The Nation May 11, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

Boko Haram will disappear in 3 months, vow Northern govs

2015: Sule Lamido’s bid rocks Presidency

–Page 5

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Obasanjo camp gives Jonathan condition for reconciliation

Sect blows up another bridge

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.08, No. 2835

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

MAY 11, 2014

N200.00

POLICE ARREST WANTED OYO NURTW BOSS, ‘AUXILLIARY’

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L-R: National Vice Chairman, South-West, All Progressives Congress, APC, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; wife of Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; National Leader, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Kayode Fayemi; National Chairman, APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; Governor, Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; and National Publicity Secretary, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during a fund raising dinner, hosted by "Friends of JKF" in Lagos at the weekend.

Abduction: Nigeria rejected help for weeks, say US, UK No hiding place for Boko MOSSAD, Interpol join Cameroun, Chad say girls Haram, says Jonathan search for schoolgirls not in their territory –Pages 4-7

GUBER SUCCESSION BATTLES (1) –Pages 19-26

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WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

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Abducted Dutch nationals regain freedom Bolaji Ogundele, Warri and MIKE Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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HE three Dutch nationals who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen around Letugbene community, Ekeremo council area of Bayelsa State, a week ago, have regained their freedom.

Although facts around their release were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the foreign nationals, who were on a humanitarian expedition when they were kidnapped, were released in Ekeni community, Southern Ijaw council area of Bayelsa state.

It could not be ascertained if any ransom was paid to facilitate their release, but a source who had been involved in seeing to getting the hostages released confirmed that they were being escorted to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital as this report was being filed.

Fathers of the Bride

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has in recent months had the pleasurable duty of giving out a succession of his children’s hands in marriage. Perhaps the assignment is beginning to take it toll-requiring him to seek a little assistance. Here he is joined by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (left), to lead Obasanjo's daughter, Oludamilola to the altar during her wedding held at Chapel of Christ the Glorious King,Abeokuta yesterday.

AST week, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, stirred and roused the British parliament with a powerful and memorable speech on the abduction of more than 200 teenage schoolgirls in Nigeria

by Boko Haram militants. The parliament backed him with a standing ovation and supported every measure he deemed fit to take to help Nigeria secure the release of the girls. His enthusiasm and sense of purpose left nothing to the imagination regarding what Mr Cameron would have done moments after the abductions had such an egregious crime taken place on British soil.

Contrastingly, nearly three weeks after the abductions took place, President Goodluck Jonathan engaged in handwringing as he bemoaned the paucity of information on the teenage girls' captivity. He has neither addressed the National Assembly to place new antiterror measures before them for their approval nor has he addressed the country as a whole to rally them behind him and give vent to the empathy the con-

BAROMETER sunday@thenationonlineng.net

Chibok schoolgirls: world rallies around disoriented, bungling Nigeria stitution expects him to always deliver with matchless aplomb.

Instead, and as has become unfortunately obvious to the rest of the world, the Jonathan presidency oscillated between the doubts he entertained about whether there was indeed any abduction at all, as his wife Dame Patience Jonathan underscored in her disjointed and lachrymose response to the grave issue, and exhibition of plain and embarrassing helplessness and impotence. Apparently unable to convince himself that the abductions indeed took place, the president could not tackle the menace with the sense of

urgency and brilliance the occasion demanded, assuming he had those virtues in him, nor could he rouse the country behind him, nor yet could he marshal the limitless forces available to him to get all the information needed to anchor his actions and options. Of course the possibility of visiting the distraught parents of the abducted girls is looking more remote by the day. And if a visit does take place on a hypothetical tomorrow, it will be nothing but a miserable afterthought.

The president and his wife, who has a knack for meddling in state affairs, at a point requested for the pho-

Cults and lynch mobs of Lagos

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O part of Nigeria is immune to the depressing stranglehold violence has on the country. The Northeast is hobbled by terror; the South-South and Southeast by kidnapping and robbery; and now, after the Ibadan Soka forest of horror, the Southwest seems about to be overwhelmed by lynch mobs. Lynching, of course, has been Nigeria's badge of dishonour for decades, a constant staple for millions of superstitious and psychopathic citizens. Lynching has in fact seemed to receive some kind of urgency after a kidnappers' hideout was uncovered in Soka community near Ibadan, Oyo State, where ritual killings and other bestial fetish practices took place in an abandoned warehouse under the cover of nursing mental patients.

Hand in gloves with lynching is

the equally barbaric practice of cult membership now alarmingly becoming prevalent among young people, some as young as teenagers.

The cults, some of which are the infamous Eiye and Black Axe, used to be the exclusive preserve of students of tertiary institutions. In recent years, however, the cults have appeared to leapfrog over secondary schools, where they registered half-hearted presence, and have arrived in the community next to you, particularly in Lagos. They have begun to wreak havoc on communities, and are destroying the future of the youths by expanding the frontiers of crime, in some cases and areas exponentially.

It is time Lagos set up a wellfunded department, fully staffed with well-trained appropriate security agents, to urgently tackle these crimes. The department's staff must

have the ability to pre-empt and respond to the contemporary manifestation of cultism and lynching. The situation can no longer be left to chance or to existing and overstretched law enforcement agencies.

tographs of the schoolgirls, as if they hoped to publish them in the media. It does not seem they were even sure of the number of girls abducted. More worrisomely, the entire apparatus of government has been enveloped in confusion and, again as the international media observed, in abject ineptitude.

Finally, all pretence that President Goodluck Jonathan had a modicum of competence in him to face the enormous task of governing a complex country of about 160 million people evaporated with his feet shuffling. His supporters may try their damnedest to pin the abduction debacle on his enemies, particularly those they consider his hegemonic and oligarchic northern opponents, but the obvious and unflattering fact is that the abduction saga has shown President Jonathan to be unsuitable for the job.

During his last media chat, a clearly harassed and befuddled President Jonathan mournfully asked for international help to free the girls. But even before he asked, the international community, which had seemed more concerned and outraged than he, had sought to impose help on him. That he has finally caved in is a testimony not to his concern about the girls' plight, which he did very little to ameliorate for more than two weeks, or his feelings for their parents, but his recognition of the futility of his own puny efforts and the abysmal confusion that has sapped the energies of his security forces. From all indications, the international pressure on Boko Haram will bear fruit and secure the schoolgirls' release. There is however no certainty that all the girls will come back, or that when they

return they will not be psychologically damaged beyond what our expertise can palliate, assuming the government is capable of paying attention to such delicate matters.

However, whatever damage the country will record will not be limited to the schoolgirls or their parents.

Much more than the abductions per se, Nigeria itself must now have to endure a far worse humiliation and damage than the victims, having shown such gross incompetence in responding to the sporadic and audacious actions of the Boko Haram commanders. The country's pride is broken, not just by the humiliating blows from Boko Haram, but by the simple fact that for such a matter as the Chibok abductions, the country has been compelled to throw its doors and windows open for help of any kind and from any source. It will take decades to live down this humiliation. Nigeria is not run on the basis of editorials of the international media, but if in 2015 there is no change of leadership, the world, not to say scathing international critics and editorial writers, would question our rationality and wonder just how gluttonous we had become in absorbing punishment.

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

COLUMN

Sambisa and other forests

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

night: after four weeks with the hard men of this vile and vicious sect what else can one say about the virginal sanctity of these girls?

It is a good therapy, then, to cry and wail and roll over ourselves on the streets. But much sooner than later, Nigerians will have to confront the demon within that has given rise to such a demonic society. The evil empire outside is but a reflection of the evil empire within. Sambisa Forest is the evil manifestation of the forest of a thousand devils that is the Nigerian project. Let us dwell on a few of these forests.

The Boko Haram incubus did not suddenly jump on the stage from nowhere; neither did it come fully dressed. There had been frequent sightings and dress rehearsals in the Maitasine uprising in Kano, the Musa Makaniki revolt in Yola and the dramatic declaration of Sharia in some northern states that curiously coincided with the ascendancy of an admittedly bible-thumping Christian president from the South.

In its purest and most classical sense, the Sharia regime is a more extreme and total version of Boko Haram. While Boko Haram denounces western education, Sharia anathematizes western culture and

political civilization beginning with its legal foundation. Both are bound to come to violent collision with the secular state and the paradigm of the modern nation which are underwritten by western civilization and its triumph over competing modernities. It is the military wing of this western civilization which conquered the Islamic conquerors of Northern Nigeria and forcibly brought them under the orbit of western political authority.

There is a Sambisa Forest in the heart of an indigenous ruling class which allows the living condition of humanity to deteriorate to the feral subsistence and unremitting harshness such as we find in certain parts of the north. It is this poverty in extremis and its attendant hopelessness that fuel the hallucinatory delusions, the murderous, misguided and misdirected deviancy of the Boko Haram sect. Until this internal Sambisa forest is cleared of its malignancies, the external Sambisa Forest will remain as its necessary corollary and dialectical mirror image.

The Northern Question is therefore an integral part of the National Question. The National Question has its social and geopolitical dimensions. On paper, political restructur-

ing is easy. You can carve up a country into a thousand regions and prefectures. But how do we restructure the soul and mind of the contemporary Nigerian ruling class to make it amenable to the minimum standards of the political modernity that has been foisted on us? Can a ruler of Southern extraction have the temerity to disturb or disrupt the existing feudal relations of production in the core north without provoking a genocidal backlash?

Whatever the current grandstanding by a doomed ruling elite, there is a Sambisa Forest in the heart of a ruling class which steals and cheats its way to obscene and indecent wealth and opulence while the rest of the country wallows in hunger, poverty and biblical misery. It is called government without governance; or the management of mismanagement.

Now factor into this, the Sambisa Forest of pension thieves, the Sambisa Forest of fuel subsidy rogues, the Sambisa Forest of corrupt and untouchable ministers, the Sambisa Forest of religious charlatans of all creeds who feed on the misery of the disoriented populace, the Sambisa Forest of our elder “statesmen” who brought us to this sorry pass in the first instance, and the Sambisa Forest of economic cannibals in our midst, and you get a picture of a humongous monstrosity. Let us by all means bring back our girls. But let them come back to another country. Otherwise, they will be abducted again.

Last week, Balarabe Musa, the great Northern political savant and radical socialist, asked a vital and crucial national question to which no answers have been forthcoming. Why is it, Balarabe rued, that it is at this very time when we are said to be having a National Conference that our problems seem to be multiplying and atrocities against the nation seem

the State Department, an Arabist to be specific.

But he seemed to have quarreled with his bosses and left in a huff. As a leisurely pastime which then became a full preoccupation, he had taken to sailing from New York in his specially kitted boat all the way down to Miami and then back to New York all year round. It was a weird form of self-exile and internal deportation.

It was on one of this to and fro, this nautical gallivanting, that our man chose to make a detour at the mouth of the Savannah River to visit an old friend , a fellow American and professorial colleague of yours sincerely. It was the same route that the youthful Brigadier James Oglethorpe had taken almost four hundred years earlier to found Savannah City and claim the whole of Georgia for King George and the Earl of Chatham.

He was dressed in a snow white jalabiya. Dignified and good looking, the retired diplomat was an African American, but he could “pass”, to use an American lingo. There was something about him which reminded one of a ranking Brahmin of the Sudanese Arab master class. After decades of mixing it up with the Arabs, he had almost become one. One can imagine him taking an early morning stroll on the streets of Khartoum and Omdurman looking very much like an Arab nobleman. It was discovered that he spoke Arab, Bedouin and Wolof fluently. It was America at the summit of its power and glory.

The conversation ranged from the

Mahdi uprising in Sudan, the repressed homosexuality of General Charles Gordon, a.k.a Chinese Gordon, and General Kitchener’s savage reprisal for the murder of the British general. At this point, yours sincerely longed for his great friend, Professor Hakeem Olumide Danmole, the notable Islamic scholar at the Lagos State University and one of the experts Nigeria sorely needs at this point. Quiet, wellborn and well-bred, H.O.D will never thrust himself forward.

It was as if the fellow knew what one was thinking about. He committed a verbal indiscretion.

“I am surprised that you know so much about Sudan”, the retired diplomat noted with patrician bravura and a patronizing mien.

“To tell you the truth, I am also surprised that you know so much about Africa”, snooper shot back to his fiendishly gregarious laughter and good-natured bonhomie. Snooper decided to change the topic by asking him about the sad events of September 11th, 2001. It was still very fresh then.

“Don’t worry, America will find Osama even if it takes a decade. He will be located at least a thousand miles from his adoptive country and summarily dispatched”, he answered with a calm shrug.

It was when the conversation turned to Ibn Khaldun, the great Arab historian and philosopher, who anticipated Marx and Spengler in many respects, that the retired diplomat completely turned the table on yours sin-

cerely. Everything snooper knew about the great historian had been selftaught. It shows the limits and limitations of what Karl Marx, in a famous polemic against Bakunin, called the “erudition of the self-taught”. Snooper had been pronouncing the name with a heavy “K” not knowing that the “K” was supposed to be silent.

“Oh you mean Ibn (K)Haldun”, the American corrected and then went on a long elaboration of the great man’s theory of Asabiya and the ascetic discipline and group cohesion that come naturally to people in climates of unremitting harshness like the desert. This Russian roulette has played out in the desert for centuries but the theory is generally applicable to human society as a whole. Then the old boy dropped his terminal bombshell.

