemned the murder, saying it raised a lot of questions, especially coming shortly after the yetto-be-resolved ramming of the Governor’s convoy by a truck.

In a statement in Ibadan, the party’s National Publicity Sec-

retary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the development as another indication of the growing state of anarchy across the country, to which the PDP-federal government has no answer.

His words: ”If someone as close to the Governor as his Private Secretary can be so mindlessly killed in cold blood, shortly after what now seems to be a failed attempt on the Governor’s life when the truck rammed into his convoy, one cannot but be concerned about the safety of the Governor himself. ‘’Yes, there may not yet be any conclusive evidence linking anyone to these incidents, but there is a growing concern that they may not be unconnected with the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, especially considering the desperation of the PDP to ‘reclaim’ the state at all costs. ‘’But we are bound to ask: Must everyone be killed and Edo state thrown into anarchy

just because the PDP wants to rule the state at all costs? If the PDP is as popular in Edo State as it claims, why is it afraid of contesting a free and fair election in July? Or has the PDP just realised that since Gov. Oshiomhole’s sterling performance has all but guaranteed his re-election, the only way the party (PDP) can return to the state house is by playing dirty?’’

The ACN said its concerns and suspicions on the spate of attacks directed at the Governor stemmed from the fact that many high-profile assassinations in the country have remained unresolved - a pointer to the fact that such killings might not have been due to mere happenstance. ‘’Take the case of Chief Bola Ige who, as a sitting AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was so easily mowed down, and yet the killers have not been brought to justice. Isn’t it clear that the only reason the assassination

Osagie OTABOR, Benin

has yet to be resolved is because of the calibre of those who may have orchestrated the killing? ‘’Then, of course, the assassinations of Harry Marshall, Aminasoari Dikibo and Funsho Williams, just to name a few, have remained unresolved many years on. This is why we are compelled to cry out now, to warn those who are seemingly targeting Gov. Oshiomhole to desist. After all, there is no indication yet that the ‘nest of killers’ has been dismantled,’’ ACN said.

The party said it was “becoming increasingly clear to the PDP that it will be hard for it to win any fresh election, considering the worsening insecurity of lives and property in the country, the rising unemployment and the mindless looting of the national treasury under the party’s watch, and the cluelessness of those in charge of the country’s affairs. ‘’This may explain the resort to acts of desperation by the PDP.’’ Former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, who recently defected to the ACN, Sunny Uyigue, recalled media interviews in which he said Oshiomhole’s aides were targeted for assassination.

He said some persons had been pencilled down to be killed or kidnapped and urged the security agencies to fish out the killers.

Senator Ehigie Uzamere representing Edo South described the late Olaitan as a quiet and unassuming young man.

“Olaitan was the engine room of Oshiomhole’s government. We are not going to relent on our effort to ensure Oshiomhole returns as governor,” Uzamere said.

Former Edo State representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Hon Matthew Iduoriyikemwen, said it was sad some people had to resort to killing opponents in this democratic dispensation.

He said: “The whole thing is so sad. It is so painful. This incident should not be left univestigated. We are now wondering the type of security • Continued on Page 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

KILLING OF EDO GOVERNOR’S AIDE

Oshiomhole in tears: ‘I’ve lost my son’ G

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State was all tears yesterday as he mourned the assassination of his Principal Private Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde, who he called ‘’my political son.’’

Forty-four-year-old Oyerinde was shot dead by a four-man gang in the presence of his wife at his Benin residence.

The governor gave the State Police Command a 14-day ultimatum to fish out the killers.

Oshiomhole said should the police fail to do proper investigation on the killing and the circumstances surrounding last weekend’s death of three journalists in an accident involving his convoy, he would convert his leadership of the state to finding a solution to the insecurity in the state.

He was addressing members of the Action Congress of Ni-

Osagie OTABOR, Benin

geria (ACN) after joining them in a street protest over the killing of Oyerinde. That was moments after he returned from Abuja.

He joined the protesters from the Benin Airport and went with them through major streets in Benin, saying the killing was meant to stop the flagging off of his campaign rally today.

But he advised the ACN members not to take the law into their hands.

He said: “I am giving the Police 14 days from today to produce the killers of Olaitan (Oyerinde) and to establish the killing of those journalists. If they do not do that, as the chief security Officer of this state, I reserve all my options. This country will either fail or stand. Nobody can intimidate me. Even

•Gives Police 14-day ultimatum out of power, I was not intimidated.”

Oshiomhole said he had submitted a petition to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olayinka Balogun, about a meeting held at the residence of an unnamed political leader where he said a critical evaluation of the forthcoming election was undertaken.

He said: ”Last week, they succeeded in killing three journalists. Last night, they killed Olaitan. Let me be clear: they cannot kill my fighting spirit.

They agreed at the meeting that it is impossible for them to win the election.

“They also resolved at the meeting to intimidate my person and if possible to eliminate me. At that meeting, they said they would kill many of my per-

sonal staff and key leaders under the guise of armed robbery to pretend as if they are victims of kidnapping.

“I also informed the Police about their resolve that weeks before the election, they will detonate bombs in parts of the state in order to scare people away from going to vote. What is our crime? Our crime is that we have mobilised our people; we have deployed public resources for the public good and they are angry.

“The blood of these young men will fire me on to fight and defeat them. There is no going back. They have killed my son.

They have killed my brother.

They have killed my people. But they cannot kill my spirit.

“Last night, like cowards, they shot Olaitan in the chest, head and belly to make sure he never

survived. Why will a man sit over the death of young children? Why will any man who has children supervise the killings of young people?

“I want to serve them notice. I have the capacity and the men. If they do not behave, we can stop them from coming to Edo State.

Let me say I have not come to cry today. The blood of those young men will whet my appetite for justice, because their plan is to postpone our campaign for the second time.

“Tomorrow (today), we will go ahead because Olaitan in his lifetime was a fighter. We met in the field of struggle, not on the dining table. I ask you not to be afraid and not to be intimidated. Don’t give up. If anything, we should be more resolved.

They are finished and nobody can rescue them. Anybody that kills will have death awaiting him. Every man that kills will be in perpetual hell fire as revealed in the holy document.

“In the name of politics, these people are bringing violence to our community. They are killing, they are maiming and they are planning to do more. ‘’You will recall in 2007, we lost three young men who were killed. At the State House of As-

sembly, they planted a bomb which was meant to kill ACN members in the House, but thank God that the bomb did not explode. You will also recall that they used matchete and shelltox to kill and attack ACN lawmakers. ‘’In all of these, the police have not done justice. Those who tried to kill those honourable members, nothing has happened to them. Those who plotted the killing of those journalists are busy paying condolence visits. ‘’It is not how long I live that matters but what I should be remembered for. We will fight and not give up. I want to send a warning to them: if they do not change their ways, they will not be able to live in any part of Edo State. I want to serve a notice to those planning violence that if they insist on violence, violence will consume them.

“They have engaged in series of acts of provocation. They decided to go and locate a campaign office opposite the ACN secretariat in clear violation of all rules regulating partisan contest and electioneering. ‘’This afternoon, don’t join me to cry. We will not cry. Rather, we will be resolute. ‘’We will not plot evil. All my life, I have never killed. I will not be desperate. Those who are bathing in the blood of innocent people will not go scot free.”

NLC urges Jonathan to arrest criminals in Edo

T • Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, addressing the protesters on doctors’ strike at the State House, Alausa Ikeja yesteray. With him are the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris (right), and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health.

It’s a brutally dangerous signal, says Osun Govt

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HE Osun State Government has described the midnight murder of the Special Adviser on Special Duties and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, as another manifestation of the recent alarm that there is an orchestrated plot to cause violence through the killing of certain political officer holders.

The government said in a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications & Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, that ‘’the dastardly killing of Oyerinde confirms our fears and suspicion that the ‘accident’ in the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole was a plot to assassinate the Governor by the same agents of do-or-die politics who believe that the State of Edo must be ‘captured’ from the Action Congress of Nigeria come the next governorship election. ‘’Given the recent wave of events in the South-West geopolitical zone of the country and the State of Edo in the last few weeks, we are compelled to call on the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities of protecting the lives of the entire citizenry and their leaders. ‘’We are also compelled to call on President Goodluck Jonathan

to remember that the people of this geo-political zone had witnessed an unprecedented peace since the ACN took over the control of the affairs of the states in the zone and Edo in the SouthSouth zone.

It is therefore incumbent on the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to call to order those whose utterances and actions in recent times have pointed to glaring plots to stoke the fire of confusion.

In this, we strongly refer to statements credited to the former National Vice Chairman

of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West, Mr. Segun Oni, that PDP would make Osun ungovernable.

Another in the series of such plots is the threat by a former senator, Iyiola Omisore, to attack the convoy of the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. ‘’Apart from these open threats, it is on record that the State of Osun was planned to be a theatre of mayhem a few weeks ago with the plot to use religion to ignite violence, but for the intervention of God and

the conviction of the good people of the state in our administration as one with respect for equity.’’

The statement also recalled that before Oyerinde was killed in the early hours of Friday, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, had raised the alarm over an alleged threat against his life, noting that barely a week after ‘’the orchestrated accident in the convoy of Governor Oshiomhole, his Special Adviser was killed in this brutal manner.’’

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the arrest of the brains behind the murder of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

The Congress, in a statement entitled “Assassins of Comrade Oyerinde Must Face Justice” said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book.

The NLC President, Comrade Abduwaheed Omar, said Nigerian workers were shocked beyond words at the assassination.

He said: “ Comrade Oyerinde who is on leave of absence, serving in Edo State as the Principal Private Secretary to the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was shot point blank by assassins who ascertained his identity before shooting him.”

He described the killing as baffling as Comrade Oyerinde was not a politician, held no high government appointment such as commissioner and was not even an indigene of Edo State.

According to the NLC boss, “ the only explanation is that his assassination is an attempt to emotionally and psychologically

John OFIKHENUA, Abuja weaken the comrade governor in his quest for re-election.

“The political situation in Edo State, the statements of do-or-die politics point to a strategy to intimidate, assassinate and create a siege mentality in a desperate attempt to take over political power. It is also noteworthy that this assassination is coming so soon in the wake of a suspicious traffic accident involving Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s convoy in which three journalists lost their lives, and an assassination attempt on the State Information Commissioner, Mr Louis Odion.”

The NLC President recalled that recently, the new offices of the AIT in Benin were attacked and its equipment carted away.

Omar expressed fear that politics in Edo State was going the way of First Republic politics in the old Western Region, which led to tragic consequences for the entire country, adding: ”The NLC therefore calls on the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to arrest the criminals in Edo State and their pay masters. In any electoral contest such as that slated for Edo State, the electorate must be allowed to determine its outcome.’’

Fayemi blames aide’s death on desperate politicians

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KITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi yesterday commiserated with his Edo State Counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, on the assassination of his Personal Secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde.

Oyerinde was reportedly killed by a four-man gang at his Ugbor Government Reservation Area, Benin City residence on Thursday.

Governor Fayemi in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, however, blamed “desperate elements within the Peoples Democratic Party” for the death of Oyerinde, a union activist who once served

Sulaiman SALAWUUDEEN, Ado-Ekiti

as Deputy General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) before joining the Oshiomole-led administration.

Fayemi, in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said that Oyerinde’s assassination, as well as last week’s controversial accident involving Governor Oshiomole’s convoy, where three journalists died, was not unconnected with the July governorship election in the state, where the PDP is making

desperate efforts to stage a come back, by scaling up violence in the state.

He said the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) would treat the onslaught as a case of “injury to one is injury to all,” adding that the party would not fold its arms an watch helplessly as states under its control are turned into a theatre of violence.

Saying that acts of violence and desperation are incapable of giving PDP victory at the poll, Governor Fayemi said the Adams Oshiomole-led administration has impacted positively on the lives of Edo people and

no desperation or violent acts can stop his re-election in the July election.

The Ekiti Governor urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book. He also cautioned that linking the killing of Oyerinde to armed robbery attack would not be acceptable.

The statement also noted that the escalation of violence in Edo State, which it describes as a product of the do-or-die politics of the PDP, is similar to the attempt by same elements to fo-

ment crisis in Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States, hiding under various guises.

“We commiserate with Governor Oshiomole and hope that the perpetrators of this dastardly act would be brought to book.

“It is pertinent, however, to let these characters know that we are not unmindful of their activities in Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States, where they have been moving around, holding nocturnal meetings and hatching different plots to destabilise the states. They will surely meet their waterloo,” the statement added.

5 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

KILLING OF EDO GOVERNOR’S AIDE

Oba of Benin expresses shock

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HE Benin monarch, Omo ‘N’ Oba ‘N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediuwa , yesterday expressed shock at the recent political events in Edo State.

The Benin monarch expressed his feeling yesterday when he granted audience to Governor Adams Oshiomhole at his palace in Benin City.

He said: “When I heard the news of the death of your private secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, on Independent Television, I was shocked. We leave everything in the hands

of God. We will keep on praying”.

He appealed to political actors to play the game according to the rules.

Comrade Oshiomhole, ,briefing the Oba on the murder, said the state government had sent a petition to the police on the issue.

The governor told the Oba that he invited the Commissioner of Police and impressed on him the need for a thorough investigation into the convoy crash in which he escaped elimination.

It’s one killing too many-- Ojudu

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“I travelled to Abuja to complain to the Inspector General of Police and the President who agreed to convey a national security meeting”, he added.

Restating his determination to proceed with his re-election campaign flag off scheduled for Saturday, Oshiomhole said: “Last week, we postponed our re-election campaign flag off because of those who died in the convoy crash. We have decided not to postpone this one because we do not know what their plans may be next time”.

•Oba Erediuwa of Benin

AM saddened, horrified and alarmed by the news of the brutal killing of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary to the Edo State Governor this morning,”Senator Babafemi Ojudu, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said yesterday.”

“This killing, like many others, is unacceptable but unlike many others must not be allowed to pass without the culprit being apprehended. It is worrisome and condemnable. I call on the security agencies to act beyond their usual shallow bragging to arrest the killer(s), by ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book in the not too distant future.

“For me, the assassination of Olaitan is a personal loss. He was my comrade and a Nigerian fully dedicated to the course of humanity. Eloquent, intelligent, hardworking and reliable, he chose a course for himself very early in life and that was fighting for the deprived and the underprivileged of our society. In this, he never wavered until he was mowed down by hired goons.

“Rest assured Comrade Olaitan that you have not died in vain,” Ojudu said.

‘Why Oyerinde was killed’ Adesoji ADENIYI, Osogbo

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•From left: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; with the wife of the late former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Michael Omoboriowo, Chief (Mrs.) Christiana Omoboriowo, during the burial ceremony, in Ijero-Ekiti... on Friday.

We don’t need this brigandage-Senate leader

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AJORITY Leader of the Senate, Mr. Victor NdomaEgba (SAN), declared yesterday that the least Nigeria needs at this time of its political development is the resort to brigandage.

“We are now at a point in our politics where there is no need to resort to brigandage.

Public office should not be an end in itself. I have always

Onyedi OJIABOR, Assistant Editor and Sanni ONOGU, Abuja held the belief that public office is held in trust for the common good and not to terrorise or kill innocent citizens,” Senator Ndoma-Egba said in a reaction to the assassination of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde,the Principal Pri-

vate Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday.

Ndoma-Egba, in a statement in Abuja, said the quest for political office should rather be guided by ideas and issues.

Ndoma-Egba described the killing of Olaitan, coming less than a week after Boko Haram bombed some media houses,as a bitter pill to swallow, adding that such “targeting of jour-

nalists must stop.”

He said: “Violence is the argument of the person who has run out of logic...Politics should be about dialogue, issues, campaigns and not violence.”

He condoled with the Edo State Government and prayed that God would be with the Oyerinde family at this trying time.

GUBERNATORIAL aspirant in Kogi State on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Rotimi Obadofin and a close associate of slain Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, has explained why he was assassinated.

Speaking with our correspondent in Osogbo, Osun State capital, Obadofin, who expressed shock over the gruesome murder of Oyerinde, said he was, no doubt, killed because he was dedicated to Governor Oshiomhole and was working hard to ensure his success at the next election in the state.

Obadofin, who disclosed that the deceased was handed over to him by his father to be guided while joining labour movement in 1987 in Lagos, said he spoke with Oyerinde last week on Edo State politics, security challenges and brilliant chances of Oshiomole in the next election.

“Oyerinde as a human rights and labour activist was the lifewire of the Oshiomhole administration.

His offence is that he was too dedicated, hardworking and determined to make sure Oshiomhole’s victory in next election. He was a workholic.

“He was not a politician, not ambitious and not from Edo State. He was just in the administration of Oshiomhole and was dedicated and loyal to his boss,” Obadofin said.

Describing the deceased as down-to-earth, diligent, sefless, very humble, respectful and not materialistic, Obadofin said his killers must be apprehended and brought to justice.

Outrage as assassins hit Oshiomhole’ secretary • Continued from Page 2 agencies we have. They must unravel the killers.”

Former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, said the pattern was becoming clearer and the perpetrators are all out to cripple the ACN campaign and promote retaliation with a view to frustrating the coming elections.

He appealed to the ACN rank and file not to “succumb to this deliberate provocation.

They must remain focused until victory is achieved. Edo State must not be reduced to a theatre of violence and death.”

A Reps member, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, from Oredo described the incident as tragic and unfortunate.

“We have lost a diligent, faithful, committed and a proudly resourceful Nigerian worker. Olaitan was an effective office solution provider,” he said.

Senator Obende Domingo, representing Edo North Senatorial District, called for a full scale investigation and sincere coordinated effort of the security agencies on what he termed new trend of evil.

He urged Governor Oshiomhole to be more focused and undeterred as July 14th approaches.

“Edo is praying and Edo is working again and we say no to a reversal of evil that befell us for 10 years before the coming of Governor Oshiomhole.”

The State Police Command said it was on the trail of Oyerinde’s killers .

The Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun, said on phone that the command was working on every detail with a view to apprehending the killers.

Balogun pledged that the police would leave no stone upturned in the task.

Prominent Nigerians yesterday condemned in very strong terms, the brutal assassination of Comrade 'Laitan Oyerinde, the Special Adviser on Special Duties and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor the State of Edo, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and a Senior Advocate,

Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), tagged the killing as "suspicious and worrisome", adding that it could have been politically motivated.

Agbakoba, who described Oyerinde in superlative terms, said that the circumstances surrounding his killing make it clear that it could have been politically motivated.

"His death, I can tell you, is a big blow to the governor.

Olaitan is a very strong, very organised, highly painstaking and a very resolved individual.

He could be said to be the backbone of the comrade governor. His death is suspicious and worrisome. And given the circumstances surrounding his death, it is clear that it could have been politically motivated.

"If the governor escaping death by the whiskers is regarded as happenstance, this one cannot be said to be so. He is a man I know very well, he was very strong as a CLO member when I was president of the organisation. I am personally touched and sad, the security agents should fish out the perpetrators of this

dastardly act quickly".

Former governor of Edo State and a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, said it was a ploy to provoke the people so that those who are bent on rigging the forth coming election can postpone it.

"They want to cause mayhem, provoke crisis and a general state of insecurity so that those who want to rig at all cost would have opportunity of doing so by calling for a postponement of the election.

But I will advise all Edo people not to be provoked; they should not give in to provocation and allow them to have their way.

"They should hold their peace, wait patiently and speak loudly with their votes. This election will not be postponed; we will not allow ourselves to be provoked. This is very provocative and condemnable", he said.

Abubakar Tsav, former Commissioner of Police, Lagos Police Command, decried the lawless state of the Nigerian society and the atti-

tude of Nigerians towards public office. He condemned a situation where people want to get into office by all means and at all cost.

"It is sad, Nigeria is a lawless society and our politicians don't often accept defeat, they want to be in power at all cost and by all means. Those who did it want to demoralise the governor, their plan is to frustrate and muzzle him into submission. This incident portends a very bad omen for the country.

“The fact that it has started in Edo State where elections are just few months away, it can spread to other states of the federation", he stated.

Also yesterday, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) condemned the killing of Olaitan, describing it as a satanic and evil. The National Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, said: "Edo people should be allowed to choose whoever they want to be their governor and it should not be through the process of brigandage, maiming and killing but through the ballot box as that is the only constitutionally acceptable means". The CNPP

subsequently charged security agencies to fish out the killers of Olaitan and ensure that his death is not in vain.

Founding Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, while condoling with the governor, described the situation as “frightening”. He wondered why a governor could be subjected to this type of harrowing experience within a space of 10 days.

“The situation is becoming frightening. In less than 10 days, the governor has been subjected to a very harrowing experience. He narrowly escaped death in an accident which many people believed was contrived and now, a man believed to be a trusted ally of the comrade governor has been killed.

“I call on the Federal Government ot immediately step in and ensure that the situation is brought under control because it is election year in two states in the country and we don’t want it to spread to other states. The situation portend grave danger for the polity and it must be arrested now”, he counseled.

6 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Money laundering trial: Supreme Court dismisses Fani-Kayode's appeal

By Eric IKHILAE

•Ambassador of Republic of Cuba, Mr Hugo Milanes; National Co-ordinator, National Malaria Control Programme, Chioma Amajoh; wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and Bishop Sunday Onuoha cutting the cake to commemorate the 2012 World Malaria Day in Port Harcourt... Friday PHOTO: NAN

Security agencies set to expose sponsors of terror S ECURITY agencies are taking a cue from last week’s bombshell by the National Security Adviser (NSA),Gen.Andrew Azazi in which he blamed the ruling PDP for partly responsible for the state of insecurity in the country.

The agencies have, therefore, resolved to expose the sponsors of terrorism in the country.

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja The decision was the high point of a meeting in Abuja yesterday of security chiefs to review the state of the nation.

The NSA had said that the

PDP’s position that only some people could contest election greatly undermined national security and was the genesis of the current wave of violence in the country.

A reliable source at the

Reps summon Soludo, Dangote others over Capital Market crash

T

HE House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the near collapse of the Capital Market yesterday summoned the immediate past governor of the Central Bank, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo, former Finance Minister, Dr. Mukhtar Mukhtar, Chairman of Dangote Group,Alhaji Aliko Dangote,Mr. Femi Otedola, Mr.Oba Otudeko, the Executive Secretary of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Eugene Juwah, to appear before it on Tuesday next week.

Also invited by the committee are former Director General,

•Want MTN, AIRTEL,Etisalat others listed Victor OLUWASEGUN and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Musa Al-Faki and former Director General, Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (NSE), Mrs. Ndi Okereke-Onyuike.

They are scheduled to appear on Monday.

Each of the invited persons is expected to answer questions on the role he played in the months preceding the collapse of the capital market.

Alhaji Ibrahim El-Sudi, Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, explained that the House would

encourage the listing of MTN, Airtel and other public liability companies on the stock exchange with a view to boosting the liquidity of the sector..

Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, alleged last Wednesday that that the worst sharp practices that taffected the stock market took place under former CBN Governor Soludo’s watch.

This is the reason for Soludo’s summon.

He will be answering questions on alleged sharp pratices by banks that contributes to the fall of the market during his time as CBN governor.

meeting, who preferred anonymity, said the office of the NSA would be formally furnished with details of the alleged involvement of “these greedy elements in the formation and operations of terror groups in the country”.

The source noted that the move followed a revelation that key political leaders have been financing terrorism for the purpose of destabilising the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The meeting reviewed Azazi’s controversial statement and “generally agreed that he was quoted out of context as he was referring to greedy politicians who insisted that no one else could rule Nigeria after the demise of President Umaru Yar’Adua, except someone from the same region”.

The meeting, the source said, “ heaped the blame on greedy and selfish politicians who don’t want Nigerians from outside their region to rule the country.

Otherwise, how do you explain the genuineness and sincerity as well as equity disposition of a political party that wants all Nigerians to aspire to become president, to mean something else?”

Sultan, Sambo, CJN, Oritsejafor for peace meeting

T

HE Sultan of Sokoto and President -General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Dr. Hassan Kukah are among eminent Nigerians expected to converge on Abuja next week to address the security challenge in

Kamarudeen OGUNDELE and Gbenga ADANIKIN, Abuja the country.

The forum, which enjoys the backing of the United States Embassy and the Government of Osun State, is being organised by the Nasrul Lahi-il-Fath Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) on the state of the nation.

It has as its theme: “Islam and Peaceful Co-Existence in a contemporary Multi-Religious So-

ciety.” National President of NASFAT, Alhaji Sheriff Yusuff, told journalists in Abuja that it will attract religious and political leaders.

According to him, Vice President Namadi Sambo will lead government officials to the event, while an array of speakers will brain-storm on how to address the issues threatening the peace of the nation and the way forward.

“Part of the objectives of the

event is to project the true perspective of Islam on the concept of Jihad in the midst of various tangential and extraneous opinions which are often confused with what the creed stands for and to locate the true reasons for religiously coloured strives in Nigeria with a view to proffering strategies for combating such government and other policy makers,” Alhaji Yusuff said.

Shell cuts Nigerian oil output over theft

S

HELL yesterday announced a significant cut in its oil production in Nigeria due to pipeline damage caused by theft, and warned that it might not meet contractual obligations as a result.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) declared force majeure on outstanding cargoes of Bonny Light with effect from noon (1100 GMT) today,

(yesterday)4th May 2012,” a statement said.

“The action is due to production deferment caused by incessant crude theft and illegal bunkering on Nembe Creek Trunkline.”

A shutdown of the line for repairs by the Anglo-Dutch oil giant will cut output by 60,000 barrels per day, it said.

Shell did not give a date for when the repairs would be com-

plete.

SPDC is Shell’s Nigerian joint venture. The trunkline is a major conveyor of production to the Bonny export terminal in southern Nigeria.

A declaration of force majeure frees a company from commercial obligations due to circumstances beyond its control.

Oil theft has been a growing problem in Nigeria, and Shell chief executive Peter Voser said

last month that there have been estimates that 150,000 barrels of oil and condensate is stolen in the country each day.

The theft often causes damage to pipelines, resulting in production halts.

“The oil theft and illegal refining is at a large scale, with tank farms, barge building operations and barges shuttling crude to waiting tankers offshore,” Voser had said.

FORMER Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has lost in a bid to upturn the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos on the admissibility of computer generated statement of account in criminal trial.

The Head Media Unit, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that the Supreme Court in a judgment on Thursday, dismissed the appeal by Fani Kayode.

The appeal had disputed the Appeal Court's decision that Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Lagos erred when he held that could not tender computer generated statements of Fani-Kayode's accounts during his trial for money laundering.

The trial court had insisted, despite EFCC's argument to the contrary, that computer generated statement of accounts were not admissible under the old Evidence Act. The trial court's decision prompted an appeal by the EFCC, an appeal the appellate court upheld and ordered, admitted the documents and ordered a continuation of Fani-Kayode's trial.

Although the case was later transferred to another judge, Justice Fatimat Nyako, progress has been stalled owing to FaniKayode's appeal before the apex court.

During the pendency of the ex-minister's appeal before the Supreme Court, the Evidence Act was amended to include computer-generated bank statements admissible items under Section 84 of the new Evidence Act. Buoyed by the development, the EFCC filed a motion seeking the dismissal of Fani-Kayode's appeal. It argued that the appeal had become mere academic exercise in that the proceedings that gave rise to the appeal no longer exists, the case having been transferred to a new judge.

Before handing out its verdict on Thursday, the apex court took oral arguments from parties and proceeded to hold that the appeal has indeed become academic in that the proceedings that gave rise to the appeal have become spent.

The court directed Fani-Kayode, represented by Ladi Williams (SAN), to withdraw the appeal, and consequently dismissed it.

Subsidy probe: SNG calls for Adoke’s resignation •Says ultimatum to government stands Augustine AVWODE Assistant Editor

T

HE Save Nigeria Group (SNG) has called for the resignation of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), for describing the House of Representatives report of the nation’s fuel subsidy regime as mere “fact finding”.

The group described the position of the government as conveyed by the Attorney General as “a clear case of obstructing justice even when he is the Minister of Justice”.

Speaking to The Nation on phone yesterday, spokesperson for SNG, Yinka Odumakin, said the two-week ultimatum given to the government by the body stands.

“Adoke’s utterances have justified our position and called for the separation of the office of Attorney General from that of the Minister of Justice. Adoke as the Minister of Justice has shown that there is no hope for justice as far as they are concerned with the subsidy probe report. But Nigerians want justice, they want the government to take concrete action to bring to book all those who have been indicted by the probe.

It is not enough to say it is a mere fact finding mission.

“We are calling for an independent counsel to direct the prosecution of all that are involved. Importantly, we want to state that the ultimatum given to the government remains and stands. If at the end of the two weeks nothing is done, Nigerians would be ready to confront them. If they think that they will wheel this subsidy report probe into the mortuary of probes, they are mistaken, Nigerians are ready for them”, he said.

The Federal Government said on Thursday that the report would not be implemented until the anti-graft bodies have fully investigated corruption-related issues raised by the report.It advised SNG to shelve its proposed nationwide protest to pressurise the government to implement the report.

Adoke in a statement said: “The attention of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to recent calls by some groups and well-meaning Nigerians for the prosecution of those allegedly indicted in the Report of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime.

“It is pertinent to reiterate the government’s position as aptly captured by Mr. President’s initial reaction to the Report of the Fuel Subsidy probe to the effect that any person found wanting will be prosecuted, irrespective of the person’s standing in the society.

“Nigerians must, however, appreciate that in discharging this onerous responsibility, government must be guided by the dictates of the rule of law and due process as required of any democratically elected and responsible government.

“In this regard, the need to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out by relevant law enforcement agencies cannot be over-emphasised.

“This is more so, as the exercise carried out by the House of Representatives is mainly fact-finding.”

Indications that the report may be heading for what the SNG called the “mortuary of probes” emerged on Thursday when the Political Adviser to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Alhaji Ali Gullack, described it as lacking credibility.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

I

N Ndjemina capital of Chad the President of Niger this week took over the presidency of the Lake Chad Basin Commission [ LCBC ] from the host president at the end of the 14th Session of the Commission. The parting shot of the outgoing president of the Commission was that the Commission should revive a task force for border security and help Nigeria fight the Boko Hara insurgency as it was threatening the security of the member nations of the Commission.

The member nations of the LCBC are Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon , Chad and Central African Republic. The Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan had addressed the meeting last Monday and asked for the cooperation of the members of the Commission to police their borders in the interest of security in the area.

Also this week US President Barak Obama showed up most unexpectedly at Kabul the capital of Afghanistan to sign post - war cooperation agreement with the Afghan President Ahmid Karzai, with Obama pledging that the US is still committed to the destruction of safe havens of the Taliban and has great respect for the sovereignty of Afghanistan even as US troops leave Afghanistan by 2014.

In France where the next round of presidential elections is tomorrow the two main contenders indulged in an acrimonious debate that set the tone for their supporters although all the polls say that the challenger Francois Hollande is about to unseat the incumbent President Nikola Sarkozy.

From Ndjemina in the Sahel therefore to the most dangerous capital in the world Kabul and to the sedate and chic setting of Paris , world leaders are facing a competence trial on the way and manner they face real and potential global security problems . It is my contention today that leadership competence is a potent factor in the way power and security are managed in the world today. Competent leaders guarantee peace and security in their nations and its sub region while those with competence deficit, personal or acquired, endanger national and regional security.

Incompetent leaders inadvertently encourage rebellion and insurrection and upset a balance of terror that is needed to make government guarantee that minimal force, or at least a show of it, to deter opposition, especially the violent or military type, to their rule and policies. I say without any equivocation that leadership competence will assure that power is used responsibly to protect the common good of those that gave mandates to such leaders so as to protect their lives and property.

Whereas incompetent leaders cannot guarantee security and their subsequent actions to impose order and stability are like bolting the stable doors after the horses have bolted.

Leadership competence by the way is ability of leaders to govern or lead according to the rule and regu-

Leadership competence, power and security

lations of their environment and that includes being there for the safety of the lives and property of those over whom they exercise and use power.

This therefore is the benchmark for the analysis I want to do today.