“It is the spirit of Asabiya and its ascetic discipline which allowed the semi-nomad Uthman Dan Fodio and his group to overcome and overpower the corrupt and indolent Habe ruling dynasty. But it is the law of nature that when nomadic people settle in the city and begin to taste its forbidden fruits, they lose the plot completely. Dan Fodio himself hinted at this. Unless your country takes great modernizing strides in the nearest future another group from the fringes of the desert will try to take out the old caste. If you factor in other contradictions, particularly a restive South, Sudan will be a child’s play.”

Goodbye Savannah and welcome Sambisa Forest.

•Nigerian troops in the Sambisa forest

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HE heart of a de-civilized person is a jungle of violent impulses. The forest outside is a reflection of the forest within. There is a Sambisa Forest in every one of us. It is a metaphor for deformed and dehumanized humanity. The forest takes over every patch of land that is uncultured and uncultivated after some time. The jungle must reclaim its own. In order to endure, civilization must be kept in a state of constant cultivation.

We have lost our civilization.

This is why Nigeria is in desperate straits. No nation has ever been more profoundly unhappy in the real sense of absolute misery. There is a deep sadness everywhere. Savagery rules the land. Every day, we hear tales of unprecedented cruelty and sadistic behavior. Every day, we are regaled with acts of unimaginable barbarity.

We cry for the abducted of Sambisa Forest. We moan at night for our defiled daughters. Anybody who has ever fathered a daughter must shudder at the plight of these girls. After a month in captivity, what will their sanitary state be like? After four weeks in dazed detention, what is their psychological status?

And now the dreaded question that torments one in the middle of the HESE are desperate times in Nigeria. The Boko Haram sect has abducted its way to international notoriety, focusing global klieg light on the nation and our national deficiencies. While the offer of international assistance in tracking the abducted girls must be applauded and appreciated, Nigerians must now appreciate that the initiative in confronting this local mutant of global terror has slipped from our hands. Before our eyes, Nigeria has become an international front in the latest confrontation between contending notions of human progress.

The implications for our military establishment and sacred national data are better imagined. But we need not worry or mourn. A feckless nation will always come to grievous harm. Two of the lessons we must learn as a building block for the future is the need for quality surveillance of our territorial space and the fact that intelligence gathering is a proactive business rather than a reactive affair. Given the repeated signals, Nigeria ought to have established a Federal Bureau of Counterterrorist Intelligence a long time ago.

It is this unit, rather than the police or the military, that should be the public face of the fight against terrorism.

Great nations thrive not just on the cutting edge sophistication of their technological eavesdropping but on the quality of their human intelligence. It was just a little over a decade ago that snooper met the Sultan of Savannah River in the house of a mutual friend in Savannah, Georgia. He was a former top official of

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The dervish on the Savannah River

to be proceeding apace? The answer is that we are not having any national conference.

The great charade ongoing in Abuja is not designed to move the nation forward. It is nothing but a holding device; a talking contraption hastily and clumsily glued together to provide a strategic respite for Jonathan so as to allow him get back to the drawing board of his presidential preoccupation with ruling Nigeria until something gives. But as we have noted in this column, whatever respite gained will be transient and temporary as the old problems return with malignant vigour.

If the gathering street demonstrations and the global attention being gradually focused on Nigeria are anything to go by, Jonathan will find himself and his presidency increasingly diminished and his remaining credibility and authority vastly eroded. There will come a time in the nearest future as the heat gets to the kitchen when a conclave of genuine Nigerian elders who have not sold their soul will pay him a crucial visit.

Any national advantage and value that would have accrued from the National Conference appears to have been stymied and squashed between two antagonistic forces in a state of desperate and paradoxical complicity: the forces of the old status quo who want Nigeria to remain as it is in structural stasis and the forces of the new ascendancy who want Nigeria to roil in democratic deadlock until something gives.

Taken together, the two forces constitute a structural and political Kilimanjaro for the nation. They have been carefully assembled by Jonathan and his men to make sure that nothing happens. The few voices of genuine patriotic concern have found themselves stranded by choice between the two reactionary behemoths. For some of them, this is a classic parable of how one can bring political peril on one’s self by the sheer irrational hatred of a particular individual.

So as we gather on the streets demanding the return of our abducted daughters from the Sambisa Forest, let us also not forget how we got to this sorry pass where Nigeria has become an international poster boy for unspeakable evil. We must redeem ourselves first before the nation can be redeemed. There is a Sambisa Forest in virtually every one of us.

Ahmed Gulak’s Archipelago

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H boy, oh boy! We know that this is a period of collective tragedy but one single political tragedy diminishes all of us. Has anything been heard about the black box of the flight Gulak 101? It reportedly took off from Abuja in heavy weather and made an emergency landing in Uyo as a result of political turbulence.

The plane was said to have developed technical hitches. Thereafter, the lone occupant was also said to have developed itches and rashes as a result of political rashness. The plane was last seen limping and listless as it flew into the clouds. It was reported that all efforts to plead for a soft landing from the tower in Abuja fell on presidential deaf ears.

This is not a case of a Bermuda Triangle. It is Ahmed Gulak who has fallen into his own archipelago.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

NEWS

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NITIAL efforts by the international community to assist Nigeria in searching for the over 200 schoolgirls abducted last month in Borno State were rebuffed by the federal government, according to reports yesterday.

The British Foreign Office said the United Kingdom offered help soon after the mass abduction, while the U.S. said its embassy and staff agencies offered help “from day one” of the crisis, according to Secretary of State John Kerry.

It was only last week, three weeks after the Boko Haram raid of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, that President Goodluck Jonathan accepted the offers, one in a series of missteps that have led to growing international outrage against the government.

The federal authorities and the military high command were said to be initially uncomfortable with allowing foreigners run the show in the rescue operation.

The U.S., Britain, France and China are in the lead in providing mainly technical assistance in locating the girls.

However, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that up to 20 countries and international agencies have indicated interest in searching for the girls.

These according to him in-

CHIBOK ABDUCTION SAGA

How Nigeria rejected help for weeks, by US, UK

From Shola O’Neil, Southsouth Regional Editor/ Augustine Ehikioya, with agency report

clude Spain, Israel, several African countries, particularly neighbouring Chad, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Benin Republic as well as the International Criminal Police Organisation (Inerpol).

The President spoke at Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, where he had gone to perform the groundbreaking of the NIMASA Shipyard and Dockyard and the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko.

“I’ve just had a communication with the president of Interpol (and) they are ready to key in with the Nigerian government to search the whole world. Wherever these girls are, we must get them,” he said.

He warned crime gangs and others who might be interested in trading in the girls to keep off, insisting that there would be no hiding place for whoever got involved in the heinous crime.

The Boko Haram leader, Ahmed Shekau, had threatened in a video message last week to sell off the girls.

Jonathan added: “Luckily,

the international community is angry with the whole thing. We have support from other countries and we promise the world that we will get these girls out.

“I am very pleased with the support from the US, UK, China, France, Israel, Spain and others and the cooperation we are getting from neighbouring countries: Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Benin, Central Africa Republic and North African countries.

“We are totally committed; we will make sure that we get the girls out wherever they keep them.”

The president reaffirmed his conviction that the girls are still in Nigeria possibly in Simbisa forest in Borno State.

He said:”The story that they (Boko Haram) have sold them (the girls) is not true. You cannot buy any of those girls because where you are in the world, no sane person will attempt to go and keep these girls.”

He appealed to Nigerians to give peace a chance with a view to ensuring widespread development in the county.

He said, “Everybody wants development, but you cannot get it in a circumstance where

there is crisis.

“The last time I visited here (Gbaramatu) to see the people after the troubles before Amnesty, nobody smiled. I could not smile and these same people I have come to see now could smile.

“Today, we have come to open a Marine University and everyone is smiling and happy.

Without peace, the atmosphere would not have supported this.

Nobody would have thought of this. So I thank the Gbaramatu people, those of a Niger Delta for embracing peace to create the enabling environment.”

Government, according to him, is impressed with the level of peace in the Niger Delta region, although he acknowledged that criminal elements still abound in the area.

Speaking on the Maritime University and NIMASA shipyard and dockyard projects, the president revealed that it is part of an overall plan to create employment and reduce the pool of jobless youths available for crime in the area.

He said government’s target is to make the maritime sector contribute between 30 and

40percent of the nation’s GDP. In deference to the mood of the nation caused by the abduction of the Chibok girls, the President cancelled the traditional dancing and wrestling (ogele) which were part of the programme to welcome him to the state.

Transport Minister Idris Umar said, on the occasion, that the projects underscored government’s commitment to the development of the maritime sector.

He said they are legacies, not only to Nigeria, but the West Africa subcontinent in line with the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

Also speaking, the Director General of NIMASA, Ziakede Akpobolokemi said the university would help achieve one of its targets to build in-country capacity for composite manpower development in the sector.

The ceremony was attended by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Anambra State counterpart, Willie Obiano, Senator James Manager, members of House of Representatives, Hon Daniel Reyenieju and Ndudi Elumelu, traditional rulers and other community leaders in the region.

Interpol offers help in hunt for Nigerian girls

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•L-R: Minister of Transport ,Senator Idris Umar; Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano; Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi; and President Goodluck Jonathan, during the ground breaking of NIMASA Shipyard and Dockyard at Okerenkoko, in Delta State…yesterday

NTERNATIONAL police agency, Interpol, said on Friday it stood ready to provide whatever support might be required in the hunt for more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls in Borno State.

Secretary General Ronald K. Noble has written to President Goodluck Jonathan offering assistance, an Interpol statement said.

Support offered includes the immediate publication of so-called Yellow Notices for the girls. These are circulated to all 190 Interpol member countries to assist police worldwide to locate and identify the victims.

‘Nigeria requested US intelligence, military gear to fight terror’

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ONTRARY to criticism that the Federal Government mishandled foreign offer of assistance in checking the menace of Boko Haram, the American television giant, ABC says Nigeria actually requested help against the insurgents as far back as November last year, two months before the US designated the group d a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO).

The request was tabled through the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki.

The US Secretary of State John Kerry had on Monday alleged that Nigeria’s pride had made it to reject from American and British counter-terrorism assistance, even after a United Nations office in Abuja was bombed three years ago.

Kerry said: “The [Nigerian] government had its own set of strategies, if you will, in the beginning.

“And you can offer and talk,

•Signed $3m per year lobby deal to seek US assistance

From Yusuf Alli, with agency report

but you can’t do [anything] if a government has its own sense of how it’s proceeding. I think now the complications that have arisen have convinced everybody that there needs to be a greater effort.”

However, ABC News reported that Nigeria “hired a powerful Washington lobbying firm to press its case for intelligence on violent terror group Boko Haram and to persuade the Obama administration to donate non-lethal equipment in the hunt for extremists, according to documents filed with the U.S. government.

It said that in November 2013, the Office of the National Security Adviser (of Nigeria) signed a $3 million-a-year contract with K Street firm Patton

Boggs to “provide comprehensive security advice, including the donation of excess military and law enforcement equipment.”

Quoting from documents filed with the U.S. Justice Department under the Foreign Agents Registration Act(FARA),ABC News said “Patton Boggs’ point man on the contract, retired Marine Col. John Garrett, recounted in an email communication filed under FARA that he had met with officials at the Pentagon’s combatant command for the region, U.S. Africa Command, in Stuttgart, Germany in December.

“On behalf of Nigerian National Security Adviser Muhammadu Sambo Dasuki, Garrett requested information on Boko Haram activities derived from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

overflights of northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state.

“Patton Boggs also asked for non-lethal protective hardware to be donated to Nigeria such as mine-resistant armored personnel vehicles, night vision goggles and communications equipment from Iraq and Afghanistan stockpiles left over from U.S. withdrawals from those warzones.

“Then, on April 28 Garrett wrote to a military attaché at the U.S. embassy in Nigeria to seek a meeting with Ambassador James Entwistle.

“The Nigerian wish-list again included “protected ground mobility for security forces” and “current imagery, surveillance, reconnaissance (day/night) product and analysis, initially for the Sambisa Forest Region, Borno State, and for other designated areas of interest,” as well as the communi-

cations and individual night vision equipment, according to Garrett’s email to Army Major John Ringquist at the U.S. embassy.

“But Garrett said today that no meetings have been scheduled with U.S. diplomats and claims little if any intelligence has been shared by the U.S., much less any surplus military gear.

“To date I have not received a decisive response to our requests, but we continue to work on these vital requirements for the office of the national security adviser of the government of Nigeria,” Garrett told ABC News.

A State Department official would not comment specifically on the requests by Patton Boggs but said that the U.S. has been working to help counter Boko Haram for years.

Suswam hails condemnation by northern leaders

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ENUE State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, at the weekend hailed what he called the new commitment of northern political leaders to end the insecurity situation in the North.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Dr Cletus Akwaya, the governor said the recent gale of public condemnation of the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents by prominent Northern leaders was a clear signal to the resolution of the problem.

He said, the change of attitude by way of public condemnation of those behind the insurgents was necessary to instill confidence in the security forces operating in the crisis areas and in the minds of potential investors, looking to opportunities in the post- crisis era.

The governor spoke at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja at the Investment Forum for northern states of Nigeria, hosted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC, United States of America.

The forum attracted leading American investors, governors of the northern states, Nigeria’s Ambassador to USA, Prof Adefuye, his American counterpart in Nigeria, Ambassador Eintwhistle, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, and a host of other diplomats, local and international investors.

Michelle Obama ‘outraged’ over Nigeria kidnapped girls

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HE United States of America first lady Michelle Obama took the rare step of delivering her husband President Barack Obama’s weekly radio address yesterday to express outrage over last month’s kidnap of over 200 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

“Like millions of people across the globe, my husband and I are outraged and heartbroken over the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls from their school dormitory in the middle of the night,” Mrs. Obama said in the address.

“This unconscionable act was committed by a terrorist group determined to keep these girls from getting an education - grown men attempting to snuff out the aspirations of young girls.”

President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday he believed the girls, abducted by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, were still in the country.

“I want you to know that Barack has directed our government to do everything possible to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to find these girls and bring them home,” Mrs. Obama said.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

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ORMER Nigerian leader, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, yesterday asked Nigerians to set aside religious differences and join hands in prayers and action to put an end to the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency in the country and the recovery of the abducted school girls from Chibok.

He spoke just as the Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, warned against allowing the foreign troops kill any member of the Boko Haram group, saying allowing such will trigger a new wave of terrorism never witnessed in the country before.

Speaking in an interview with the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) monitored in Kaduna, the former leader also asked Nigerian Muslims to rise to defend bad image being given to their religion through the activities of the group as Islam had never allowed the killing of innocent souls, or to antagonise fellow human beings.

According to him, this was the time for Nigerians to unite to rescue the missing female students from Chibok in Borno State, saying "First, I am together with the parents of those girls in prayers so that Allah will protect them. Secondly, this has affected the entire Nigeria. Once you are a Nigerian, no matter your religion, what happened to these children has affected every one that is called a Nigerian."

On the public outcry by Nigerians about government inaction in recovering the girls, the former president said this was not the time to apportion blame saying "Allah has destined that this thing would happen this way. What we are supposed to do now is to look for ways of assisting in finding these girls because they are not just girls from Chibok, but Nigerian girls.

NEWS CHIBOK ABDUCTION SAGA

We must fight Boko Haram together, says Babangida

•From L-R; Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Chief of Staff to the President, Gen. Oladeinde Arogbofa (retd; celebrator, Oba Sikiru Adetona; Ogun State Gov., Senator Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Olufunso, and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the 80th birthday ceremony of Oba Adetona in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State ... yesterday.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

"So what I hope is that, the Muslims, the Christians, even the animists, should tighten our belt and ensure that we give our full support in the search that could lead us to success in this regard.

This is not only affecting Nigeria. Therefore, if there are offers to assist us, Alhamdulillahi (Thanks be to Allah)."

Babangida allayed fears being expressed in some quarters that once the American soldiers are allowed into the country, they would not want to leave. The former military President said before they come into the country, there would be certain regulations that must be adhered

to, saying "if they offered to assist, first of all they should be given the opportunity, and we must express our gratitude to them".

He noted that Islam had never allowed the killing of innocent souls, saying "Islam enjoins you to live peacefully with fellow human beings.

Allah says there is no compulsion in religion, so this alone is okay for us. Therefore, anybody who will come and smear our name, all Muslims should kick against that. Muslims should also do everything possible to stop this continued blackmail against the religion of Islam.

We must prepare to fight it and ensure that we become successful."

Meanwhile, Islamic

scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Gumi said the fight to recover the missing school girls from Chibok was a special war that needed special approach.

In a statement in Kaduna, the Islamic scholar said "don't let the foreigners' fire and kill any Nigerian. This may trigger waves of terrorism never seen before, especially with the latest pronouncement by the Amnesty International which is broadcast in the major international media."

According to him, it is no more secret that the Nigerian Army has not been engaging the enemy, saying "for us that have been keen observers of the development and progress of this evil situa-

Northern governors vow to stamp out Boko Haram in three months

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HE Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) on yesterday said all elements of the Boko Haram terrorists group would be stamped out within three months.

Gov. Babangida Aliyu, Chairman of the forum, said this in an address at a joint Northern States Governors/ United States investors’ summit held in Abuja.

According to him, “Contrary to insinuations that leaders in the region failed to openly condemn the rascality of the terrorists, we have instead worked subtly to see to the end of the insurgents.

The coming of the United States’ army to rescue the abducted Chibok school girls was as a result of the meeting the northern governors held with the American Government.

“The 19 governors that make up this forum would continue to condemn the

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invasion of the north and we are happy with the Federal Government. The group is equally happy with United States, Britain, France, China and Canada which have offered support to tackle the insurgents.’’

Meanwhile, a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, said the summit was organised to accelerate the socioeconomic development of the north and the country as a whole.

It said that, the symposium organised by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and NSGF between March 17 and March 19 in Washington laid the foundation for the summit and partnership with investors.

The communiqué, which was signed Aliyu, said strengthening relations between the entire northern governors through the summit was the right recipe for the development of the

area.

“The summit addresses the issues of concern to the people of the region, and particularly the challenges faced by some states presently plagued by poverty, youth unemployment and insurgency.

“It seeks to act as vehicle through which the NSGF attracts partnership with the international investment community and aid agencies to assist in rebuilding, reconstructing and rehabilitating the north,’’ it said.

According to the communiqué, the courage and confidence reposed in the region in the face of enormous insecurity challenges in the country was well-known.

It said the summit would complement the gains of the just concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) for Africa and the far reaching

initiatives of the Federal Government to develop the country.

It, called on all investors to have confidence in the opportunities that abound in the region, adding that the deficit found in region should be a motivating factor to invest.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the summit was organised by NSGF in conjunction with the Nigerian Embassy in Washington.

General Electric (GE), Brambles, USAID, Milhouse Engineering, Manchester Trade, World Bank, Blumber Grains and African World Export were some of the companies that attended the summit.

All the 19 governors made presentations highlighting areas of respective states’ potentials and available opportunities for investors to note.

tion which the northern states are passing through since the inception of this government, this is no news".

He wondered why the USA and other countries are just offering assistance on the war against insurgency, when many innocent lives have been lost and so many families were destroyed, saying "the interest is intensifying after it becoming more evident that the Boko Haram are going to enslave or sell the innocent girls with religious bias as most of them girls are Christians.

In fact, there is news that those that escaped might have been the few Muslim girls 'released' by the evil group.

"There is no reason whatsoever that can justify the abduction of innocent people irrespective of their religious affiliation or ethnic composition. This has to be clear. It is at this juncture, that the efforts of the Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch should be appreciated, because they have times without number published the atrocities committed by the both the Boko Haram and the Nigerian military.

"Atrocities of rapes, extra-judicial killings and concentration camps and illegal detentions. If these atrocities are committed by a lawless group there is no much surprise about it. What do we expect of them? But for a constituted authority to be engaged in these same atrocities, the issue becomes more abominable.

"Yet years passed without concern from the public.

It is now we are all facing the evil we collectively neglected and refused to heed the cries of the very few.

When our government was committing crimes most people were aloof. Now the evil is haunting us all. Now the Nigerian government is branded in the international arena as callous, irresponsible, corrupt and also blood stained."

According to him, there will always be repercussions for killing innocent people or aiding in killing an innocent soul as well as refusal to take responsibility over the lives and properties of people.

"It is shocking for most of us, especially since the revelation on the Voice of America interview by a soldier about the situation in Bama. He was plain that the Nigerian military is not truly engaging the enemy and that there are elements of his military instructors on the side of Boko Haram firing at them, an allegation the military dismissed yet the public is not convinced."

U.N. Security Council threatens action over abduction

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HE U.N. Security Council is demanding the immediate release of the over 200 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted last month by Boko Haram.

It threatens that the kidnappers are liable for war crimes if they fail to release the girls forthwith.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their intention to actively follow the situation of the abducted girls and to consider appropriate measures against Boko Haram,” the 15-member council, which includes Nigeria, said in a statement at the weekend.

The council “demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted girls still in captivity and further expressed their deep concern at statements made by the alleged leader of Boko Haram threatening to sell these girls as slaves.”

The Security Council could blacklist Boko Haram and impose targeted sanctions on members of the group, diplomats said.

It also condemned the latest big Islamist attack in Gamboru, Borno State, during which about 300 people were killed.

Several countries, including the United States, Britain, France and China, have offered support to Nigeria to help find the girls. British experts including diplomats, aid workers and Ministry of Defence officials arrived in Nigeria on Friday to advise the government on the search.

“The members of the Security Council welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nigeria to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls to their families, as well as international efforts to provide assistance to the Nigerian authorities in this regard and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.

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NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

CHIBOK ABDUCTION SAGA

Troops on alert as Boko Haram insurgents surround Gwoza

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ROOPS have been placed on red alert following information that Boko Haram insurgents had surrounded Gwoza, Borno State.

A military source said the insurgents had been "massing up in Gwoza with intent to strike."

"We have placed troops on red alert. We are also sending reinforcement as I speak with you. We are taking preemptive measures to avert a repeat of what happened in Gamboru during the week."

• Terrorists blow up second bridge, kill many in village attack, abduct two kids Stories from Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and agency report

The news broke as the terrorists blew up another bridge, killed an unknown number of people and abducted the wife and two children of a retired police officer at Limankara village in Adamawa State.

The Limankara bridge served as a link between Adamawa and Borno states.

A team of French experts arrived Abuja yesterday to join those from the USA and UK to help look for the girls.

An official in President Francois Hollande's office in Paris said they are experts in collecting intelligence from technical and human sources

and in image analysis.

Father of two of the abducted girls, the Rev. Enoch Mark, described his despair and anger at the military for not yet finding his daughters.

"For a good 11 days, our daughters were sitting in one place," he told The Associated Press. "They camped them near Chibok not more than 30 kilometres, and no help in hand. For a good 11 days."

•Members of Nigeria Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, led by the Chairman, Mr Deji Elumelu, (2nd left) carrying placards to protest the abduction of Chibok girls in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Abductions: Cameroon, Chad reach out to Nigeria

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RESH indications emerged yesterday that Cameroon and Chad have reached out to the federal government that Boko Haram is yet to relocate any of the over 200 abducted girls to their territories.

It was also learnt that some of the surveillance aircraft for the rescue of the girls might be stationed in either of the two countries.

It was gathered that it has been difficult to liberate the girls because the military have been receiving misleading information from locals.

Some of the locals are suspected of working for Boko Haram.

One of the wrong clues allegedly led to the invasion of Gamboru on Monday where over 300 people were killed.

Investigation by our

• Say girls not on their territories correspondent revealed that Cameroon and Chad have conducted covert military operations and there was no proof that the abducted girls have been relocated to their territories.

A top security source said: "These two neighbouring countries have told our government and the military high command that there was no trace of the girls being in their domains.

"They have, however, strengthened their security and intelligence gathering to prevent any cross-border movement of the girls.

"We have asked them to dig more and we have been passing clues to them as appropriate to seek their assistance."

It was learnt that some of the surveillance aircraft might be stationed in either Cameroon or Chad.

"The US, UK operations will not be limited to Nigeria. With the cooperation of France, all border towns with Nigeria in Cameroon and Chad will also be policed to rescue the girls.

"Some surveillance equipment will be mounted in these countries. Already, the National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki has held discussions with the US on the level of assistance for Nigeria to bring back the girls."

Responding to a question, the source said a major challenge confronting troops in Borno State is wrong or misleading information.

The source added: "Some of

the locals have not helped the situation. Each time they gave us information on the whereabouts of the girls, it turned out to be false.

"Some deliberately give misleading information to relocate troops from their position of strength. We cannot rule out the suspicion that some of the locals are working for Boko Haram "For instance, the killing of over 300 in Gamboru during the week was also caused by misleading information. They gave wrong information to the military command in Damboa on how the girls had been sighted.

"While the troops were working on the clues, the insurgents invaded the market in Gamboru to kill over 300.

"We are now being careful with information given to troops."

U.S. yet to deploy Marines, says DHQ

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HE Defence Headquarters said last night that the United States was yet to deploy its Marines troops in Nigeria.

It also said the US Marines and foreign allies have not either arrested nor carried out any operation in the country.

The Director of Defence Information, Gen. Chris

Olukolade, made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja against the backdrop of rumours that the abductors of the missing 276 Chibok girls have been arrested.

"There has been no arrest or operation by any foreign military or security allies in the ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted girls or the con-

duct of the ongoing counter terrorist campaign in Nigeria as reported by national dailies today (yesterday)and currently being circulated online," he said.

He added:"Contrary to the reports and the pictures being circulated to illustrate the claims, there has been no incident or record as reported.

"The pictures being circulated to illustrate the claims in the story are not related to the situation in Nigeria as they were taken from scenes in other countries.

"Indeed, no troop of the American Marines has so far been deployed in any part of Nigeria as is being circulated in certain media.”

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

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CHIBOK ABDUCTION SAGA

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AST Sunday, you jolted the nation by releasing names of some of the abducted girls. Let's start by asking you why?

Actually some people are even saying nobody was abducted, as if the story was cooked up. Can you imagine that?

If your daughter was abducted and there is no trace three weeks after, how will you feel? Then someone comes to say there was no abduction. And that it was only from one local government that the girls on the list came from, just Chibok local government. That is where the school is located. Other people from other places sent their children to the school. We couldn't get their names because we had no way to.

Is that why you had only 180 names of the kidnapped girls on the list?

Yes, you are very right. There were more girls kidnapped but only the ones from Chibok local government could be traced. So, it is just a partial list for just Chibok girls. Two, they knew that Chibok local government is 90% percent Christian. Why didn't the abductors go to other boarding schools in Borno State that are still running?

And speaking with the local, they knew that the terrorists were coming at least two hours before they arrived.

They didn't know whether they were coming for the girls but everyone in Chibok knew they were coming.

Then, are they goats? Can you carry 234 human beings and go away with them without the DPO of the town knowing? The DPO didn't know those girls were being shipped away like goats? The security forces could not send alerts and distress calls around?