At the Chad Basin Commission summit attended by the Nigerian President in Ndjemina it was obvious he was asking for help when indeed he was expected to provide leadership and find a solution to the Boko Haram threat to the security of the nations in the basin. The nations in the LCBC normally look to Nigeria for such leadership and would have expected our president to call the shots and give direction. Instead they had an homily on a threat that they know exists and pray would not consume their nations and governments. Indeed the presidents of Niger and Chad know that many of their citizens are illegal migrants in Nigeria and earn income they send or bring home to feed their families .

Such migrants are Okada riders, night watch men and farm-

ers on undeveloped plots all over the Southwest and the north and are potential recruits for terrorist organizations like Boko Haram. The leaders of the LCBC expected Nigeria to form a force to control the porous borders in the north east of the Nigerian nation and were befuddled to hear a plea for cooperation on an issue that they think Nigeria should offer a panacea of force rather than hand wringing plea for support on an issue beyond them.

On the home front too the National Security Adviser has been vilified for saying that the ruling party in Nigeria, the PDP is responsible for the instability in the nation because it chose to follow its rules and regulations on who should rule Nigeria instead of the constitution of the nation.

Since he made that statement he has not been asked to resign by the president who only reportedly said that he would ask him to see him and we have not heard anything since.

To me the NSA said some-

thing that was correct even though it was outside his purview. In addition, his boss the president has not admonished him in any way so he must be his master’s voice on the issue.

What is more the president once complained to his party leaders that they should not talk to him as if he is a child.

Perhaps this is the president’s way of having his own back with the ruling party. Lastly every leadership has its style and it seems this one is to use underlings in government to talk back at those suspected of stirring unrest and insecurity in the hope that such unexpected utterances from uexpected quarters would deter those behind terrorism.

Which is quite an innovation in fighting terrorism and insecurity that one for now can only wait and pray for the success ofthe Nigerian leadership experiment to contain daily bombings and rampant insecurity.

In Obama’s unexpected visit to Kabul we see another lead-

ership style that thrives on surprise and the unexpected.

Obama braved great dangers in going on the journey and addressing the American public from Kabul. I am sure that even his host the Afghan president would not have been taken into confidence on Obama’s visit by the Americans. The danger was shown in the spate of Taliban bombings that occurred in Kabul after his departure. But Obama in going personally to sign the post war agreements on security and training of Afghan security personnel in the post war era was asking the call of history in his own way.

He was telling the US allies in foreign lands that the US has not abandoned Afghanistan but is not going to bogged down with nation building like George Bush ll got bogged in Iraq. Obama is therefore the third leg of a relay quartet of US presidents pre and post 9/11 who have shaped the security of Americans and indeed the whole world by their leadership competence and use of power.

Bill Clinton was the first leg who literally allowed 9/11 to grow as his competence was diverted by the Mona Lewinsky affair as he ignored intelligence warnings about the growth of Bin Laden and AL Qada . George Bush was the second as discussed before . Obama is the third leg that got Bin Laden and avoided the pitfalls of nation building in Afghanistan. How Americans rate Obama’s competence will be determined this November when he seeks reelection and that will decide if

Obama will be the anchor leg in the post 9/11 American saga to rid the world of terrorism, the Taliban and Al Qada.

As the French vote tomorrow I want to say that the setting is different a lot from the two leaders in Abuja and Washington that we have just discussed . In the first instance both are happily married and their wives influence their decisions a lo. How that affects their leadership competence is another matter . In France however the incumbent president is facing Francois Hollande, the father of the four children of the Signale Royal, the woman Sarkozy defeated in the last presidential elections in France, five years ago. The Socialist Party contender Hollande had been partner to Signal Royale for three decades and were estranged recently because Hollande is having an affair with another lady. A former Socialist leader in France , former IMF boss Dominique Strauss - DSK - was to have taken on Sarkozy before he was apprehended violently by the Americans having an affair with an hotel maid in New York and his presidential ambitions capsized. It is widely believed in France that Nikola Sarkozy had more than a hand in the down fall of DSK. However such affairs are not taken seriously in assessing leadership competence and potentials in France, hence the two candidates for tomorrow’s presidential elections.

Viva La France !

10 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

The general who spoke truth to power

vincentakanmode@yahoo.com

L

IKE the one before it, the second South South Economic Summit convened by leaders of the region penultimate Friday was intended as a forum for the region’s economic integration. By a strange alchemy, it turned out a platform for solution to the jigsaw puzzle regarding the brains and motives behind the bombings that have changed the profile of Nigeria from a happy nation to one at war with itself.

In an address he delivered as a guest speaker on the occasion, the National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, declared without any equivocation that the crisis that has held the nation by the jugular for more than one year was the creation of the ruling People’s Democratic Party!

“A situation where a political party insists on fielding a particular candidate over another to get a massive win, and that if they get the massive win, the party has arrived is the source of the problem,” he said. “How come the extent of violence did not increase in Nigeria until the public declaration of the people that were going to contest election by the PDP? And I would also like to say this, though the PDP people may not agree with me, they would like to attack me, but I hope they do it in private. The PDP got it wrong

from the beginning by saying Mr. A can go and Mr. B cannot go. And these decisions were made without looking at the constitution.”

It was a fact many in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan knew but were afraid to talk about for selfish reasons, particularly the fear of losing favour with the party and, with it, their relevance and positions. But in the fashion of a true general, Azazi damned the possible consequences and spoke the truth. And nothing could be more soothing than the fact that it came from a man at the head of the nation’s security apparatus who unarguably knows better than anyone else on the subject. His was like the voice of an epileptic which the Yoruba say should be held sacred because he goes to heaven every day.

Coming after Prof. Wole Soyinka had described the PDP as a nest of killers, only a naive observer would expect the party to take Azazi’s punch without a fight. In a party whose guiding principle is chop-I-chop, Azazi’s action would amount to biting the finger that fed him. Hence, it did not come as a surprise when the news media reported a day later that the NSA was in trouble with the PDP. Describing Azazi’s comment as one made “in grave error” and “a fatal diagnosis of facts,” the party warned him against attracting ill-feelings for President Jonathan.

Lost on the party is the fact that Azazi not an ordinary politician whose life depends on chicanery and double-speak. He is trained in the finest tradition of the military to call a spade exactly by its name. His pedigree as a former Director of Military Intelligence, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff must have contributed to his

‘

But in the fashion of a true general, Azazi damned the possible consequences and spoke the truth. And nothing could be more soothing than the fact that it came from a man at the head of the nation’s security apparatus who unarguably knows better than anyone else on the subject

’

choice as the nation’s security adviser.

And as it later turned out, the party chieftains who sought to defend Jonathan’s integrity were crying louder than the bereaved.

Rather than indict Azazi for his comments, the President defended him, saying he might have been quoted out of context. “One thing I do know, like philosophers would say, human beings disagree because people use different words to mean the same thing, and use one word to mean different things,” Jonathan said in a comment that effectively nailed the ambition of Nigerians who have been clamouring for Azazi’s removal.

I had not expected the President’s reaction to be anything different. In an administration many are wont to describe as the government of the Ijaw by the Ijaw and for the Ijaw, why would he fire the highest ranking Ijaw officer to have emerged from the military? Is it not only reasonable that anyone who wants Azazi fired presents Mr. President with a better Ijaw alternative? These impenitent agitators ought to have realised the futility of their aspiration since Jonathan fired the former Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, and six of his deputies in January. His reluctance to remove Azazi in spite of public outrage over his perceived failure is the evidence of the President’s implicit confidence in his ability to resolve the crisis to which the Boko Haram sect has plunged the nation for more than one year. Turning round to remove him now would amount to rubbishing his personal assessment of the NSA. Neither do I share the opinion of those who say Azazi ought to have resigned his position before pouring his venom on the PDP. To begin with, it is not a part of our culture that a holder of public office resigns even in the face of monumental failure. I also believe that Azazi’s resolve to cling to his position in spite of obvious frustration has a divine touch.

His observations will carry more weight and make more impact when he is in government.

His views last week would have been dismissed by many as the ranting of a frustrated general if he had expressed them out of office.

Now that he has made his point, he will leave office as a fearless general who spoke truth to power if the party pushes Jonathan to show him the door.

•See reactions to this column on Page 14

An open letter to the nation’s ‘General Overseer’ Knucklehead

D

EAR President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I greet you.

As one of your loyal subjects, I am compelled to write these few lines having watched, with dismay, the continuous slide of Nigeria into a state of anomie.

“Nigeria is becoming a Somalia. Somalilisation of Nigeria is taking place right now”, General Theophilus Danjuma told us few days ago. For whayever it is worth, let us ignore the messenger and sift through his message. Did he make a very fundamental statement? Yes he did. Not that we never saw the signs but now, there is more reality that somehow, before our very eyes, the ship of state is drifting ashore without any compass to navigate its way.

Curiously, as the ship sinks deeper, those that should begin the urgent task of rescuing it continue to live in selfdenial. They simply refuse to see the danger ahead should this ship hit the rocks. Of course, no one prays for that sorry end but the waves of unmitigated tragic moments that have plagued this country under your watch, Mr. President sir, make one tremble with angst. Why such palpable anger and deep anxiety, you ask? Because that is what we feel when innocent blood continues to flow on the streets despite your assurances that the killers of our joy would soon become history. We feel anger because while you have been busy sermonizing on a routine basis, asking us not to despair but take solace in your capacity and determination to end this cesspool of bloodletting, those bent on abridging our dreams tend to be making a mockery of your seeming empty babbling. Or so it appears.

Perhaps, those paid to tell you what you want to hear would - as usual - dismiss this letter as mere rabble rousing and misdirected. Nevertheless, it is not. By virtue of the position you occupy today, you are the General Overseer of the Nigerian project. Moreover, I assume the import of that was very clear to you when, in your inauguration speech, you promised to transform Nigeria. With Providence thrusting on your lean shoulders the leadership mantle, you were transformed into a father of the nation— the man who sees all and knows all. As a mortal, we were not expecting perfection from you. However, in all things, we expect you to show leadership at all times. We knew it was never going to be easy. There would be moments of triumphs. There would be flashes of agonies and anguish.

There would be periods of muddling or shuffling along.

And there would be moments of fecund gyrations. We were game with a positive mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Today, that is hardly what we are witnessing. The nation is stoked under the intense heat of a combination of sociopolitical maladies that could rip its soul apart. Simply put sir, even the blind among us now see that there is fire on the mountain and it is threatening to consume us all in one way or the other.

The challenge before you as President is not as difficult as some persons would want us to believe. Every leader has choices because it was never going to be a tea party.

Every general overseer decides what to with his flock.

Stories abound of general overseers in religious circles who

led their flock astray. Some convinced their gullible followers to commit suicide at a chosen time in their warped belief that the world would come to an abrupt end that day. There are those who encourage their followers to kill and maim in the name of religion. Some were known for their extravagant display of wealth and tendency to condone any sort of malfeasance from their members as long as the ‘blessings’ flow into their personal pockets. Others are common crooks who manipulated their ways into the sanctuary of the most high through diabolical means and have been able to trap thousands of worshippers with magical powers obtained from the pit of hell. It is therefore not surprising that a particular general overseer of a church in Akwa Ibom confessed to being the leader of a four-man car-snatching gang even as he performed ‘miracles’ in his church. But then, I digress. There are many general overseers today who have comported themselves with dignity and respect. They weigh their words before they speak. When they do, there is that depth of conviction that the people would listen and act accordingly. They have succeeded in earning the trust of the people.

Mr. President Sir, I doubt if you can convince yourself that you have earned that trust and respect even if your dignified posture and the paraphernalia of office around you is not in doubt. You surely need more than a shoeless past, a bowler hat and a waning good luck to be on top of things as a leader.

Therefore,, as terror seizes the land and lives are being wasted daily, Nigerians are getting tired of listening to your spluttering verbiage. We cannot continue to stumble as you stutter through your words.

As bombs boomed on our streets, you urged the citizens not to be discouraged. You said we should go about our normal business activities regardless of the mindless killings. Get used to it? The question is: how do you conduct normal business in an abnormal business and political environment that you are presently overseeing? As General Theophilus Danjuma puts it, Nigeria is on fire and it is gradually becoming another Somalia in the making. How on earth can your words of encouragement heal all these wounds? What exactly is being done to end this affront on the peace-loving people of Nigeria? When will you, as President, stop dwelling too much on sophistries and take meaningful action that would stem the tide?

This definitely is not the time to play politics like you did when your National Security Adviser, Owoye Azazi, spoke about the discontents within your party and how they aggravated the problems. Azazi is not the issue. The message he was trying to pass across should be examined dispassionately. This is the time to be presidential in words and in deeds!

In moments such as this, the words and deeds of a President are etched onto the history books. Too many lives have been wasted and many more are bound to go if all we do at the highest level is to re-jig condolence statements, to assuage the people’s fears. It just does not wash! There is palpable fear in the land and it is inflamed by a suspicion that government simply does not have any solution in sight. Well, if you do

With

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

sir, the time to show leadership is now! This fallen house needs a solid base under which it can begin a reconstructive rehabilitation. Mr. President, are you that solid base or should we all resign to fate, watch further flow of the blood of innocent citizens and await a collectively bloodied end?

For Sam Nda-Isaiah and Martins Oloja @ 50

I

resumed in time to share some moments of reflections with two outstanding senior colleagues—the Publisher of Leadership newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah and the Abuja Bureau Chief of The Guardian, Mr. Martins Oloja who both celebrated their birthdays within the past few weeks. For a profession with a dearth of true heroes, these two gentlemen deserve all the accolades for holding the light at a time when journalists have become endangered professipnals.

I do not want to rehash the good testimonial given about them by the various personalities that attended the events organized in their honour in Abuja in the past weeks.

However, I do wish to acknowledge their influence in my life. As the publisher of a successful newspaper, Nda-Isaiah’s humility beggars belief. He was always there to offer his advice, welcoming you into his office with the kind of warmth that soothes the soul. I was, therefore, not surprised that he was able to attract the top hierarchy of Nigeria’s intelligentsia and political class to his “Morning of Reflections” on May 1, when he turned 50. That, I guess, was a reward for being committed to his beliefs without suffering fools gladly.

Personally, I have found working with Oloja over the years to be such a pleasant experience. The Dean, as his peers fondly call him, is a leader of leaders. Oloja was pioneer editor of “Abuja Newsday,” the sole publication in the Federal Capital Territory during a critical period in the 90s. He always makes his wealth of experience available to any of us to tap from.

For a man who has benefitted immensely from God’s generosity, this budding pastor is a rare gift to the journalism profession.

Therefore,, as they grow wiser on the job, I wish Sam NdaIsaiah and Martins Oloja many more years of fruitful contributions to the Nigerian Project. May the Almighty Lord protect you from whatever weapons the enemies of truth may be planning to fashion against you and our noble profession. Congratulations!

Lydia Forson

‘I've never chased after a guy who doesn't want me’

‘How SEC INTERVIEW sent me to / 20-21 Dominican Republic for a programme they knew I could not attend’

LIFE & STYLE / 41

SCREEN/ 23

Ghanaian actress

‘The civil war has left a permanent scar on me since childhood’

Weekend

PEOPLE THE NATION, Saturday, MAY 5, 2012

Relat io

t o o l m 5 1 N How I blew n e m o w d n a on cars ct -Robbery

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nship

11

SEE PAGES 18 &19

12

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Body parts of missing Okada rider found in bowls in suspected ritual killer’s hideout N

EMESIS appeared to have caught up with a selfstyled herbalist, Ibrahim Abubakar, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State penultimate week, as he was caught with the remains of an okada (commercial motorcycle) rider, John Olalekan, about three weeks after Olalekan was declared missing.

Our correspondent gathered that Olalekan had mysteriously disappeared on March 26, 2012 without the family suspecting that he could have been killed for ritual purposes.

He was said to have left home on the fateful day to pick passengers, with a promise to return home in the evening to honour an engagement.But when by nightfall the family of the deceased okada rider could not ascertain his whereabouts, they informed the Police, the local office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the vigilance group in the community.

A search party jointly constituted by the security agencies then decided to comb the different parts of the community in search of the deceased only to find his mangled remains in a bush.

His head and arms had been chopped off, fuelling suspicion that he might have fallen victim to ritual killers. Further investigation by the law enforcement agents led to the discovery of a building near the spot where his remaining parts were found.

The building where Abubakar lives was said to double as a joint for hemp smokers and other suspicious characters. The minions of law then raided the building and found in Abubakar’s apartment, human parts of various shapes and sizes in bowls.

Spokesman of the NSCDC, Mr. Olanrewaju Kadri, explained how the suspect was found in possession of human parts suspected to be those of Olalekan.

He said: “We got information from a source that a certain man was selling hemp in a building near the spot where Olalekan’s body was found and that people of questionable character usually gathered there. That was why our men stormed the house with police detectives. It was during the search that we discovered human parts spread in Abubakar’s room like an abattoir.

“The whole place was filled with nauseating and repulsive odour.

We found human arms in jerry cans, but the suspect lied that they were those of monkeys. But that was proved wrong when the items were confirmed at the OmuAran General Hospital to be those of human beings.”

Explaining further, he said: “In the course of subsequent raid on the building, we found several other human parts, two guns, assorted machetes, swords and a bowl containing charms and amulets. We have handed the suspect over to the Police.

“I want to implore residents to assist law enforcement agents to rid the state of criminals, because we are not magicians. Because of the rising crime waves in the community, our command has embarked on a 24-hour surveillance.” Abubakar was said to have later confessed to the Police

•The suspect with the body parts, arms and other items recovered from him

We got information ‘from a source that a certain man was selling

•The late Olalekan

Kunle AKINRINADE during interrogation that it was the first time he would be involved in crime.

A source, who pleaded that her name should not be mentioned for security reasons, said: “The suspect had initially owned up to the crime during interrogation.

But he later tried to twist his explanation, saying it was one of his friends who kept the human parts with him. He even said the items were those of monkeys until a test carried out in a public hospital confirmed that they were human parts.”

The incident led to a protest by commercial motorcyclists association in the area who tried to call government’s attention to it. The distraught okada riders frowned at what they termed “police insen-

sitivity” to the gruesome killing of their member. An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, explained why members of the association staged the protest.

He said: “When the suspect was being taken away, residents insisted that they should release him to them so that they could parade him before the entire community as it is the practice, but the Police turned their request down.

“Ironically, the Police later arrested and detained four members of the association. This was what fuelled the protest by okada riders.

But those arrested have since been released, following protests by leading members of the community.”

A resident, Adeola Musendiku, told our correspondent that the custom in the community is to take criminals round the town before

hemp in a building near the spot where Olalekan’s body was found and that people of questionable character usually gathered there... It was during the search that we discovered human parts spread in Abubakar’s room like an abattoir

they are handed over to law enforcement agents. He said the people had been suspicious of Abubakar, and that it was nemesis that caught up with him and his accomplices.

Musendiku said: “The practice has always been to take suspects round the community before they are taken into custody by the Police, like it was done to a robbery suspect called Abore recently. We have been suspecting Ibrahim (Abubakar) for long. How can someone who calls himself a herbalist turn his residence into a joint for hemp smokers?

“The repulsive sight of human parts in his house and the mutilated body of the okada rider are testimonies to the fact that he was the brains behind his death. We want the Police to intensify their surveillance on this community in

,

order to chase out criminals.”

Responding on the telephone, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Kwara State Police Command, Mr. Dabo Ezekiel, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the incident, saying the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

He added that residents must be vigilant and that security should not be left in the hands of law enforcement agents alone.

Ezekiel said: “It is true that a suspect was arrested in connection with the killing. He was apprehended and brought to the Police by officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps .The matter was later transferred to the SCID for proper investigation and the suspect have just been charged to court.”

13

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

•Joyous Pa Okoye

•The residence of the Okoyes

77-year-old man regains sight after 14 years of blindness Nwanosike ONU, Awka geria, the remaining right eye became blurred and by 2009, he went completely blind and had to be assisted by his wife, children and neighbours to move around.

The miracle

•Pa Okoye with wife, Helen

P

A Christopher Okoye Orame radiated with joy in his apartment in Agwa village, Ifite Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State last Sunday. The retired principal of Girls High School, Umunya and native of Ezennaga Amada village in Oraukwu, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state had been totally blind for 14 years before he miraculously regained his sight on April 27.

Before his predicament, he had functioned as the chairman of the Conference of Principals and President General of Oraukwu Town Union (OTU) for six years.

After meritoriously serving as a school principal for 10 years, he

retired in 2003 and became Chief Supervisory Principal before he was made the Director of Administration, Anambra State Education Commission, Awka.

How he became blind According to him, he was seeing very well until sometime in 1998 when he started having problems with his sight, particularly the left one. The problem took him to the United States of America (USA), where he was diagnosed with glaucoma.

As a result, the doctors removed what he said they called cataract. But in that process, the lens of the left eye was damaged and it became completely blind.

By the time he returned to Ni-

Recalling how he regained his sight, he said: “I was in a form of trance on that faithful day (Friday) when a young boy walked up to me and sought my help to teach him Biology. I obliged him.

“I lectured him on parts of trees, starting from the leaves to the branches. I remember vividly when I said that the roots are under the ground, and it happened that the dream had become real and I found myself on the bed.

“I saw the person I was teaching making his way down to my door. As he was walking out, I saw him at the door but I could not recognise him.

“When I came out in pursuit of him at the corridor, I saw gallons of water, drums, chairs and it became a surprise to me, because I had not seen those things for years.

“I immediately shouted: ‘I can now see, I can now see!’ My neighbours came out and everybody went on a shouting spree and I started calling them names and recognising the colours of their clothes.

“My landlord, Ichie Gilbert Obi Nwasike, was alerted immediately and he rushed down to the house and I recognised that he was wearing a black suit and white shirt.

“He looked into my eyes and

People read these things in news‘papers or hear them on radio, but

this is a live thing. I now believe that God works in miraculous ways.

God has been doing wonderful things in my life and family, but this one is special

,

saw his image, which was not possible before then. Since then, it has remained the same. As we are talking now, I am seeing you and the dress you are wearing.

What I have now is blurred sight, which I know can clear any time. It was miraculous.

“People read these things in newspapers or hear them on radio, but this is a live thing. I now believe that God works in miraculous ways. God has been doing wonderful things in my life and family, but this one is special.

“One significant thing God did for me years back was when I wanted to get married. Three girls were at my disposal, but God decided that I should marry my present wife, Helen.

“My marriage to my wife has brought joy and peace to my life and my entire household. There are couples who live like the cat and the mouse, but this woman has never for once disturbed my life.”

Helen was not in the house when The Nation visited, but she spoke with our correspondent on the phone.

She said: “I have never seen this kind of thing in all my life. I

have been praying to God since my husband became blind and He has done it for me.

“I was always telling God that he made the crippled to walk, the dumb to speak and the deaf to hear through His son Jesus Christ. Why should my husband’s own be different?”

She said she was overwhelmed with joy, adding that their children and the entire household had been dancing and singing praises of the awesome God. The landlord of the house, Ichie Gilbert Obi Nwasike, said God had shown the world that He is an omnipotent and omniscient God. He said a special thanksgiving service would be organised in respect of the development.

Nwasike’s wife, Lady Philomena, noted that God has done almost everything for her adding that she would continue in her prayers for Him to perform more miracles in the household.

She said: “This should serve as a lesson to our people in this country who have refused to give their lives to Christ. I have not given up hope on more miracles being performed by God in my household.”

14 COMMENTARY •I read your article on the “unhealthy revolution our pastors began.” Every member of the invisible church accepts and receives the written word of God as inviolate and immutable. The churchy and worldly Christian who tries to change and modernize God’s Word written by the saints will be brought to their ruins. “Meddle not with them that are given to change,” the Bible warns in Proverbs 24:21.

Remove not the ancient landmarks which thy fathers have set,” Proverbs 22:28. As the word of God is settled in heaven, it must be obeyed on earth by all creatures.

Paul’s command that women be silent in the churches and are not permitted to speak is from above. No angel or woman can alter it. As the end draws near, people with itching ears cannot endure sound doctrines. Obedience is the key to godliness. Women liberators spoiling for change of God’s Word will find to their own shame that God will have none of them. Alter the Word by your practice and be damned, Revelation 22:18.

Taiwo Kupolati, legal practitioner

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Reactions to Saturday Flakes

on how to escape starvation instead of showing the way to salvation Ehi

Re: An unhealthy revolution our pastors began

•I am not against your views on women almost turning themselves into men in skirts even at the expense of the perfect plan of God for creating men and women. But please try and have an understanding of certain biblical instructions and a deeper knowledge of the concept of salvation so you won’t rob yourself of the best that God has in place for you.

080552169..

•Vincent, I had thought I was the only one complaining about this practice in churches.

Feyi Onyeaju Kareem

•Vincent, I don’t mind paying N150 to read only your column and Knucklehead every Saturday. If you look inwardly to the first generation churches, whose doctrine I still believe in, I mean the Methodist, Anglican and Catholic, you will never find a woman archdeacon referred to as deaconess in the new generation churches. Like you pointed out, why can’t we ignore the verse in the Bible that says we should pay tithes if we can ignore the one on women? Well, I believe you know the answers. May God himself teach us what is right in these last days.

Saint Adams

•Thanks for your views. The point is sincerity of purpose. Tithing secures the wellbeing of pastors’ families. That is why it is being preached as the only avenue for holiness. We can never achieve holiness through it. After all, tithing is an investment item that will give divine insurance for the remaining. That is if you need the insurance. Therefore, tithing is more worldly than spiritual.

That is why most churches use tithe cards as marks of membership rather than attendance cards. So, tithes affect some of these factors directly and instantly. That is why the Bible says our heart is where our investment is.

Anizor Uzor

•Mr. Akanmode, this very problem has been agitating my mind. And as you rightly observed in your write-up, we will never get any satisfactory answer from the Christendom. Pity! Don’t be surprised that in no distant future, our money-conscious church leaders would expunge certain portions in the Bible to satisfy their egos. Just keep to your original Bible and discountenance these pseudo teachings. You are, indeed, a true Christian and may God continue to guide you. Amen.

Ilorin Banchir •You got it wrong. Corinthian culture does not allow women to confront men publicly.

The women who became Christians thought it had given them such freedom. Paul’s writing was to restore peace in the body of Christ, as the new development was tearing the church apart. I believe that Paul was re-emphasizing the place of obedience and total submission of wives to their husbands. Read 1 Corinthians 11:5.

Chris Ahanonu •Thanks, Vincent, for this truth revealed.

The truth must be the truth. The issue of speaking in tongue is another case. Must every Christian speak in tongue when it is supposed to be a gift from God (1 Corinthians 12: 7-10)? God bless your head and your hand.

Chigoziem, Umuahia •Thank you, Vincent. I read your article about an unhealthy revolution our pastors began. Vincent, you got it right. The majority of our clergymen no longer worship God. They are serving money and other material things because their focus is on how to acquire wealth at all cost. Some of them are even going around the world in private jets.

How can such people tell you the truth about God? We are in the era of refined products.

Don’t you know that these latest findings show the thesis that businessmen pastors have already refined the biblical words of God? I like your courage in saying the truth. Please, keep it up, because the truth shall set you free. May God bless you (amen).

Abiodun, Ondo •I guess you are on the same pathway with God in trying to kick against the so-called women liberation campaign. Even so, the problem isn’t with the pastors per se but with the womenfolk who now can do anything to subvert the headship position commissioned on men by God over women in all things here on earth. Of course, I don’t have any quarrel with women speaking in church or becoming pastors since, in the Pentecostal realm, those that are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God (women inclusive). The real problem is actually in today’s secular world where women are simply out to contest supremacy in all things with men all in the name of gender equality. Women are very important in any society and can play

•Our men of God are after material wealth rather than preaching salvation to their congregations. Owning a church has become a big investment for some pastors.

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State

•CAN President Oritsejafor leading roles in certain things, no doubt. But for them to now want to lord it over men in all things ennobled by other names is quite sacrilegious and unacceptable Emmanuel Egwu, Enugu

asunder. What you call unhealthy revolution is nothing other than a replication of Martin Luther’s error of solving family problem through divorce. Thanks.

Obot

•Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa said it all about the white man, religion and politics. The white men asked the black men to close their eyes for prayers, but by the time the prayer was over, the white men had collected their lands and given them Bible. Ever since, Africans have remained slaves to religion.

Hon. Ihuoma

•Like Pastor like member. You are all biblical illiterates. You and your likes are mere mixed multitudes in church. You think the church is like a political institution that you can denigrate because some pastors lack the answer to your question? Read your Bible well. The church remains an imperfect entity and you are a part of the problem. Think about it: is it all well in mosques? Yet you would not find a Muslim journalist castigating Islam or their priests in their columns. I believe you lacked something sensible to write, for you to feature such an unedifying piece. May God have mercy on you.

Gbenga, FCE Pankshin, Plateau State.

•Vincent, I can’t be overly grateful for your write-up on the unhealthy revolution our pastors began. This is one of the ills of the contemporary society against which people lack the courage to speak, with some very few exceptions like you. Pointing it out may not necessarily change the situation but, obviously, the people concerned will know that people are aware of their recklessness and, of course, it serves as an eye opener for the unwary.

Oguntuase Dayo, Akure, Ondo State •Thank God all these do not happen in the Catholic Church, which Jesus Christ himself founded. By this, you would know the lost sheep. Say it on the mountain for those who have ears to hear. What you call unhealthy revolution is the ripple of the revolt by Martin Luther. Two wrongs cannot make a right.

It was wrong to sell indulgence, but to solve family matters through divorce is criminal.

What God has joined together, let no one put

•Vincent, I got captivated by your article on the revolution begun by our pastors. It is true we have the church to thank for the change in gender equilibrium. You need to take a tour through the Bible. That is in line with God’s will.

080361560..

•Selective application of biblical injunctions by modern-day preachers worries my moral consciousness like a ravaging headache that has no cure. These days, pastors forget the portion of the Bible that says freely have you received and freely shall you give.

But they will never forget Malachi 3:8-10. It is needless to ask our pastors any question since the establishment of churches is focused

Tithing secures the wellbeing of pastors’ ‘families.

That is why it is being preached as the only avenue for holiness. We can never achieve holiness through it. After all, tithing is an investment item that will give divine insurance for the remaining

’

•Vincent, if you study the Bible the way you should, like a sincere seeker, you will realise that Paul’s letters were aimed at solving some specific problems identified in the churches to which the letters were addressed and should not be read outside the context of the entire teachings of the New Testament and the Bible as a whole. I am not aware of any other part of the Bible that supports the position regarding the participation of women in church activities. All through the Bible, including Paul’s other letters, women were very active participants. Please get a good study Bible and undertake a study of the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll be richly blessed.

080540687.

•Only God is the right judge of every motive behind pastoral work. At a PTA (ParentsTeachers’ Association) meeting, a Muslim woman politely declined to pray because of men’s presence, probably in honour of the Muslim men in attendance. For you and for me, the Bible says fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13. You must be born again.

Olusegun Ogunbunmi, Deeper Life Bible Church •I agree that pastors misinterpret the Bible.

That is why some of them share the same planet with unbelievers and hate Jesus and hsi world of suffering and persecution. The truth is that the capitalist world loves the bourgeois Jesus and not the one that died on the cross in order to make abundant life accessible to mankind.

Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna •Although I am a Muslim, I don’t subscribe to people changing the words of God. The Bible, as you cited, and the chapter in Quran called Takathur all forbid total commitment to worldly affairs. The equality being claimed by the female is cosmetic. One only hopes that preachers would adhere to what is written in the holy books and allow the fundamental human rights to ask questions without obstruction.

Lanre Oseni, Lagos •You got it wrong. The Corinthian culture does not allow women to confront men publicly. The women who became Christians thought it had given them such freedom.

Paul’s writing was to restore peace in the body of Christ, as the new development was tearing the church apart. Read 1 Corinthians 11:5.

080231720..

•At every point in time, you find people claiming to be anointed men of God. May God save us from those whose wish is to feed fat on the poor.

Adey Corsim, Oshodi, Lagos

15

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

•Mrs Onyekwelu, the mother

Down with palsy, 10-yr-old needs N8m to live normal life

•Charles

A

T AGE 10, his mates are already preparing to enter secondary school. But this is not the case with little Charles Chinonso Onyekwelu. He has deficiencies; he could not walk without support. His speech is like that those of a-year-old baby that is learning to talk, and for you to hear him, you will have to strain your ears.

Born July 12, 2002, Charles, according to his mother, “is a strong willed boy diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy which affected his limb and speech.”

His mother, Mrs Ifeoma Onyekwelu, said if extra care had been taken by the doctor who delivered her of the baby, the family today would not be in agony it has found itself.

Right now, Onyekwelu needs N8million to correct the deficiency allegedly caused Charles due to what she calls wrong blood transfusion.

“He crawls around like a tod-

‘

I remember last year when the school session started, he told me that he didn’t want to go with the wheel chair. I told him that he was big, that we can’t carry him again.

He said his classmates would laugh at him...

,

Gbenga ADERANTI dler, cannot feed and clothe himself; he cannot stand and walk because of his spastic limb,” said Mrs Onyekwelu.

Through research and consultation, the family stumbled on the centre for cerebral palsy spasticity, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Missouri, USA. “We contacted them, and having carried out all the necessary tests, scans, medi-

cal examinations and evaluations needed, Charles was accepted as a suitable candidate for the surgery,” said Mrs Onyekwelu.

The hospital requires eight million naira to carry out the operation. Though the family is happy that there is hope that Charles will walk again, sourcing N8 million for the operation is something that is causing it big headache.

The family can not raise the money all alone, therefore, they are seeking the assistance of Ni-

gerians to get this handsome boy on his feet again.

“Please, help Charles to have the operation in June by donating kindly to this appeal. Kindly send the appeal to all your friends and relatives so that we can see him become a normal 10 year old boy,” Mrs Onyekwelu pleaded.

No school was ready to admit Charles until recently, but little Charles, has the strong will to live and walk. “He was telling the person that takes care of him that very soon, he would be going out with them to buy things. He would be the first to walk to the gate. He really wants to walk,” Onyekwelu talked about Charles’ resolve.

Charles’ friends in school have also been encouraging him. “I remember last year when the school session started, he told me that he didn’t want to go with the wheel chair. I told him that he was big, that we can’t carry him again. He said his classmates would laugh at him. I said nobody would laugh at him. Thank God, his classmates are helping. It is the encourage-

ment that makes him look forward to going to school,” disclosed Charles’ mum.

Mrs Onyekwelu has strong conviction that Charles would walk again. “I believe in miracle. I believe that tomorrow, he can even stand up and walk. My prayer is that let God’s will be done in his life. I pray everyday that he should walk and he himself prays.”

The authorities at St Louis Children Hospital, USA, the hospital where the surgery will be performed on Charles, assured that he will definitely live a normal life and walk once again.

Some weeks back, Hari Kieft, 2, was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy after being born 10 weeks premature, leaving him confined to a wheel chair.

But, after friends and family raised $45,000, he was operated at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, USA and today Hari walks about like the children of his age.

A bank account has been opened in Charles’ name. Name of account: Charles Onyekwelu; account No: 3058297457. Sort code: 011154275, Bank: First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. Phone: 08033717168.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 05, 2012

16

I face no pressure policing FCT —CP Shinaba The Commissioner of Police for FCT, Adenrele Shinaba, in this encounter with TUNDE BUSARI, states, among other issues, that in spite of the challenges involved in policing the Federal Capital, he does not see those challenges being different from other assignments he has handled.

P

OLICING the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is like policing the entire country given the status of the city as the centrepiece of Nigeria. The intimidating presence of the political heavyweights, ministries, parastatals, and other principal socio-political stakeholders makes the job of the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command unenviable.

The CP would have to contend with so many interests seeking his attention on a daily basis.

Thus, he would hardly have time to take even a nap let alone enjoying a deserved rest in the comfort of his home.

To, Adenrele Shinaba, the current Commissioner of Police for the FCT, however, this odd picture only exists within the realm of imagination as he does not consider his job entirely different from what obtains in other police commands in the country.

“Despite the fact that FCT is truly the seat of

power as you observed, I can tell you sincerely that this status does not put me under any pressure. There is no pressure from any quarters, except normal distress calls which, of course, come from anybody regardless of status and which we respond to accordingly with a dispatch.

“My duty as the Commissioner of Police is to ensure 24-hour security of the city. So, making myself available to everybody is not a big deal but a necessary thing to do to be on top of the events in the city,” Shinaba said in a relaxed mood right inside his office at Garki.

The confidence which the CP generously exuded may in one breath appear more of a bravado than display of courage based on his competence. On the contrary, a dig into his profile revealed an officer whose career destiny seems to have been tied to the FCT where he had garnered a large chunk of experience to last him for the rest of his years in the service. This,

among other reasons, perhaps was what informed his choice by the police authorities when a new posting was recently announced.

Besides, the Force Headquarters is not oblivious of the inspiring performance put up by the late Deputy Inspector General of Police, John Haruna, in particular when he held sway as the Commissioner of Police of the FCT, the performance among others that ultimately earned him an astronomical leap from Commissioner of Police to the Deputy Inspector General of Police. Significantly, Haruna’s record has turned a benchmark and a pre-requisite for selecting his successors.

Consequently, in terms of a wide knowledge of FCT terrain and crime trend in the city, Shinaba breasted the tape as he was brought from the Taraba State Command to Abuja where his wealth of experience was needed to strengthen the security of the city.

“Posting is a routine thing in the force but it is true that I have served at different capacities in Abuja here, making me familiar with the FCT. I had served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) at Zone 7 which comprises FCT, Niger and Kaduna commands.

I was also Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) at this command.

“Also, I was the CP Anti-terrorist Squad at the Force Headquarters. So, you will agree with me that I am familiar with FCT and there is no way this will not come to play in the discharge of my assignment here,” he said assuredly.

Nothing could be more assuring to the operation of the CP than the role the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) plays at the FCT command. Although the committee had been in place even before Shinaba became a substantive Commissioner of Police and he was redeployed to the FCT command, his track record in his previous assignment at the command instantly earned him a goodwill which has upped the commitment of the members of the committee to the command.

The PCRC initiative is said to be in conformity with the modern way of policing aimed at forging an harmonious relationship

between the grassroots and the Police. While it is alleged that some members of the committee often cash in on the body to confer undue privilege to themselves, Shinaba strongly differs with the allegation on the premise of his not unpleasant experience with the PCRC, which he regards as a useful instrument for effective community policing.

With the mindset that security issue is allencompassing, he affirms why the relationship between the Police and the public must be cordial at all times, especially against the background that criminals do not live in space but among the public.

“That is why I always ensure that I am in close contact with them. I have them at different levels from divisions to area commands and then the state command. And I am happy for what we have achieved so far in the partnership. If you stay long here, the chairman will meet you because he is supposed to see me this morning.

“There is also a stakeholders’ forum of sorts where we all meet to discuss issues. We need a sincere feedback from the public to give us true assessment of our performance. That is how it is done, and we are better for it because they also support us with logistics,” he said.

‘Bail is free’ is a catch phrase that welcomes suspects to police divisions nationwide, thereby offering them hope of fair treatment and justice. But this hope turns to nought when suspects, having been vindicated by the investigation, are then asked to buy their bail before they breathe air of freedom.

This act has suffered a series of attack by human rights groups and Non-Governmental Organisations. Even the police higher authorities also issue a warning against it. But the warning always goes unheeded by the rank and file, safe for some uncompromising Commissioners of Police who need to wield the big stick to enforce compliance. Shinaba, in this regard, would urge the public to refrain from what he called blanket appraisal.

“I am not comfortable with this because it is an unfair evaluation. I am telling you with all sense of commitment that bail is free and I stand by it. As soon as I resumed here, I made myself accessible to the public by giving out my mobile phone number.

“Honestly, there is nothing to hide in this matter. Suspects still have their fundamental human rights under the law despite the fact that they have a matter. And as soon as they are not found culpable, they are released. That is what the IG preaches and that is what obtains here,” he said.

Minister for the FCT, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, remains a top benefactor of Shinaba since he assumed duty.

According to him, the minister is a true example of a senior public office holder who appreciates the challenges faced by the Police, and is ready to commit resources to scale the hurdle.

Even though Shinaba would decline to go into details of the minister’s largesse to his command, he is never shy to discuss the subject whenever he sees an opportunity as his way to express gratitude to someone, he says, deserves emulation.

“It is not appropriate to start giving the whole details of what the honourable minister has done so far. But we cannot but always thank him for believing in us and making a useful contribution to the command. The IG has also been supportive and a source of encouragement to succeed. You can see that the issue of road block is settled.

“No more road blocks anywhere. What we have now is our regular patrol of the highways to monitor the events. This patrol is achieving a good result as our patrol vehicles are stationed at strategic points. I am also involved in this patrol to give it more bite. This is what we have learnt from the IG,” he said.

Work without play makes Jack a dull boy is an over flogged axiom even though its rich message remains incontrovertible. Shinaba is one of the proponents of the saying as he insists that optimal performance can only be achieved in any endeavour with adequate attention to observance of leisure time.

Regardless of his schedule, he creates time to loosen up by watching football matches of his choice. Curiously, Shinaba is immune to the fever of European league which is catching everyone regrettably at the expense of Nigerian domestic league. The CP says he will never join the bandwagon and rather do all he can to contribute to the development of the game in the country.

“All stakeholders must come together and work on how to develop our league which is equally blessed with talented footballers.

They don’t know this because they hardly go to our stadia. I do go but always feel bad with the near empty stadium. My club is Eyimba.

They have won our own champions league back to back. So why can’t we support our own team? That is my sport philosophy and nothing can change that,” he said.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

1

1-3 The houses the suspect was building with part of his share •The Toyota Sienna bus

3

‘How I squandered my N15m share from sea piracy’ A

MAN believed to have amassed sudden wealth and started living in opulence has become a guest of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, after he was accused of carrying out a robbery operation on the high sea.

Narrating his involvement in sea piracy, Bayo Macaulay (30) a native of Ugboland, Eseodo Local Government Area, Ondo State, said: “I am a high sea robber. We are a five-man gang Shola, Akeem, Sehu, Nola and I. I am a professional diver, doing shipscraping under water. I was trained by Bridive Company between 2006 and 2011. I stay at No. 10 Ifesowapo Street, Ajegunle, Apapa. I have one wife and four children.

“I was arrested by a police patrol team on Easter Monday as I

Ebele BONIFACE was driving my Toyota Sienna car at Ajegunle. They suspected me and asked me to come down from my car. I demanded to know what offence I had committed and they said my colleagues were involved in sea piracy. I then told them that what I knew about it.

“On December 27 and 28, 2010, Sheu, Shola and Emola begged me to drive them to the high sea where they wanted to receive some goods. I agreed because they promised to pay me N100,000 and four kegs of fuel.

At about 6 am, we left Ajegunle with two and a half drums of fuel.

When they saw another boat coming, they waved at it with a touch and ordered me to drive near the boat and entered it with a bag they had brought from home.

They then ordered me to drive in front of the boat deep into the sea.

They pointed at a ship and said it was the ship they were looking for.

“When they opened the bag in my presence, I saw some things that looked like guns. I did not want to interfere in their discussion and the engine boat was making a lot of noise. As a driver, I did not need to direct or advise them. The next thing I saw was that they jumped into the ship, ransacked it for nearly 30 minutes and came out with a Ghana-mustgo bag. From it, they brought out money and asked me to take it.

They explained that the money was tax payers’ money. They gave me some money in 10 bundles of dollars and asked me to move.

“They later dropped me in a village and asked me to find my way. When I checked the money,

each bundle amounted to N1.5 million. The total sum I got was N15 million. I went home and slept for one week, thinking about how to invest or manage the money. While I was thinking on where to invest it, I decided to buy a Toyota Sienna valued at N2.8 million and one Izuzu jeep for N1.2 million.

“It was Sheu who brought the information that the white men had finished selling oil and would be carrying hard currency. Since 2010, I could not build a house because people’s eyes were too much on me. Some people who knew me thought I was into drug smuggling or fuel smuggling.

There was a time in 2011 I bought two plots of land for N420,000 in Ondo State and later obtained the certificate of occupancy (C of O) and fenced the land, which brought the total cost to N1.85

million. But when crisis came, I resold the land for N750,000, which was at a great loss, particularly because I wanted to avoid the Police who were looking for me seriously after the high sea operation.

“Sheu also took the Police to Festac Town (Lagos) and showed them Eniola’s house, after which Eniola and Segun called me. I had already registered an oil company called Eddy Oil and Gas with N1.8 million.

“In order not to get into contact with my colleagues so that they would not put me in trouble or expose me to the Police, I started lodging from one hotel to another, especially when I heard that policemen were looking for me seriously. But I was still going to Ajegunle from my hotel suite.

“I used to lodge in hotels for two or three days and I used to pay

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Controversy trails death of Okada rider who allegedly hung self after losing motorcycle to robbers

2

•The house where his body was found. Inset: His body

A The Izuzu jeep

between N5,000 and N8,000 per day, depending on the kind of hotel I lodged in. I started with hotels in Apapa before moving to hotels in other parts of Lagos, just to avoid being caught by the Police.”

On how Macaulay was tracked down and arrested, the officer in charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said they got information that there was a boy who had joined a sea pirate gang and started swimming in wealth whereas he used to be very poor. It was when he allegedly started buying expensive cars like Toyota Sienna and buying lands at Sango-Ota (Ogun State) that SARS started beaming their searchlight on the gang.

The tracking of the members of the gang, who operated on high seas, yielded dividends when on account of information and intelligence networking, the Police arrested Macaulay in Ajegunle a few minutes after he breezed into the area.

Macaulay was said to have more than six girlfriends, each of them on a weekly allowance of N20,000. Their role was to monitor the movement of policemen who were on his trail. Each time Macaulay felt the Police suspected he was lodging in a hotel, he

The total sum I got was N15 million.

I went home and slept for one week, thinking about how to invest or manage the money. While I was thinking on where to invest it, I decided to buy a Toyota Sienna valued at N2.8 million and one Izuzu jeep for N1.2 million

‘

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would go to the house of one of his girlfriends and pass the night there.

If his girlfriends wanted to extort money from him, they would tell him that they had gone to two or three native doctors who told them to buy some things they would use for sacrifice, including goats, yams and other items which would sum up to as much as N100,000.

The suspect was also said to have bought houses for two of his girlfriends, but when he was arrested, neither of them cared to know his whereabouts. Unfortunately for him, there were no documents to prove that he gave them the money with which they bought land and houses.

The Police said Macaulay was compounding the problem by try-

ing to deny giving anyone a part of the N15 million. Even the house he admitted that he bought, he later said he resold it.

Asked how he felt about his girlfriends who abandoned him since he was arrested in spite of the huge sums they got from him, he said any time he regained his freedom, he would retrieve all his money from them.

On how much he had left, he said his lifestyle when he was in hiding was too expensive and he could not even account for how the money got finished without any reasonable thing to show for it.

However, the Police said he had made a useful statement that would lead to the arrest of the gang’s members who were still at large.

20-year-old okada (commercial motorcycle) rider, Mr. Onuigbo Nwode, committed suicide penultimate Saturday after losing his motorcycle to robbers. Residents of No 15, Ichide Street, near Nanet Forum, Awka, Anambra State woke up on the fateful day only to behold the body of the indigene of Ezza, Ebonyi State, dangling in front of a provisions store in the neighbourhood.

Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the deceased was not resident in the neigbourhood, only his relations lived there. He was said to have arrived the neighbourhood the previous night to tell his relations about his missing motorcycle. He was said to have been inconsolable as he repeatedly told them that his life depended on the missing motorcycle.

He was said to have recalled the loss of another motorcycle he had acquired through hire purchase previously, following which he went through hell before he could persuade the motorcycle dealer to give him another one on hire purchase so that he would be remitting money for the two motorcycles simultaneously. Unfortunately, the second motorcycle was also snatched from him on April 27, 2012 and he felt that life was no longer worth living.

Our correspondent gathered that the new motorcycle was offered to Nwode for N114,000, but his passengers attacked him at gunpoint along Awka Ring Road and escaped with it.

A relation of the deceased, who would not disclose his name, said: “We did our best to console him.

When we saw how devastated he was about the stolen motorcycle, we asked him to sleep over at our place so that we could help him to conduct a search for the bike the next morning, and he agreed.

“It was one of our brothers who

Odogwu EMEKA ODOGWU, Nnewi woke up early in the morning and discovered that he was no longer in the room. We had come out to ease ourselves when we noticed something that looked like a man standing in front of the house. We flashed a torch light and discovered a dangling body. We moved closer and discovered that it was Nwode’s.”

His views were corroborated by another okada rider who said he slept in the same room with Nwode the night before the incident.

He said: “Three of us slept in the room. When we saw how he was feeling, we started consoling him.

After some time, we all fell asleep.

We never knew he planned to hang himself.

“When I eventually woke up to go and ease myself, I discovered that Nwode was no longer in the room. It was later that I saw something dangling and I called the attention of our other brother. We flashed a torch light on the object and discovered that it was the body of Nwode. We then raised the alarm and neighbours started trooping to our house.”

But his death has provoked a controversy, as his feet were on the ground when he was discovered dead. Some of the people who converged at the scene said he could not have hung himself with his legs on the ground.

The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Emeka Chukwuemeka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the body of the deceased was taken away by men of the command and deposited in an undisclosed morgue. He said investigation into the matter had commenced.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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How SEC sent me to Dominican Republic for a programme they knew I could not attend —Hembe, embattled chair, House Committee on Capital Market Hon. Herman Hembe, the House of Representatives member representing Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, Benue State, was the Chairman, House Committee on Capital Markets until series of allegations levelled against him and other members of the committee forced him to step aside from the sensational probe. He told select journalI am sure that we have discussed ists his side of the story. UJA EMMANUEL was there. Excerpts: next day, at about 3:05 in the af-

C

•Hembe

matter, during or before the probe or in the course of the probe, for N39 million. It never happened.

As far as the N5 million is concerned, where she said that I requested for N5 million by proxy, I never did or directed any proxy to ask the DG of SEC or anybody in SEC for that matter before or during the probe, to do so.

As regards the trip to the Dominican Republic, I say categorically that around the period in question, she called me personally. That was her maiden call to me and sent me an SMS requesting that she wanted to meet with me. I was probing the merger between Access Bank and Intercontinental Bank and Union Bank’s acquisition at that time.

So, they called me and requested that we should meet. In the course of that, they proposed that I should go on a journey to the Do-

minican Republic to attend a course on capital market operation in emerging economies, because I was relatively new in the Capital Market Committee as chairman and because before then, I knew little about how the market operates. I was interested in learning what happens in those businesses.

Let me say that as at the time I was appointed, I can say categorically that I had less than primary school qualification, if I can use that. But as at today, I can simply say I am on the Ph.D side as far as capital market operations are concerned. So, I set out. They gave me the ticket on a Sunday and I set out for the trip on Monday. When I got to London, I looked for my ticket to find out where next I was going to transit to and I learnt that I was going to have to spend the night. The next transit day was the

ternoon.

Remember, the programme had started on Monday. I travelled on Monday to London and the flight schedule was that I would travel the next day, Tuesday, at 3:05 to Atlanta.

On getting to Atlanta, I would have to spend the night again to travel the next day, at about 1 pm and get to the Dominican Republic at 5pm when the programme would have ended.

So, I called the principal people in SEC who had made arrangements for tickets and said, ‘You people gave me a ticket to attend a programme that you know I will not meet because I am going to fly for three days and it is a three-day programme.’ They said, ‘Go and have a good time.’ I said, no, my agenda is not to go and have a good time. I’ll try and make it to the programme as much as I can.

They said even if it is going there to take pictures, go and take pictures. You know, the ‘Nigerian factor’.

Remember that I was doing an investigation into the merger of two banks. Instead of flying at 3:05 to Atlanta and missing the flight to the Dominican Republic for that day, I decided to go on a 12:00 flight from London to Chicago, hoping that since it was 12 o’clock, I would have three hours and five minutes time back, I would be able to fly locally to Atlanta and hopefully catch a flight to Dominican Republic to arrive at least by Tuesday night, so that I would attend for one day. It was not going to be possible to attend for more than one day, no matter how I cut it. Unfortunately, delays in the flight itself and delays at the clearance point at the airport because of the Boko Haram problem we have in the country made it impossible for me to break out of the airport on time. So, I was back to the same situation.

I now called them again and said it was going to be very difficult for me to meet the programme in Dominican Republic. The guy said again to me that I should just go and take pictures. I said ‘No, I am going there to study, and if it is about taking pictures, I would not have gone. And if you people feel that it is appropriate that I make a refund based on the fact that I’m not going to make only one leg.’ They said I would not be asked to make any returns because I had made the trip. So, I stayed back until the return leg from the U.S to London on the Sunday of that day, and I went to represent the House again at another programme in Geneva because I was meant to go for this one and then represent the House at the International Telecoms Union programme in Geneva. So, I went from there to that one.

,

AN you tell us what transpired that allegations and counter allegations have arisen?

As you very well know, we started a public hearing to ascertain the issues that were behind the near collapse of the capital market. In doing that, it was strategic that we invited the agencies that were involved and all the stakeholders in the capital market.

In carrying out the probe, it was necessary to look at the various issues, including the role of the regulator, in the collapse of the capital market. We started the process and invited the relevant agencies and commenced the probe.

As it were, the process was smooth and went quite well for all three days that the probe lasted.

As most of you who watched the live proceedings of the probe are aware, on the third day of the probe, the Director General of the SEC (Security and Exchange Commission), Ms Arunma Oteh,who was under quite a lot of pressure from the questions that were being put to her and a seeming indictment of her person in her conduct as the DG of SEC by her management and staff, made a sweeping allegation against my person, that I had requested for N39 million as bribe from her. On a second note, that I had also requested for N5 million, and on a third note, that the SEC had sponsored me to a trip in the Dominican Republic for a conference and I took the business class ticket and estacode but did not attend.

What I did on the day in question was to ask that she referred those allegations against my person and against the committee to the EFCC and the ICPC, which we had invited for the public hearing.

And I said that in the face of the fact that the public hearing was as a result of the resolution of the House, it would go on. You will also take note of the fact that in the three days, or two days, because two days were dedicated to the actual question and answer session, that we had a lot of revelations. Revelations guided and backed by documents from the SEC that seemed or tended to indict the Director General and the agency for having not performed in accordance with the provisions of the laws of this country. They had failed in various instances to abide by due process and the laws of this country.

It was not surprising to me that under the kind of pressure that she was, she would want to come up with an allegation of that nature. But it would surprise me that she could fabricate issues and come forward to tell blatant lies against my person.

Are you saying that her allegations were false?

First of all, as it regards the N39 million allegation, there was never a request from my person or a directive from my person to anybody to make a request to the Director General of SEC or any other person in the SEC for that

But they are playing on it all over the world that Hon. Hembe took money to travel, he didn’t. That is what they are saying in Makurdi today; that he has defended himself about the bribe but what about the trip? What about what she has done?

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these matters with the EFCC and they are very clear with this one.

They know that as far as going there was concerned, we made an attempt to make the trip but it was impossible to attend the programme, and I didn’t just want to go to the Dominican Republic to catch fun. I was not going to make the programme. It was a useless venture. Flying over water for three and a half hours to go and take pictures because it is an Island?

What about the allegation that you demanded for N39million?

Shortly after the lady made the allegation against me, in the evening, a God-fearing staff of SEC came to my house and brought me a memorandum from SEC that I put in the media. They told me that part of their job in the commission did not include blackmail, so they couldn’t sleep well, knowing that the woman was lying against me and alleging that I asked for bribe when in essence, I didn’t. So, they gave me that document. Let me then say something to you: people’s impression of the National Assembly is low. It is unfortunate. Once an allegation is raised against National Assembly members concerning bribery, people don’t care about verifying; they jump and start shouting. It is probably because the assembly has been so short-lived in this country.

Even in military regimes, the executive and judiciary are still in existence. But it is unfair to the National Assembly. So, I was prosecuted before the time. One colleague of mine said to me: ‘That memo saved you, because you had been convicted already.’

So, the memo came out, I got it and presented it before the National Assembly and then gave it to the media. As far as the memo is concerned, it completely exonerates me with regard to the request for money. It shows clearly that it was the SEC that was making an attempt to sponsor the programme. But when it became tough for the woman, she tried to make it look as if I tried to ask for the bribe. There are things that I will not say now because we are still going to the Ethics and Privileges Committee. There, you will see the revelations. But it is clear that that document exonerates me and the House of Representatives.

But you would notice that the media has refused to clear me even with that. It made the headlines for only one day. Even at that, they tried to give SEC some justification because it’s clear that the media is not doing the right thing. I don’t want to say the reasons for which this right thing has not been done. Concerning the alleged request for N5 million, how can you come to a public forum and allege that I had requested for money by verbal means? Even assuming that it is true, will it not be their word against mine? Will I not sue and defeat them? And now she comes forward and says that a proxy came to her and said that I said she should give me N5 million. The proxy she said I

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 asked to come and see her for N5 million, up till now, she has not brought the proxy forward. But the media is not asking those questions.

So, the matter in the media was just taken to the point where it became difficult for them to keep holding on to the issue of asking for bribe. The news turned into an attempt to support and all that, and that it was when they asked for N5 million that she got suspicious. They try to change the goal post in the course of the game.

They are no longer talking about bribe while I have the live statement she made. She said it was disturbing that corruption was right here in the National Assembly, meaning that I was an epitome of the corruption she was talking about. So, she has now changed the story, trying to say that this wasn’t about bribe. But what is important to me now, which is what I’m saying to you, is that even the SEC today is not holding on to the point that we asked for bribe. They are changing it and saying that they were trying to do a contribution and it was a legal process. Do you ask for bribe and then have an agency go through the motions of passing from one table to the other? I don’t know if you saw the minutes of the lady. Her minutes said: ‘This is an excellent idea. Please write the Chairman, communicating to him about the sponsorship we intend to give.’ That’s the end of it. And then you come and say I asked for N39 million bribe?

And then people don’t look at those issues. Instead, they try around getting at me. At the end of the day, they were not talking about official issues. The media got into talking about my person.

The Central Bank Governor went to the media and said that I went to a sub-standard university. How can somebody who went to ordinary Benue State University be challenging people who went to Harvard? Is that an issue? But the state university which should have responded didn’t respond because Hon. Hembe is involved and because of the nature of our state where we allow ourselves to get messed up. They went personal against me, trying to destroy me for even daring to probe what they are doing.

I say to you categorically that the cabal in the capital market and the money involved in the capital market make mockery of the petroleum industry. This is a multibillion naira industry. Anybody who is doing any business is involved. Oil companies are everything. This (SEC) is like a clearing house; it is a house of fraud. I will give an example of what this woman is doing: It was discovered by the Central Bank and the SEC that banks were getting into trouble. So, they jointly set up a committee made up of Central Bank nominees and SEC nominees to look into these banks and determine what was going wrong.

Those people took some months to do a comprehensive job. They finished the process and submitted it to the SEC, which is directly involved in regulating banks as far as mergers and acquisitions are concerned. And SEC set up its own machinery called the APC (Administrative Panel Committee) to look into the findings of the Central Bank and come up with recommendations.

Among the things that they said they found was that on one particular day, a bank’s management just credited themselves with N8 billion. If you watched the probe, the Director, Legal Service of SEC was saying it himself. And so many other criminal things were happening in all these banks: And

21

‘I’m challenging Oteh to step aside the way I did’

they looked at all those criminal things that were happening and they came up with a resolution and were about to make the final presentation to the board and management of SEC. The woman did a memo to them, saying, ‘Stop that investigation today. Inform the people you are investigating today that you have stopped the investigation and report back to me that you have informed them before the close of work.’ We have that memo and we put it to her, and her directors came and testified that it was she. A probe that was going to indict banks, it was she who said they should stop.

What was the reason?

And among these banks, remember that Intercontinental Bank was acquired by Access Bank and two staff of Access Bank, one is heading the administrative department that oversees the process of acquisition. So, those were the things that were found out, which was the first question I asked her and she said I was unfair to her. I don’t know how many of us here have been involved in buying shares. Nullification means that your shares have come to nothing, pack your load and go. My question to her was what has Central Bank been doing to ensure that depositors are guaranteed their deposits in banks? So, if you have N5,000 in a bank, you are guaranteed that you can always pull it out. The job of SEC is to guarantee that investors who are owners of the banks are protected. No investor in this country was protected. Why did you fail in doing that? And she started telling them about the Japanese clime, the American clime, the U.K clime, avoiding the question, which is that this is Nigeria and shareholders have lost their money.

So, don’t tell me what happens in America. Why did you not protect these people who lost their money? Instead, they went on talking about how I was being personal and it became a second issue. If I was being personal, would I still go ahead and say give me N39 million? What money is it for in a committee of 30 people? To do what with N39 million? But the media refused to let Nigerians know the truth and instead allowed a single person to make a spurious allegation and up till now not bringing a single document. So, they are trying to push us away from the issues that were raised and take us into the realm of attacking the person who is probing, turning me into a victim.

Was that why you stepped aside?

I stepped aside because I knew at that point that I was angry with the woman for having defamed me for that period of time. I knew that my capacity to be a fair presiding officer in that hearing was

•Hembe

going to be compromised. So, I stepped aside. She went to Harvard and has worked in the ADB in western climes. I went to Benue State University but I have the honour to step aside. She is under serious investigation. Why hasn’t she stepped aside? Is that not what Americans do? And people in ADB, when you are alleged to have committed an offence and you are indicted by people who are supposed to be working with you, shouldn’t you honourably step aside? She is still there and she is clinging on, sending people around to lobby and to see how she can be saved instead of doing the honourable thing of making room for her to be properly investigated.

I have been to the EFCC. They kept me in an office and gave me tea and interrogated me for 20 minutes. But it was reported in the papers the next day that I was grilled for seven hours. What are you going to ask me for seven hours? It is a three-issue matter?

Did you ask for N39 million? No! What do you know about it?

Nothing! Did you ask for N5 mil-

lion? No! What do you know about it? Nothing! Did you travel abroad? Yes! And I explained in the manner I explained to you, and gave the ticket and my international passport and it ended there. And we ended up talking about Nigeria. But they came out the next day and did a report that Hon. Hembe was grilled for seven hours. Someone who was grilled for seven hours, you know that it is tough. I’m not sure it was up to 30 minutes.

So, the reality on ground is that I never asked for money. I never demanded or asked anybody to demand for money. There is nothing before the SEC or before the EFCC today that says we asked for money. Apart from the woman, there is no staff of SEC that will corroborate what she’s saying, that we asked for bribe, because they know that she’s lying. But I know that the House of Representatives that I am a member will not stop. The probe will go on. And I know that they have the same evidence that I have in doing this job. They have the same questions. So, we are look-

She went to Harvard and has worked in the ADB in ‘western climes. I went to Benue State University but I

have the honour to step aside. She is under serious investigation. Why hasn’t she stepped aside? Is that not what Americans do? And people in ADB, when you are alleged to have committed an offence and you are indicted by people who are supposed to be working with you, shouldn’t you honourably step aside?

,

ing forward to her saying that they asked her for money there again, because she has nothing that she will say beyond the fact that somebody has asked her for bribe and then try to stop the job that you are doing.

Now, let me even talk about the trip. For people who know the civil service, if you take money from the government for a trip and you don’t go on the trip, it is not an offence. What you have to do is to refund the money. If you cannot refund the money, it is deducted from your salary. No offence. But they are playing on it all over the world that Hon. Hembe took money to travel, he didn’t. That is what they are saying in Makurdi today; that he has defended himself about the bribe but what about the trip? What about what she has done? What about the things that we have said that she has done?

What is the reaction from your constituents?

People in my constituency are concerned about the fact that they have no water, no light, no roads, no schools to attend, no books to read, no clothes to wear. They are concerned about the fuel price hike. They cannot afford to take oranges to sell in Kano any more.