Within 24 hours, why couldn't the government surround the entire place and cordon them off? We are treating this issue with levity as if the girls are not important. It is a tragedy.

How did you come about the list of the abducted girls?

I went to Government College, Keffi. The late President Umaru Yar'Adua was two years my junior.

There is no part of Nigeria I do not know. So, they should say my information is wrong first before I tell them where I got the list.

So, you won't say how you got the list?

No, I won't. Let's them invalidate it first then we would see.

Okay but when you got the list, why did you decide to go public with it instead of intimating government's security forces first?

My brother, if you want something to get out there, you have to be tactical. If I go to the police, would I be able to say whether it is a Boko Haram officer or not? You don't want anybody to kill your information. You see the issue is: is the list authentic? I am an elder in the North. I get invited to the Northern Elders Forum's meetings.

Everyone in the North knows me whether Christian or Muslim. I am not an upstart or a nonsense speaker. They should first fault my list and then we can talk further.

Many Nigerians reacted with outrage to your statement that the girls were Christians. Would you have been this sad if they were not Christians?

You see we would still have screamed but you see we have been deliberately marginalised, persecuted and underdeveloped over the years, all the Christian communities in the North. We should talk about that too because that is injustice.

When I was asking for compensations for the girls, did I ask for only the Christians? I asked that N50million be given to their parents while rescue efforts are ongoing. So, there is no religious motive or an attempt to politicise it. The stark truth is that these kidnapped girls were 90% Christians and we should let people know. There is what you call punitive judgment.

Do people expect me to ask for N5? If you ask for N50 million, government might approve N10 million after negotiations. If you ask for N10million, you might get N2million and they will ask that is what we can afford.

Were they expecting me to ask for N1?

Will I get a kobo out of it?

Well, people are just angry that

'I dare government to disown my list of Chibok girls' When he released the list of abducted Chibok girls last week, Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye, caused more than a stir. The Kaduna-based founder of Food for the Total Man Ministry spoke with newsmen on why he released the list and the insurgency challenges in the north. Sunday Oguntola was there. Excerpts:

• Owojaiye you demanded for N50 million compensations when the girls have not even been rescued It was just to make the parents happy. When a man is in trauma, he needs all the help he can get. When you get some help, it gives a sense of relief. That is why I asked for the compensations.

So, it is not for you?

Not at all. I was not kidnapped neither was any of my girls.

Have you been to Chibok since the incident?

No, I haven't been there and I won't go.

But why?

That is simply because they will locate me within an hour of my arrival. I tell you I am known to everyone in the North. I am not just a northerner but have lived there all my life. You see even our people can't share information with anybody because they are damn afraid. I can't sneak in there for a day before they know.

Don't you know these people have spread their networks everywhere? Do you know any Muslim that condemns them, they kill? So, when you are gathering things, you send your people that are not known; you don't send a known person because you won't get the information.

You get a lot of on-the-spot reports in Chibok. What is their mood like now?

One, they are happy that I have shouted. They are sending me texts, saying 'God, bless you' and 'we are proud of you'. They are feeling relieved that the whole world is paying attention now. But before, they were inconsolable and hopeless.

But even if these abducted girls are

rescued, what is the guarantee that others will not be abducted again?

That is what we are saying now. If you read my statement, it says we should move people out of some of these volatile areas to safe locations.

Those students in SS1-SS2 should be relocated because they are still vulnerable. I said the abducted girls should be sent overseas for rehabilitation because let me tell you, how many soldiers do we need to guard schools?

How many soldiers do we have? So, to say we should place soldiers everywhere is impossible.

So, we need to move these girls away. We are hearing rumour again now that they still want to kidnap more girls. It is a soft target easy to access.

You think Chibok is a big place? The first person to go to secondary school in Chibok is Karam Chibok he was my classmate in Government College Keffi in 1963. So, when you see that kind of number in SS3, you know that is where they can get the most girls.

Some highly-placed persons in Abuja are wondering if the entire abduction saga was not stage-managed from the word go… …That is why I am boiling. If your daughter is missing and someone says it is stage-managed, wont you feel more terrible? Will you lie over such a sensitive issue?

Have you spoken with some parents of the girls?

Let's not even think or assume this is a lie at all. It is nauseating. It will be a betrayal to think it is a lie. Okay, what are we going to gain? It is very painful indeed.

Since you released the list, how many people in government have reached out to you?

None.

Why? Because they know it's true. Let me tell you if these children did WAEC, are you telling me that WAEC doesn't have their names? Are you telling me that WAEC doesn't have their pictures?

The people in the North, those in government, know me very well. Nobody can tell me the list is a lie.

So, even in the security forces, nobody has asked you how you came about the list?

They don't need to because they know me before. We carry integrity. I preach on the TV every week and I have handled national issues. I am an activist, fighting for the truth. The Muslims like me in the North. They say, 'you speak the truth. Whoever is wrong you rebuke. If it is Muslims, you say so. If it is Christians, you still say so.'

Had there been any threat to your life after the list was published?

No. nobody has said anything to me.

You have not received any SMS or death threats?

Nothing at all.

So, you will still remain in Kaduna?

Oh, yes. I am moving around.

There is no reason to relocate or move.

Why should I? The people know that I am speaking the truth. I move around freely. I take okada and go anywhere I like because people know me.

Do you have plans to meet with government officials and present the list to them?

Why should I? I told you government knows about these girls already.

They have their pictures and identities.

How sure are you about that?

Didn't they apply to write WAEC? Can't the government collect their data from WAEC if they don't have them?

If they can't still get it, then it is a terrible thing.

The President in his media chat last Sunday called on the parents of the missing girls to help with information…. …What information again? The ones government already has? You see the parents of these girls are afraid. If they speak, they could come after them.

They could be gone too. You mean the principal does not have the pictures of her students?

Well, she said they were burnt during the attack Okay the ones in WAEC too were burnt?

Are you angry that this saga is becoming increasingly politicised?

My brother, whoever is playing politics with this thing, God will judge because lives are involved. A nation that does not respect lives is in trouble.

So, which is the way out of this issue?

You see, I have recommended so many measures before on my TV show, Old Time Revival hour. I said government should take like 20,000 youth from that side and send them to India, China and others to learn vocational skills. Give each N1million for take-off after graduation. That is nothing compared to what government has spent on security. When these terrorists hear about their transformation, they will want that kind of life too. Do you think somebody who is established can support terror? The government must take concrete steps to employ youth in that area.

With this insecurity, which excellent teachers will go to the North? We are damaging ourselves more. I was in a meeting where Maitama Sule said, "You people you are doing the wrong thing". He said revolution is coming and they will cut off our heads if we are not careful. I like the man a lot.

He is a very honest, straightforward man. With this thing we are destroying the north. And who should develop the north most? Is it not we northerners? If our children are not getting educated, are we not destroying the north?

This insurgency, is it religious or political? I ask because Muslims also get killed.

It started with religion because the terrorists said they wanted Sharia law in the whole of the north. It is public knowledge that is what they want. But whoever stood up to criticise them got killed. They said themselves that every Christian is an enemy but they have turned themselves to the enemies of the nation. And now, they are ready to take on the whole world.

So, we must all come together to fight them. When you go to the market to buy things, do you use religion?

Let's not play politics because this country is being destroyed.

At 67, when are you thinking of backing down from agitations such as these?

No, I won't because this is my assignment from heaven. This is what I will do until I die. If I die now, will they say I die young? This is a lifetime struggle for me. All those who have known me since my secondary school days will tell you this is my life. They used to call me UPGA back then. Those who listen to me on TV will say that I am the only one that can say it and if I say it, it must be the truth.

Are your children still in Nigeria?

They are all here. Only one out of my six children is doing his Masters in Canada. He left from here and will return after studies. I tell you I am in the thick of this and there is no going back.

What is the way out?

We must pursue honesty and justice for all. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

We are more than the politicians. So, why can't we vote them out of power?

Education is programmed to fail. The rich do not want children of the poor to be educated so that they can keep them under. We must fight all of these to save Nigeria.

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‘Why we want onshore/ offshore dichotomy’ From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

NEWS

ORTHERN delegates to the ongoing National Conference said yesterday that they were favourably disposed to the return of the onshore/offshore dichotomy.

They said its abolition has made the oil producing states to “live on the cutting edge while those in non oil producing states live on the knife edge of survival.”

Spokesman of the Northern Delegates Forum, Anthony Sani said in an email to The Nation that the northern delegates were also not opposed to devolution of power to the federating units and local governments in order to enhance performance at all levels of governance, and as long as the devolution of power leaves the centre with sufficient power to be strong enough in order to keep the country a united nation with stability and harmony, but not too strong as to tilt the country towards a unitary system.

He said further that “if we agree that derivation is aimed at ameliorating the effects of environmental degradation, then it stands to reason to hanker that offshore activities do not degrade any environment and so should not feature in the calculation for payment due to derivation.

“It is against this backdrop that some delegates, mostly from non oil producing states, have canvassed for the return of onshore/offshore dichotomy.

“And that may explain why the deliberations have not been along regional lines, since non oil producing states are across the regions, and there are possibilities of finding solid minerals, oil and gas in most parts of the country.

“A convenient way of achieving this noble objective is scientific tempering with both the exclusive and concurrent lists in such manner that the national authority is balanced by appropriate state level power for performance of both governments and the economy.

This would then be matched by appropriate revenue sharing formula among the three tiers of government, taking into account the need for devolution of power and the imperatives of national unity, stability and harmony.”

He said when sitting resume next week “we will be able to arrive at definite consensus for the larger interest of the nation which holds lot of hope for present and generations unborn. This is because wide inequality among constituent parts of the country cannot further the cause of national unity and harmony.”

I borrowed from my dad, Anenih to run Edo, says Igbinedion

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•Claims state had no money he could steal

HIEF Lucky Igbinedion yesterday revisited his tenure as Edo State governor between 1999 and 2007 and denied looting the state treasury.

He said the state had no money to steal and that he had to borrow from his father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Antony Anenih to enable his administration meet some of its financial commitments.

The former governor who was convicted by the Federal High Court, Enugu, in December 2008 for corruption broke his silence in an interview with newsmen in Abuja ahead of his 57th birthday on Tuesday.

He was sentenced to a fine of N3.5million after pleading guilty to a one count charge of neglecting to make a declaration of his interest in Account No:4124013983110 in a new generation bank in his declaration of assets form.

Igbinedion said yesterday that despite the financial constraints faced by the state in his time as governor, he was able to deliver the dividends of democracy to his people and even

FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

performed better than his military predecessors.

“For you to loot, there must be something. Edo State had no money to loot,” he said and expressed gratitude to his father and Anenih for bailing the state out of financial problems..

His words: “In the darkest of days when the state was broke and could not pay salaries, I would run to these two people and they would borrow me money. They borrowed the state money.

“Chief Anenih is around the corner here, you can go and ask him whether I borrowed money from him or not,” he said.

On the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that prosecuted him, he said: “EFCC do not have sharks there. They are just doing their job. If they challenge you, you answer their question,” he said of the anti corruption agency that prosecuted him.

He added: “I have nothing to fear. I was outside the country when they (EFCC) said I was declared wanted. I came

back. If I had any fear, I would have been running, but I had the confidence that there was nothing to fear. If there is anything, it is the state that is owing me money and not me owing them.

“Between you and I, if not for family pressure, I contemplated resigning, especially during my second tenure. I just asked myself why was I going through all these troubles. First and foremost, you do not have the money to do some of the projects you want to do even though there was no way I would have completed the projects with the whole money in the world.”

On ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation that he was spending Edo State’s funds on Owanbe (party) in office, Igbinedion quipped: “How do you spend on Owanbe? He was having Owanbes himself too.”

He was also taken up on the statement attributed to his father in the run-up to the 2003 election that he (Lucky) should be given a second term because if a student fails to gain promotion to a higher class his teacher would give him a

chance to repeat.

He dismissed the statement as a joke.

“That was just a joke. Those are jokes about leaders all around the world. You were showing to me a similar joke about Jonathan and Patience. I am sure you do not believe that.

“My father never said anything like that. I have a lot of jokes going on. In terms of performance, I am glad history is beginning to reveal itself. I performed credibly well. The perception and expectations are two different things.

“In terms of performance, I stand to be challenged that my performance surpasses that of every other military governors before me. But a lot of people tend to forget things.”

He also denied installing Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as his successor.

He said both himself and Chief Anenih were used as pawns in 2007 and Oshiomhole capitalized on the circumstances to get elected as governor.

Igbinedion said: “You can go and check. There is nothing like that. When some people

•Protesters from the neo-Nazi party Danish National Socialist Movement (DNSB) and protestors from the left-wing group Racism Free City clash at Christiansborg Palace Square yesterday .

AFP PHOTO OUT

say that I sponsored Adams Oshiomhole and brought him to power, I laugh. I did not bring Oshiomhole to power “It was the circumstances of the time that sprang up Oshiomhole. I am a registered member of PDP. I served two terms under the PDP. I am still a card-carrying member of PDP. I believe in PDP and will continue to support the PDP. “Because of the intrigues that went on before the 2007 elections, PDP in its own wisdom decided to deregister a number of people. I made it clear to them that all over the world, parties do not deregister members, that is counter-productive.

Local govt autonomy not negotiable, says ALGON Jide Orintunsin, Minna HE Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has vowed to resist any attempt by the ongoing National Conference to scrap the third tier of government.

It is also insisting on total autonomy for local governments.

The National Vice President of the association, Alhaji Mohammed Kantigi, told newsmen in Minna that autonomy for local government is non- negotiable.