A bag of orange that was taken for N1,000 naira is now N2,000. They are aware of that. They are worried about the fact that they are taxing them in their farms when even without the tax they are already overburdened. That is what they are worried about. So, if you go and talk about Hon. Hembe stealing money in Abuja, probably they will think that maybe Hon. Hembe will bring some of it back and help them as he usually does; maybe it’s good for them.

Which position did you resign from? Is it the chairmanship or membership of the committee?

I’m still the Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions. I stepped aside from conducting this probe. Whenever they report that the probe is finished, I will be part of the people who will look at it.

You said you were going to take her to court, are you still going to take her to court? You also don’t have the support of the Benue State Government. Don’t you think that this is a recurring decimal, especially in the Tiv kingdom? We recall that the former Attorney General of the Federation had a similar problem.

Let me start with the first question. The National Assembly has since I joined tried as much as possible to do things that will impact positively on this country. But you know it’s a partnership. You can’t just do things at the National Assembly and get them executed.

We are in the process of passing a bill that will make our resolutions binding on government. The fact of them being not binding means that they can just look at them and oversight them. Remember that this same National Assembly by resolution declared Goodluck Jonathan Acting President.

But when we came up and asked him to slow down on the implementation of oil subsidy, he said it was a mere opinion. So, that’s the nature of government. And when you are probing somebody who is deeply involved in government, you are probing power, you are probing fuel subsidy and rest of them, after the resolution is •Continued on Page 48

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 05, 2012

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Nimota Akanbi, has led many foreign missions to Nigeria with the aim of attracting foreign investors to the country. Incidentally, the governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Ahmed, has just concluded a trade mission to the European country also in a bid to woo investors. Ambassador Akanbi explains the rationale behind such efforts, in this online interview with GBENGA ADERANTI.

Why Netherlands investors are critical to Nigeria –Ambassador Akanbi

Dr. Akanbi

I

N March this year, you led the seventh trade mission from Netherlands to Nigeria. What informed that?

It is in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

I have always been and will always be an advocate of the speedy development of our great country. It is also to foster unity and good relationship between Nigeria and the Royal Kingdom of Netherlands.

The three tiers of government have reached a consensus that for Nigeria to realise in the next eight years the vision of becoming one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020, foreign

direct investment must be attracted into the critical sectors of the economy, including roads, agriculture and power, to name a few.

Therefore, as the Nigerian Ambassador here in the Netherlands, I have to work hard so that we can meet our target as a nation. In the last four years, I have made the attraction of investment and promotion of trade between Nigeria and the Netherlands one of the central themes of my work.

Do you want to elaborate on these trade missions?

I have undertaken several trade missions to Nigeria with Dutch investors and have hosted two investment fora in

the Netherlands. In collaboration with Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we undertook a trade mission to Nigeria. I am glad to say that the mission was successful beyond our imagination.

Contacts have been established between businessmen of the two countries in the construction industry. Again, I am glad to inform you that three companies are scheduled to participate in Nigeria’s number one building construction event, that is, construction industries exhibition in June, this year.

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Ahmed has just concluded a trade mission to the Netherlands. Can you give us an insight into what informed the visit?

You are right. One of the events scheduled for the trade mission to Nigeria in March was a meeting with state governors.

Due to time constraint and other exigencies, the meetings could not hold.

Therefore, the just concluded trade mission by the Kwara S t a t e Governor provided an opportunity for him to meet with those investors who were in Nigeria in March and others who intend to go to Nigeria in due course.

His visit to the Netherlands was successful in every respect. Shortly after his arrival, there was presentation on housing by Omar Finance. The Governor also met with Simon Smith, the Director General International Affairs of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. There was another presentation by the chief executive officer of Trade for Profit.

It may interest you to know that the Kwara State Government wants investors in agriculture, energy and other critical sectors of the economy. There were many presentations on agriculture, energy and other sectors of the economy by Dutch

investors who also indicated their interest in investing in Kwara State.

For instance, there was a demonstration on solar power by Libra Energy, which the governor said could serve as a backup in critical sectors like health and food processing companies.

There was also a very important business meeting with DELTAS on water management and flood control.

I must not forget to tell you that the governor was also at NABC Africa Business Club where presentations were made and where the governor interacted with more Dutch investors.

What will the average Kwaran benefit from the governor’s visit?

A lot. As I said earlier, some of the Dutch investors have indicated their interest in investing in Kwara State. They share in the vision of the governor. The visit will attract these investors to the state, which means more jobs for the people and better standard of living. I am particularly happy because some companies have indicated their interest in agriculture, which is very dear to Governor Ahmed.

The Netherlands is well known for agriculture and water management skills. By this trade mission, Kwara State stands to gain and tap from the vast and deep experience of the Netherlands in the agricultural sector.

What should Nigerians expect from the recent visit of Dutch investors to the country?

They should expect foreign direct investment. The relationship between Netherlands and Nigeria is very strong, and I am optimistic that it will continue to wax stronger.

You were said to have donated a trophy and return tickets to Netherlands for best students in English and Mathematics in Kwara State public schools. Why did you take such a step?

Apart from my love for education, it is also important that we all key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. He is working hard to transform the education sector.

Therefore, we should all join him in that great task. The donations were my little way of encouraging students in public schools and also a way of supporting the transformation agenda of the President and the educational reforms of the Kwara State Government.

Nigeria has great potential. We should all join government in getting the best out of it.

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LOCATION

BACKSTAGE

SNAPSHOT

REEL NEWS

MUSIC

SCREEN

Edited by: VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 08077408676

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012, 2012

ss e r t c a n a i a Ghan

Lydia Forson

‘I've never chased after a guy who doesn't want me’

SEE PAGES 28 - 37

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STANDh BY! Wit

VICTOR AKANDE E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com Tel: 08077408676 (SMS only)

I

THINK

nt part of An importa s of any the succes is its civilisation late the mu ability to e t led to the a th factors ther success of o Eric .— s civilisation rt Reine

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

SNAPSHOTS

NEXIM and the US Congress bill for investment in Africa

guess the hottest gist in the entertainment circle at the moment is the disbursement of the Federal Government Intervention Fund for the Entertainment Industry by the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, and the debate and side talks on what qualifies the few beneficiaries in this scheme that is desired by perhaps every stakeholder.

I received quite a load of mails from readers; majority of which praised what they described as an insightful analysis of the fund, while others, expectedly still query why the terms of loan cannot be in favour of the distribution and exhibition of films at the level of the popular Nollywood straight to VCD business. I guess we can play down on this area, especially in view of the mandate of the bank, which is clearly spelt out in its nomenclature as an import and export financial institution. There is no need over flogging the fact that the fund was judiciously allocated with the BoI holding the edge of the domestic applications.

And if you ask me, to begin to query why America-based Nigerian filmmaker, Tony Abulu should be the first beneficiary is a market gossip and sentiment that does not mix with business. I doubt if anyone could establish that Roberts Orya, the MD of NEXIM Bank and Tony Abulu knew each other that much before the Intervention fund, let alone coming from the same village. I am also yet to hear anyone say that Tony Abulu is not a good filmmaker or that he is not a good business man that can guarantee return on investment.

All that we seem to see and have been talking about are the few African-American stars in the movie. No one is talking about the 40 Nollywood actors, including our A-list stars that further established the film as a Nigerian project that is aimed at bridging the Hollywood/Nollywood gap.

Rather than spend so much time beefing a man who has made it, I think all that is needed is for those aspiring for this fund to build an auditable business model (if there is none yet) and present a winning proposal that will be irresistible to NEXIM Bank. Wherein there is no collateral to access a fund, a bank guarantee and other forms of sureties are alternative means.

There is need for us to begin to

My concern about this fund and its custodian is to see that it is well channelled and that it brings about fruits. Thus, I see the determination of Roberts Orya to engage the US Congress by playing the lobbying role to pass a bill that may boost African entertainment investment in which Nigeria can then play the king as a notable film destination in Africa think outside the box.

That said, I like to go into another issue that bothers on the Nollywood /Hollywood collaboration. My concern about this fund and its custodian is to see that it is well channeled and that it brings about fruits. Thus, I see the determination of Roberts Orya to engage the US Congress by playing the lobbyist role to pass a bill that may boost African entertainment investment in which Nigeria can then play the king, as a notable film destination in Africa.

On a table for three, Roberts Orya, seated next to Tony Abulu, requested Hollywood star, Isaiah Washington (an AfricanAmerican with a citizenship of both the USA and Sierra Leone) to shed more light on the Bill HR 4221 tagged 'Increasing American Jobs through Greater Export to Africa Act 2012'.

The bill which is now in Congress, seeks to create opportunities for Africa, and Orya wants to know how Nigeria could play a bigger role in its actualization. To key into the opportunity, there would be need to build relevant infrastructure in the movie industry like studios and multiplexes, as a way of encouraging investments in Africa.

“Design and build your own studios. It would create jobs and build capacity. I'm saying to NEXIM Bank, build your own studio and hire experts to maintain it. As a bank, if you sound the horn that you are building a studio, it would create

an atmosphere for the Bill to be passed in Congress for the benefit of Nigeria and America. I can facilitate that you come testify in Congress about the Nigerian movie industry. You have four congressional members waiting to use whatever information they can get from Nigeria and Africa to get the Bill passed. NEXIM Bank and Tony Abulu can provide the information they need. Every politician knows that re-election time is in November in America, and job creation is key to re-election. The Bill if passed, will create jobs for Americans and Africans and Nigeria can benefit the most since it has the biggest entertainment industry in Africa,” said Washington who added on a more serious note; “the world is looking at Africa as an opportunity to build a new economy.”

I think this should be the next food for thought. Because as Washington added, Steve Icener, head of United State Chamber of Commerce is looking at an opportunity to come into this country and see how Nigeria and the US can collaborate on how to build Nollywood and other opportunities for job creation.

Orya noted that NEXIM is coming in forcefully and would key into any opportunity to create exports for Nigeria. “We would also finance exhibition platforms so that by the time the movies are done, it could be shown in the cinemas for months before they are made into DVDs for mass consumption. This is to protect the investment and guarantee return on investment because of piracy.” He acknowledged that the piracy laws in Nigeria are not so strong to check activities of criminals yet. It does not take much time to know a smart Nigerian. Orya's next comment said it all-“But Nigerians would have major stakes in the multiplexes so that foreigners don't take all the benefit.”

The discussion at the VIP lounge of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos lasted the evening, and I felt privileged to be on the next table and within the grasp of a discussion that, if not dropped like a white elephant project, may open another chapter in the new Nollywood regime. The world is waiting for information from Africa to accelerate the bill. This is the 'gospel' according to Isaiah Washington, and I think Nigeria can take a lead in this new faith.

WRITE TO US! Do you watch Nollywood movies? What do you think of the Nigerian motion picture industry? Send your review of any movie or short essay on any topic of your choice about the film industry in not more than 200 words. Send entries by e-mail to: victor_akande@yahoo.com or SMS your short comments to 08077408676

Why Jim Iyke shunned AMAA 2012 F ACTS have begun to emerge on why Jim Iyke, the anchor of last year's edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) decided to shun this year's edition of the awards. The actor was nowhere around the venue allowing his Limousine ride arranged by the organizers of AMAA to waste.

It has been revealed that the Anambra State born actor, who is usually associated with mood swings, called his friends

on Friday morning and relayed to them that he will no longer grace AMAA. When asked why, he said he cannot face the press, insisting that if there is any way he will appear inside the hall without passing through the red carpet, he will attend the event.

Jim abandoned the ceremony because of the bad publicity he garnered last year, especially his alleged N15million scam and court case with an ex-girl friend.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

RE ELNEW S Segun Arinze IPIN calls for comprehensive policy resigns as AGN president

•L-R, Cobhams Asuquo, Folarin Aluko and Calixthus Okoruwa

A

S the world marked the Intellectual Property Day on Thursday, April 26, the Intellectual Property Institute of Nigeria took time out to share insights on how harnessing the benefits of Intellectual Property could improve Nigeria's economic and cultural wellbeing.

At a press briefing held in Lagos, Nigeria, to mark the day, Folarin Aluko, Director of the Institute said that the Institute is set to address many of the challenges facing the development of intellectual property in Nigeria. Nigeria's greatest

•Segun Arinze

resources, he said, are in the vast pool of untapped intellectual assets and not in solid minerals or oil sector.

The recent boom in the Information Technology sector and the Entertainment Industry, Aluko noted, shows the potential in exploiting the economic benefits of creativity and Intellectual Property.

This year's Intellectual Property Day, according to Aluko, celebrates the contributions of visionary innovators who have shaped the development of modern society. They include Nigerian Inventors;

Mohammed Abba (inventor of the Desert Refrigerator) and Dr. Oviemo Ovadje (inventor of the Emergency Auto-Transfusion Set) whose inventions have transformed the lives of communities across the world. Others are Fela Kuti (innovator of a revolutionary style of music that has become an international genre as well as literary giants Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe.

“The need for a comprehensive IP Policy cannot be overemphasized. A National IP Policy will set out the framework for consistency and harmonization between the creation, exploitation and management of IP on the one hand, and Nigeria's Development Agenda on the other hand,”Aluko stressed.Aluko further stated that the institute seeks to consciously create a platform for the innovators of the next generation. Present at the press briefing were renowned music producer, Cobhams Asuquo and Calixthus Okoruwa, CEO, XLR8.

Nnena & Friends tour Paris

C

•L-R: Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mrs. Biola Alabi, Managing Director, M-Net Africa and Mr. Mayo Okunola, General Manager, Gotv

OME August 2012, foremost children's brand, Nnena & Friends is set to embark on a tour to Paris, as part of the brand's educational tour for children between ages 4 and 16.

Reports say that the group plans to visit several interesting sites which include Disneyland, the amazing Eiffel Tower, the Monumental Champs Elysees, the historic

Versailles Palace, the thrilling Seine River cruise and Louvre Museum.

Interested participants are expected to register with Nnena & Friends before June 30, 2012.

While speaking to reporters at the Nnena & Friends Head Office at 5, Joy Avenue Ajao Estate, Nnena reaffirmed her dedication to impact positively on the future of the African child.

She maintains that children

are avid learners hence travels assist in nurturing their passion to excellence.

Nnena & Friends brand is geared towards developing the African child through edutainment. The team has taken children to several historic sites in Ghana and Nigeria, including the slave point in Badagry," she said.

The Nnena & Friends brand has won awards through TV shows, Live Shows and Fan Club activities.

M-Net restructures Africamagic

M

-NET, the leading pay television content provider on the African continent has announced that it is developing the AfricaMagic channels further to ensure that DStv audiences on the continent get the best possible selection of African programming available under one brand.

In an unveiling held at Eko Hotels on Wednesday May 2, management of the company revealed that all M-Net productions in East, West and Central Africa will now be found on an expanded line-up of AfricaMagic channels.

Managing Director of Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe expressed delight at the unveiling of the new stations.

According to him, Multichoice will not relax in trying to expand the AfricanMagic stations thus boosting local content.

“Multichoice Nigeria has new additions to the AfricanMagic stable and we are really happy it is growing up to eight. That is a very big plus for us. We believe in home grown content.

I think the eight channels bring an opportunity to invest more into the local entertainment industry. I would

like to congratulate M-Net for another milestone,” he enthused.

In the words of the Managing Director of M-Net Africa, Biola Alabi, “Big Brother, Jacob's Cross, Tinsel, Changes, 53 Extra, Mashariki Mix and Naija Sings are just some of the shows that audiences have rated highly.

Previously shown on the M-Net channel, Alabi says that they will be increasing their range of AfricaMagic channels and moving these programs to an exciting new AfricaMagic branded channel.

Nollywood Movies Awards (NMAs) 2012 gets June date Mercy MICHAEL

A

•Alfred Soroh meeting with representatives of the Association of Movie Producers

T a Press briefing held recently at Best Western Ikeja, Lagos, a new initiative dubbed Nollywood Movies Award was unveiled. To precede the maiden edition of the Award which is aimed at celebrating both English speaking and Indigenous talents in Nollywood is a Nominees' Party set to take place on Saturday, May 5 2012 at the Oriental hotel in Lagos.

The Awards Ceremony however is billed to come up

on Saturday 2nd June 2012 at the Civic Centre, also in Lagos.

The event will be hosted by: Julius D Genius Agwu and Kate Henshaw. According to the organizers, the primary aim of the Nollywood Movies Awards (NMAs) is to honor and recognize excellence in the Industry.

NMA 2012 categories and nominees include Best Movie which has Mirror Boy, Anchor Baby, Private Storm, Memories of the Heart, Tango with Me and Kiss and Tell slugging it out.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

How I had four kids in 4 years after 7 years of a barren marriage

T

ELL us a bit about growing up?

Asu Ekiye is the Prince of the Niger Delta. I am from Bayelsa, and I have Delta roots. I am a gospel musician. I had my primary education in different parts of the country because of my father's frequent posting as a military officer. My secondary school was at the Hussey College Warri, and I studied Accountancy at the University of Science and Technology, Port-Harcourt. I did my youth service in Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri. I returned to Port-Harcourt and joined a firm of chartered accountants. It was in the firm I responded to the call to go into music. I have won several awards, travelled far and wide playing music since over a decade ago.

What's your background in music?

Actually, my background was hip pop and R&B. There was desperation to put out something of international standard and generally accepted style of music which I did. People appreciated it but it never translated into any meaningful return to my wallet. The collection enjoyed airplay, but it never made instant th hit. On the 10 year, I tasked myself to develop something international, but with local uniqueness.

I set my heart on it. So, I had the inspiration to widely explore local songs, traditional roots lyrics, folk tales songs, across ethnic backgrounds concentrated in the Niger Delta. I put them together and I have associates paving the way for me. In one year, we took further stride to go into the grassroots of the Niger Delta, exploring the diverse and rich tradition and culture of the people for a musical video. That hit made a bang and made the nation to be on high. Everyone wanted to hear Asu Ekiye. There has not been any looking back since then.

The dramatics of your brand is so unique at a time when everyone wants to be Western. How do you sustain the ability to captivate your audience in such a unique fashion?

You know the world generally is Americanized. This is even more evident in entertainment. America dictates everything. The most celebrated musicians, actors and producers are Americans. Even our mode of dressing is dictated by America.

Everyone wants to copy America. And I thought it would reward my dignity for us to institutionalize a homegrown brand that would appeal to international audience.

Thank God, we have made quite a resounding impact.

On top of that you have a new wave of dancehall music making a lot of impact. And we strive to reinvent and fine tune to meet the demands of time without shutting out our roots content which gave us a break.

I was married for seven years without a child. My wife also happens to be an accountant. In our peculiar African tradition, the long stay without a child came with a lot of challenges and antagonism

Asu Ekiye Recounting his life story to challenge any audience he faces with his unique gospel music has become part of the inspirational brand award winning artiste, Asu Ekiye. In this chat with SHOLA O'NEIL and WILSON YAFUGBORHI, the Ijaw born “Prince of the Niger Delta” spoke on a number of issues including his marital challenge and initial struggles to break into the limelight.

And then what followed? It seems you were in limbo for a while.

Why would you think I was in limbo?

When you release a song with such overwhelming impact and acceptance, you need time to take full advantage of the promotion. We were very much on ground. We released a second album and it gave us the Channel O Awards in South Africa. Twice, we got the awards. It shot us as a unique brand in the whole of Africa. And then our second and third albums took us round the world, to Europe, America and beyond. We were appreciated everywhere we went, but we did not lose sight of being committed to fashi oning out the next hit. At the moment, we have something unique. It's an 11 tracker album titled “Eniye”. In a matter of weeks, it should hit the market. It hosts some of the most entertaining fusion of music. We are red hot to blow and it will blow your mind.

You shocked your Ijaw brothers recently when you said they were less supportive of your music than other tribes. Put that in perspective.

I meant that if it were

for my Ijaws brothers alone, I would not have survived in the industry. Most of the people who patronized me are non Ijaws. It could be because of the Ijaws relatively lower numerical strength. But I know they have not supported me enough however I did not mean it in absolute terms. There are few Ijaws who have given me outstanding support over the years. Of course, none of them compares to my highly regarded former governor of Bayelsa, Alameisiegha. There are Orubebe, a young man named Wari and Goodluck Jonathan, when he was Governor; these are very powerful people who have supported me. The situation is getting better but I needed to make a statement about it.

Recounting the personal challenges you have faced in your private life have formed part of the inspirations that drives you as a brand. You want to share that here?

Yes. I was married for seven years without a child. My wife also happens to be an accountant. In our peculiar African tradition, the long stay without a child came with a lot of challenges and antagonism. We tried everything, went everywhere yet respite did not come. But we were in agreement as a family and we trusted seriously in God when every other option failed. Today, all that is history. By our faith in the unlimited favour of God, the children have come.

We are even doing family planning. They

are too much already. So, I do not forget motivating my audience with my faith in God, using the better forgotten difficulties of yesteryears as an example. As the children have come so has material provisions come. We have no reason to complain at all.

A word for the younger generation aspiring to emulate you?

When I was in Port-Harcourt, I was singled out as an outstanding inspiration to assist in motivating and discovering young talents. I did this in association with other well meaning individuals including political office holders. One other way I have also been motivating the younger ones is to discover themselves.

Particularly, in my kind of music, I co-opt them in my albums and shows which is evident in the collaborations I do with relatively unknown names who springboard from there to reckoning. But generally, anyone venturing into gospel music must give it his all, more for self satisfaction and edification of God, placing money as secondary. Gospel is not as glamorous and materially spinning as circular music. In branding yourself gospel, you have already restricted your market and patronage because not everybody identifies with your faith. But the bottom line is the genuineness and conviction in your heart that you are called to do it. Follow that spirit and be original, and the rest desires will follow.

God guarantees that.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Big Brother unveils celebrity housemates for Stargame W

ITH only hours to the start of the 2012 edition of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show, the twists are already reeling in.

Tagged Stargame, on Thursday May 3, Biggie came with his characteristic surprise, the news that seven celebrity housemates would be part of the seventh season of Africa's biggest reality TV show.

Dangling a USD 300 000 winner prize on the table and a new format that sees contestants doubling up to play, the 91 day superseries was already shaping up to be exciting entertainment

but this latest twist could take the game to an entirely different level.

Celebrities selected to partake in the Stargame include Ghana's stand up comedian, DKB, Kenya's rap icon, Prezzo, Award-winning songstress Lady May from Namibia; famed socialite, model and businesswoman Barbz from South Africa; Zambia's R&B diva, Mampi as well as soulful musician, Roki from Zimbabwe. Representing Nigeria in the contests is none other than eclectic and boldly dramatic pop music sensation, Goldie.

For now, the names and ages of the celebrities is all that Big Brother has revealed leaving viewers wondering how they

will play the game or fit into the doubles theme.

Commenting on the series, M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi is pleased with the response it is getting. “It's super to see the high level of interaction STARGAME is getting from fans, media and viewers. The guessing around who the housemates will be; people trying to work out what Biggie is planning; the rumors and the speculation; it all adds to the excitement. It's great for the show to get this type of support from the Big Brother community who really do engage with it, even before it starts on air. I want to thank them and promise that we're working hard to deliver a great series.”

Olu Maintain, others shine at Naijaplaylist

T Omobaba escapes car fire accident

HURSDAY, 26th was the day the April edition of Naijaplaylist Production's monthly Jam Session went down and the venue was Club 10 on 46, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. As is the tradition, it was a night to long remember for all in attendance.

Initially scheduled to kick off by 7pm, the show finally got underway at about 10pm to the delight of all present and as with previous editions, there was not a single dull moment.

Nigerian music acts including LKT, Chidinma, Sexy Steel, Oritse Femi, Hakym D Dream, Danny Young, Triggarman, Mitchella, and top DJs like DJ Xclusive, DJ Atte, and Hustle Kidd City

•Laylo and Olu Maintain

Wazobia FM, among other benefits.

At the end of the night, talented rapper simply known as Dave D' Damager emerged as the undisputed winner of the April edition of Naijaplaylist Jam Session to his utmost delight.

Put together by one of

M

F

AGADE Olufemi Ademola popularly known as Omobaba was saved from a fire outbreak by God around GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The incident occurred on Sunday, April 29 and we learnt that the comedian's car caught fire while he was on his way to City People show where he was billed to perform. No life was lost but his car was badly damaged.

The comedian took to Twitter after the incident. According to him, "God saved my life. My car got burnt, I'm grateful to God and thank you guys for your prayers." He tweeted.

It is also pertinent to note that another fellow comedian, AY also survived a car accident on the same day Omobaba survived the fire mishap.

Runnaz all the way from New York City, among others were on hand to give the show its usual prestigious boost and also inspire the contestants. In the house on the night as well were the judges for the month; TY Mix, Laylow and K-Solo.

DJ Baggio was on the wheels of steel to provide the instrumentals for the contestants as the all came out and gave a good account of themselves.

There was as always the incredibly talented as well as the hilariously not so good ones doing battle together for the chance to win a free recording session with the producers in the house and unlimited airplay of their songs on Cool FM and

Honours for 2face at album launch

ULTIPLE awards winning 2face Idibia was honoured by one of Nigeria's foremost telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, at the launch of his fifth album recently.

The concert cum album launch was graced by a host of friends, associates and music lovers who came to watch 2face Idibia who also doubles as the brand ambassador to the telecommunications giant.

Speaking on Airtel's partnership with 2face on the concert, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava expressed delight at the company's support for its brand ambassador and one of Africa's greatest artiste.

While drawing the link between Airtel's Club 10 Hook musical platform and the concert, Srivastava noted that the innovative offering was

Wazobia FM's finest, Afolabi Abati a.k.a Aristocratic Afoo, Naijaplaylist Jam Session is a platform designed to not just discover the next set of musical superstars in the country, but to also afford them the opportunity to express their talents before a choice audience. designed to excite, engage and reward talented Nigerian youths as well as create credible reward platform for them.

“Nigerians love music; they are trendy, social and innovative. With the launch of Club 10 Hook, we want to offer our customers excitement and enjoyment; and the unique opportunity to develop their talents and also enjoy a taste of stardom. We believe the Buckwyld 'N' Breathless concert serves our vision right, and we are proud to be associated with it,” said Srivastava.

Performing from his latest album, Away and Beyond, 2face showed why he is above his contemporaries round the African continent. He has enjoyed more accolades from the international music community than any of his contemporaries.

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Stars gather for The Valley Between

V

ETERANS and star thespians have hit location for the Season 2 of the popular soap opera, 'The Valley Between'.

Created and written by Tunji Bamishigbin, some of the thespians currently on location in Ijebu Ode and Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State include Bukky Ajayi, Taiwo Obileye, Dejumo Lewis, Lilian Amah, Liz Benson and Funmi Ajila-Ladipo.

Speaking about the soap, actress Lillian Amah says the TV series is exciting while sharing her experience on set.

"Right from the time we shot the first episodes four years ago, I liked

everything about the set.

Everything is peaceful; the crew members are very friendly and one thing that really pleased me is the wide diversity in the cast.

"We have people from all generations. We have Uncle Dejumo Lewis, Taiwo Obileye, Liz Benson and the younger ones like Seun Akindele, Titi Osinowo and of course my generationthe middle aged. It is a big mix of actors and the story is very interesting and fascinating. You will always want to know what will happen next." She said.

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MANCINI:

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Harry Iwuala

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Inside The

Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

38

HO LLYWOOD

Jessica Simpson gives birth to a baby girl

T

MBER Riley (Mercedes) fainted and collapsed on the red carpet in the midst of doing interviews with multiple media outlets before the cast's panel presentation.

Thankfully, the Glee star is fine and was simply feeling dizzy after working all day today on the show.

Soon after the event ended, Amber took to her Twitter account to assure fans she is OK. "Hey guys, I'm okay :) I got a little dizzy from all the photog flashes!" she wrote.

"You'd think I's be used to it by now, still a red carpet amateur I guess. Gonna get checked out but I feel fine.

Thank you for all the concern and well wishes."

Yvonne Nelson congratulates Majid Michel

A

HE Jessica Simpson baby watch is finally over. Simpson gave birth to a daughter named Maxwell Drew Johnson in Los Angeles on Tuesday, said publicist Lauren Auslander.

Maxwell weighed 9 lbs. 13 ounces.

Since announcing her pregnancy last Halloween over Twitter, Simpson posed nude for the cover of Elle magazine, shared her cravings like salted cantaloupe and pop tarts and joked about her excess of amniotic fluid on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Tyler Perry's d e studio damag by fire

Maxwell is the first child for 31-yearold Simpson and her 32-year-old fiance Eric Johnson, a former NFL player.

The name is a tribute to the couple's families: Maxwell is Johnson's middle name and the maiden name of his mother and Drew is Simpson's mother's maiden name.

"We are so grateful for all of the love, support and prayers we have received," Simpson said in a statement on her website. "This has been the greatest experience of our lives!!”

Amber Riley collapses on Red Carpet She then added, "I'd also like to thank the photographers for being professional and not taking photos of me on the ground. I truly truly appreciate it."

The Glee cast and producers were on hand at the TV Academy of Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood for a panel discussion held in front of Emmy voters. Fortunately, Amber was able to participate in the panel.

T

HIS isn't the sort of hot property Tyler Perry wants on his hands. A four-alarm fire ripped through the filmmaker's Atlanta studio lot, the home base for the various TV and movie projects on Perry's increasingly packed producing and directing résumé, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed Tuesday.

Of course, the most important thing is whether or not anybody was on the premises at the time.

Per Atlanta's Channel 2 Action News, firefighters had managed to extinguish the flames by 10 p.m. but continued to battle various hot spots into the night. At least one building on the 30-acre lot had partially collapsed, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue. Among the structures with the 200,000-square-foot Tyler Perry Studios are a 400-seat theater and numerous sets and sound stages.

There's no word yet on what may have caused the blaze. Perry opened the lot in October 2008. Last year, Kim Kardashian was in town for her role in The Marriage Counselor, and Perry hosted a fundraiser for President Barack Obama at the studio in March.

WARD-WINNING Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson has congratulated actor Majid Michel for winning the Best Actor award at the just-ended African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in Nigeria.

The Ghanaian screen “bad boy” beat Hollywood superstars Hakeem Kae Kazim and Chet Anekwe, Wale Ojo from Nigeria, and top actors Karado Lance, Jafta Mamabolo and Menzi Ngubane- all from South Africa to win the trophy.

He won the award for his role in Frank Rajah's directed Somewhere In Africa. Yvonne said Majid deserved the award and he had made her and Ghanaians proud.

“You soo deserve it. I'm proud of you. Love you. Ghanaians are proud of you,” she posted on social network twitter. Majid is currently enjoying his career as Africa's reigning best actor and indications are that the recognition will boost his career this year.

Yvonne Nelson also won Africa's Best Actress at the just-ended Africa Entertainment Awards held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a couple of weeks ago.

The actress got an AMAA nomination in 2010 for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the movie Heart of Men. Last year, she also picked Ghana's best actress at the City People awards.

She also won Favourite Actress award at the first edition of Ghana Movie Awards in 2010.

Currently, she is one of the few Ghanaian actresses whose names are gradually getting attention on the international scene.

Yvonne Nelson and Majid Michel

Crane over Ghollywood

Nadia Buari to test singing prowess

T

HE secret lover who warms the bed of beautiful songstress HANAIAN actress, Nadia Buari has hinted of Mildred Ashong aka Eazzy a possible move to join a number of actors and has been exposed. The female star is dating no other person actresses who are delving into the act of singing. than a brother of the hiplife Buari will then join a long list of Ghanaian actors grand papa, Reggie Rockstone like Majid Michel, Kweku Manu, Agya koo among and the lucky dude goes by others who caught the music bug in recent times the name Keita Osei, a young whether it is singing for charity or singing in TV fashion designer and model. commercials.

He is also the cousin of According to her one thing she will always say to controversial musician Barima herself is “never say never” and even though she Sidney. thinks she hasn't got a fantastic voice; she knows she Eazzy and Keita reportedly can do something when she gets into the studio. left Accra for South Africa “Interestingly there is a recording studio in my over the weekend and the two father's house and every now and then, I go there to do one or two things with my husky voice. So will be representing Ghana at eventually I might make it up, who knows,” she this year's edition of the Big stated.

Brother Africa continental Asked what she foresees in the Ghanaian Movie reality show. This year's Industry in the next 2-5years, she said, “I think we edition has been dubbed 'Big

G

would almost be rubbing shoulders with Bollywood.

Eazzy runs with lover Brother Stargame'.

The quest to know the lover of Eazzy has always been an issue in Ghana and the media has linked her to several celebrities including Dede Ayew and Sexy Tinny.

Eazzy and Keita would be flying Ghana's flag at the Big Brother Stargame. Reports also say that TV presenter PY Addo, co-host of magazine program The One Show on Viasat 1, would also be a Big Brother celebrity housemate representing Ghana.

39

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Hi everybody, The issue of love and romance never ceases to amaze me despite the fact that I sleep and wake up every single day handling relationship issues. In the midst of war, poverty, miseries, sicknesses and plenty, love always has a way of showing up and reducing pains and making one look forward to tomorrow.

Having traveled to some parts of the world from Asia to Europe to far Africa, I noticed that love is given a big place in the lives of people and the open display of love (like holding hands) is not looked at with disdain no matter how old you are. However, in Nigeria, the moment a woman becomes separated, divorced or widowed at a particular age, the society expects her to close the door to her heart and the door to love. If she's smart enough and love finds her in her forced solitude, she sometimes has to hide the fact from those around her. That's too bad and the men are expected to find love and marry till they're too old to even recognize a woman from a man.

Why is our society so cruel to women? Our older women deserve to love and be loved back so far they're doing it decently. I look forward to the time when my divorced neighbor who is in her late 50s will knock on my door with an invitation to her wedding. I look forward to the day I will visit my client who is her 60s and see her drinking from the same cup with the man of her dream. Yes, the women at these ages should be ready to be grandmothers, but it is better for them to be happy grandmothers than to play those roles because they have been robbed of their own moments of joy by the society.

Divorce does happen, deaths do occur but love lives on. Let us all embrace love no matter how old we are.

When It Comes to Romance, What's Age Got To Do With It? Does romance change as we age?

Is romance the same in your 20's as it is in your 30's, 40's, 60's, beyond?

Could we learn a little about love from people who've seen it all/ been there done that...from people who may be 'older' but who are young at heart? We turned to a leading expert on the subject, Amanda Barusch, Ph.D., Professor & Associate Dean for Research, University of Utah, College of Social Work.

She wrote Love Stories of Later Life: A Narrative Approach to Understanding Romance.

Dr. Barusch, Love Stories of Later Life: A Narrative Approach to Understanding Romance is an essay of love stories from older people from all walks of life. What brought you to compile the book?

Dr. Amanda Barusch: An infatuation. Approaching 50, I had been happily married for two decades with two fantastic children, and I was "gob-smacked" (as we say in New Zealand) by a crush! I had all the symptoms I remembered from high school - loss of sleep, appetite changes, obsessive thinking, and emotional ups and downs coupled with the feeling that this couldn't be happening to me. Being an academic I decided the best way to cope was to learn about other people's experiences. Talking to friends and neighbors, I became convinced that romance was a huge issue for people in late life.

Looking at the professional literature, I realized that it was widely neglected. So, I set out on what I thought would be a one-semester study of how older adults experienced romance. It lasted five years and resulted in the book.

According to your research, what is the most common misunderstanding about love and romance as we age?

Dr. Amanda Barusch: I think the most common misunderstanding is that romance is irrelevant to later life. For a variety of reasons, people seem to think that we can become "too old" for romance. This translates into some rather nasty responses to love in later life on behalf of people who should know better. So older people who are fortunate enough to fall in love and have crushes in their 80s and 90s sometimes face disapproval and ridicule from those around them.

Does romance change as we get older? How? Dr. Amanda Barusch: Yes, it changes - often in ways that are hard to predict . Older adults I have spoken to tell me that it gets better - deeper - more unique - more treasured. Some report that free time improves their sexual experiences.

Others report that they have no interest in sex. Some report less "baggage," others report more. So individual experiences vary tremendously, which makes me think that age is much less a factor in determining how we will experience romance than we might imagine.

One important change - that has been reported by researchers in a range of settings-- is that older adults are generally better at seeking out interactions and experiences that will make us happy. We learn to avoid "toxic" relationships and spend our time where it will do us the most good. This tends to improve our close relationships.

How important is romance as we age? Does it become less important and, if so, at any particular age?

Dr. Amanda Barusch: Again, it

depends on the individual. Some people - particularly women who are widowed - report no interest in romance. Some have speculated that they are reluctant to assume the gendered-responsibilities that sometimes come with relationships. But for others, romance is absolutely vital. Generally speaking, I think age is not a key factor in determining the importance of romance. Other things, like past experiences and physical and emotional well-being are greater determinants.

Are there various phases of romance throughout our lives? Does the definition of romance change?

Dr. Amanda Barusch: No - I looked for clear dividing lines because I thought baby boomers were different from our parents. There were minor differences, but nothing that would suggest phases. I asked people whether their definition of romance or love had changed with time. Most said, No "Love is love."

Is there a difference between romance at 20, 30, 60 and beyond?

Dr. Amanda Barusch: Wow First, I think people exaggerate the differences age makes. Sure, bodies change, but people cope with these changes. Lots of older adults figure out ways to enjoy physical intimacy despite disability or agerelated changes. I always try to remind people that age does NOT confer immunity to sexually transmitted diseases. I think the biggest difference relates to the amount of life that a person has left. So the stakes are a bit different. At 20 you're looking at 60 - 80 more years of life. So people tend to look at relationships with more of a future orientation, if that makes sense. At 70, the years ahead are less - what's at stake is different - the present matters more. I think this might be why some people only realize at 50 (or so) that the relationship doesn't work. What might work just fine as an investment in the future may not work so well when the present is what really matters.

Hearts With Adeola Agoro

E-mail: libranadeola@yahoo.co.uk

He's a Muslim, I'm a Christian, tell me what to do

G

ood day mam. My name is Tina and I live in Abuja. I have seen the advice you give to ladies and please, I want you to help me out too. There's a guy that wants me in friendship; he's a Muslim and I'm a Christian.

Please tell me what to do.

Dear Tina, in matters of the heart, religious difference hardly makes much difference when emotions are still running hot and the heart is beating fast. But the moment people settle down and reality begins to set in, they begin to question things and most of the time, a lot of time has been wasted. So, I'm happy you're reasonable enough to ask questions before putting your legs in.

Dating somebody with a totally different religion has no hard and fast rules. Many things may de-

My uncle wants to eject me from my house because of a girl

M

a, there is this girl I have feelings for, but my uncle who is our caretaker says he will give me a quit notice if I don't leave her. But it is only me she talks to in the house. What do I do?

This your matter is not funny o and I think this is not all. I tried to call you to get the full gist but unfortunately your phone was off. There are questions I'd have

Males for love •Benson Emiator from Edo State, 30, 6ft tall based in Lagos, working with Cardinal Security, ND holder needs a wife.

•ID, 33 from Ekiti, M.Engineering student needs a pretty Yoruba girl who is dark in complexion, holder of minimum BSc and not more than 30 years old and ready to assist him financially and assist him to greater height as a wife.

•Segun, 32, hard of hearing and a businessman needs a good and beautiful Yoruba lady who is blessed with big chest and back.

•Bola, 38, Yoruba, employed and fair complexioned needs a slim Yoruba lady between 32 and 35, a Christian, chocolate complexioned and employed for marriage. 08094049838.

•Dawood, 29 years, needs a matured Muslim lady btw 25 and 28 years.

•Daniel, 29yrs, a graduate and working class, cute, caring and a Christian needs a decent girl btw 23 and 28 who must be decent, godly and pretty and must be living around Ijebu Ode or Shagamu.

•Friday, 33, a merchant wants a wife.

•Eng. Ikenna, 42 years old, single, 6.3 fett tall, fair in complexion, from Anambra, electrical engineer based in Lagos is looking for a woman btw 33 and 40 for a relationship that can lead to marriage.

•Mike, 35, 6 ft tall, chocolate complexioned and from Ondo needs a working class Christian from any tribe aged btw 25 and 35 for marriage.

Help Line Aunty please help! I was admitted into a federal polytechnic and thing just changed financially.

My school fees is N22, 150 (twenty thousand, one hundred and fifty naira). Should I quit or would you help tell the world to help me?

•The Glorious General Children of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu District, Olowoporoku, Mafoluku-Oshodi, Lagos during their anniversary

pend on where both of you are from, the importance of religion in your lifestyle and the views of your parents.

In your own case, you haven't even started a relationship yet.

You're still at the friendship stage but I can see you're looking ahead.

Get to know him first and seek out his views on if they marry Christians in their family. Do they also marry Muslims in your own family? If you both feel comfortable enough with each other's religions, then go ahead. However, religion is not the only things we should look out for when starting a relationship. There are other factors like compatibility, sincerity of purpose and a nice character. The man must also be fully engaged in a vocation, a school or a job. There is no room for losers, slackers and never-do-wells in a relationship.

P.S: Please let us all come together to help this young man and others like him. Personally, I have put so much into the education and vocational training of a lot of youths. Pleae join hands to help me. If you have any contribution, please indicate on whose behalf you want to send it and pay into the GTB account of Media Illuminata, 238/237879110. God bless you all.

wanted to ask you but as it is, let's just deal with what we have.

Is Uncle Caretaker also interested in your girl? If he is, then you have a big problem in your hands. Even if you resist eviction and try to seek redress in a law court, it may take time by which time they would have thrown your things out. So, if you really want this girl for keeps, you have to look for an alternative accommodation and save your uncle the anguish of watching you play love under his nose with a girl he might be interested in.

On the other hand, Uncle Caretaker might just be a no-nonsense person who may know that your intentions may not be too noble towards the girl. Maybe through your antecedents, he already knows that you will touch and go and hurt the poor girl, so he's warning you to steer clear of her.

So it's up to you to prove yourself in this game of love/quit notice. If you love her and you're thinking of having a real relationship, let her know and call your uncle for a chat after that.

Let him know your intentions and try to figure out why he's coming hard on you over this girl. All in all, be reasonable in all you do. He's your uncle and it won't do to let a girl spoil that relationship.

Females for love •Toyin needs a Yoruba man who is btw 36 and 38. He must be God-fearing and a civil servant or self-employed. Call: •Elizabeth needs a man from ages 30 and 45.

•A single mother of one needs a mature and caring man for marriage.

•Favour, 35, fair, 5.6 tall, a based in Lagos and a businessman need a woman within ages 30 and 34 for marriage.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

IT HAPPENED TO ME

W

From The Court

HEN we got back to Lagos, things were no longer the same between Nina and I. That relaxed working relationship was gone, replaced by a tension so thick, I thought other staff members could feel it. But nobody seemed to notice and things went on as usual in the office.

Her attitude had changed.

She became very critical of my work and nothing I did was right anymore. At meetings with others in my unit, she would knock down any ideas I had for improving our section. She complained my team and I were lazy, that we were not working hard enough. I knew that could not be true considering our sales figures which kept growing by the day.

But when I pointed that out to her, she shut me up.

“What is there to brag about such figures?” she shouted at me. “Do you know our closest rivals sell more than twice that amount and if we are not careful will soon take over the market? You better sit up and face your job squarely if you want to continue working here!”

Later, Dan, my assistant came to me to enquire if I had offended Nina.

“I don’t understand her attitude these days,” he said shaking his head. “She used to be full of praises for you and was always commending you on your work. In fact, I was even beginning to get jealous of you, of the way she was always praising you. Now this.

Na wa for Madam o!”

I had not told him or any one for that matter about the incident at the hotel room in Abuja so he didn’t really know what was responsible for Nina’s changed attitude towards me.

I however, took everything she was doing in good faith and just got on with my work.

I reasoned that with time, she would forget about the whole matter and we would be back to the way we were. How wrong and naive I was!

The proposal About a month later, things came to a head between Nina and I. It was after our weekly meeting where she had been as combative as ever. At the end of the meeting, we were all filing out of the room when she told me to stay behind.

I sat down again, placed the file and the pen I was holding on the desk and waited. She stood at the window of her office which overlooked the inner courtyard of the office complex, not speaking for some minutes. I looked at her warily, wondering what she was up to this time.

Then she turned and faced me.

“You know, you are one of the few guys I’ve met who have ever turned me down,” she stated, adding: “Usually I get what I want whether it’s a man, money or anything. You can say my parents spoilt me and never denied me anything right from my childhood. So, your turning me down in Abuja was a new experience for me and it made

A business woman, Mrs. Hassana Muhammed, is seeking for a dissolution of her marriage to an Abuja based business man, Mr. Bala Muhammed, whom she accused of maltreating her.

When the matter came up for hearing at

How can I betray my best friend who has been so good to me? (2) me really angry.

“It has also made me have a new respect for you. It shows you are not someone who can be pushed around and I like that. I like a man with guts, with strength of character which you seem to have. I can’t stand weak men.

All this has made me love you and want you more,” she said, pausing briefly.

Then she continued: “I’m a very forgiving person so I’m giving you a second chance. I want you as my lover and I’m ready to do anything to get you. Meet me at my guest house this weekend and you won’t regret it. I often go there to relax especially when I need a break from my husband.”

She paused again, then sat down and went on.

“There’s something you need to know about my marriage.

“It was an arranged marriage. My father and Willie’s old man were childhood friends and to cement the bond between them, they decided, without consulting us, that we should marry. If I had refused to marry him, my father would have disinherited me. I don’t love Willie; I just tolerate him. Besides, he doesn’t even satisfy me in bed. As a passionate woman, I need a strong man who can give me fulfilment. You look like the kind of man who can do that.

“If you accept this proposal, I will reward you handsomely. I can make you very rich, you know. Or don’t you want to be rich? You want to remain a worker for life? I have the power to make or break you. I will talk to my father and he will make you a director as well as shareholder in this company and

the others that belong to him.

I know you are ambitious so be wise, Ken and make the right choice. You should know the implication of failing to do what I want. You could lose your job you know, among other things... “ I listened quietly, not saying anything until she finished speaking. Then I said: “I need some time to think about this, Nina. Give me a few days and I will let you know my decision.”

She seemed satisfied with that. She came over to me and embraced me, the strong designer perfume she had on filling my nostrils with its musky scent.

Later that night at home, as I lay in bed, the words that kept going round and round in my head was her threat concerning my job. I loved my job and enjoyed the perks that came with it. I did not want to lose it especially not now with the situation in the country at the moment with so many graduates roaming the streets frustrated, with no hope.

Getting another one like this would not be easy and I had a lot of responsibilities.

My father was dead and I had to help my mother in training my younger siblings. If I lost my job, how would I be able to meet their needs?

On the other hand, how can I have an affair with my boss, who happens to be my best friend’s wife, the same friend who was responsible for getting me such a plum job in the first place? Will I ever be able to look him in the face again after doing such a terrible thing to him?

I turned on the bed, sighing wearingly. I was in a difficult position and the more I

thought about it, the more confused I got.

“God, please help me,” I prayed silently, turning off the light so I could get some sleep.

The rendezvous That weekend, I kept the appointment with Nina. I had no choice as it was either that or I would end up joining the ever-increasing number of the jobless in the country. Her guesthouse was an apartment in a block of flats somewhere on the outskirts of the city. It was on a quiet street and in a discreet location.

Nina was waiting for me when I arrived.

“Welcome, honey,” she greeted, giving me a peck on the cheek as if I was her husband returning home from a hard day’s work.

She looked so excited to see me that she was all over me, hugging and kissing me. She later went into the kitchen and returned with a tray of cold drinks including a bottle of choice champagne.

“What are we celebrating?”

I asked, amused as I accepted a glass of the bubbly drink from her.

“The beginning of a sweet relationship,” she replied, smiling. She came over and sat on my lap and kissed me again.

“You don’t know how happy I am to see you here today, darling. I feel like I’ve won a million dollars!”

She put on some cool music and dragged me up to dance.

“So, what made you change your mind?” she queried as we danced to the slow blues.

I shrugged.

“You were right. I’m very ambitious and I will be foolish to let a golden opportunity like this pass me by,” I replied.

“Is that all?” she asked look-

ing up at me, a little frown creasing her smooth brow.

“Don’t you like me? Is it just my money you want?”

“Of course, I like you. I won’t be here with you, dancing and holding you like this if I didn’t,” I assured her.

She took my hand and said: “Come into the bedroom then, my love and show me how much you like me.”

I lay on the bed and watched as she quickly undressed. Later, she came over to unbutton my shirt, running her hands over my chest and kissing it. As she was unbuckling the belt on my jeans trousers, the bedroom door burst open.

We both looked up to see Willie standing there. Nina jumped up from the bed, a shocked look on her face.

“Willie! What are you doing here?” She snatched a wrapper from a chair and quickly covered her nakedness.

“I should be the one asking that question,” he said as he came into the room, shutting the door after him.

“What are you doing here in this strange house, in bed with my best friend?”

“We...we were having em..having a business... discussion,” she rambled on, clearly flustered. She looked at me then, a scared look on her face, seeking support from me.

“It’s true. Ask Ken. Is it not true, Ken? Were we not discussing plans for...”

“Shut up woman!” Willie shouted. “You are still giving excuses after I’ve caught you red-handed. Look at you. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Forcing yourself on my friend like a bitch in heat,” he said, a look of disgust, anger and pain on his face.

“That’s a lie. I did not!”

“I feel sorry for you. For your

Housewife seeks dissolution of marriage Toyin AGBEBI

the Ikeja Grade ‘A’ Customary Court presided over by Alhaji L.A.Ipaye, she said: “He doesn’t really cater to my needs let alone pay my rent or school fees.

‘’To make matters worse, he harasses me all over the place, especially in Abuja where he lives. I don’t love him anymore; hence, I want a dissolution of our marriage’’.

The petitioner, who is an

undergraduate of the Lagos State University (LASU) also told the court how she recently discovered that her husband had two other wives prior to their marriage in 2010. ‘’I recently discovered

that he already had two wives and children before our marriage in 2010.’’

The respondent was not present in court when the matter came up for hearing.

The court has adjourned the matter.

40 information, Ken came to me and told me everything; what happened in Abuja, how you’ve been harassing and threatening him if he refused your advances. He even has a recording of the conversation where you invited him to this place. I was the one who told him to go ahead and meet you here, because I wanted to see with my own eyes the kind of woman I married, the type who jumps from one man to another, who has no respect for the marriage vows we took before God and man.”

He told her he could no longer stay with a woman who could sleep with his friends behind his back and advised her to come home and pack her things and get out of his life forever.

Turning to me, he said: “Ken, let’s get out of here. I can’t bear to be in the same room with this whore,” he said.

The following week, I resigned from the company and together with Willie, set up a business of our own. Some of our friends who heard the real story behind Willie and Nina’s break-up have blamed me for it. Some believe I should have handled the issue more discreetly even agreeing to Nina’s demands, without involving Willie. But I have no regrets about what I did. Willie’s friendship means more to me than any job and a true friend should never have an affair with the other’s wife. Or what do you think?

Send comments/advice to 08023201831 or psaduwa@yahoo.com.

Re: When love is not enough (2) •Thank God for this early discovery. Do away with that guy though diplomatically since you still love him, while looking for a credible guy for your life. Remember this is a life-time business and a good name they say is better than riches. As you rightly said, there maybe more serious things hidden from you, so be wise- Inno, Uyo (08080909709) •My advice to you is to end the relationship because marriage is like war-it’s easy to start but very difficult to end. Don’t pity in marriage, if not, you will end up in the pit-Pastor Imma (08067552973) •It is risky enough to use the internet but neglecting to dig more info from other sources was unwise. You love him and he loves you; it’s worth the risk of giving him a second chance if you are sure that he has changed. Remember slow and steady wins the race, be patient with him and wait for God’s intervention.

(07086942157) •I think she should listen to her mother and give Deni another chance. What would she have done if she learnt about his past after they might have married? To be frank, most of us have one past secret or the other that are difficult to disclose, Seye, Akure (08033894418) •Young girl, I advise you go ahead with your marriage plans with the dude since all the stuff you confirmed were his past.

The period of his imprisonment must have reformed him, hence his confession to his bad past.

Believe me girl, love conquers all. Go ahead and marry him and you won’t be sorry you did.

Adeyemi Agboola, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos (0803379633)

&

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‘The civil war has left a permanent scar on me since childhood’ SEE PAGES 44,45

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THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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CLAM pastor’s wife hits golden age

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Lonely world of Takee Ibori Zainab trudges on without Waziri

Turai Yar'adua returns to work

Two-in-one celebration for Oba Ademola Elegushi

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 05, 2012

‘Why you can’t catch me wearing a tie’ Mr. Mike Anazodo, CEO Maldini Marbles & Granite Company, is a pharmacist who, for a while, was in-charge of the pharmacy at the General Hospital, Kontagora, Niger State, before he established his own pharmaceutical firm. Today, he is no more practising pharmacy, he is now into marbles. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, he explains how he has been able to sustain the family business, reasons for abandoning pharmacy, his experience during the civil war and why Nigeria should not risk breaking up. Excerpts:

W

HAT was your growing up like?

Like I said, I came from a modest background. And so I had very good education; my parents believed so much in it. We were well provided for. There was good family, there was good upbringing. We didn’t lack much, we had a secure environment and so I would say childhood was a good experience. It was during the civil war.

Tell me your experience during the war?

I was quite young. I would say I became conscious of my environment when I was seven years; between 1967 and 70, I was young enough to know what was happening if nothing else. I knew that food was very scarce. The things ordinarily you used to take for granted as a child growing up were not just available. We saw the soldiers, we experienced the bunkers when airplanes were flying overhead and for a child, it was actually a very traumatic time. The things you needed to do just to put food on your table were enormous.

We saw children with kwashiorkor; these are experiences you will stay with in your life time. These are the experiences that have also driven you as an adult, especially now that we have a generation who never saw the war and so they begin to take a lot of things for granted. At a light provocation, they want to go to war as if war is like what they see in films. They think strife is a joke. We experienced some things children were not supposed to be exposed to.

What are those things you are not likely to forget in a hurry about the war?

I think for me, that time, I saw bodies for the first time during the war. We had to walk to school, about two to three kilometres walk and on that faithful morning, my elder brother and I, on our way to school, just beside a path, we saw young girl, that girl should be from what I know now should be between 18 and 20, obviously she had been strangled. I don’t know what happened, nobody knew what happened. In a war situation where law and order had broken down, we didn’t know what happened, that left a mark on me so much so that I don’t like to see dead bodies. I go out of my way not to see dead bodies. I know how many funerals I have attended.

That is one traumatic experience. Then of course another time we were going to school and because of the hunger, a young boy had just stolen something, something I know the value to day would not be more than 10 kobo.

He was caught and he was mobbed.

Unfortunately again we were going to school, that guy ended his life to mob action.

What would you tell those who are calling for revolution and disintegration, especially those of them who are young?

I always tell everybody that you don’t know what you have until you lose it.

Countries all over the world are coming together to form economic blocks so that they can have a larger population. We are lucky to have the population, a population of about 120 million customers and for me, I have always felt that we should have our boundary somewhere in Ghana. The more country that can join us to make the population bigger, the better for us.

Breaking up does not solve the problem; if we break up the country, we will still have problems with states and by the time you get to states, you will be talking about senatorial

•Anazodo

zones. If you break down the senatorial zones, you will be talking about local government areas. If you break down to the family level, even among the children from the same parents, there will be differences, and so if we begin to look for differences we will always see. The problem we have as a country is that we have not been able to get visionary leaders who should look beyond the mundane, who should look at things that bind us together as human beings first. Our needs as individuals, as human beings, are basically different and so I don’t subscribe to disintegration. We should be thinking about how to make the country work.

When I was coming here, I thought I was

‘

In a war situation where law and order had broken down, we didn’t know what happened, that left a mark on me so much so that I don’t like to see dead bodies. I go out of my way not to see dead bodies. I know how many funerals I have attended...

going to see a CEO suited up; but today, is Tuesday, you are in African print with a pair of sandals to match it. Why did you dress this way?

Well, I don’t see the difference between Tuesday and any other day. You see, I have always believed that the simpler you live your life the better. Any way, the measure of

’

a man is not dependent on what he puts on, it is dependent on what he has inside him. As for me, as long as you dress neatly, you are okay. I believe in African prints; they are much more suited for our environment. I have no business wearing a tie in a hot environment because I know no European will wear an ankara. We just need to begin to

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 05, 2012 get our priorities right. Unfortunately, we are not doing that. I just wear something that makes me comfortable; comfort first.

You said you are from a polygamous family, what is your attitude to polygamy?

My father had four wives, we are 18 children 12 ladies, six men. Polygamy is obviously not an ideal. I believe that every man should have one wife; but again, polygamy as an institution was for a reason.

For our forefathers, it was an agrarian economy, they needed as many hands as they could have on the farm; that was why polygamy was in existence in the old African setting. This is 21st century, our economy is not agrarian. I think we should begin to move with the time, ideally, it is one man one wife.

African men have the tendency to be polygamous, but now religion and education have suppressed this. Yet they still practise overt polygamy, how do you cope?

I believe that the assertion that an African man is polygamous in nature is fallacious.

Both men and women have the propensity to have a taste of something different, it is not peculiar to men. It is not peculiar to women and as such, I feel it is only fair that two in a relationship should be faithful to one another. I don’t know why we believe that if a man can have mistresses outside, it is okay and a woman is not supposed to do that. It doesn’t make sense. How would you feel if your wife or your girlfriend is moving around with another man? That is what it is.

It is not different in any other way. The way she will feel is the way you will feel. If men see it from that perspective, it may begin to help us control our emotion.

What are your challenges in life?

I’ve been lucky with the little I have been able to achieve. I thank God for that. Yes, there are other things I want to achieve in terms of my business and I know with time and the grace of God, I think I will be able to actualise it. But if you’re asking me my biggest regret in life, I think it is the state of Nigeria. We have a country that has so many resources, unfortunately because of our fault, individually and collectively, we have been unable to present to the world a country everybody, every one of us would be proud of and people all over the world respect.

I travel a lot and so I understand what it means to be a black man; if only people begin to see this thing as an issue . It goes beyond Nigeria, it is the problem of the blackman.

We happen to be the country that 250 million black people look up to. which means two out of every five blacks in the world are Nigerians and so, we have the human resources, we have the natural resources; we even have enough educated and knowledgeable people.

You were doing well in pharmacy, why did you jettison this for marble business?

Because the marble industry is what I know and it is something I got initiated to over 30 something years ago through my father, I can say that it is a family business.

Initially, it was terrazzo, then came rug revolution, today, it is marble. What if tomorrow, the taste of Nigerians moves away from marbles, what is going to happen to all that you have invested in this business?

That is a fair question; I agree with you that the only constant thing in life is change.

We’re in the marble era, unfortunately or is it fortunately? I don’t think marble is going to fade because up till now, it is still the best material you can use.

Man has used marbles for thousands of years now, right from the time of Roman empire up till the past 2000 years and I want to believe that if man had found something better, he would have come up with it and for that reason, I don’t see it as something that will fade. Other things have come and gone, but marble has been able to retain its appeal, the strength, the beauty and durability. I think it is still the second to none in the house finishing products.

You said it is a family business, are your siblings in the marble business too?

I come from a polygamous family. My father entered the building industry about 1956. He ensured that we all went to school and every day, you must go to the office with him. During the holiday, it was taken for granted that there was no travelling, just come to the office and so, it was something we grew into, so much so that after the university, even though I studied pharmacy, I still felt that I was more in tune with the trading business than my profession. We’re the family of six boys and as at the last count, five of us are still in the marble business.

Would you allow your children to go into the marble business?

It depends on what they want. Nobody forced me, my father did not force me. To be frank, after my youth service in 1985 at the Mamman Kotangora General Hospital,

•Anazodo

‘

I believe in African prints; they are much more suited for our environment. I have no business wearing a tie in a hot environment because I know no European will wear an ankara. We just need to begin to get our priorities right. Unfortunately, we are not doing that. I just wear something that makes me comfortable...

Niger State, I tried to practise my profession; I did that from 1985 up to 1989, which means I practised for about four years. In those four years I practised, I was importing drugs and by all accounts, among my contemporaries, they thought I was ‘successful’ but the truth of the fact is that I wasn’t happy doing that.

That wasn’t what I felt was my calling. I had gotten so used to marble business that in October 1989, after the Maitasine riot, I just decided to go back into it, back into the family business, here I’m.

If you look at Nigeria, family businesses don’t always last the second generation, yet yours is growing with the tendency that it will outlive you. What is the secret?

The things parents need to do is to get the kids educated. Education is paramount.

Education opens your eyes. Education opens your mind. Education opens doors, aside from that it has to do a lot with character. When you happen to come from a modest background, it is easy to be carried away; you will think that the money will always be there, that daddy will always be there to pay the bill; unfortunately, that is not the case. As a matter of fact, I think parents should begin to build character in their wards, the character of hard work when they are young.

’

I remember in those days, my father would always tell us that hard work has never killed anybodyand so the virtue of hard work, integrity in business, honesty and of course the passion for the business, these are the virtues parents should inculcate in their children. Let me give you an example, among our contemporaries, by the time a child finished Class Five, their parents bought them cars, going abroad was taken for granted and they had had access to their parent’s money.

The reverse was unfortunately the case for us. We thought our father hated us, whatever we got from him, you had to earn it. Apart from your food, and your clothes, every other thing from him, you had to earn it, work for it. I think that set the stage for us, it became easy for us when we were of age to become independent.

One thing about marble business is that the competition is very stiff. You have the cheap and not so cheap and the expensive; people find it difficult to differentiate this. How does this affect your business?

Let me quickly make this correction, most of the time people talk about marble, but natural stone actually comes in two principal forms, marbles and granites. About 80 per cent of what we call marble are actually granites, actually it should be a granite

business. Having said that, these are natural stones, these are natural products. Most of the hills and mountains we see all over the world are stones and if you open them up, they are either granite, marble or other rock forms. And so what is actually important is the age. But if you are considering the age of the rock in Nigeria and wherever in the world and you polish them with the same machine, using the same process, you are going to have a finish that is equal. And so the difference between China and Italy and wherever is that it is we Nigerians that go there and tell them to stop at a stage and so a rock that is well polished in China and a rock that is well polished in Italy, the difference in price plus or minus equals to labour cost. And so it is not so much the origin of the rock, but the quality of the polish on it.

As to how to differentiate, unfortunately, there is no way; of course most people who build houses don’t really have an exposure to this product. There is no way they would know. Unfortunately, they have to depend on the reputation and integrity of the seller at least in our environment. And it behooves you to go to a place you can vouch for the integrity of the company in question.

How you do you compete with the cheap marbles considering the fact that Nigerians love cheap things?

One thing I know about business is that you need to create a niche for yourself. In a population of about 115 million people, not everybody can obviously afford marble and not everybody that can afford marbles will want to pay for the first choice marble and I can also say in a way, that those who want to sell marble with quality as their first choice are also offering services for a class of people. For us as a company, we’ve made our minds to cater for those who have the bias for quality and so those group are always there, we don’t compete with those who want to buy just anything. By the grace of God we’re not complaining.

Is there any hope of producing marble in Nigeria?

That is a very nice question. It is really sad that when people come to my office and they ask is everything imported? My answer is always ‘yes everything is imported, but how I wish I have some stocks that are really Nigerian. I say that because we happen to be in a country that is blessed with abundant mineral resources. The whole country, from the east to the west up to the north as far as Katsina sitting on a wide range of marble and granite proportion and the solid mineral in this country can easily offer employment to five million Nigerians. We have enough marble and granite in our country that is able to contribute a sizeable quota of our GDP. Sadly, that is not the case, we’re all importing.

Why? We’ve always had governments that are one directional in their outlook of the Nigerian economy, everything is about oil.

Everything other thing has been neglected.