Kantigi who is also the Chairman of Edati Local Government of Niger State was reacting to the recommendation of a committee at the confab that local governments be scrapped.

The ALGON leader warned that any attempt to deny the councils full autonomy would be resisted by people at the grassroots.

He argued that the third tier of government, being the grass root administration has direct bearing on the people and has helped in transforming the rural parts of the country.

Citing Niger State where he is the association Chairman, Kantigi said councils in the state enjoy financial autonomy .

He said because the state governor has taken notice of the councils as a tier of government he has not tampered with local government funds in the name of joint account.

T

Lamido’s presidential aspiration rattles Presidency, PDP

T

HE Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are contending with a fresh challenge following the renewed interest of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State in seeking the party’s 2015 presidential ticket.

The Presidency is particularly upset by the development and is already pulling all strings to scuttle Lamido’s ambition.

He is the only one so far who seems to be ready to vie for the ticket with President Goodluck Jonathan after many party faithful had taken it for granted that it would be only the President all the way.

This development, the recent challenges and the 2015 polls, sources said yesterday, have forced President Jonathan and his strategists to now favour reconciliation with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for guidance.

The Obasanjo camp is believed to have tabled conditions for reconciliation which appear

•Obasanjo’s camp tables conditions

FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation/Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor

difficult for Jonathan to meet.

One of the conditions is the reinstatement of Obasanjo’s loyalists who have been ‘persecuted’ out of office.

These are former National Secretary of PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; ex-National Vice-Chairman (SouthWest), Chief Segun Oni; former National Auditor of the party, Chief Bode Mustapha; ex-DG of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; former DG of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Yomi Bolarinwa; exMinister Bolaji Abdullahi (who once worked in Otta), and a former Minister of Education, Ruqayyat Rufai, who was removed because of her loyalty to Obasanjo’s political son, Gover-

nor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.

Other conditions are the return of PDP structure in Southwest to Obasanjo and addressing the issues raised by the exPresident to Jonathan.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Presidential Villa had been uncomfortable with the state of affairs and Obasanjo’s ‘siddon look’ attitude since he wrote a ‘toxic’ letter to the President.

It was gathered that the absence of Obasanjo at the World Economic Forum for Africa and the involvement of his wife in #Bring Back Our Girls protest in Abeokuta during the week have caused more upset for the presidency.

In spite of global outcry, the government was said to be disturbed that Obasanjo has not commented on the Boko Haram menace as he used to do in the past.

The ex-President’s body language was assumed to be the abandonment of the President to his fate with political consequences in 2015.

The Presidency is also jittery with the way Obasanjo’s loyalists have been romancing with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West.

Only last week, Oni and his supporters in Ekiti defected to the APC. A reliable source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “There is really disquiet in the Villa on ex-President Obasanjo’s bitterness and how to address it.

“Although some eminent Nigerians have intervened, Obasanjo has not given fresh advice to the Presidency on how to move the nation forward and address insurgency in the country.

“There is suspicion that Obasanjo might be up to a joker in 2015. This is why everyone believes Jonathan and his strategists still need to make peace

with the ex-President.

“The ongoing plans by Governor Sule Lamido for the presidential primaries of PDP is being seen as Obasanjo’s Plan B.” Another source said: “Some forces in the presidency favour genuine reconciliation with Obasanjo ahead of Jonathan’s declaration of intent for second term.

“These forces believe that Obasanjo is still a beacon for Jonathan’s administration.

There is no way his input won’t be useful to the nation.

“They also think that the increasing opposition internally and externally against the Federal Government could be reduced if the government makes up with Obasanjo who is globally respected.”

The National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu has met with Obasanjo while more respected party leaders are also expected to l meet him soon.”

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

17

(64) Median age 19 and a great youth population bulge

•Workers’ rally

•Delegates at the confab

Nigeria is not a poor country…If you talk about ownership of private jets, Nigeria will be among the first 10 countries, yet they are saying that Nigeria is among the five poorest countries.

•Goodluck Jonathan, May Day 2014 Speech, Eagle Square, Abuja

M

OST Nigerians don’t know the concept of national median age. In making this assertion, I include literate, generally well informed Nigerians. And when you explain what the concept means and what the median age for Nigeria is - as I have had occasion to do a few times – there is usually a profound surprise in the person to whom you have relayed the information. I confess that until about five years ago, I myself knew nothing at all about the concept. And when I did get to know about it and found out that Nigeria has a median age of 19, I was profoundly shaken by the discovery. As a matter of fact, it is more correct to say that I have not yet recovered from my shock, my discomfiture at discovering that half of all Nigerians are under the age of 19. For that is what the national median age concept and statistic means: whatever the figure is, it means half of the given country’s population is younger and half is older than the figure. A median age of 19!

As a sort of general or global background for Nigeria’s median age of 19, think of the following fact: at the present moment in world history, the range of the national median age of the countries of the planet stands at15 as the lowest (Uganda) and 45 as the highest (Japan). The general pattern is that the rich countries of the world tend to have much higher median age figures than the poor countries of the global South.

Additionally, countries with low median age figures tend to have, almost in equal measure, high fertility and death rates, as if births and deaths more or less cancel each other out. In other words, with low life ex-

pectancy figures, countries with low median age figures seem to “make up” for what they lose through deaths by very high birth rates. At any rate, the most important consequence of having a very low median age is what population studies experts call the “youth bulge” in some countries’ population profile.

The best way to think of this “youth bulge” is to imagine a pyramid with a very wide base and a very narrow apex. As a matter of fact, the preferred image of population demographers in the graphic representation of the population profiles of the countries of the world is the pyramid. The reasoning behind this is obvious: at all times and in all the regions and nations of the world, younger people and generations tend to be more in numbers than the old and the aged. As we all know, as you go higher in a pyramid, you move from wider to narrower. So it seemed logical that the figure of the pyramid as we have come to know it over the ages in the materialized wonder of the pyramids of Egypt was the best figure for representing the population profiles of the countries of the world. That is until the recent past when, thanks largely to the combination of vastly improved standards of living and the miracles of medical science, a good number of the populations of the rich countries of the world are more and more living to ripe old age. This has led to interesting differences in the population pyramids of the countries of the planet.

Some are very wide at the base and very narrow at the apex, while in some, the pyramid is neither unduly wide at the base nor particularly narrow at the apex.

As abstract graphs and schematic profiles, it is fascinating to ponder the wide differences between the population pyramids of each of the countries of the planet. For instance, the population pyramids of most of present-day African countries look nothing like the famous ancient pyramids of Egypt which, as everyone knows, did not have very wide bases. Similarly, the

population pyramids of the rich countries of the world also do not look like the ancient Egyptian pyramids because their apices (plural for apex) tend to be not as narrow as we’ve come to expect Egyptian pyramids to be.

Only countries in the middle range of the median age figures for the nations of the world look anything like the ancient Egyptian pyramids and that is because they neither have wide bases nor broad apices.

The most striking feature of the population pyramids of African countries is the very wide, very capacious bases that correspond to the over-concentration of young people at the base of the pyramid. Here are the median age figures for some African countries, from the highest to the lowest: Egypt, 24; Lesotho, 23; Ghana, 21; Nigeria, 19; Cote d’Ivoire, 19; Benin Republic, 17, Uganda, 15. In all these countries, the national population has an over-concentration among the younger generations. This over-concentration is what is known in development and population studies as the “youth bulge”. When one focuses one’s attention on this phenomenon of the “youth bulge” the fascination of abstract graphs vanishes and one confronts a statistic of potential doom.

Let me explain the basis of this pessimistic assertion by indicating quite clearly what this “youth bulge” means in our present national and global historical and political circumstances.

As we may have gleaned from my remarks and observations so far in this piece, the “youth bulge” literally means that the overall population of a country has its most dense and most concentrated segment among young people below the age of 30. For Nigeria, this “youth bulge” entails around 70% of the population. Now, for Neo-Malthusian development sociologists and economists, a “youth bulge” in the population profile of any country portends grave danger because the normal levels of social unrest and alienation that go with joblessness and insecurity increase a hundredfold when the ranks of the unemployed are dominated by male

youths. For such Neo-Malthusian thinkers, this holds true regardless of the economic system or political order: capitalist or socialist; democratic or fascist; rich or poor. While this generalization may in principle be true if only as a potentiality, it does not address the specifics of each national context of economy, politics and society. Thus, for us in Nigeria the question is, what does it mean to have a vast “youth bulge” in our national population when at a workers’ rally on May Day, President Jonathan can make the following declaration that serves as the epigraph to this essay: “Nigeria is not a poor country… If you talk about the ownership of private jets, Nigeria will be among the first 10 countries and yet they are saying that Nigeria is among the five poorest countries”.

For truth in accurate reporting, it must be admitted here that in his speech to representatives of Nigerian workers at the May Day Rally in Abuja last week, Jonathan did say that if Nigeria is not a poor country and if it has dozens of citizens that are among the most wealthy jet-set billionaires of the planet, the country does have a big problem with the redistribution of wealth. But the precise nature of that admission is very damning to Jonathan, to his party, the PDP and, to a lesser extent, to all the ruling class parties in Nigeria. For make no mistake about it: when Jonathan and the PDP talk about redistribution of wealth in Nigeria, they mean no more and no less than redistribution strictly among the political and economic elites of the country. In other words, “redistribution” for Jonathan and for Obasanjo and Yar’ Adua, the two previous incumbents of Aso Rock Villa before him, means not redistribution between the small band of the haves of all the parts of the country and the teeming masses of the have-nots spread over the length and breadth of the land.

As I write these words close to the conclusion of the Jonathan National Conference (JNC), the confab has come almost to a deadlock on the

matter of resource allocation of our oil wealth from the centre to the parts of the federation. At one extreme end are the Northern delegations who are urging a scrapping of the principle of derivation through which the oil-producing states of the South-south currently get 13% of oil revenues. At the opposite end to the Northern delegation are those from the South-south and the South-east that are clamoring for an increase from 13% to 50%. Most commentators watching deliberations at the confab expect that the deadlock will eventually be broken by some compromise figure between 13% and 50%. But no commentator expects that whatever the figure eventually brokered as a compromise solution to the deadlock will even remotely affect the poverty that stalks and haunts all parts of the country, especially the North and the Southsouth, the two zones apparently prepared to go to war over the sharing out of the nation’s oil wealth.

As far as I know, the “youth bulge”, together with the median age of 19, have not been mentioned even once at the deliberations of the JNC. This is because our politicians and political parties, like the proverbial ostrich, have their heads buried in the sand, even though that invisible “youth bulge” has begun to make its presence in our politics and society felt with great violence and equally great fanfare - through Boko Haram, through MEND, through the dozens of marauding gangs and militias terrorizing many parts of the land. It is beyond the pale of mindlessness for Jonathan to say to workers - among all people! - that Nigeria is not a poor country because if you talk of countries with jet-set billionaires Nigeria will be among the top ten countries in the world. As the following two ubiquitous Nigerian pidgin proverbs have it, “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop” but “who no know go know.”

Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

18

COMMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

sms only: 08116759748

The political wife as disaster

W

HILE campaigning for the office of President of the United States back in 1992, Bill Clinton regularly told voters that if they elected him Americans would ‘get two for the price of one’. He was referring to the widely acknowledged accomplishments of his wife, Hillary, who many felt was bright enough to be president someday.

Clinton’s remark underscores how a spouse can be an asset for a vote-chasing husband. Indeed, handlers of many a dour politician have perfected the art of getting their challenged candidate to bask in the reflected glow of the wife’s star shine.

As candidate of the US Democratic Party in the 2000 general elections, former Vice President Al Gore often came across as stiff as a corpse. All through the campaign season, his staff sought ways of humanising him using his then wife, Tipper.

The climax of those efforts was an awkward smooch between the couple on the convention floor.

From former French President Nicholas Sarlozy and his celebrity wife, Carla Bruni, to the Ghanaian power couple, Jerry and Nana Rawlings, to the royal match-up of Britain’s Prince Charles and his late wife, Diana, a popular or accomplished spouse is often viewed as an asset.

But a political wife can be a two-edged sword. Her positives are a help to her husband, just as her negatives constitute a drag on his appeal.

In the early days of the Clinton presidency Americans were fascinated by the promise of the bright, young couple who had taken up residence in the White House.

But the romance faded as an unelected Hillary started to intrude more and more into the process of governance.

The final straw came when her husband handed her the critical assignment of overseeing healthcare reform. The failure of the project had as much to do with the complexities of the US health system as they had to do with antipathy to the then American First Lady.

Things would go from bad to worse as Hillary became embroiled in the Whitewater scandal which originated from their home state of Arkansas. Many Republicans were keen to turn the controversial real estate deal into the Democrat’s version of Watergate. By then the First Lady whom Bill Clinton once advertised as an alternate president had become a liability who could not be fired.

Former US President Jimmy Carter respected his wife, Rosalynn’s, abilities so much he had her sit in on cabinet meetings. He also sent her out to different countries as an envoy. But by allowing their

•Patience Jonathan

“The president’s qualities would not be the only factor influencing voters. After the First Lady’s display last week in Abuja, many will be asking themselves whether they can stomach another four years of Patience Jonathan’s histrionics” wives such freewheeling roles in their administrations, Carter and Clinton paid a price politically.

This brings us to the most overtly political wife in the history of Nigeria’s democracy – Patience Jonathan. Critics have long bemoaned her excesses, but the First Couple have largely ignored all criticisms of her presumptuous intrusions into governance.