But with the enabling environment, infrastructure, talk about energy, road, water, I think we have enough people who are willing and able to invest with minimal help from the bank. The amount of money we spend on granite and marble in Nigeria in a year is huge. Each time I think about it, it brings horror inside me.

What is it like doing business in Nigeria Lagos?

I must commend the Lagos State government, they are doing well, they are doing their best to provide infrastructure.

You can’t do business without good infrastructure. You can’t do business without an enabling environment; they are doing their best to create these. However, they are also not helping investment because of over taxation. The number of people who claim to be from Lagos State government, the number of agencies available, I think there is a need for the government to streamline those agencies or whatever they are. They are too many even in one agency, there are different units. After paying your dues, you still see this people coming around to harass and intimidate you. Really it is a sad situation.

Has your science background in any way helped in the growth of your business?

I wouldn’t want to say that science hasn’t impacted on the business or assist in running the business, a scientist basically is one who looks at figures. You must be very good with Mathematics, you must be very good in how to analyse situation and do accurate deduction. I would say yes, it has been very useful. Having been able to forecast your market, what will be in vogue in the next five years and the industry as a whole. I would say yes, it has had a bit; I wouldn’t say that has been the only criterium.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Kato Couture and TruStar launched

A

T Oriental Hotel, Lekki Expressway, Lagos last Saturday night, it was a gathering of who-is-who in the Nigerian fashion and movie industry as the hotel threw its doors open for the official launch of Abuja-based Keto Couture and TruStar at the centre of excellence.

The whole hall was filled to the brim. Popular models,actresses, musicians, stand-up comedians and media gurus were all around.

It was a night of glamour filled with fun. The event was hosted by the founder of Nigeria’s Super Model, Mrs. Joan Okorodudu.

Models from Isis Models led by the duo of ex-Mr. Nigeria,Bryan Okwara, and former Model of the World,Bunmi Ademokoya, proved their worth on the runway to add colour to the event. Spectacular designs were on display.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Tuck it in!

Omowumi OGUNTUASE

T

UCKING in that blouse, shirt or top would look good on you.

You just need the right size of outfit and right design on it to determine whether it would go with your body size or not. Many big-bodied ladies tend to run away from tucking in their clothes because they feel their whole shapes would be made very obvious, but you should bear in mind that if you desire it, tucking in makes your waist less visible and there are various types of tummy girdles that can flatten your middle and give you that look you crave.

Tucking in can either give you the serious look or casual chic look.

Even as some people think the idea of tucking in makes one look older, it is totally not true. Your combination determines how cool you will look.

You always come out looking confident, composed and attractive when your clothes are tucked in. Try it and feel the change.

Tips Tuck in your polo shirt into a carrot trouser or fitted jean and pair with a waist belt. You can put on either plimsolls or high heeled shoes, either platforms or wedge.

Look corporate by tucking in a vintage shirt or plain shirt into a pair of pant trousers or pencil jean and pair with pumps or doll shoes.

You can tuck in a camisole and put a blazer over it, either on a pair of trouser or short skirt.

You can also look casual by tucking in your round-necked or v-necked tops into shorts or pleated skirts or a tank top into short retro skirts and put on sandals.

•The high waist is very flattering when you tuck in a blouse or top

•Wrap a classic belt around your mid-section

•Tuck in your button down shirt like Zoe Saldana for a clean cut look.

Ralph Lauren reveals US Olympic closing ceremony outfits Ralph Lauren released a pair of his sketches for the US Olympic and Paralympic team on Wednesday, and unlike Stella McCartney’s Spandex competition uniforms, which were called “too blue,” Ralph Lauren went with nearly all white. For the ladies, he created shirt-dresses and booties, and for the men, button-downs and trousers. Both outfits are accessorized with newsboy caps and red, white and blue belts. His opening ceremony looks will be revealed later on.

•Look chic and stylish in skirt, opt for a fitted shirt which you can tuck in with the skirt

•She looks glam with her teal highwaisted & tied shorts and black & cream floral oriental blouse

American Apparel Loses more money while Dov Charney’s compensation tops $10m American Apparel failed to hit specific benchmarks in their credit agreement with Lion Capital whose loans have saved the retailer from impending disaster several times now. To compensate for stiffing their creditor, American Apparel now has to give Lion a discounted price on all their shares, 75 cents per share, down from Lion’s original payment of $1 per share.

Meanwhile, WWD reports that Dov Charney’s total compensation topped out at $10.1 million over the past year, owing to stock awards he received in addition to his base salary of $750,000.

Elle.com’s editors quit More than half of Elle.com’s editorial team quit, including editorial director Keith Pollock who went to Du Jour and fashion news editor Britt Aboutaleb (off to Who What Wear).

•Dov Charney

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THE NATION, SATURDAY MAY 5, 2012

Continued from Page 21 execute it is the same executive and sometimes a couple of them are immersed in the same problem that you are talking about and so it’s difficult for them.

As far as the matter of support in Benue State goes, I don’t care very much about that. I know that we all have jobs to do. It’s our job to be above board. If I get involved in corruption and I’m found to be corrupt, I won’t expect anybody to come and fight for me. And if I’m innocent as I know that I am, I don’t need anybody’s support; I’ll get out of it myself. What I have done is sit down quietly and weather the storm. The storm is over now. It should be incumbent on anybody who pays attention to know that the tide is going to turn on the woman.

Today, these questions that you are raising are going to be put to her. She can’t attack me any further. If she does, it won’t make sense, because I am no longer an issue. It’s now going to be about what have you done in your time as DG of SEC? How are you trying to improve the market? Look at the Channels News, the market drops every day.

Are you not worried that the EFCC has not made your defence public?

Let me say this: first of all, I belong to the House of Representatives. What I’ve refused to allow the EFCC to do to me is try me on the pages of newspapers. I’ll not be tried on the pages of newspapers and be found innocent later and I allow it to go. I have an integrity to protect. So, I said to them, ‘I don’t want to be tried on the pages of newspapers.’ Two, the institution that I belong to, the House of Representatives, has set up a committee on Ethics and Privileges and has mandated the committee to look into the matter. They’ve invited the woman and they’ve invited me.

They have asked us all to come by way of affidavit, which means that you are going to swear in the court of law and bring your statement. I don’t imagine that the woman will go and swear in the

’The storm is over for me’ court of law, saying that I asked for bribe. I’ve done mine, but she asked for time. I don’t believe that she has the capacity to go and swear in the court of law and come before the House that she is done.

I don’t want to preempt, but I know, based on my innocence. I know that I will be cleared by the House, which is the primary institution, after which I will ask the EFCC to come up with their report. They must give it to me, because as you asked, I am in the process of instituting a case against her. I’m slowing down only because of the Ethics and Privileges matter. Because once I institute a case in court, we will be unable to go before the House to look at the matter. I need to be cleared first. I’m not only going to institute an action against the woman, I know I’m going to win.

She just simply came forward and lied against me. There is nothing in the world that will not let me win, because you can’t just come up and say I asked for N39 million. The question would be how?

Are you taking the woman to court on your personal capacity or as a member of the committee of the House of Representatives? Secondly, the people want to know whether the Central Bank Governor made efforts to see you.

No, he didn’t make any efforts to see me. Who do you think I am?

Where is my father? Is he not dead? The one I’m fighting now, you want him to increase the pressure? How can I talk about Central Bank Governor? He is not an issue. I don’t oversee Central Bank. I oversee the SEC. And the court process is going on. The House Committee on Capital Market can sue anybody if they choose. I feel I have been defamed, so I have to go to court and mention the fact that I’ve been defamed. That’s all.

There are three senators and

If I get involved in corruption and I’m found to be corrupt, I won’t expect anybody to come and fight for me. And if I’m innocent as I know that I am, I don’t need anybody’s support; I’ll get out of it myself.

What I have done is sit down quietly and weather the storm. The storm is over now 11 House of Representatives members from Benue. What is your working relationship like?

Let me say this categorically: in all of what I call the travails that I’ve had in these past weeks, I’ve

interestingly enjoyed tremendous support and calls to ask how I’m doing. It may interest you to know that the person is not even in my party. He has shown extreme concern. He has

called me continuously. He has told me to be strong. He has said that he had watched what had happened. He has said he knows what these people do. He has said nothing will happen to me. It will surprise you and a host of other people in that line-up. The same people in the party that I belong were the ones that were propagating the idea of recalling me.

How can you recall me? The people who were calling me to say I won’t be recalled are people mostly of the other political party in Benue State. They were saying if they want to recall you, we will not allow that to happen.

Because in Tiv land, we allow pettiness and politics to get into everything that we do. We abandon the real issues. I am elected to do my job and I’m doing my job. You are elected to do your job; do your job. If we find space to collaborate, fine. If we do not collaborate but do yours and I do mine, it’s good. As a matter of fact, if we engage in healthy competition, the better for all of us.

What we do here is destruction, and you destroy somebody only because you hear his profile is rising or you hear his people like him. What guarantee do you have tomorrow that destroying him in one way, pushing him down in one way would not make him emerge somewhere else even stronger? So, it doesn’t bother me.

What is your reaction to the tragedy that befell your constituents recently?

Well, I’m going there to visit them right now. I will commserate with them and help them in whatever way I can. They are my immediate constituency. We will do the best that we can to help them. It’s not politics, it’s not about announcing what we are doing on the radio. Instead, it is a human thing. So, we will simply go and do the best we can to help the people who are in need of our help.

TRIBUTE

D

EATH, Shakespeare described as a necessary end, has at last vis ited the house of the Okiros and who did it snatch? The affectionate and strong umbrella of the family: Mrs Hera Okiro. She glowed whenever she was around you, very simple, humble and exuded every iota of what is ascribed to a virtuous woman. Dr. (Mrs.) Hera Okiro, wife of the 13th indigenous Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro ,passed away on April 26, leaving behind six responsible children.She has been described as the pillar of the Okiro family.

Mummy, as she was fondly referred to by all the aides of the Okiros, was known as a mother with a good heart. A mother who was always interested in the plight of her aides and those attached to her husband. Mrs. Okiro was married into the Okrio family in March 1976 in Abonema, Rivers State. Hera was then a qualified banker working with the defunct RIV Bank in Port-Harcourt. Her simplicity, beauty and brain were the values that attracted her to the young Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) who was then fresh from the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos. Hera instantly became the cynosure of every member of the Okiro family in Egbema.

According to family members, it was her enterprising ingenuity and love for the things of God that further cemented

Hera Okiro: Exit of Egbema jewel A good and passionate counsellor, Hera Okiro helped to cement broken families and was always at her best when showing love to the needy and the orphans, especially the widows

‘

Ben OKEZIE

her bond with Mike Okiro. She blossomed further when Okiro was appointed as the Commissioner for Lagos State. Her ten-

’

ure as the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) chairperson in Lagos State was very outstanding as her advice and support gave birth to the reconstruction of the new Officers Mess in Ikeja. Mama Hera cannot be easily forgotten by Police officers’ wives across the country because of her motherly love and care. She stood

out among the presidents of the POWA whose strides during her reign impacted both the officers and other ranks of the Nigeria Police Force.

Her colleagues in other security services have continued to cherish and relive her leadership qualities as the POWA president. Among her many projects included the construction of the POWA Headquarters in Abuja, POWA shops located all over Abuja for Police officers wives and several donations to motherless babies homes, police officers’ widows and schools. A good and passionate counsellor, Hera Okiro helped to cement broken families and was always at her best when showing love to the needy and the orphans, especially the widows. A woman who can be described as being fulfilled as a mother, she gave birth to six children, three girls and three boys. They are business consultant , barrister, medical cardiologist, pilot and graphic engineer. Mama Hera Okiro can be described in the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Sir Mike Mbama Okiro’s “jewel of inestimable value”. I will personally miss her as a friend of the family whose advice on my marital life was handy and effective. May her good soul rest in peace.

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THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

DISCOURSE •Being the text of a speech delivered at the second Southsouth Economic Summit on April 26 in Asaba, Delta State •Continued from Thursday

I

T is actually a liberating position, abandoning the chimera of a National Dialogue. It leaves one free to confront one prospect, the most challenging prospect of all – the future. Where else does one look at this stage? The future naturally, leapfrogging the chancy route of what a dialogue might bring, seizing the future by the throat and demanding of ourselves – what can we make of that future, with or without dialogue? But first, what do we see when we do turn to that future? Yes, let us first direct our gaze at that future, which means – let this present speak to the future. So, what does it say? I urge that we address ourselves dispassionately, not fantasise, not simply project the future of our escapist desperation. We shall let our present interrogate that future, and what does it spell? Peril. An imperiled future, and that means – an imperiled generation of a nation’s humanity.

We obtain a preview of a future that is finally divested of the surviving scraps of the opportunities that many of my generation enjoyed when we were indeed pronounced as that future that is now our present. In practical details, what the present projects objectinely as its offspring, is a vista of brain wastage, thanks to unstable tumours that peek and vanish, undetected, and when detected, are left uncorrected. A future that is very much in doubt, a future tarnished and devalued by a succession of incontinent, irresponsible leadership, decked in both civilian and military outfits, but mostly of the military. A future where the intangible yet reinforced pillar of civilised society – such as justice - has become available on the open market. I am making no new assertions and, do not take my word for it. Revert to internal motions for reforms such as the Justice Eso commission of enquiry into the judiciary and also call to mind various pronouncements of the National Bar Association. Ask yourselves how it comes about that one of your former members of this very governorship consortium is currently basking in immunity, having succeeded in obtaining a judicial injunction against prosecution for his crimes against the future, perpetrated while in office. Do we need to point out that as a nation we are covered with shame that it took an external court of justice, of the former colonial masters, to finally put an end to the costly shenanigans of another of your former brother governors, one who held the forces of anti-corruption at bay, led them a merry dance all the way to Dubai until he was plucked out of his imagined sanctuary?

And what of that judge, the judge who freed him of over a hundred and fifty criminal charges here, in this very nation, pronounced him innocent of blasting the very future of the generations under his watch by a career of systematic, unconscionable robbery? Why are we surprised therefore to find ourselves faced with a future where all sense of community has all but evaporated and only predators roam the streets, making their own laws of survival as they proceed. Yes, they make their own laws, for even these know that without law, written or unwritten, there is no community, and without community, all talk of nation is vain. Nations are built on the palpable operations of community, otherwise they are empty, artificial and hollow. They collapse with the tiniest pinpricks of unrest, they drift into oblivion with the slightest winds of external pressure. So, that learned judge held the strings of community in his hands, the judge who pronounced our elusive governor free of all blemish, that custodian and administrator of justice, our question today is - is he still passing judgment in this nation, or has he proceeded on retirement leave to Dubai?

We must resume our path of enquiry into the two faces of dialogue that confront us in the present. Let it be inserted in the memory of our countrymen and women - some did anticipate this very present.

Simply as a general framework of deductive intelligence, projection and concern, the democratic alliance that fought Sani Abacha did call upon the stop-gap regime of General Abdusalami Abubakar to set up an Interim government, side by side

OPEN FORUM By

WOLE SOYINKA

Mission-the future

•Annan

with a Sovereign National Conference.

That conference would debate the future of this nation. Civil life had been deliberately panel-beaten - to resort to familiar parlance - thoroughly panel-beaten during the reign of Ibrahim Babangida, then the hobbling, rickety vehicle was conclusively crashed under the tyranny of Sani Abacha. The nation, we insisted, required a recovery space, a period for stock-taking, during which the ruptured interstices of civil life would be stitched together.

Then, and only then, should we commence a systematic democratic resumption. We could not advocate a so-called democratisation process that was built on a privatised constitution. That succinctly argued recourse was not followed. It is still being brushed aside as preposterous. Is it any wonder that a group of people are writing their own constitution in the streets, in the markets, in motor garages, in churches and mosques, a constitution that is being scrawled in the blood of innocents? The writing on the wall is no longer a mere biblical metaphor, it refers graphically today to the spattered grafitti of blood on the walls of our homesteads, schools, offices, sanctuaries of worship and children’s nurseries. That writing is the universal language of nations, on the road to perdition.

Permit me to recall an exercise in a minor key in one’s seeming obsession with the future which, of course, I continue to see as the immutable responsibility of the present, otherwise, what is the present all about? In the early years of the return of the nation to civilian rule, I was invited to take part in a rather imaginative form of mentoring, initiated by a Japanese Television station, loaded with the grandiose name – Super Teachers. It involved having a selected group of teachers – not necessarily teachers by profession – take a group of school pupils under their wing for a number of weeks. Those teachers were selected on the basis of having attained some prominence in their disciplines. They were free to decide on a school, and from that school extract a class, or a group of pupils across classes, then expose them to aspects of their own calling. Science, technology, architecture, the performing arts etc – virtually all disciplines were represented, and the entire mentoring interaction was filmed. What I privately relished in that project – this is just by the way - was that it enables me till today to boast that, for a few weeks at least, I was on the same payroll and salary as Bill Gates. I know that he would not have touched his honorarium – if at all they dared offer him such pittance. However, as a man whose field is virtual reality, he would be the first to concede to me when I claim that, virtually speaking, we were earning the same salary from a shared project! So much for vicarious living. The programme, I was about to elaborate, allowed for the pupils to be taken

anywhere that related to, or could enhance the imparting of knowledge – within the station’s budget of course.

Thus, in the process of selecting a school, that school understood that it was obliged to release the pupils to accompany the mentor wherever – I recall that the American pupils were flown to some part of North Africa where the archeologist in the Super Teachers team was working on an excavation site. In my own case, the producers agreed that I would travel with my students to other parts of the country – it was an opportunity to expose the pupils to the nation’s diversity - religion, culture, history, the arts – whatever came under the rubric of Humanities. Now, as It happened at the time, I had also received invitations from two or three legislative houses to address them, and so I seized the opportunity to induct my pupils into the work of law makers. We began with Lagos where I off-loaded them on the public gallery of the House of Assembly. Afterwards, they were free to ask questions, make observations, and we would exchange views on their experience. I want you to listen carefully to the following extract from my address to the Lagos House of assembly: “I invite you, honourable members, to look up at that gallery. You will observe that you have some rather unusual visitors. I have brought them here to observe how law is enacted, but more importantly, to see how their future is being shaped.”

I proceeded to provide the house a brief summary of the Super Teachers project, recommended it to them as a possible model for emulation on some level or the other, but then I went on to say, and again I quote my very words on that occasion, words that placed my mission in the context of the nation’s realities, the context of some portentous events that came to dominate the news at that very time. I said: “Now imagine if we had gone, let us say, to Kaduna State just about a month ago, during those days that are for ever branded on the memory of this nation, days of horror when some of the desperate politicians of this nation fomented an artificial upheaval in the name of religion, a conspiracy that led to the loss of over a thousand souls all over the nation, some in the most gruesome circumstances, both from the initial execution of meticulously planned massacres, and in retaliatory acts that took place in scattered places across the nation. Among the victims were innumerable schoolchildren who were led out of their schools and slaughtered like rams for the very guilt of innocence. Imagine if I had led these innocents into such an inferno - tell me, just what kind of explanation would I have made to their parents. What treasure of the learning experience would I claim was worth such a horrifying ending to promising lives?

“It was a period that brought out the worst, the worse than bestial from our human landscape, but also the best - let us note this carefully - it also brought out the best, thanks to a handful of that same humanity, who risked their lives to protect their fellow beings from the initial mayhem, and from the retaliatory rage that was being exercised by their own kin and neighbours. Yes indeed, this did happen - as is the case wherever the outbreak of the virus of insanity is recorded - but how pitifully meagre is this consolation beside the depravity that overwhelmed the entirety of the nation.”

It is twelve years since I uttered those words, and it reads like a lament that anyone could have uttered yesterday or today – only the choice words would have to come out far with greater rage, born of

the recurrent extrusion of that hidden tumour in the very walls of the heart, a tumour that merely alters shape, contours and size but a tumour nonetheless. And it is not merely religion that I have in mind.

My busload of schoolchildren clanged forcefully on the walls of my mind only some weeks ago when I read of a similar busload, in my own state, filled with the designated future of the nation, this time from a girls’ school. That bus was waylaid, its occupants robbed, assaulted and raped – that is the level of depravity to which the nation has been brought. On that road of the pupils’ matyrdom was reenacted the continnum of the history of this nation: Violation. Rape.

And who are have been the gang-bangers of the nation’s future? We can bypass the military – we know them already.

Those are defined, not only by their uniform, but by their uniform arrogance, their unbridled rapacity and their uninformed propensity for sterile interventions. Are there no others? Of course there are, and because they tend to lack open identification, they are especially dangerous. But we do know them, and so do you.

They are the ones who, even while claiming to defend the rights and entitlements of their own constituencies, do little more than defend the rights and entitlements of their privileged existence. They are the generator contractors in whose interest it is that the national electric system never works. They are the minority who conspire to run down the health system of the nation, since they can divert its allocation to their own, and their families’ excursion to Wiesbaden for annual checks and fly to New York to cure a toothache.

They are the ones who systematically destroyed the educational system which we took for granted throughout our own past that has engendered this present. They are the petroleum moguls and long-haulage monopolists who have ensured that this nation has never enjoyed the cheapest form of transport ever invented by humanity - the railways.

These agents are the ones who see government solely as livelihood, and who engage in every dirty trick in the books to ensure that government remains in their hands since they know of no other way to survive, have never understood that a nation’s economy must be generated, not printed at the Central Bank or simply diverted from the oil wells and central handouts, These enemies were the inventors of the Rice Importation Scheme, the Cement Importation Scheme, the Import Licence Scheme, the Counter Trade and numerous other scam schemes that were designed not to generate productivity and ensure employment for generations, but to amass, in the hands of a few, the entire wealth of the nation, from which they dole out pittances to a zombie followership. But sooner or later, zombies turn, recognise that they are also creatures of flesh and blood – then they demand their pound of flesh.

They call themselves leaders and claim to fight for their people but, today, they are indeed afraid. They have sat long upon the masses but today, they go about in fear. And such is the nature of this fear – it is no longer those who were routinely denounced as outsiders to, and hate filled critics of their way of life that they fear, but their own restless masses who have seen through their deception, their hypocrisy, their incontinence and their will to dominate. For this minority, serving a constituency means, not the elevation of the social condition of their people, but the enclosure of such a constituency within the walls of dependency. The sense of existence of such leaders is fulfilled only if, on sauntering out of their homes, they are surrounded by a constituency of beggars. Their self-fulfillment lies only in the non-fulfillment of their immediate, impoverished community.

But their lies have been exposed and they have become frightened. And this exposure has taken place despite the pogroms that they periodically launched against scapegoats and innocents – in preliminary softening-up surges on their environment, based on manufactured or distorted incidents - utilising their armies of zombies whose horizons are firmly, deliberately limited from birth to a meagerly space, horizons whose circumference was, quite simply, the rims of their bowls of beggary.

•To be continued

50 PART from the days of the civil war, Nigeria is presently facing the severest challenge of statehood since her independence in 1960. Besides developmental challenges bordering on unemployment, economic downturn, massive corruption and terribly deteriorating infrastructure, there are social crises in the form of armed robbery and general insecurity. But by far the more disturbing has been the political incertitude exacerbated by an unrelenting bombing campaign by an extremist group which goes by the name of Boko Haram.

The activities of the sect have inadvertently foisted on Nigeria a state of seige that is not portraying the country in good light. In the final analysis, a nation that should be exploring everything necessary to speed up development, economic growth, deepen democracy and ultimately become a respectable player in world affairs is sliding, almost inexorably into a class of unenviable states that have been described as “failed”.

Happily, almost all Nigerians of adult age very well recognise this fact.

Last Monday, a one-time principal actor during the military days and former Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), graphically drove the message home when he used the symbolism of a house on fire to describe the situation in the country.

He not only described Nigeria as a house on fire, he insisted that Nigeria was on its road to becoming a “Somalia”. He spoke at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, as the chairman of an event where the publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, celebrated his 50th birthday.

According to him, “Nigeria is on fire; this house is on fire; the North is on fire. Nigeria is becoming like Somalia. The ‘somalianisation’ of Nigeria is taking place right now “I am an optimist as far as Nigeria is concerned. Each time we appear to be struggling as a nation, I tell myself that we shall muddle through. In the last two months, I began to wonder, our house is on fire. Nigeria is becoming a Somalia; somalianisation’ of Nigeria is taking place right now.

We have to sit down and face the truth, get to the root of our problem and find a solution to this problem….”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

A

Skewed federalism Many Nigerians are of the opinion that the solution to our problem is to correct the skewed federalism that the country currently runs. They argue that for the country to move forward, grow economically, experience peace and attract the necessary foreign and local investments that would ensure real development, then the restructuring of the polity to reflect true federalism is the panacea.

Only recently, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, submitted that for Nigeria to break free from the claws of under-development, she must first break free from what he rather aptly called “feeding bottle” federalism, which is currently in vogue in the country.

•Mark

•Tambuwal

True federalism: Waiting for National Assembly Augustine AVWODE Assistant Editor Ekweremadu, who stated this while delivering the sixth annual Oputa Lecture, at the Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Canada, on Saturday, April 14, argued that the masterservant sort of federalism the country currently practises was killing creativity, industry and initiative.

In the lecture entitled “Nigerian Federalism: A Case for a Review,” Ekweremadu said the current system encourages total dependence on the centre.

Military legacy The advent of the military on the political scene in Nigeria changed a well structured federal system of government that was instituted in the country from 1946 Richards Constitution. Subsequent constitutions strengthened those provisions such that at independence in 1960, the three federation units in the country were largely independent of themselves and the centre.

This gave room to healthy rivalries as developmental agenda were not allowed to go unchallenged by other region.

Such was the case that the three regions were engaged in unwritten competition to be the leader in terms of organisation, ideas, de-

velopment and infrastructure building.

However, with the advent of military rule following the coup of January 15, 1966 and the counter coup that followed, a centralised system of administration was introduced into the polity and successive military leadership in the country only took further steps to strengthen the centralised structure and tighten their grip on power.

But many people have continued to clamour for a return to true federalism and the shunning of the military-imposed near unitary system cloaked as a federal system has been growing of recent.

Those who are calling for a restructuring of the polity argue that

‘

Many Nigerians are of the opinion that the solution to our problem is to correct the skewed federalism that the country currently runs. They argue that for the country to move forward, grow economically, experience peace and attract the necessary foreign and local investments that would ensure real development, then the restructuring of the polity to reflect true federalism is the panacea...

,

it will not help the country to grow in any form with the continuous expansion of the federal powers.

They point to an increasingly expanding Exclusive Legislative list over the years. From the Independence Constitution of 1960, the list grew from 16 to 28 items in the 1999 Constitution.

Also in the same period, about seven items in the Residual List have also been lost to the Exclusive List.

In Ekweremadu’s words: “The brand of fiscal federalism in place today looks every inch that of master and servant relationship and is therefore killing industry, initiative and creativity, while promoting indolence, bad governance and rentierism.”

He insisted that Nigeria should “move away from the current military-imposed ‘feeding bottle’ federalism to enthrone one predicated on self-reliance, hard work, enterprise, resourcefulness, and ingenuity to catalyse development.”

But Ekweremadu is not alone in the call for a return to true federalism in Nigeria. Almost at about the same time the Deputy Senate President was making his submission in far-away Canada, the BRACED states of southern Nigeria comprising the six states of

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta also demanded the same thing with emphasis on fiscal federalism and resource control just the way it was during the pre-1966 coup era.

In a communiqué signed by the governors, they advised the Northern leaders who earlier called for a review of the revenue sharing Formula to jettison such a call as it was not only unfortunate but completely misplaced.

The communiqué reads: “On the issue of revenue allocation, the meeting endorsed the decision of the South-South governors at their meeting in Calabar March 13, as well as the agreement reached by the speakers of the South-South States Houses of Assembly at their meeting on March 29, which, inter alia, regretted the attempt to link the increasing insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria to the revenue sharing formula and indeed the unfortunate and misplaced calls for a review.

“The issue to be addressed is the introduction of fiscal federalism”, the communiqué added.

The governors said the introduction of fiscal federalism and resources control will encourage each state of the federation to control its resources and develop in accordance with its capability.

They urged the country and the states to focus on agriculture which would allow all states to contribute significantly to the national purse rather than the cur-

The Vice-Chancellor of the Kogi State University, Prof.

Hassan Isah, recently spoke to the media about the activities of the institution and its progress so far. AUGUSTINE AVWODE. Excerpts:

•Oshiomhole

rent over-dependence on oil from the South-South region.

Time to act Given the clamour for true federalism, many people are already hoping that the advantage that

•Ekweremadu

would be provided by a constitution amendment process that is about to begin any moment from now would be fully appropriated.

Already indications to that effect have been given. Not long ago,

the Chairman of the Senate Committee on New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Senator Ayogu Eze, at the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assem-

Why our College of Medicine is yet to take off — Kogi State varsity VC Prof Isah

K

•Prof. Isah

knowledge in their areas of specialisation.

We have also embarked on aggressive staff training. More than 100 of them are currently pursuing postgraduate studies with 25 of them outside Nigeria. About 55 of these are sponsored by the Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFund). The Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) has recently endowed the Kogi State University with a professorial chair in taxation and we have recruited a professor in this field.

We don’t toy with any issue that

will impact positively on the quality of education here because we want to produce graduates that can compete favourably with others from reputable ivory towers globally and also be job creators. We have gone far on the issue of accreditation of courses as all our academic programmes have full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies.

When will the Faculty of Medicine take off?

In that crucial area, we are learn-

,

OGI State University has been described as one of the fastest growing institutions in the country; can you tell us what you have been doing to improve on the standard?

Since I came into office about three years ago, l have taken several steps to enhance the quality of education acquired at this institution. To start with, it is important to have a serene, green and beautiful environment that will be conducive for learning.

So far, l have created the necessary environment through the planting of flowers and ornamental plants in strategic areas and mechanized grass cutting which is done regularly.

To boost academic work, l have made sure there are adequate structures like classrooms, lecture theatres, studios, laboratories and libraries. We keep stocking and updating the library with relevant books, periodicals and other journals from all over the world. Students and staff are exposed to Internet facilities to ensure they are up to-date. We have recently improved the e-library resources in the main library and in the Faculty of Law where we have installed the Lexis Nexis database to expose the students and staff to e-journals from all over the world.

There are e- learning facilities to assist with their research and data collation, especially for those doing projects. For large classrooms, we have acquired public address systems to make it easier for our students to hear what the lecturers are saying. Soon, we would purchase and fix interactive smart boards in selected classrooms and lecture theatres.

The academic staff are regularly sent to attend conferences and workshops within and outside the country to update

•Amaechi

bly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, told newsmen at the sideline that when the constitution amendment process takes off, the issue of fiscal federalism which is an essential part of the true federalism that is being clamoured for would be among those things that would be given attention.

For Senator Eze, the nation could no longer continue to depend solely on revenue from oil.

His words: “When we come to the amendment of the constitution, we are going to emphasise fiscal federalism because that is what will make everybody go home and develop what is in their places, because if we continue to depend on oil, people are getting lazier by the day and I think time has come for us to say, ‘go back home’.

“In every state in Nigeria, there is something to make the state prosperous and have something to contribute to the federal purse.

We will all be bakers of the big pie; we will not just be partakers.

I think this is very important.”

Many people hold that the moderate development that Nigeria can point to today were all achieved during the days when the country was allowed to fully run a true federalism and that if the slide down the slope is to be reversed, time to act is now. And all eyes are on the National Assembly to do just that, even now.

Already, we have constructed the first preclinical block with funds from the Kogi State government. The anatomy complex is under construction with funds from the TET Fund

,

ing from the mistakes of others so that we don’t run into problems.

The TET Fund has provided some funding, so cautiously but steadily we are making progress. Already, we have constructed the first preclinical block with funds from the Kogi State government. The anatomy complex is under construction with funds from the TET Fund. The required facilities such as furniture and equipment have been put in place, and we are awaiting the National Universities Commission to verify the resources on ground.

Endorsement by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria would follow. As soon as things are put in place properly we will start admitting students in the next three months.

There are always negative stories associated with admission; how have you sanitised the process?

That is where the process of producing quality graduates starts from. Here, we don’t compromise on the criteria for admission. We are quite strict in abiding by the senate-approved criteria for admission, no matter the pressure. Even though we try to be fair in the coverage of all the areas in the state, merit still remains the determining factor in order not to lower standards.

What efforts are you making to generate extra revenue for the running of the university?

For any university to operate successfully, it has to generate some income. All the citadels of learning that are doing well, work towards self-sustenance. Soon after my appointment l, embarked on revenue generating ventures to complement what we are getting from government. First was the establishment of the cashew nut processing plant as well as bread making factory because the raw materials could easily be tapped from the immediate environment which is rich in agricultural resources. People like the products and we are making good sales. The institution needs about 30 billion naira to establish new departments and programmes. We

still need funds to complete the Faculty of Medicine, while we want to start a Faculty of Education and a degree programme in Library Information Science. In the Faculty of Law, we want to commence a degree programme in Islamic Law and a degree programme in Fishery, Forestry and Wild Life in the Faculty of Agriculture because Kogi is rich in water and forestry resources. The plan is for a Faculty of Education that is science-based. We also want to set up a Centre for Cashew Research. The university authorities have so many plans for the development of the institution. This is why we have set up an Advancement Support Centre to reach out to relevant bodies, organisations and individuals both at national and international levels for assistance either by way of resources or endowment of academic chairs or even donation of facilities. We also intend to link up with over 7,000 graduates already produced by the university.

Kogi State University has also registered with the Council for the Advancement Support of Education (CASE) in 2010 in order to network with other universities worldwide and learn how to attract funds.

What about staff and students’ welfare?

We don’t joke with that. I’m in constant touch with the student union leadership to know and promptly address problems that arise. Light and water are regular and we are still trying to improve on the facilities including accommodation. The issue of cultism is almost non-existent here. Some students even renounced it publicly recently. Staff salaries and allowances are paid when due while administrative and academic staff also go on training to enable them perform better. Promotions are taken care of while the drug revolving scheme has been introduced to eliminate the out-of-stock syndrome. We keep motivating everyone to work hard towards achieving the set objectives of the institution. That is why we hardly experience frequent crisis here.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Searching for your missing rib

D

Dear Reader, I welcome you to the first part of this month’s teach-

ing. You need to set your priority right for the searching process, for you to succeed in your marriage. A good foundation matters in a building because if the foundation be destroyed, the righteous can do nothing (Psalms 11:3).

Anyone considering marriage is required to take some steps in locating, not just a partner, but a right partner. So, your first requirement for a solid foundation for your marriage is to Put God First!

Although it is your responsibility to search/locate a right partner, God remains the ultimate. Trying to search, find or locate your missing rib outside Him, therefore, will give you little or no success at all.

God, Himself, is the Author and Creator of marriage. He was practically involved in instituting it (Genesis 2:18, 21-22). He personally took His time to fashion the woman and delivered her to her husband. Marriage is not the idea of any man or a cultural or traditional affair. It is God’s idea.

Therefore, to enjoy God’s best in your marriage, you must make Him the centre of your life. You must be ready to give Him priority place, recognizing Him as the foundation for a successful marriage.

You need the help of God from troubles, woes and calamities that befall single persons in our world today. Man is still looking everywhere, in search of lasting solutions to the problems encountered in marriage. But the Psalmist shows us the secret for an endur-

ing solution: Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man (Psalms 60:11). When you make God first place in the searching process, He makes His help available to you. God’s help is all you need.

The problem with many single persons is that they push God aside, and expect to enjoy divine benefits. They ignore the Word of God, which I call the “manufacturer’s manual”, and expect the product (marriage) to function perfectly. But it is impossible!

The Word of God says: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalms 11:3).

God is the foundation for a successful marriage. When the foundation is faulty, no matter how righteous you may be, your home cannot stand.

Giving God priority place in your searching process begins with your personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. The presence of God comes down in your life, when you are a child of God, a diligent student of the Word, studying and practising it, as this is the key to an exciting and successful life.

God upholds ALL things by His Word (Hebrews 1:3). Once His Word is given its rightful place in

4 secrets to never getting sick Ever wonder why you always seem to come down with a lifeinterrupting virus this time of year, while other women you know sail through the season sniffle, cough, and ache-free?

We canvassed the research and talked to top experts to uncover these key, study-backed secrets for staying well, even when you’re surrounded by germs. The docs’ number one tip: Get the flu vaccine, ASAP. Then, follow these simple steps to boost your virus protection even more.

Make friends with fresh air Common wisdom has it that staying indoors, where it’s warm and toasty, is easier on your immune system than being outside in the cold. Problem is, being inside puts you in close constant contact with other people and their germs.

Not only does escaping into the fresh air give you a break from all those germs circulating inside, but going for a stroll can actually boost your immunity.

“Exercise leads to an increase in natural killer cells, neutrophils, and monocytes, which ultimately increases immune function,” says Ather Ali, ND, MPH, assistant director of Complementary/Alternative Medicine Research at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.

Relaxation fights off colds There are a trillion reasons why taking time to chill out might be the last item on your todo list. But here’s why it should be a priority: “Being stressed will increase your susceptibility to catching a cold,” says Ali. That may be because, over the long term, it leads to the ongoing release of stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids.

These impede your body’s ability to produce cell-signaling molecules called cytokines, which trigger a disease-fighting response from your immune system. “You’re also less likely to take care of yourself-get ample

sleep, eat right, exercise when you’re stressed,” says Ali, which is crucial to upping your immunity.

Clean hands are everything Cold and flu can spread all too easily through touch. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible, and make sure to master the art of hand-washing. Soap and water remain your most effective tools there, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Germs can grow on bar soaps, so use the pumped kind—or better yet, a hands-free dispenser and choose regular soap over antibacterial. Lather for a solid 20 seconds before rinsing, and make sure to dry thoroughly (but not on your germy clothes!): “Damp hands are far more likely to spread bacteria than dry ones,” says Dana Simpler, MD, a primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

The magic bullet An occasional restless night is nothing to worry about, but a continuous lack of zzz’s can hamper your immune system’s ability to function. Though experts often say that sleep require-

ments vary by individual, a 2009 Carnegie Mellon study found that anything short of seven hours nearly triples your odds of catching a cold— — and that means seven straight hours, with no middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

“For many of us, the only quiet time we have to think through things is when we’re lying down at bedtime. Unfortunately, problem-solving in bed interferes with sleep,” says Leslie Swanson, PhD, a sleep specialist at the department of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

your life, it will build a sure foundation, which must stand! Receive the grace to operate upon the Word now, in Jesus’ name.

Nothing and nobody should take the place of God in your life, no matter how committed you are to them. Not your work, father, mother, sibling or even friends, because if that happens, you will be placing your priorities wrongly.

I know my husband loves me so much, and I hear him tell me almost every day that he loves me, but I have never wished, not secretly desired to take the place of God in his heart. He knows I also love him, but he also knows that the love of God takes number one in my life, followed by His own.

There are some single persons, whose friends are like gods to them.

No matter how great their company may be to you, they are simply gifts from God to you. I remember, not long ago, each time, my parents were praying when I was much younger, they were always referring to us as the gift that God has given to them. That time I didn’t understand, but now, I understand better.

Your parents, siblings and friends are simply God’s gift to you in one way or the other. They must not occupy the place of God in your

life. Let God be number one; get committed to Him, His Word, and His Work. By so doing, you are allowing God to mould you, shape your life and you will definitely become what He has destined you to become, the devil notwithstanding!

However, the first step to take, in order to give God and His Word priority place in your life and receive an ability to keep at it, is to give your life to God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you are ready for this new beginning, say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again!

Congratulations! Till I come your way again next week, call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8; 07026385437, 07094254102 For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches, and other leading Christian bookstores: Singles With A Difference, Marriage Covenant, and Making Marriage Work.

Elite urged to manage stress through rest, sleep and massage More than 2000 Nigerians in the corporate world recently enjoyed a free health programme organised by the Live Well Initiative (LWI) at the Incubator in Lagos.

During the programme tagged, Grand health bazaar, some tests were done to determine the health status of people despite their work schedule.

The tests were: Blood pressure, blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI), and stress tests. Other were; Hepatitis B, malaria and HIV/AIDS. The chief executive officer of the non-governmental organization, Pharm Bisi Bright, said the three-day event was organized to increase health literacy level as well as sensitize the elites towards their health.

She noted that of the entire aforementioned tests, the stress level of people working in the corporate world was very high.

In her analysis, stress can be categorized into blue, green, red or black. She said that when a person’s stress level shows blue, it means there is no stress at all. Green means the person is slightly stressed, but it is still the normal stress level. Red indicates it is very high, while black signifies the person is heading towards a burn-out.

“In many organizations we have visited, three quarters of them have black and some others have red.

Only one-tenth has blue or green.”

The consultant clinical pharmacist

Risikat RAMONI

said the best technique for managing stress is that people must learn to sleep and relax a lot. Adequate sleep of between six to nine hours out of every 24 hours will be enough to achieve that. She urged people to make up for the sleep at a later time in order to reduce their stress. She also said those with red or black stress levels should endeavour to regularly massage either manually or electronically.

In addition, she said anyone who has malaria that lasts up to a month should go for HIV/AIDS test.

“We encourage people to know their health status because if a person is Hepatitis B positive and it is not treated, he could end up with an advanced case of hepatitis and it could lead to a lot of complications such as HIV. Once someone is exposed to Hepatitis B infection and it is not treated quickly with anti-viral, that person is likely to become HIV positive once exposed to the HIV/AIDS virus.”

To achieve workplace wellness, Bright enjoined employers of labour to do more for their staff asides procuring health insurance for them.

“Workplace wellness and work life balance make workers work better for their employers, make individuals understand their health profile better and help manage it thereafter. It also helps people make informed decisions about their health.”

70 per cent people had high blood pressure In a recent statistics revealed by the Programme officer of Live Well Initiative, Uchenna Molobe, 2,500 people were tested for the following during a three day programme tagged Grand Health Bazaar, GHB in Lagos recently: •Body mass index (BMI): to determine whether they are overweight, obese or underweight.

•Malaria.

•Blood glucose level: Sugar test.

•Blood pressure test.

•Stress test.

•Worm infestation 70 percent people had high blood pressure: The blood pressure of men

is more than the women.

30 percent had malaria.

Forty percent had high sugar level.

Underweight: There were many underweight men and women.

Overweight: Most women were overweight.

Obesity: 12 year-old boy and 19 year old girl were obesed.

Lifetime modifications lead to overweight and obesity.To reduce the chances, people should avoid to eat late at night, avoid junk foods.

They should continue to eat more of vegetables and less carbohydrate.

Both the adults and the young ones

should engage more in exercise, drink a lot of water and reduce the intake of juice, soft or energy drinks.

People were given drugs based on their ailments.

Those stressed were urged to use the massage to help the circulation of blood . Massage helps the muscle to relax.

Underweight people were given multivitamin to assist them to gain a moderate weight.

Children were dewormed as regular deworming keeps a child healthy and active.

People need to go for a thorough medical check-up once in a while in order to stay fit and healthy.

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Being aware of emotional tiredness

Tiredness can be physical, emotional, psychological, mental, or spiritual. We discussed psychological and mental fatigue which can be difficult to distinguish. Between the emotions driving our behaviour and the passions defining our character, there is a metaphysical component of our being that can experience metaphysical fatigue. We know this from the reality of life that older people become cynical about many or various things in life. The “been there, done that” attitude that sets in as we go on experiencing life’s complexities is a great contrast from the “the sky is the limit” attitude of a young adult.

A typical form of emotional tiredness is seen in romance.

Many older men would easily shun a beauty that would have made their heads turn decades back. If they want any dealings with such, it would be to use and dump, not to possess.

Within marriages, emotional tiredness that is unrecognized and not dealt with can be a source of many problems - including health, relationship, and psychological problems.

Things that used to be desirable, attractive, worthwhile, impressive, valuable, or posWhat is the Prostrate?

The prostate is a small organ located at the base of the bladder and wrapped around the urethra, the tube that empties the bladder through the penis. It sits in front of the rectum and the back portion of the organ can be felt during rectal examination by a health care practitioner.

The prostrate is part of a mans sex organs. It’s about the size of a walnut and surround the tube called the urethra located just below the bladder.

The prostate’s purpose is to help with the male reproductive system. It makes up to 70 percent of the

sible at some stage in life may become the exact opposite of what they meant to us because we have become emotionally tired of them.

Within the family, parents should remember that the young people need a chance to experience life and to learn to live it to the fullest themselves. Adults can inadvertently short-change their children’s lives by expecting their children to experience exactly what they, the adults, have experienced.

It is understandable that many adults have received a sting here a there, experienced frustration every now and then, known pains of various forms and degrees, own failure in this and that respect, and as a result of the compendium of their own experiences they feel a need to protect their children or charge by blocking them from any possibility that may lead to such experiences.

However, adults should also remember that every human being, including their own child or charge, is unique, and is independently placed in his or her own historical time, cultural environment, and material and spiri-

tual means and possibilities.

Adults should not allow their own emotional tiredness to rub off on the youths but should allow youths to work out their own salvation within the new realities and civilization that they exist in.

In times of economic or other hardships, it is easy to see a difference between people who are emotionally fatigued and have given up and people who are emotionally dynamic and are innovative. Every human being is extremely powerful but not every human being learns to tap the potencies within him or her, if at all he or she realizes that such potencies exist.

A few days ago, I was taking a walk on the scenic North Harbor Drive in San Diego, California. I was attending a scientific conference at the magnificent San Diego Convention Centre. From there, I walked pass the majestic Marriott Hotel and other buildings that adorned the skyline on one side and the beautiful boats and impressive sea-life that dazzled one’s eyes along the coastline.

Then I came to a spot where a native American Indian blew my mind. He had stacked natural stones singly, one on top of the other. There were pillars of asymmetrical and oddly shaped stones and the stacking seemed to defy the forces of nature (breeze, gravity, heat and cold) that I knew of. The stones were not glued, or magnetized, or attached by any physical means. I watched him

Prostate problems Sound Health Banji Filani

fluid that is ejaculated during intercourse, mixing its secretions with the sperm that are made in the testicles. The prostate also contracts at the time of ejaculation to prevent retrograde (or backward) flow of semen into the bladder.

The urethra has two jobs to carry urine from bladder when you urinate and to carry semen during a sexual

climate or ejaculation semen is a combination of sperm plus flud that the prostrate adds.

What are prostrate problems?

For men under 50 the most common problem is prostatitis For men over 50 the most common postrate problem is prostrate enlargement also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) older men are at risk for prostrate cancer as well but this disease is much less common than prostrate enlargement What is prostatitis?

Prostrate means the inflammation or irritation of the prostrate if you have prostatitis you may have a burning sensation when you urinate or you may have tourinate more often. Or you have a fever and feel tired.

Inflammation in any part of the body is usually a sign that the body is fighting germs or repairing an injury or damage cells. Some kinds of prostatitis are caused by bacteria, tiny organisms that can cause infections and disease. If you have bacterial prostatitis,examination of your urine sample under a microscope will reveal it..

Most of the time, doctors don’t find any bacteria in man with prostatitis. If you have urinary problems, the doctor will look for other possible causes,such as kidney stone or cancer.

If no other causes are

in action and he gave me a chance to do what he did. In my best attempts, I was moronic at it. He was illiterate, spoke English poorly, and was a peasant by common opinion.

I tried in vain to do what he did. He held my hands and told me I had a lot of positive energy and thought I was going to succeed in balancing a stone.

We raised the stone up from the level of my forehead and I was to lower it slowly along an imaginary line of force coming from my mind until it balanced on the stone below. Each time I tried and failed and he repeated the skill to show me how to do it. It dawned on me that he was able to tap some power that I did not have. No, he said. Every human being can do it if they learn to use that aspect of their mind. Respectfully, I believed him. I left him thinking that I am a Christian and I know I have not yet walked on water or done things that I am supposedly empowered to do.

I am not asking readers to go and perform dangerous stunts and daredevil activities.

It suffices to be aware that every human has such unimaginable untapped potencies that to remain and live under emotional tiredness is akin to living under a curse.

Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910 found, the doctor may decide you have a codition called non-bacterial prostitis.

There are two major types of prostatitis.

•Acute Prostatitis: This is an infection of the prostate caused by bacteria. It usually starts fast and can cause fever,chills or pain in the lower back and between the legs. It also can cause pain when you urinate. If you have these symptoms,see your doctor right away or better stll you can visit any of our offices nearest to you.

•Chronic Prostattitis: This is a prostate infection that keeps coming back time after time. Symptoms may be milder than in acute prostatitis but they can last longer. Chronic prostatitis but they can last longer. It can be difficult to treat but with the usage of right herbal remedy the infection can be cured. But if bacteria are not the cause, antibiotics may not work. Massaging the prostate sometimes helps to release fluids.warm baths may also bring relieve, often chronic prostatitis clears up by itself.

Symptoms Of Prostatitis.

The common symptoms of prostatitis are: •Feeling of pain in the pelvic area.

•Frequent urination and pain while urinating.

•Sensation or burning during urination.

•Pain while ejaculating •In case of severe prostatitis,people also suffer from fever and chills.

•Dr B. Filani is the Chief Consultant of Sound Health Centre, Lagos. You can contact him on 08023422010 or on facebook or email soundhealthcentre@yahoo.com.

53 Coping with diseases with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

Candidiasis Candidiasis is an infection caused by a genus of yeast-like fungi (formerly known as Monilia ), often harmlessly present in the mouth of healthy people. In some circumstances, however the micro-organisms may proliferate to produce a symptomatic infection of the mouth, intestines, vagina, skin or (rarely) the entire body. The species most often involved is Candida albicans.

When the infection involves the mouth or the vagina, the condition is commonly referred to as “thrush”. Thrush occurs particularly in babies, but it may also occur in debilitated adult or those with dentures. It usually forms a white curdlike deposit on the tongue, cheeks and palate which may cause severe discomfort.

The symptoms of candidiasis include moodiness, extreme food sensitivities with gas and bloating after meals, depression and general weakness of the body.

Generally this condition is caused by the suppression of acute diseases such as colds, fevers, and other inflammatory diseases with excessive use of antibiotics. In fact, even taking so-called natural anti-inflammatory such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in high doses can predispose one to this condition.

Patients with reduced immune defenses (for example, those with any severe illness like HIV/AIDS and those on drugs that suppress immunity) may get generalized, life-threatening candida infection, involving most organs.

Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common causes of inflammation and itching of the vagina ad vulva, typically producing a white, curd like discharge. Vaginal candidiasis is becoming increasingly common, perhaps partly because of changes in vaginal acidity brought about by oral contraceptives. It is often seen in pregnant women and diabetics.

Candida albicans may occasionally infect the entire intestinal tract, causing anal itching and forming a reservoir for repeated accidental infection of the vagina.

One of the most serious causes is an unbalanced diet. The liver and pancreas regulate the smooth flow of important digestive enzymes which, if lacking, will cause gas and bloating. Specifically, the accumulation of abdominal fluid and gas will put pressure on the sensitive nerves and meridians in the gastrointestinal tract, giving rise to a number of paradoxical emotional reactions ranging from anger and anxiety to depression. Thus there is a strong connection with hypoglycaemic reactions in such individuals.

One who indulges in cold, raw foods, and lacks in proper protein balance can give rise to the candida overgrowth condition. Another cause is eating too many rich or denatured foods like cakes and pastries.

In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that the best prospect of control and total cure of candidiasis is to turn to nature in terms of personal hygiene, diet, exercise and judicious use of chemical antibiotics. Some of the natural remedies being advanced for the treatment and total cure of candidiasis include the extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata, Plumbago zeylanica and Jatropha curcas.

For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-3303897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

54

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

‘

...Then in one fell sweep, he wrestled his right leg from her grip and moved away as fast as the beach sand could let him. She sauntered after him and fell twice, still crying at the top of her voice. The only audible comment being “I love you …. Please don’t go. I’ll do anything… Just anything.. Please…

Please..”

•A beach front in Gambia

The Gambia: A date with sun, beaches and ‘willing women’ T

HE scorching sun at midday upon descent at the Banjul Airport in The Gambia was life-threatening, but this was not the case for the white tourists who stormed the country in great numbers.

The air coming through the bus that was conveying my group to Senegambia Hotel (which I soon got to know is one of the most preferred by tourists) gave the feel of a spiritual bath by an invisible hand of soft but hot cotton.

The deserted highway that leading to the city centre was not different from northern Nigeria, with an occasional

Victor AKANDE sighting of structures sparsely dotting the land.

If you are a man of class, you may not get some of those sophisticated newspapers in colourful prints as in Nigeria, but you are bound to feel at home seeing billboards of top banks like Access, Zenith, Oceanic and Ecobank to mention a few.

N1, 000 will give you about 100 Dalasi (The Gambia’s currency); and you can just go ahead to get a SIM card for 30 Dalasi,

equivalent of N300. A 26page newspaper (The Point) printed in black and white costs 10 Dalasi, and that’s about a hundred naira.

As a first-timer, the newspaper may lead you into the socio-political life of the people, a predo minantly 80 per cent Muslims, 15 per cent Christians and 5 percent atheists. But do not expect to see the type of screaming headlines that the opposition breathes down the neck of the ruling party in Nigeria. The Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh, has ruled for close to 20 years and the

people are content with that.

Despite the questionable election that brought Jammeh into power, he seemed to have support among the Gambian people.

Life is quite simple in The Gambia and there is nothing to fear in terms of security of life and property. The president himself, and his half cast wife live in his hometown called Kanilai, the only town where residents enjoy free electricity. And if you must know, Banjul is more of an abstract capital in the real sense. Most of the important activities carried out

Titbits

L

AGOS State Ministry of Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations has given out gifts and cash prizes to teams, schools and individuals that emerged tops at the recently concluded Lagos Carnival.

The Ikeja contingent that came first in the senior category received N3 million , while Sango/Ago-Egba and Isolo that came second and third received N2 million and N1 million respectively.

In the junior category, Kings College emerged tops, while St. Judes Private Secondary School, Festac and Olomu Senior Secondary School were the first and second

in The Gambia may bear Banjul as a venue, they do not actually take place there.

Even the Banjul Airport is not in Banjul. An island, there is just only one road into Banjul and back.

“If there is a problem and the bridge is cut, people would be trapped in Banjul” explained Abdul, the bus driver.

Therefore, like many other hotspots in The Gambia, Senegambia Hotel is not located in Banjul. The hotel, an holiday resort, shares an outer entrance with Kairaba Hotel. Both hotels’ backyards sit on the edge of the beach that runs across the West African coastline.

The Senegambia environment is a tourist delight; eatery attendants are richly costumed to attract customers, bureau de change are in every corner, and so are the ATM machines, grocery shops and restaurants with music blaring softly from loud speakers fixed high-up.

Bare-chested white tourists, women in pants and bra walk the length and breadth of the streets savouring the scorching son. Senegambia is a busy resort. As more and more tourists depart in luxury buses, others are seen coming into town. and guess what? They chill down from the long journeyat the bars.

Titbits

Lagos presents prizes to carnival winners

•Commissioner Disun Holloway hands out an award to the Junior Carnival Queen

2012

runners up.

Oluwakemi Komolafe emerged the Queen of the carnival, while Shile

’

The bar tenders have glasses of cold “zobo” drink for the new lodgers as they make bookings. The same “zobo” that will not go past sites where bricklayers work in Nigeria, save for public primary and secondary schools.

Same is the welcome delight here, and I saw the white men asking for more.

Soon, the hot breeze like strays of soft embers from hell republic gives way to a contrasting cool, enveloping the entire city by nightfall. After a buffet dinner that is nothing compared to the “mama put” delicacies back in Lagos, the wonder of the night at the beach side is more than fiction.

The cool of the night enveloped couples at one end of the beach. They were mostly Gambian young men with white women old enough to be their grannies; I guess it was all about “love knows no bounds”, as they often say. Before I could find answers to the rationale behind the “unholy” alliance, a loud cry interrupted my line of though. At another end of the beach, a white woman was crying at the feet of a Gambian young man. The guy, in dreadlocks, was looking in the direction of the sea unmindful of the woman’s plea. He parted some strands away from his face and

Adekunle was crowned King. Both went home with computer laptops Speaking at the prize-

giving ceremony, the Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway, said

this was in line with government’s resolve to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the state.

Disclosing that this year’s edition was bigger and better organized than the previous two editions, Holloway noted that more sponsors participated in the 2012 edition.

According to him, government will gradually withdraw in the planning of the carnival, but assured that it would continue to play its supervisory role, while providing logistic support.

Acknowledging some

small challenges before and during the carnival, the commissioner, however, promised that such hitches would not reoccur in future editions.

He said Lagos would continue to be committed to the promotion of tourism in the state, adding that there was need to bring soul back to Lagos.

He called on all private organizations to emulate the sponsors of this year’s event.

Some of the prizes presented during the colourful ceremony included photocopiers and certificates to deserving winners.

55

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 locked them behind in quick tangle. Then in one fell sweep, he wrestled his right leg from her grip and moved away as fast as the beach sand could let him. She sauntered after him and fell twice, still crying at the top of her voice. The only audible comment being “I Love you …. Please don’t go. I’ll do anything… Just anything.. Please… Please..”

The Rastafarian-looking lover was stopped by a bar tender. He mumbled words to him, half waiting. He trudged on the sand, throwing his fist in the air in obvious dismissal of his aged lover. Soon, the story was all over the beach arena. It was a common occurrence. The guy was tired of the game and wanted to move on, perhaps with another woman who could reward him better in hard currency or another woman who could facilitate his migration to Europe or America. Marriages happen in The Gambia between older women tourists and the country’s young men. The attraction for the women is what people describe as incredible libido of the young men. What the men get in return is a proper document to go abroad. In some cases, white couples visit The Gambia on holidays to rekindle the fire of their love. How this is done is that the man who probably could no longer satisfy his wife on bed brings her to The Gambia for a nice treat. He pays the young locals to help do the job, just to restore smiles back to the face of his aged wife. The woman gets a lasting dose, enough to take her through the year, until another holiday period.

Save for the extra burning sun, well maintained beaches, relative security and incredible libido that the women get, The Gambia is not an extraordinary country. So much semblance with Nigeria in the endowments , except that unlike in Nigeria, The Gambians put the smallest thing to good use, and it is fetching them money. Even The Gambian harlots are money to their government.

A visitor must pay 200 Dalasi to the hotel for bringing a female native to his

Arabian Travel Market Nigeria targets over $200bn investment

•Street activities in Gambia

Nigeria’s stand at ATM 2012

A

•Tourists enjoying the warmth of Gambian sun

room. That is a standing tax.

Perhaps the Lagos beaches could have been manageable to tourists if only they are well maintained and without so much insecurity to life and property. There are obviously better delicacies in Nigeria than what you have in The Gambia. Calabar restaurants in and around the tourist arena fill the gap.

The only university in The Gambia is just 13 years old, and it has just held its seventh graduation. The major stadium is a 20, 000 capacity sports arena built by the

Chinese. The major historical site is the Kachikalli Crocodile Pool and Museum. The site comes with the fairy tale of a goddess who was assisted by two brothers who were natives of the land. Thus the land was blessed with harmless crocodiles which the people turn to gods to help in their problems. About 100 crocodiles lay in that pool. The tourist guide says they are fed with 250 kilos of fish daily. They have not trained to eat meat, so they would not get aggressive and be in-

terested in human flesh.

Tourists are made to touch the crocodiles to ascertain that they are indeed harmless. The only period that they get a bit aggressive, according to the guide, is when they are producing eggs. In that little forest is also a kapock tree said to be 500 years old and artefacts of masquerades and charms belonging to their ancestors.

Welcome to The Gambia; a land where plenty is made out of little.

Titbits Middle East leaders reiterate confidence in region’s tourism

M

INISTERS and leading tourism companies from the Middle East and North Africa have reiterated their confidence in the growth of tourism in the region during the first UNWTO/ Arabian Travel Market Industry Forum .

Entitled “The Future of Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Ensuring Sustainable Growth in Challenging Times,” the forum debated short and long term prospects for tourism in the region, stressing the encouraging signs emerging from

destinations affected by the political changes of last year as well as the ongoing strong expansion plans of tourism infrastructure in the countries of the Gulf.

Participants in the forum reiterated their confidence in the growth of tourism in the region where the sector has become a key pillar of local economies and employment and a central part of national development policies.

Moderated by John Andrews, Editor for The Economist and one of its most experienced foreign correspondents, the forum counted on the

participation of H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, President and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Ahmed Abdulla Al-Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, Mohammed Rashed, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel and Tourism Sector of the Al Kharafi Group, Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of the Jumeirah Group and Frederic Bardin, Senior Vice President of Emirates Holidays.

UNWTO Secretary-

General, Taleb Rifai, said: “Despite recurrent challenges, the story of tourism in the Middle East and North Africa is one of success. The sector has become an economic powerhouse for the region, generating US$60 billion in export earnings and creating millions of jobs. This outstanding performance is the result of strong and committed public tourism policies aimed at diversifying national economies and create much needed jobs, especially for the youth, and strong private sector investment. These conditions remain unaltered”.

S major players and destinations in the travel and tourism industry across the world jostle for attention and investment at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM), holding in Dubai, one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nigeria, which is showing strong presence at the travel exposition, has its eyes train on garnering over $200 billion investment even as the country’s delegates assured of security and safety of investment.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the yearly travel trade regional expo which targets inbound and outbound tourism professionals, the head of Nigeria’s team and Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said Nigeria is targeting over $200 billion in the hospitality, transportation, eco tourism and sports sectors of the economy.

According to Runsewe, ATM yearly attracts over 215 investors from all over the world, especially from the Middle East. He said that was a huge opportunity, hence Nigeria was at the event to take advantage of the platform to promote investment to the country.

“We would make sure that we tap into this opportunity,’’ he said, adding that “we have the size, population and potential that make Nigeria attractive for investors.’’ He said what was left was to get the word out there (the investor community) and that was why the NTDC had assembled some of the best players in the industry in the country at ATM to help market and promote the window of opportunities available in the country.

However, the major challenge Runsewe and his team is facing is that of the security issue in the country with barages of enquiries and fears being expressed by many of the visitors and intended investors at the stand. But Runsewe’s word is that Nigeria is safe for people to visit and invest in.

According to him, the present security challenge is restricted to certain sections of the northern region of the country and not the entire country as it is presented by the western media and that the federal government is on top of it, doing everything within its power to bring it under control and to ensure that it doesnt spread further and degenerate into a matter of concern for the Nigerian people and visitors.

Runsewe also gave a personal ganrantee that the tourism body would on its own assist any investor interested in the country in fast tracking the process of investment, even as he assured them of the safety of their investment and quick returns as well.

This year’s exhibition holding at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre, which is th 19th edition of the forum being organsied by the Reed Exhibitions Limited, organisers of the yearly London World Travel Market (WTM), among others, was declared opened at a brief and colourful grand opening ceremony by the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness (HH) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was accompanied on a tour of the exhibition grounds by a number of state officials and organisers of the event.

The Vice president and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other officials at the opening ceremony of ATM passing through the Nigeria stand

56

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

NEWS 57

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Lagosians storm Governor’s Office to protest doctors’ strike

P

EOPLE from many local government areas of Lagos State yesterday stormed the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to protest the ongoing strike embarked upon by doctors in the state.

They displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Government and doctors, please embrace dialogue”; “You can’t intimidate Lagosians”; “Lagos doctors, stop the killing”, “fear God, stop strike”, among others.

The protesters, mostly women, were led by Evangelist Bola Popoola and Sesan Sobande.

They appealed to the governor to find a way of resolving the situation in order to

Miriam NDIKANWU

prevent deaths occurring on daily basis in the state.

Sobande informed the governor that the protest was as a result of the effects the strike had had on the people.

“Many deaths are recorded on daily basis because the sick among us cannot receive medical attention. We acknowledge the efforts of the government in the area of health care delivery. But these are being destroyed by the striking doctors “We cannot fold our hands and allow the situation to continue. The government is doing its best, but the doctors earning fat salaries are not

helping the matter”, Sobande said.