This last week she overreached herself by intruding into the process of rescuing the 276 schoolgirls kidnapped from their hostel beds in Chibok, Borno State.

The meeting she summoned in Abuja to hold court before an assorted collection of women office holders and camp follow-

ers, has since become an internet sensation. Her dramatic tears, wild gesticulations, pidgin exclamations and all-round assault on the English language, have become the butt of a million jokes across the globe.

Today, those who printed “My Oga at the Top” T-shirts for sale have rolled out the “Na Only You Waka Come?” edition and are doing brisk business. What next?

Ringtones?

In that one outing, Madame First Lady dealt her husband’s political goodwill a devastating blow with her comments and carrying-on. If she was trying to project empathy, she only succeeded in coming across as insincere and hectoring. Her

The limits of foreign intervention T HE offers of help flooding in from the United States, France, China, Britain and others are a rare serving of positive news in a period of unrelenting gloom hanging over the country because of the atrocities of Boko Haram.

Available evidence shows that beyond the bluster, Nigeria lacks the knowhow and technology to bring the insurgents to heel. So you could almost hear a collective national sigh of relief when news broke that the government had accepted offers of foreign assistance.

Now that we’ve acceded to outsiders coming in to help sort out the mess we have made, it is necessary to rein in ex-

pectations. This isn’t going to be like a Hollywood movie where some American Rambo character swaggers into the Sambisa forest and takes out Abubakar Shekau before his awestruck followers.

The Americans and others have made it clear that they are not putting boots on the ground. The much-hyped help will remain in the realm of using tremendous US intelligence assets and expertise built up from many years of fighting these sorts of criminals. It was that kind of intelligence gathering that helped them track down Osama bin Ladin to an anonymous building in rural Pakistan.

While the renewed global focus on Boko

Haram is a positive thing as it will limit their room for manouver henceforth, we should not forget that a similar US effort to track down the brutal Ugandan warlord, Joseph Kony of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has not yet resulted in his capture.

Just this March, the Barack Obama administration announced it was sending in more troops to assist in the operation.

We must all hope and pray that the intervention by the Americans and others yields better results in the North East. Anything short of the success of this multinational initiative would only further boost the mystique of a band of killers who have survived everything thrown at them so far.

tearful ‘breakdown’ would have shamed a fifth-rate actress in a badly-produced Nollywood home video.

Were Madame First Lady to be truly concerned, she would have headed for Chibok, Borno State where the grieving are located. She would have left Abuja unannounced, under a security blanket. In less than 30 minutes of an helicopter hop she would have been there to meet the sorrowing parents. Her photographs comforting the families would have been all over the newspapers and TV. Even if she didn’t utter a single word to the press it would have been a PR coup.

But what did she do? She sat in a cosy room in Abuja summoning the grieving to come to her. She railed at those who failed to turn up for not appearing before the one who had the power to help them locate their children. Such hubris!

To compound a calamitous outing, she then insinuated that the girls were not actually missing because of the discrepancies in the accounts of different stakeholders. In her paranoid world this was no mass abduction but the latest conspiracy against her husband’s rule by the usual suspects. She then gave them friendly advice: stop playing games and keep the demonstrations in Borno.

But while madam was busy playing circus mistress, the #BringBackOurGirls protests had swept the globe. Some of those driving it in distant parts of the world do not even know where Nigeria is; they were just moved by a powerful human story – the very sort that didn’t stir the Nigerian government until the world started crying out.

What Mrs. Jonathan forgets is that there’s a time for post mortems – and it is not now. A time is coming when the actions and inactions of the Borno State Government, West African Examination Council (WAEC), the military and others would be examined. At that time also what the President and his wife did and said would also be scrutinised. What the world expects now, however, is government action to rescue the girls. Anything that doesn’t help that cause is just selfserving drama.

As First lady, Patience Jonathan is one of the president’s informal personal advisers. He is free to use her counsel as he deems fit. But he should always remember that she wasn’t elected by us. Her office isn’t recognised by the constitution.

He should know, if he’s not already aware, that at this point she has become one of his biggest liabilities.

Her meddling in Rivers State damaged the president’s relationship with Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Like an elephant in a shop full of china she’s at it again trying to install Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates in several states – putting her at odds with incumbent governors who don’t appreciate her forwardness.

This is what it boils down to. Over the last six years we’ve seen the Jonathans under different situations. In the Chibok crisis we’re seeing a cold, calculating and unappealing side of the First Couple.

As we edge ever closer to the 2015 election year, many are beginning to address their minds to whether they want to go through another four years of Jonathan’s rule. But the president’s qualities would not be the only factor influencing voters.

After the First Lady’s display last week in Abuja, many will be asking themselves whether they can stomach another four years of Patience Jonathan’s histrionics.

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 30, 2014

2015: SUCCESSION BATTLES STATE BY STATE (1)

•Dickson •Peterside

•Sylva

•Belgore

•Utomi

•Ambode •Ojeleme

•Masari

N

IGERIA is once again entangled in the knotty issue of a fast approaching general election as the 2015 polls draw nearer by the day. Across the country, politicians and political parties are getting ready to slug it out with one another for the available elective positions that will go up for grabs during the general election.

Of the positions that will be up for contest in 2015, the governorship seats at the various state levels are those that promise to throw up a lot of dust. From one state to the other, across the six geopolitical zones of the country, aspirants, incumbents, regular contenders and new entrants alike have been criss-crossing the length and breadth of their respective

Prologue

By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor states to announce their readiness to take up the jobs of ruling their states for the next four years after 2015.

Save for states like Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo and Edo that will not be voting to elect new governors during the 2015 general election, all other states of the federation are currently gripped by the fever of the looming gubernatorial elections.

These states are exempted because the Supreme Court at one time or the other sacked their governors and ordered the installation of other persons in their steads.

Political alignments and re-alignments became the order of the day in

the past few months. Tales of defecting politicians and political groups are all over the place as gubernatorial aspirants search for the very best platforms upon which to fly their governorship kites. While some are leaving their parties, some others are moving into those parties being abandoned.

Political parties are also restrategising and repositioning their electioneering machineries; all in various bids to ensure that they put up good showings at the forthcoming gubernatorial contests. Stories of parties merging to form more formidable alliances as well as the for-

mation of outrightly new ones are parts of what we get to hear about daily as the 2015 date draws nearer.

In some states, two-term governors who would not be qualified to seek another term in office come 2015 are publicly endorsing zones or districts that would produce the next governors of their states in the name of zoning. In others, incumbent governors are getting the nods of the ruling parties to seek fresh terms. but in all these states, there are determined aspirants vowing to topple the apple carts and prove pundits wrong.

Campaign stickers prepared by

different support groups now adorn many vehicles in the states. Posters and banners are also part of the media announcing the arrival of another era of political contests across the country. In some instances, billboards are even tell tale signs of what is trending in the country today politically. The streets of the various capital cities say it all.

Ask their supporters and they will tell you that the aspirations of their principals could not have come at more appropriate times; but their critics have different opinions about such aspirants. In this edition, our correspondents take cursory looks at how some states are faring as politicians prepare for 2015. •Continued on Page 20

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

POLITICS

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State will not be eligible to seek re-election during the next gubernatorial election in the state. And as his current and last term comes to an end, the quest to replace him amongst politicians is already at its peak with not less than twenty aspirants jostling to occupy the Alausa Governor’s Office in 2015.

While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its chieftains are determined to retain their hold on the administration of the state, leaders of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have declared a readiness to ensure that they produce Fashola’s successor.

The consequence of the political faceoff is a situation where both parties now have numerous aspirants gunning for the position. Across the length and breadth of the state, the mobilisation efforts of some of the aspirants are already being felt with politicians splitting into camps and caucuses to support and propagate the aspiration of their preferred candidates.

Within the ruling APC, prominent amongst the names being bandied around as likely aspirants for the governor’s job, according to party sources, are current Senator representing Lagos West at the Senate, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, the Legal Adviser of APC, Dr. Muiz Banire, the Senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga Ashafa, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, a retired senior civil servant, Akin Ambode, Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal and former Commissioner for Education, Mr Leke Pitan.

Party sources also hinted that a number of young turks, some politicians, others holding prominent public positions, are also being lobbied by their constituents and other stakeholders to join the governorship race. Amongst such younger politicians with bias for the APC are Jimi Benson and Hon. Abike Dabiri, both from Ikorodu.

Most of the named aspirants hail from the Lagos East senatorial district of the state.

This development, The Nation gathered, may not be unconnected with fast growing indication that the party may have resolved to zone its 2015 governorship ticket to the Eastern senatorial district.

After a brainstorming stakeholders’ meeting held by the APC on April 16th, 2014, the party announced that it has zoned the 2015 gubernatorial ticket to Lagos East Senatorial District. The decision may have ended speculations as which of the three zones would produce Governor Babatunde Fashola’s successor, although there are still pockets of opposition to the decision amongst aspirants from the two other districts.

The Lagos East senatorial district includes Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu Local Government Areas. Of the five, party sources claim Epe and Ikorodu are specific favourite of the leadership of the party based on certain permutations and considerations. Perhaps as a result of these favourite status majority of those jostling for the job are from either Ikorodu or Epe areas of the state.

“Lagos APC notes that there is a rich list of competent, well qualified and worthy aspirants from Lagos East senatorial constituency, who have indicated interest in contesting for the governorship of Lagos.

We note that these rich assembly of devoted party men have worked for the interest and progress of the party in Lagos and at the national level and the party owes them a free and transparent process through which one of them will emerge as the party’s flag bearer in Lagos,” spokesperson of the party, Joe Igbokwe, said while confirming the zoning arrangement.

Announcing his interest in the race recently while opening his campaign secretariat in the Ikeja area of the state, Senator Ganiu Solomon said his aspiration to become governor of Lagos State was long-standing. “It is not new. I was in the race in 2006. Nobody prompted me to seek the governorship ticket of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC). I have passion for it.”

He told his supporters that APC is a party of democrats where internal democracy prevails. According to him, the position of the party is that candidates for elective offices shall emerge through

Lagos: The men who want Fashola’s job

•Ambode

•Solomon

•Pitan

•Benson

•Dosumu

By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor

primaries. He made reference to Anambra State where the party’s governorship candidate for the last year’s gubernatorial election was decided through direct primaries.

“Even in Ekiti and Osun where there are sole candidacy of Governors Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola , they still went through primaries, “he said.

The APC, he said, had done primaries in three states. There will be primaries in all states including Lagos State. What applies to governorship ticket will apply to other elective

•Obanikoro

offices. Party members would pick candidates of their choice.

“This time around, members would pick their candidates, they would exercise their rights, internal democracy would be at work.

That is what APC stands for. This is our time.

If we deny ourselves the opportunity, we shall have ourselves to be blamed.”

Same week, news spilled into town that Senator Gbenga Ashafa was set to declare his ambition.

The Senator who represents Lagos East Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, though severally touted as being one of the alleged preffered aspirants

to the coveted seat, has always denied that he had such ambition.

However, party sources insist the Senator has been consulting and moving round homes of prominent politicians in the state in recent time and has concluded to officially declare his ambition.

“The venue and time for the public declaration is what we can not say for now.

But sooner than you expect, he will declare his ambition,” a party chieftain and prominent supporter of the Senator in Ikorodu said.

For Akin Ambode, the issue is not much about a formal declaration of his intention to run for the position, rather it is much more about moving round and getting the endorsement of the stakeholders before anything else.

Though not much was known about the immediate past Accountant General of the state before his aspiration became public, today, largely on the strength of the underground mobilisation embarked upon by his team, Ambode has become one of the leading aspirants in the race.

“Ambode is in the race. He wants to be governor and we are supporting him. He is working hard towards the ambition and at the appropriate time, we will have a formal declaration exercise. That is mere formality because we are already on the streets of Lagos reaching out to the people,” Hon. Ladi Eyitemi, co-ordinator of Team Ambode in Ikorodu north area of the state, said.

For Pitan, a former Lagos Commissioner for Health, the governorship race officially started when he declared last week his intention to run for the state governor’s seat in 2015. He made the declaration at a media interaction in Lagos where he expressed confidence in the ability of his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to win all elective positions in the state during the next general elections.

The Agbowa-born politician, who was commissioner during the eight-year administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu, said he joined the race because his party would need a candidate Lagosians are familiar with and could trust for the party to emerge victorious in 2015 elections.

“My coming into the race is not about personal ambition, but to keep the tempo of providing social services for the people, the foundation of which some of us worked with Asiwaju Tinubu to lay in 1999 and which the incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola has creditably built on,” he stressed.

According to Pitan, the leadership of his party is conscious of the fact that it must present to the people an acceptable candidate, particularly somebody like him they have had an encounter with in the past through some of the people-oriented programmes he implemented while in office.

Within the opposition PDP, the battle for the governorship ticket cannot be said to be less fierce. Checks by The Nation revealed that no fewer than ten aspirants had shown interest to contest for primaries.

Leading the pack are Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Babatunde Gbadamosi, an Ikorodu-born businessman.

Others include the party’s candidate during the 2011 governorship election, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Chief (Mrs) Adiukwu Bakare, an aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief (Mrs) Modupe Sasore and the State Coordinator of SURE-P, Chief Bode Oyedele, as well as former aspirant, Chief Owolabi Salis.

When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of Lagos PDP, Mr. Taofik Gani, said he was aware that eight persons had shown interest.

Gani said, ‘’We have decided not to make official pronouncements regarding their identities. They can go ahead to do that on their own. It is part of our strategy not to release their names now because once bitten, twice shy. The people of Lagos State will be happy about our eventual candidate for the election. We have a template that will not accommodate a mediocre.’’