Popoola, in her contribution, said it was sad that “the doctors continue to hold residents to ransom”.

She said the majority of the doctors have private hospitals and will be glad to disrupt activities in governmentowned hospitals, so as to attract patients from the public who are left with no other option.”

Popoola, who called for the immediate sack of doctors who refuse to yield to the public plea, said it was bad to use the strike to rubbish the efforts of the government in the health sector.

She said: “Any doctor with

•First Bank pledging N50 million to the O-YES

his or her own private hospital should be asked to retire.

They cannot spoil the governor’s work because this government has done creditably well.”

Responding, Governor Fashola appealed to the residents to be calm, while assuring them that a lasting solution to the situation is in sight.

“Let me apologise to all Lagosians suffering from this situation that we find ourselves. Since 2002, government has been working to improve the conditions in which doctors and nurses operate in our hospitals, theatres, clinics and even the school of nursing. Hospitals don’t save lives. It is people who do so.

...mob blocks Lagos Speaker’s convoy

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ROTESTING Lagosians yesterday barricaded the road leading to the Lagos State House of Assembly, blocking the Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, from entering the complex until he alighted from his convoy to address them.

They stormed the Assembly to protest the continued strike by medical doctors in the state which has taken a toll on the residents.

They carried placards with various inscriptions calling on the doctors to immediately return to work or face the wrath of the people.

Some of the placards read: “Lagos doctors, what else do you want”; “Please call off the strike”; “Save, don’t kill Lagosians”; “Our women are dying, end this strike,” among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Sesan Sobande told the lawmakers that the

Oziegbe OKOEKI residents of the state could no longer bear the health challenges they are facing since the strike action began.

According to him, the residents came out in support of the state government since they have now realised that the doctors are greedy in their demands.

Speaker Ikuforiji, while reacting, promised that the House would spend the weekend resolving the crisis.

“We would invite both parties in order to resolve the matter. We are aware how much the state government has spent on the hospitals and would not allow it to waste away,” Ikuforiji said.

He promised that by Monday, the crisis should have been resolved.

Another woman among the protesters said the doctors should be held respon-

•World Bank lead social protection specialist, Mr. Yasser El-Gammal, addressing the nursing mothers among the volunteer members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES), during the tour of the World Bank Team to all the local government areas

O-YES marks one year

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Okorie UGURU programmes to channel energy of the large population of the unemployed into productive fields.

With this in mind, the Aregbesola government set up the scheme, and, within 100 days of its existence, succeeded in creating 20,000 jobs.

O-YES volunteers were taken to areas of social needs in the state. They are involved in teaching, keeping the environment clean, traffic control and many other critical areas.

It has brought so much benefit to the state in the last one year. The scheme has brought about a turnaround in the environment, bringing freshness and cleanliness in different parts of the state.

In addition, individuals who ordinarily would not have

sible for the lives lost to the strike action.

She said she was at the Lagos State University Teaching hospital, Ikeja on Thursday when a 36-year old man was brought by his parents.

“I saw a doctor who refused to attend to the man who was already in coma.

Several appeals to him fell on deaf ears. He told us they were on strike, and, as a result, would not touch the man,” she said.

She further urged the House to immediately wade in because the situation had become uncontrollable, adding that Lagos hospitals were among the best in the country, but the doctors were being careless.

She accused the doctors of operating private hospitals, adding that they were fond of directing patients to their hospitals.

UK ACN honours Aregbesola, Ikuforiji

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HE Osun Youth Em powerment Scheme (O-YES) is marking its first year with a catalogue of achievements.

The scheme has succeeded in reducing significantly the unemployment level in the state. It also succeeded in creating a workforce to tackle jobs in some critical sectors.

Through the scheme, the state’s sanitation has improved tremendously in addition to improvement the aesthetic of the environment.

Introduced by the current administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State, the initiative was put in place based on the belief of the governor that the high rate of unemployment in the country had become a source of restiveness and criminalities and that government at all tiers should institute

We have been doing all these with your taxes. I assure you that we will end this strike soon.

“I appeal to you to be calm.

We will continue to run free health mission in you various local government areas in order to ensure that you remain healthy,” Governor Fashola said.

been involved in economic activities have been gainfully employed and in the process earning stipends that are ploughed back into the state.

With its high level of success, the O-YES has become a template for both the federal and state governments to copy and address the issue of youth unemployment.

Many of the states have sent in representatives to understudy the Osun model with the view of replicating it in their states to address the problem of unemployment.

Having achieved so much in short a space of time, many are of the opinion that the OYES will continue to play a critical role in the total transformation of the state the Aregbesola government is working towards.

HE United Kingdom chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has honoured Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, with leadership awards.

The duo were given the awards at the Chapter’s Congress/3rd International Conference which took place on Thursday at Strafford, London, United Kingdom.

While Governor Aregbesola bagged the award for Leadership in Unusual Governance Initiative, Ikuforiji received a Leadership Award for Legislative Harmony. Dr Isiaka Ayodele Owoade, the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, received the award on behalf of his boss, while Hon. Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Lagos State House of Assembly, represented Ikuforiji and received the award on his behalf.

In his valedictory remark, the outgoing Chairman of the chapter, Dr Philip Idaewor, extolled the outstanding leadership qualities of Aregbesola and Ikuforiji, adding that the

awards given to them are well deserved because of the volume of their remarkable contributions to the development of their fatherland.

At the conference with the theme, ‘’Fiscal Federalism: A catalyst for growth and advancement’’, new officers of the chapter emerged after an election.

The officers would pilot the activities of the chapter before its next congress. Some of the newly-elected officers were Dr. Ibrahim Emokpaire (Chairman), Otunba Obafemi Adenuga (Deputy Chairman), Dr. Olayinka Oduwole (Secretary) and Mrs Folashade Braimoh (Women Leader). Others were Mr. Oluseun Baiyewu (Financial Secretary), Mr. Philip Ilenbarenemen (Publicity Secretary), Barr. Bamidele Odusanya (Legal Adviser), Mrs Lola Animashaun (Welfare Officer), among others.

The officers, who were sworn in by Hon. Olulade promised to take the party to greater heights even as they reiterated their readiness to further help to strengthen the Nigerian chapter of the party by evolving into a ThinkThank for policies and ideas that will move the great party forward.

Gbongan holds Olufi Day

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ONS and daughters of Gbongan in the Ayedade Local Government Area of Osun State will today converge on the town’s palace arena to observe their annual Olufi Day celebrations.

The event, which will draw dignitaries from far and wide, is expected to be chaired by the Asiwaju of Gbongan, Justice Bola Babalakin (rtd), while the town’s monarch, Oba (Dr) Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi I, the Olufi of Gbongan, will be the chief host.

According to the Baba Kekere Olufi of Gbongan, Chief Adewuyi Adetunji, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, who is the royal father of the day, will lead other royal fathers from the State of Osun to grace the occasion.

“The occasion”, Chief Adetunji said,” will afford illustrious sons and daughters of the town, both at home and in the Diaspora, to deliberate on developing the town and will also be used to honour eminent indigenes of the town who have contributed at various levels to the development of the town.”

The dead, in the words of Chief Adetunj, would be given posthumous honours. “Those

to be honoured with posthumous awards include: Dr Olasupo Toyosi; the former Asiwaju of Gbongan, Chief Aderemi Oyebanji and Chief Keyede Akinbami. Among the living to be honoured are the father of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sovereign Trust, Seun Ajayi, and the popular thespian and comedian, Bolaji Amusan, a.k.a Baba Latin,” Chief Adetunji said.

By-election: Voters told to be law-abiding

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HE Chairman of the Mushin Local Govern ment Area of Lagos State, Honourable Olatunde Adepitan, has advised the residents of the council to be lawabiding as a councillorship election holds today at the Ward H of the council, com-

prising Itire, Eyin Iga Onitire and Oduselu.

He said movements would be restricted at the areas of the by-election which holds between 8.00am and 3.00pm He urged residents to vote peacefully and defend their votes.

58 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Wada has wasted 100 days in office, says ACN

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HE Kogi State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria yesterday said Governor Idris Wada has not performed to expectation in his first 100 days in office.

It alleged that the governor has spent 75 of the 100 days out of the state.

The party gave the assessment in a statement in Abuja by its chairman, Alh.

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation Haddy Ametuo.

He said: “Wada has not made any progress since he took over as ‘Governor’ on January 30 after the VicePresident of Nigeria directed the Inspector General of Police to escort him

to Government House Lokoja.

“In the last 100 days we have not seen any spark, policy pronouncement or dramatic action to move Kogi State forward from Wada.

“In fact, Wada hasn’t performed below what we expected of him. His first 100 days have been character-

ized by clueless ness, lawlessness, disregard for the rule of law and apparent lack of direction.

“There is no action seen in any sector of the economy in the last 100 days; we expect the real government voted in by our people to do more but nothing has been done and there is no clear cut thinking on the part of this illegal government and

Potiskum massacre: Mark calls for justice

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RESIDENT of the Senate, Senator David Mark, yesterday condemned the retaliatory attack on the Potiskum cattle market, Yobe State,by gunmen who left dozens of marketers lost their lives and property.

Mark in a statement in Abuja by his media aide Kola Ologbondiyan also tasked security operatives to bring the perpetrators of the

Onyedi OJIABOR, Assistant Editor and Sanni ONOGU, Abuja dastard act to book.

Reacting to the spate of terror attacks unleashed on innocent Nigerians lately, Senator Mark described the Potiskum attack as callous, heinous and shameful.

He said: “The attack was a declaration of war against

Gunmen invade Borno prison, free inmates

harmless citizens.

Senator Mark challenged security operatives to strengthen the nation’s security apparatus to meet the demands of recent security challenges facing the nation.

He advised Nigerians to assist the security agencies by making information available to them.

He said: “What we are experiencing presently is very strange to us, strange to our culture and our ways of life.

We must brace up to combat this monster.

“Our security operatives

must double their efforts and quickly contain the activities of these dreadful individuals in our midst.”

He pledged the continuous commitment of the Senate to tackle the issue of insecurity across board, stressing that, “we in the National Assembly are always concerned about the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians and we shall continue to partner with every organisation, agency and individual that can guarantee absolute security in our nation.”

•Kill two warders •23 arrested

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UNMEN on Thursday broke into the Kumshe prison in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State,killed two warders there and flung the doors open for the inmates to escape.

The gunmen had first attacked a police station in Banki, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon at about 11am but were repelled by the police on duty.

A resident said on phone that the gun battle between the invaders and the police lasted about 20 minutes.

The source said following the failure of the gun men to overpower the police they relocated and swooped on Kumshe, about 40 kilometres away at about 4pm.

On arrival at the prison,they began shooting

Terrorism can’t destroy Nigerian spirit—Maduekwe

F

ORMER Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe, has said no amount of bombs and carnage by terrorists can destroy the human spirit in Nigeria to grow into a great nation.

Maduekwe spoke at Uturu, Abia state ,during the Media summit organized by the South East zone of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Gregory University at the insitution’s auditorium.

Maduekwe who was the chairman on the occasion said,’’ a terrorist attack on media is an attack on all of us , because the media represents our collective psyche and conscience ; the media represents our corporate effort , led by some professional s known as journalists , to keep the conversation going. ‘’Today’s terrorists wish to see the end of communities and even if, God forbid , they were to replace our communities with theirs , they will still proceed in the manner of self consuming ogre symbolized by the blaze to dubious glory of suicide bomber to destroy

Odogwu EMEKA ODOGWU, Nnewi even what they have acquired.“ Maduekwe said the South East people as Nigerians who have voted with their feet more than any other group for national integration , provide the highest number of casualties when there is a national meltdown.

He added:‘’Being the central theatre of the horrors of the civil war, the South East has an above average existential sense of what it means to be Nigerian. The suicide bomber that is picking on media houses and churches constitute a crude and diabolical wake up call to reflect on this matter of being Nigerian.

“What are we ready to give up, individually and collectively to sustain this project?

As national elite, are we providing a different narrative to the hellish alternative of those who are ready to die in order to enforce their own script when the rest of us naturally prefer to live?

PUBLIC NOTICE NAZARETH GRAMMAR/COMMERCIAL COLLEGE, IBONWON EPE OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under (Part C) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 TRUSTEES ARE 1. ERINLE CHRISTIANA FOLORUNSO- President 2. ASEIN THERESA ADEWUNMI 3. PROFESSOR JOHN OBAFUNWA 4. ADEBANJO KOLAWOLE PIUS - General Secretary 5. OLUKOYA OLALEKAN FALILAT- Treasurer 6. PIUS ADEKITAN SHONUBI –Asst. General secretary 7. CECILIA ADEREMI FASHOLA TAIWO –Social Secretary 8. SALAMI MODUPE SILIFAT 9. OLADELE .A. KEHINDE

Joseph ABIODUN, Maiduguri

,killing two wardens.The other warders fled leving the gun men free to open the prison gates for the inmates.

Spokesman for the Police in the State, Samuel Tizhe confirmed the incident He said “the gunmen first attacked a Police station in Banki town but were repelled by the Police” “Five hours later the gunmen went and attacked a nearby Prison in Kumshe town, killing two prison wardens and setting free all the inmates.”

He said the Police have “ arrested 23 persons in connection with the attacks.”

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks but they bore resemblance with previous attacks by the Islamic sect,Boko Haram

mandate bandits! What we have seen is simply 100 days of Fluphenazine-induced rigmarole!

“In the 100 days, Wada has wasted over 75 days in junketing between Abuja and Lokoja as well as globetrotting from coast to coast with Mr. Vice-President.

“We have heard over the local radio sometimes that the administration had promised the commissioning of several projects that were completed within the 100 days. We beg to ask, where are the projects?

“We just hope projects already commissioned would not be re-commissioned, most especially those of his predecessor and others executed by former Governor Prince Abubakar Audu. He has only constructed one unit of ‘round-about’ with the statue of Lord Lugard to

match, right in front of the Government House, and it is actually ready for commissioning!

“Let me place on record that, it is 100 days of trying to learn on the job. There is nothing glamorous about it.

“He is using the first 100 days in office to show to Kogites and Nigerians that he is not prepared for the office. He has succeeded in admitting to Nigerians that maneuvering your way into public office doesn’t translate into performing the functions of that office.”

The party also insisted that Wada is still an illegal occupant of Kogi State Government House.

The ACN added: “The key point is that Wada Idris is illegally occupying the Kogi State Government House, an office which the Speaker of the State House of Assembly was ordered by the Supreme Court to run its affairs until a new election is conducted.”

AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION 1. To extend the reach of all aspect of basis education to community, state and country as a whole 2. To operate as an access in programme concerning education and progress of the school 3. To identify professionals in the furtherance of its objectives and mentor for young ones.

4. To provide certification of achievement when assessment have been carried out.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Cecilia Aderemi Fashola Taiwo (Social Secretary)

PUBLIC NOTICE

CAVEAT EMPTOR

This is to bring to the notice of the general public that the piece of land located at No. 3 Oladipo Ige close and its axis belongs to the Buraimoh Dada Family. The said piece of land is currently on leasehold to Mr. Ekundayo whose principal agent is Mr. Ogunderu of Oladipo Ige close Oke-odo. The leasehold on the said piece of land shall therefore not be subject to subletting, transfer or sale to any other person(s) without the consent of the accredited head of the Buraimoh Dada family. Therefore any person(s) who transacts or purports to transact in respect of the aforesaid property does so at his/her own peril. Be WARNED! Signed: BURAIMOH DADA FAMILY (08027247948)

PUBLIC NOTICE GODPLAN INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY. This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part "C" of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Prof. Tunde Olutunla - Chairman 2. Pastor Segun Olawole 3. Pastor Paul Seyi-Gbangbayau - Secretary 4. Evangelist Tosho Oluborode 5. Rev. Abimbola Oladipo.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To spread the gospel 2. To be an instrument of revival to the church and the world 3. To restore faith in God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed Ayooluwa St. Emmanuel Esq. (Solicitor)

NEWS 59

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

IGP bans use of siren •Warns NASS members, other politicians

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NSPECTOR General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has ordered the police commissioner in Anambra state,Mr. Bala Nasarawa to arrest any National Assembly member or top politician found using siren in the state.

The IGP handed down the directive in Awka yesterday during a visit to Zone 9 of the Police.

He also paid visited Governor Peter Obi and had an interactive session with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state at the Governor’s Lodge at Amawbia, near Awka for over five hours.

Abubakar said Anambra state had the highest concentration of those using siren and declared that his visit to the state was partly to check the excesses of some politicians.

Other problems such as armed robbery and kidnapping,he said, would soon belong to the past.

He said many robbery and kidnapping suspects

Nwanosike ONU, Awka

had already been arrested.

“Kidnapping has been a major source of worry for us in the police in Anambra state especially at Nnewi and its suburbs and that is why we are restructuring our formations in the state and we cannot continue like this for ever”.

“We also have excesses of siren users in Anambra state and we have the capacity to checkmate them,” he said.

During his visit to Gov.Obi he announced that 50,000 police men would be proceeding on security re-training soon.

Additional 16,000 police officers would be sent on intelligence training,he said.He maintained that the ban on road blocks remains.

He noted that 70 percent of the corruption in the police force is associated with road blocks adding that anybody arrested would be prosecuted.

Governor Obi com-

mended the IGP for the reformation of the police since he took over.He said the state gove rnment had bought over 200 vehicles including Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for the state police command.

Obi assured the IG that the state government would continue to give police adequate support .

Receiving the IG,the police commissioner, Bala Nasarawa had reeled out a litany of problems including lack of a befitting headquarters. others.

However, he said the police command had been working in tandem with the Nigerian Army, State Security Service (SSS), Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety commission (FRSC) and the state government, among others.

Among those at the traditional rulers’ meeting with Abubakar were former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, and Igwe Chukwuemeka Ike.

World Malaria Day: Amaechi restates commitment to fight malaria

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IVERS State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has pledged his resolve to fully support the Federal Government in the fight against malaria.

Governor Amaechi stated this yesterday at the 2012 National World Malaria day held at the Alfred Diete Spiff

Civic Centre in Port Harcourt.

At the event, the Governor was invested as Malaria Ambassador for Nigeria.

Governor Amaechi said the fight against malaria was paramount hence the need to partner with the Federal Government.

“One way to fight malaria

Potiskum attack: Senator calls for Jonathan’s resignation

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HE Senator representing Zone B in Yobe S t a t e , A l h a j i Abdulkadir Alkali Jajere has said President Goodluck Jonathan is morally unfit to continue to rule the country and should therefore resign.

The visibly angry senator who was at the Potiskum General Hospital yesterday to sympathize with victims of the Wednesday attack on the Potiskum Cattle Market described the incident as unfortunate, sad, shocking and an unexpected tragedy .

Sen. Jajere said former Defence Minister,General Yakubu Danjuma was quite right in his recent assessment of the security situation in the country when he said Nigeria is a failed state.

Jajere said: “The National Assembly is making good laws but the president is failing to implement such laws.

“It is unfortunate that government is not doing anything to safeguard life and property of the common man on the street. Our president has failed and morally President Goodluck Jonathan has no business to be in power now with what is happening in the country.

“He should resign his position as president on moral grounds before he is disgraced from office. Enough is enough. People can’t just be dying as if we have no government in place.”

Asked why the Senate has not deemed it right to com-

Duku JOEL, Damaturu mence impeachment proceeding against the president the Senator said Jonathan’s sins are so many and by the time “we start, nobody can stop it.

No cabal or anybody will stand on the way of impeaching President Goodluck Jonathan because even the PDP is in disarray and tired of the whole thing.

“I believe with the growing failure of security in the state, impeaching President Jonathan will not be a problem to the opposition in the National Assembly.

“The National Assembly is making good laws but the president keeps frustrating them. There is no implementation. Look at the BPE Committee and the present probe on the petroleum subsidy; they are all being frustrated by the executive. As far as I know, we are doing our best as law makers. Everyone should play his part justly”, Jajere said.

On the state of emergency imposed on some local government areas following incessant attacks by Boko Haram, said it was of no effect.

He wondered:“Has the state of emergency been able to contain the situation? Does it have any impact on what is happening at the moment? Is it working in any form? But the Federal Government has decided to hold the subvention of these local councils unjustly. This is wrong and illegal and am taking up the matter.”

is for the Federal Government and the governors to partner.

We will do everything possible to support the Minister of Health in the fight against malaria because he is a very good man and he has been supporting Rivers State and we will also do everything possible to support his colleague in the Ministry of Health here in Rivers State,he said.

“If the Federal Government can take what we produce we will be glad to quickly establish the factory that will produce the biolarvcide(that kills mosquitoes). We have the franchise for the biolarvicide...”

Earlier, during a courtesy call on him by the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, Governor Amaechi said he would sustain the fight against malaria.

He said:“First, we started by buying one million insecticide treated nets which we distributed in the state before we got introduced to the larvacidal control of malaria and even got the franchise from the Cuban government.

“We believe that the government must do everything possible to fight malaria. I am informed that the scourge of malaria appears to be higher than all forms of diseases that we have here and we are therefore going to sustain the war against it.”

Health Minister, Prof.

Chukwu said malaria could be contained through the cooperation of Nigerians and other partners.

“This year the theme of the World Malaria Day Celebration is ‘Sustain Gains, Save Lives’, so we are sustaining that relationship with you.By so doing we would continue to save lives and continue to ask you and others to continue to invest in the campaign to eliminate malaria not only from Nigeria but indeed from the whole of Africa and the rest of the world and so our slogan is ‘let us work together, he said.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

60

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4-5-12

High-cap stocks sustain bullish rally

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HE Nigerian stock market closed weekend on a positive note as gains by several stocks added N40 billion capital gains and increased average benchmark return by 0.57 per cent.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common value index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), improved by 0.57 per cent to close weekend at 22,665.99 points.

Similarly, market capitalisation of listed equities rose

by N40 billion to close higher at N7.228 trillion.

Friday's upturn was boosted by gains recorded by the mid and large capitalised stocks such as Nestle, Nigeria Breweries, Access Bank, Diamond Bank, Oando, United Bank for Africa, Flour Mills, ETI and Lafarge WAPCO. Total volume of shares transacted moved up to 706.869 million shares, valued at N4.881 billion in 4,233 deals, compared with 574.89 million shares, worth N4.68 billion, ex-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

changed in 4,234 deals posted on Thursday. Volume and value grew by 22.96 per cent and 4.27 per cent respectively.

Diamond Bank remained the most actively traded stock with 146.54 million shares, valued at N410.31 million in 91 deals. FCMB, Skye Bank, First Bank and Zenith Bank were other active volume contributors in the top five logs.

However, institutional purchases at the close of the session curtailed the slide on Skye Bank, closing at N4.00, a 1.3 per cent appreciation with fairly matched closing demand and supply that could also support this price in coming sessions.

First Bank and UBA both bagged maximum points as sellers continue to hold back in anticipation of further gains while Zenith Bank and GTBank shed 0.4 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively; demand at current levels

could however, prevent a further decline next week.

Bullish sentiments drove the price of Nestle up to 5.0 per cent, closing on full bid with demand that could lead to further gains next week.

Also on the up-tick were Dangote Flour and Flour Mills with gains of 4.9 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively. On the other hand, profit taking trimmed off 4.9 per cent from Cadbury while Dangote Sugar lost 2.7 per cent.

The conglomerates sector was also in line with market trend as UACN, Transcorp and PZ Cussons rallied with gains of 5.0 per cent, 3.7 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively.

On the gainers, table, Nestle led the list with an increase of N20.95 to close at N439.95 followed by Custodian and Allied Insurance with N0.08 closing at N1.68.

Others were Mobil, UACN, WAPCO, Berger paint, Access Bank, UBA, ASHAKA Cement and Eterna oil.

On the flip side, Cadbury recorded the highest drop of N0.80 to close at N15.22 followed by May & Baker with a drop of N0.09 to close at N1.72. Also on the table were International Breweries, Academy Press, Ikeja Hotel, Neimeth, UPL, GT Assurance, BOC Gases and Bagco.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-5-12

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

63

Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE The fact is that the PDP has been steeped in iniquities. It might not be alone in this; all the other political parties are equally guilty of same, in varying degrees; perhaps that of the PDP is so glaring because it is the ruling party

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.7, NO. 3016

—Tunji Adegboyega

L

EWIS A. Drummond, the great Scottish scientist and Christian thinker described Love as ‘the greatest thing in the world’. His over a century old classic by that title is based on the Apostle Paul’s evocative exposition of the concept of love in 1 Corinthians 13: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have not love, I am nothing…Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, Love never faileth”.

Incidentally, I was in Church last Sunday and our thoroughly enjoyable Sunday School session focussed on Luke 6:27 – “But I say to you who are listening now to me, love your enemies and do good to those who hate you”. This seems to me to be the crux not just of Christianity but all the great religions of the world. In one of his endlessly enlightening “Philosophical Essays”, Professor Tam David West succinctly summarizes the essence of all the great religions simply as : “I believe in one God, The Supreme. I believe in the brotherhood of man as succinctly couched in the Golden Rule”.

Perhaps the greatest living example of the transformational force of love is the legendary Nelson Mandela. Although he started out as a revolutionary, militant freedom fighter, it was ultimately through the force of love that this remarkable man helped to midwife today’s racially harmonious South Africa. But the most unique historic symbol of love remains Jesus Christ. Betrayed by a kiss, in the garden of Gethsemane, his armed captors were set to arrest Jesus. The tempestuous Apostle Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the soldiers. Jesus immediately healed the wound and admonished Peter: ‘For all they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword”.

Commenting on this saying of Jesus in his marvellous book simply titled, ‘Jesus’, Malcolm Muggeridge says “It is a saying that has proved to be true in all circumstances and at all levels of violence; from the squalid little terrorist who lurks under cover to aim his shot when the occasion offers, to the great campaigns and battlefields of history. Victor and vanquished alike exemplify the saying;

Ultimately, love triumphs

‘

Was there a word of anger from him? Did he lift a finger in revenge? Not on your life. Rather, that prayer which rings down the ages: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He died. Love resurrected.

Humanity was elevated

•Jesus Christ on the cross

having resorted to the sword, it hangs over them always, their arbiter and ultimate destroyer. Alexander is as surely destroyed by the sword as are those he conquered with it; the assassin as well as his victim”.

But why do I harp on the theme of love in this season of hatred, bitterness and daily explosions of destructive devices? Is it not only natural for victims of Boko Haram, for example, to respond with vile hatred to those who so needlessly kill and maim loved ones, destroy livelihoods, devastate entire communities and prematurely terminate promising destinies? Can you heed the admonition to love so vicious an enemy who pursues you with such blind,

’

consuming hatred?

Yes, I can understand the anguish, pain and bitterness particularly of those Christian leaders in the North whose members are senselessly bombed out of existence by an incurably fanatical sect. I can understand their retaliatory words of anger and threats of vengeance. But did the master mean it when he said turn the other cheek when you are slapped on one? Was he just playing with words? Did he mean it when he said: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?”.

I think he meant every word. Cast your mind back to the Cross. He was innocent of any crime. He hung there naked. A sword

thrust in his side. A crown of thorns on his head. Cruel scourges lacerating his body.

Nails piercing his hands and feet. A mocking crowd. Spittle trickling down his face. Was there a word of anger from him?

Did he lift a finger in revenge? Not on your life. Rather, that prayer which rings down the ages: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He died. Love resurrected. Humanity was elevated.

Do you remember that recent case of the young, beautiful girl in Islamic Iran? She was blinded with acid by a crazed, jealous lover. She sought justice. The law ruled that the man be surgically blinded in retaliation.

An eye for an eye. At the last minute, the girl said no. She forgave. Her assailant was spared. But he will forever be blinded by the radiant splendour of her nobility. The force of love.

Consider Abu Qaqa or Kabiru Sokoto in their lonely SSS cells, blind hatred and bitterness still lurking in their rebellious hearts. Then one of their victims seeks permission to visit them and says: “You have killed my innocent loved ones, brought tragedy to my family and virtually destroyed my life. You have caused me irreparable pain. But I choose to forgive you for you know not what you do. I choose to repay your hatred with love. I will even be in court to make a mitigation plea for you. God bless you”. Is it not possible that these stony hearts will be touched by the miracle of love?

Now, why do I think this way? Is it because I was in church last Sunday? Not necessarily. Last week, my pen dripped with vitriol and undisguised anger on this page. I sought to respond to the violence of impunity and arrogance with the violence of words detonated like hand grenades under deluded perceptions of reality. Then I received these wise words from one of my intellectual and ideological role models, the distinguished Professor Femi Osofisan: “Segun, anger is good, but only when restrained. Blind anger does just that, it blinds. You shouldn’t be drawn into the same slush of scurrility as your opponents.

Cheers!”

Dear Prof, I will certainly be in church tomorrow and I will pray most earnestly for the target of my last week’s anger. Hatred multiplied by hatred only compounds problems. Ultimately it is only love that heals and will triumph over political extremism and even Boko Haram. Thanks sir for being a guiding light and wise teacher always.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Nigeria, we hail thee

T

HERE is celebration in Abuja. Reason: The Federal Government has released N1.9billion, three months to the London 2012 Olympic Games, unlike in the past, when such cash is released three days to the start of the multi-sports event.

But nothing has changed in the administration of Nigerian sports, despite the cheap talk that some NSC eggheads are quietly revolutionising the industry.

Credit must go to the Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi for having the courage to push for the release of the funds. Now, he must ensure that only the athletes benefit from the largesse. Accompanying officials must foot their bills to the training camp.

Money should be given to medals potentials based on their current international ranking. Our boxers are rusty and will not make any difference, if taken to Germany for three months. They would be beaten black and blue. The difference between those who would mount the Olympic Games med-

als podium and those who won’t rests with the manner of preparations for the competition.

Countries with discerning sports policies prepare their athletes over the four years duration between the last and the next Olympics. They provide the templates which their athletes use and this includes good coaches, dieticians, doctors, nutritionists and career managers who will ensure that their retirement is no nightmare.

Counseling sessions are conducted at regular intervals to educate athletes on the dos and don’ts of the Olympics.

They get prime attention such that the populace, especially the youth are challenged to participate in sports, having seen what it has in stock for them.

But in Nigeria, administrators see the Olympic Games as another opportunity to enrich their travelling documents, earn estacodes to shop, and to contest elections into the international sports federations to remain relevant even if they don’t return to their Nigeria sports federations next time.

One was shocked penultimate Thursday, when the athletes going to the 2012 London Olympics arrived at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos for their biometrics without their international passports; the officials had theirs. It didn’t matter if the athletes were stranded.

They consoled the athletes with the promise to ensure that Thursday’s repeat biometrics in Abuja will be for them. I won’t be surprised if any athlete misses his or hers in Abuja and the officials do theirs.

I was shocked also at the appearances of some sports administrators. I saw an elderly administrator, Mr A.B Olowu, decked in Nigeria’s Olympic suits used at the Barcelona 84 Olympic Games. But some came in nauseating singlets and torn jeans trousers in the name of fashion, their ears blocked with music gadgets linked to their phones.

Those who wore track suits came in all manner of trainers, and snickers. Some wore slippers. I saw three in bathroom slippers and I wept for my country. Of course, their

officials were decked out in suits or national dresses, many smiling and backslapping to celebrate another jamboree in London, where they hope to fraternise with their loved ones that they have not seen in decades.

In other climes, sports administrators would have made the biometrics a showpiece to celebrate their sponsors, not forgetting the Olympic Games traditional sponsors. A documentary on the exercise would be done and shown to Nigerians to see the ambassadors to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Not so here. It doesn’t matter, after all, how many of these athletes we have seen participate in local tournaments on television?

One is convinced that our sports can experience a rebirth after the London 2012 Olympic Games, if only President Goodluck Jonathan can insist that the N1.9 billion given to the contingent is accounted for. One has watched in awe the Nigeria Olympic Committee’s (NOC’s) silence over its responsibilities to the Nigerian contingent beyond the biometrics and the thumbing of their chests to say that the keys to where our athletes would stay has been with them since February 2012.

•Continued on Page 62

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