Away from the two leading political parties in the state, there are talks that Chief Jimi Agbaje, former gubernatorial candidate in the 2007 election and respected businessman, is in the race. While some of his aides say he is warming up to join the 2015 contest, he is yet to formally declare his ambition and the platform he will run on is still unknown.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

POLITICS

21

Kwara: Still a battle of siblings

T

HE defection of former Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with other members of the new PDP perhaps may have changed the face of Kwara politics permanently.

On the heels of Saraki’s defection was the decision of the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, two senators, all members of the House of Representatives– all PDP members (except one) in the state House of Assembly, the 18 local government chairmen and over a 100 councillors in the state–to join APC in solidarity with the former governor who currently represents Kwara Central in the Senate.

While the Kwara PDP still boasts of prominent stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof. Abdulrahman Oba; former Minister of Transport, Ibrahim Bio; Senator representing Kwara South, Simeon Ajibola, and Senator Gbemi Saraki, Mr. Dele Belgore, there are still lingering doubts in the minds of many people in the state as to whether the PDP structure can dislodge the formidable Bukola Saraki machinery in the battle for the 2015 governorship race.

PDP’s major handicap, according to sources, is the seeming lack of unity among its leaders to forge a common front ahead of the 2015 polls.

Unlike in the APC where the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki is indisputable, the scenario in the PDP appears rather complicated.

The recent state congress in the Kwara State PDP, rather than become a soothing balm to address the internal wrangling within its rank and file, may just be the beginning of the end of the party in the state.

After weeks of political maneuverings and tussle for leadership, a new 33-member executive committee to run the party’s affairs for the next four years was elected a few weeks ago.

The exit of Senator Bukola Saraki and his supporters created a big vacuum in the party, which was temporarily filled by the leadership of the Edo State-born caretaker committee chairman, Solomon Edoja.

The congress, which was held under the supervision of a 5-man Congress Committee led by Senator Barnabas Gemade, was the climax of intense power play amongst various factions who were determined to install their loyalists in key party offices, especially as party Chairman and Secretary.

Prior to the state congress, several meetings were held across the state where

•Saraki

•Saraki

By Remi Adelowo, Assistant Editor

stakeholders reviewed the list of candidates and assessed their chances.

The contest also pitched old members of the party against those who defected from other parties, especially from the APC and the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Right from the ward to local government congresses, top party shot including those allegedly eyeing the governorship seat in 2015, had engaged in intense lobbying and in-fighting to impose ‘their own’ people as executives at various levels.

Those listed in the power play seeking to influence the composition of the new state executive committee include, among others, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Belgore, Senator Simeon Sule Ajibola and Senator Suleiman Ajadi and an oil magnate, Hajia Muina Bola Shagaya. And at the end of the contest, Saraki’s loyalists reportedly emerged chairmen in 14 of the 16 local government areas in the state.

The Nation gathered that on the eve of the congress, there were three main groups namely; the Kwara South/Kwara North Alliance, The Gbemi Saraki/Abdulrahman Abdulrazak Group/Dele Belgore, the Professor Oba/Col. Lawal Group and the emerging Bola Shagaya group.

The Kwara South group paraded the likes of Chief Joel Ogundeji (a former deputy governor), Chief Samuel Adedayo, Deacon John Dara and Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi as their arrow heads. They demanded for the chairmanship to be zoned to the South senatorial zone with the hope of leveraging on it to get the gubernatorial ticket.

In order to ensure a hitch-free election, most of the candidates were prevailed upon to step down after stakeholders agreed to zone the chairmanship to Kwara South. Out of the eight candidates vying for the position, five stepped down to allow for the zoning arrangement to work Those left in the race included Iyiola Oyedepo, who is a former member of the state House of Assembly; State Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Sunday Fagbemi, and Mr. Bode Ojomu. They, however, failed to agree on a consensus.

While Belgore was rooting for Oyedepo, Saraki supported Fagbemi. The two contestants hail from Kwara South. At the end, Fagbemi was prevailed upon to step down for Oyedepo.

Announcing the results, Gemade, who is a former National Chairman of the PDP, declared Oyedepo winner after polling 397 votes to defeat Ojomu, his closest rival who secured 225 votes, while Alhaji Maryam AlHassam came a distant third with 19 votes.

Delta 2015: Heavyweights eye Uduaghan’s job

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HE 2015 elections may still be a year away but in Delta State, some of the gubernatorial hopefuls are already out in the open in what is fast becoming an interesting rat race to Government House. Perhaps because the incumbent governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, would not be seeking re-election, the race towards succeeding him is quiet crowded.

Not a single one of the aspirants currently jostling for Uduaghan’s job can be described as an upstart. Right in the middle of the fray is Chief Great Ogboru who has been contesting for the post since 2003. He ran on the banner of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) against the incumbent in 2011.

“I have been robbed by these people many times in the past contests and I have vowed to take over power from the ruling PDP. The party is a cabal for corruption,” Ogboru said, while signifying his interest in the race recently.

Another veteran Delta State governorship aspirant, Olorogun

By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor Kenneth Gbagi is also on the list. The former Minister of State (Education), is said to be moving round the state consulting the leadership of the ruling PDP in furtherance of his ambition.

Gbagi, who contested the party’s governorship ticket with former governor, Chief James Ibori, and the incumbent, Dr. Emmanuel Udua-ghan, it was gathered, believes that 2015 is his turn to rule the state and had asked Deltans to judge his contributions to the development of the state as a former minister and entrepreneur.

The former Principal Secretary to the late President Musa Yar’Adua, Chief David Edevbie, is also reported to be interested in ruling the oil-rich state come 2015. He is said to be enjoying the support of a strong clique within the ruling party.

Recently, a PDP pressure group, Delta Grassroots Mobilisation Forum (DGMF) called on Edevbie to join the

2015 governorship race of Delta. The group made the call at a meeting held at the premises of its protem chairman, Francis Onobruchere in Ughelli.

Onobruchere said the decision to call on Chief David Edevbie to join the race arose from evaluation of his past records in public service. According to him, Chief Edevbie stands out among other Urhobo sons and based on his pedigree, the group chose to call on him to join the Delta 2015 guber race.

Also, two-time presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, has reportedly bowed to pressure and agreed to contest as governor of his home state, Delta, in 2015. Sources say Utomi would most likely run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Should he truly participate in the guber election, Utomi would be following in the footsteps of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who in 2011successfully sought to rule Imo State after failed attempts at the country’s •Continued on Page 22

•Uduaghan

As it is, the new executive is currently dominated by loyalists of Saraki, Belgore and Abdulrazak, a development that has not gone done with the ‘old members’ of the party including Senator Ajibola, Oba, Bio, amongst others.

Now that the congress is over, the concern of some stakeholders within the party is whether the unity which it laboured to achieve with the recent unity rally attended by the president will be sustained.

And in what seems to be an attempt to mend the cracked fence, Saraki reportedly paid a surprise visit to Abdulraheem at his private residence in Ilorin a few days after the congress. The outcome of the meeting was yet to be made public.

Sources however, disclosed that the meeting was premised on the need for the PDP to forge ahead in unity and cohesion after the conclusion of the party’s congresses.

Saraki, who reportedly arrived Abdulraheem’s residence in the company of a modest convoy, told her host she was at his home in appreciation of his doggedness during the exercise and to also urge him to ensure that the party is kept intact, irrespective of the outcome of the congress.

Leading governorship hopeful In the APC, there are strong indications that barring any last minute surprises, the incumbent governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, will be backed by his godfather, Senator Bukola Saraki, to run for a second term in 2015.

But in the PDP, the battle will be a straight fight between Gbemi Saraki and Dele Belgore. This is, however not ruling out the likes of Oba, who was once allegedly the anointed candidate of the presidency until the defection of Gbemi Saraki and Belgore changed the game plan.

The Nation learnt that the presidency and the national headquarters of the party have allegedly resolved to zone the party’s governorship ticket to Kwara Central, which controls 55 percent of the voting population. The incumbent governor hails from Kwara South.

But it remains unclear who among Saraki and Belgore will step down for each other for the party’s governorship ticket.

The way out, according to a source, is that Belgore may pick the governorship ticket, while Saraki will run for the Kwara Central senatorial seat.

“Kwara State is dominated by Muslims and it will be foolhardy for the PDP to pick a woman as its governorship candidate,” a source clarifies.

22

POLITICS

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HE battle for the Brick House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is touted to be one of the major reasons behind the political crisis in the oil-rich state which climaxed with the judgment by an Abuja High Court sacking the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-backed Peoples Democratic Party executive of Godspower Ake replacing it with the Felix Obouah-led executive.

The development led to the parting of ways between Amaechi and one of his closest political associates, Ezebonwo Nyesom Wike, the Supervising Minister for Education and Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and the Director General of his Campaign Organisation for the 2011 election.

Wike, who is now leading the opposition onslaught against Amaechi, is allegedly interested in succeeding the latter despite the fact that they both hail from the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

Beside Wike, there are also other aspirants angling to takeover from Amaechi, who is rounding up his second term next year.

In the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Magnus Abe representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly and Hon. Dakuku Peterside, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), are the leading contenders in the race.

What has made the race for the APC governorship ticket even more unpredictable is the close relationship existing between the two lawmakers and the governor.

Unconfirmed speculations have it that Abe may be favoured above Peterside based on his age and experience.

The immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abe resigned in early 2011 to contest for the Senate which he won by a landslide.

A staunch ally and supporter of Amaechi, Abe despite being a first timer in the Senate, has been very vocal on a wide range of national issues especially the downstream oil and gas sector.

From the Ogoni ethnic nationality-a section of the state that has not produced the governor of the state since it was created in 1967-not a few stakeholders in the state believe that the odds really favour him to clinch the position.

The snag, however, is that Ogoni is an

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

Rivers: Gladiators at war

• Amaechi

• Wike

By Remi Adelowo, Assistant Editor

upland area of Rivers state whose politics was usually considered along upland and riverine dichotomy before the emergence of former Governor Peter Odili, who in his eight years as the governor, allegedly made nonsense of the upland/riverine political dichotomy.

This made it possible for him to produce as successor Celestine Omehia, an Ikwerre man from the upland area of the state before the landmark Supreme Court judgment of October 25, 2007 that removed Omehia and replaced him with his cousin, Amaechi, also from the same upland Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

It is feared that if the old order of the upland/riverine political dichotomy is to form the basis of selection of who eventually runs as governorship of the state, then Magnus Abe may be a loser.

Hon. Dakuku Peterside The lawmaker representing the Andoni/ Opobo federal constituency like Abe was a member of the kitchen cabinet of Governor Amaechi

in his first term where he served as Commissioner for Works.

Peterside is widely touted to be interested in taking over the mantle of leadership in Rivers State from Amaechi come 2015 though it is not clear whether he enjoys any support from the governor.

But judging from the mindset of Nigerian politicians, political watchers in the state are saying that Peterside might be standing as Amaechi’s plan B for governorship slot, assuming the riverine area succeeds in its quest to produce the next governor of the state.

Sekibo, Wike, Princewill lead the race in PDP Though he is yet to declare his interest in the plun seat, Senator George Sekibo who currently represents Rivers West Senatorial district is alleged to be putting structures in place for the battle ahead.

He is considered a strong contender based on the alleged support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan, his Okrika kinswoman, who, according to presidency sources, is determined to have a say in who succeeds Amaechi in 2015.

Precious Abiye Sekibo

The former Minister of Transport under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration has never hidden his ambition to govern the oilrich state since coming into political limelight in the era of former governor Peter Odili who he served as Secretary to State Government from 1999 to 2003.

He was one of those that contested the PDP governorship primaries in Rivers State which Amaechi won in 2007.

Sekibo also contested the 2011 governorship election under the umbrella of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) where he came a distant third polling only 60,241 and losing to Amaechi at Okrika local government, his local government area and supposed stronghold.

His return to the PDP is believed to be deft political move to position himself for the governorship race once it became clear that Governor Amaechi will defect from the party to the APC. Celestine Omehia He is Amaechi’s cousin and the runnerup in the 2011 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) like many of the other contenders has not made public his desire to contest in 2015. But sources say the lawyer-turnedpolitician is considering contesting for the seat he vacated following a Supreme Court ruling in 2007, which sacked him and declared Ameachi as the validly elected governor of Rivers State.

Tonye Princewill The Kalabari crown prince was the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the April 2007 election and contested the emergence of Omehia, the PDP candidate before the Supreme Court upturned his (Omehia’s) victory.

He withdrew his case against the PDP when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of his friend, Chibuike Amaechi. Thereafter, he remained the leader of the ACN, then the leading opposition in the state until his return to the PDP following the footsteps of his political mentor and former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar before the 2011 general elections.

He, like others, has been silent about his plans for 2015 but analysts say he is only bidding his time and that it would not be surprising if at the right time, he emerges as one of the contenders for the top job.

Delta 2015: Heavyweights eye Uduaghan’s job •Continued from Page 21

presidency. Utomi’s candidacy is being promoted by his Anioma kinsfolk who believe that he has bright chances of victory.

Utomi, 56, is formerly Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic and is presently a Director of the famous Lagos Business School Dr. Judith Ngozi Olejeme, chairman of the National Social Insurance Trust Fund and a member of SURE-P, is now frontline aspirant in the race to succeed Uduaghan.

The PDP chieftain is said to be very serious with her ambition knowing full well that no woman has governed Delta State since it was created in August 1991. She reportedly has the support of the Asagba of Asaba, Prof Chike Edozien, as she is a native of Asaba.

She contested in 2007 and failed but has refused to give up. Though not too known in the state, she might pull a surprise because of her closeness to the presidency. There are already talks that she has the backing of the First Lady in her quest to become governor.

Top on the list of her supporters back home are the new Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Onwusanya; chairman, ULO Construction Company, Chief Uche Okpuno; former commissioner for women affairs, Chief Theodora GiwaAmu, Chief Edwin Uzor and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

“Oshimili South PDP will never support anyone else. Olejeme is our daughter. She has all it takes to be governor of Delta State.

She will transform Delta State. Her ambition is our project. We will never disappoint her because she is a listening leader who has the interest of the people at heart,” chairman of PDP in Oshimili South Local Government Area, Evangelist Ebielim Muaduemezie, recently said.

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, representing Delta North at the Upper Chamber of the

• Olejeme National Assembly, is another experienced political heavy weight in the race to govern Delta State.

Well known in the state, particularly in Delta North, his senatorial district, Senator Okowa is known and envied for his political prowess, sagacity and the large followership which he commands. He is a grassroots politician to the core as he is known in virtually all the local governments in the state.

Okowa contested the 2007 Delta State governorship election but lost to the incumbent governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, in the primaries. Although he has not officially announced his ambition to the public, there is a strong indication that he is oiling his political machinery to once again vie for the governorship.

Also aspiring for the governorship is the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, who hails from

• Utomi

• Orubebe

Onicha-Olona, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is currently serving his third tenure as the member representing Aniocha North in the State Assembly.

His elevation to the office of the speaker at the beginning of the 5th State Assembly in June, 2011 no doubt boosted his political career and made him one of the political heavy weights in the state. He has been working round the clock to make sure he becomes governor in 2015. His supporters believe that he has all it takes to move Delta State forward, hence he should be given the chance in 2015.

But losing the speakership position some few weeks back really dealt a big blow on his governorship dream although his aides say he is undeterred by the development. “He has been Speaker. he is not thinking of Speakership. He wants to be governor and

that is what matters,” one of his aides said recently.

Other renowned Deltans who may be seeking to succeed Uduaghan include Chief Godswill Obielum, a retired police officer who is from Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency; Professor Sylvester Monye, from Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North local government area and Hon. Ned Nwoko, a former lawmaker who represented Aniocha/Oshimili in the House of Representatives.

Others are Chief Peter Okocha, billionaire businessman, who once contested for Delta governorship election against Dr. Uduaghan on the platform of the Action Congress (AC) and Festus Keyamo lawyer and activist who has made his mark as a social crusader and rights activist, amongst others.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

POLITICS

23

Abia 2015: Abaribe consults stakeholders

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S part of efforts to oil the machinery of his 2015 gubernatorial bid, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has begun a consultation circus with key stakeholders in Abia State with a premier at Ohafia, headquarters of the Abia North Senatorial District and a second one at Umuahia for the Abia Central.

The consultation circus is expected to run through the three senatorial zones of the state before narrowing down to the local councils, wards and organisations and it is Abaribe’s way of openly throwing his hat into the ring.

Speaking at the two forums, Abaribe who represents Abia South in the Senate and functions as the chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Publicity said beyond power coming to the Ukwa Ngwa of Abia South, the state must consider the candidate’s training, experience and exposure in matters of governance as Abia cannot afford the drawback of handing over power to a neophyte who would spend the first four years learning the robes.

Abaribe took the audience through a historic excursion on how he joined politics after a brilliant career that saw him at various times as a university don, businessman, corporate executive and politician, adding that he is the most qualified contender for the exalted post to date. “I have been well honed by time and experience,” he said.

Abaribe further told the audience that his vision is to help Abia State create wealth with the ingenuity of the people and not to rely on the federal allocation and therefore

By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor called on the people to consider his past experience in the governance of the state and his current exposure at the national level in their decision to support him in his quest to be the next governor of Abia State come 2015. “I am presenting myself to you as the most qualified candidate. A governor must be an allrounded person,” he said.

While also presenting his scorecard and profile to the leaders of the PDP in the two zones, Abaribe further declared that having served as a deputy governor, chairman of a federal board and as a Senator, he has become more seasoned, accommodating and more mature and now see Nigeria as bigger than Abia • Abaribe State. “You have a friend in me and I hold you highly in the decision to make the next governor of our state,” he told the party leaders.

He used the two ocassion to debunk the rumour that he is not in good terms with the governor and described Governor Theodore Orji as a friend with whom he enjoys a cordial relationship. He disclosed that it was the governor that paid him the arrears of his entitlements which was withheld by the former governor, Orji

Is Jonathan still running?

F Kalu. He also recalled how Governor T. A. Orji brought peace to Abia State by bringing all the political gladiators in the state together and described the governor as a man who has laid the foundation for the state with his legacy projects.

Abaribe lauded the governor for shunning sycophants and upholding the law of natural justice by insisting that equity must be done by power shifting to the Ukwa Ngwa.

Edo APC: Defection and other stories

By Stephen Ighodaro

• Oshiomhole

T

HE airwaves have been awash lately with reports of bad blood in Edo State over the outcome of the ward congresses conducted by the ruling party, All People’s Congress (APC). Penultimate Tuesday, public curiosity would heighten following news that a chieftain of the party in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had sneaked into Abuja the previous night to hold a nocturnal meeting with PDP godfathers including President Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Tony Anenih in Abuja.

Things apparently took a dramatic turn last Monday (May 5, 2014) with the defection of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his supporters. At a media conference in Benin City, the group cited the refusal of the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to grant their charter of demands as justification for their action.

Among other grievances, the IzeIyamu’s group sought the cancellation of the party congresses which they alleged were skewed against their interest. In a swift reaction, the protem state chairman of APC, Chief Osaro Idah, described the defectors’ argument as an after-thought, wondering why they chose not to avail themselves of the party’s dispute resolution mechanism before taking the precipitate step.

Worst, according to Idah, is that IzeIyamu and co decided to be holding ‘subversive’ meetings with the opposition even before the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum given Oshiomhole. Well, it is now a case of the word of Ize-Iyamu against Idah’s.

Not being a member of APC or PDP, this

writer’s concern is quite different. As a keen follower of political development in my state since the return of democracy in 1999, I saw Ize-Iyamu’s defection coming. In hydro-physics, it is common saying that water ultimately finds its level.

In the build-up to the 2012 gubernatorial elections, each time I watched TV footages of Ize-Iyamu donning the ‘khaki’ attire and waving a clenched fist in the tradition of a true socialist comrade, I always battled to contain my laughter. I have always known that, by antecedent and character, Ize-Iyamu, the almighty Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the leprous PDP regime of Lucky Igbinedion, was only acting in an ill-fitting costumes. Who does not know that Ize-Iyamu is truly the face of what remains of Lucky Igbinedion in Edo politics today and a sad reminder of perfidies of the past.

It is perhaps convenient today for some historians to blame only Igbinedion for the massive looting and under-development of Edo between 1999 and 2007. But the truth is that Lucky was largely an absentee governor. While he junketed the universe in pursuit of pleasure, Ize-Iyamu was effectively in charge at the Dennis Osadebey Avenue as the SSG. Not even the then deputy governor, Mike Oghiadome, wielded half of the powers of the meddlesome Ize-Iyamu who made it known to everyone that he was merely enforcing the wishes and desires of ‘Oga’, while the real deputy governor was content with whatever crumb was thrown at him.

It was the abominable era of godfathers regrouping in Benin City every month-end to share among themselves allocations from Abuja after deducting workers’ wages.

They, in turn, would throw crumbs at their running dogs wagging their tails outside the buffet hall.

Ize-Iyamu’s rise to the post of SSG in 2003 was no less controversial. Ever a vicious schemer and master of political treachery, Ize-Iyamu politically stabbed his old friend in the person of Matt Akhionbare, in the back to gain favour in the eyes of the clueless Lucky. No sooner had Lucky managed to get Edo people give him chance in 2003 to ‘repeat’ the class he had woefully failed between 1999 and 2003 (apology the inimitable Esama), Ize-Iyamu pulled his political dagger. The more urbane and intellectually focused Akhionbare eventually

lost out in the dirty power play. Enter Ize-Iyamu. Typical of the proverbial upstart who suddenly found himself in position of power and influence, IzeIyamu began to hatch a plot to succeed Lucky. That was what led him to start abusing Anenih who had made it clear that after Lucky, his sidekick and now in-law, Odion Ugbesia, would be governor.

So much for the political Judas. Perhaps, only that could explain why, ten years after abusing Anenih in the public, sloganeering ‘no man is God’, IzeIyamu would go back to worship at the alter of the same godfather, with his tail literally between his legs, and grovel for forgiveness. Alas, the chicken has finally come home to roost. What a pity!

Even worst critics today would admit that Oshiomhole has changed the face of Edo in the last five years of being in office. The reformist streak of the incumbent governor contrasts sharply with the tendency that Ize-Iyamu represents in Edo State. Oshiomhole believes public resources must be utilized to improve the lot of the ordinary folks. It is instructive to note that in all the invectives the decampees poured on Oshiomhole in their parting shot last week, nowhere was it said that the comrade governor failed to deploy public resources to benefit the masses of Edo State.

Rather, their quarrel is all about the quest for power and control of party apparatus. For me, that is quite significant indeed. It is indeed a big puzzle how Comrade Oshiomhole, otherwise a brutally frank guy, was able to manage until now the likes of this political megalomaniac who dire political circumstances had forced him to cohabit with.

It is understandable why Ize-Iyamu prefers to be addressed as a ‘Pastor’ today. It is part of an attempt to divert attention from his ugly past. Perhaps, one could also say it springs from a desire to atone for his political iniquities.

Maybe, it is also to gloss over another truth: a scant resume. For, Lucky brought him from nowhere as nobody, imposed him on his court of jesters, promoting him above his competence.

It is no longer a secret that the wily old godfather would rather have his kinsman and errand boy (who is currently a key official in the Jonathan presidency) as PDP’s governorship candidate.

•Dr. Stephen Ighadaro, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, wrote from Benin City.

OR once, I agree with President Goodluck Jonathan that announcing his rerun intention would appear quite insensate and out of place now. He has been consistent in declaring that he would neither confirm speculations that he would be submitting himself to the electoral process again, nor deny same. He said doing so would amount to a distraction.

I agree that, in view of growing inequity in the system, welling anger in the hearts of Nigerians and failure to live up to the constitutional demand on every administration to focus on the welfare and security of the people, it would amount to gross insensitivity. I believe that the country has gone past the debate over his eligibility to seek another term, whether it is indeed second or third. Every citizen has the inalienable right to seek the votes of the electorate, provided he satisfies the minimum conditions stipulated in the grundnorm.

My concern here is that, while the President, if really he wants to contest is well advised to keep the intention to himself for now, were he minded to stay away from the fray, there is no better time to make that declaration than now. He has said making such a statement could lead to disruption of the electoral system and social disequilibrium in the country. I believe that his withdrawal would rather calm nerves. While some professional agitators who seek to profit from his reelection would cry out, that would only last a short while.

As jobbers, they would quickly locate another person believed to stand a good chance of filling the vacuum.

In any case, what does the President stand to lose? In my view, nothing. He has been in the saddle since February 2010.

He is on record as proposing a single six-year term for wouldbe Presidents. He added that any occupant of an executive office should have made his mark in six years. This is an opportunity, really, for him to demonstrate that he means what he has been saying. There is no special reward for those reelected, anyway. A one-term President would have played his part and moved on.

A more important argument against his seeking another term is the state of the nation under him. There is no doubt that the country is in a worse shape now than when the President stepped in. At first, as Acting President, many sympathised with his predicament, not knowing whether the substantive holder of the office would return and reverse any fundamental change he could have made to the direction of national affairs. Then, when he was sworn in June 2010 as substantive president following the death of his erstwhile boss, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, he presented himself as someone who was not in a hurry to undo whatever his predecessor did or introduce anything radically different to stop people speculators who may depict him as inordinately ambitious.

But, when on assumption of office as an elected President in his own right, there was no discernible change of pattern, it became clear that the Jonathan administration could, at the end of its tenure, end up the worst in the country’s history.

It is difficult for me to join the myopic in lauding Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, Shehu Shagari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and Olusegun Obasanjo who, collectively, sold Nigeria to darkness and replaced the hope of their compatriots with hopelessness. Till date, more than any other person, I hold Obasanjo and Babangida, responsible for the dire state of affairs in the history of Nigeria. I deliberately did not mention Abacha because he was foisted on the country by IBB. The crimes of Abacha, therefore, should be credited to IBB’s account. But, I believe that the ineptitude of the current administration far outweighs whatever we might have experienced in the past.

What, today, is the quality of living of the average Nigerians? All we have as response from the federal government is bandying statistics. By rebasing the economy, merely playing the game of figures, we are told that Nigeria has replaced South Africa as the largest economy on the African continent. What does that translate to? Has the per capita income improved? Are there more jobs now than was the situation in 1991 when the figures were last reviewed?

A renewed mandate is reward for a good job. It is inconceivable that, in the face of Boko Haram insurgency, cluelessness in handling tertiary education, unchecked corruption, especially in the oil sector and lack of capacity to arrest the rot in general economic management, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan could still be awaiting an auspicious moment to launch his ambition. There could be none this year. He should save the nation the heartache of witnessing a nerve-racking and murky campaign. He is not the man for the moment. He has a right to participate in deciding who takes over for him, but, if he is a patriot, he should perish the thought of foisting on this tottering country another term of four years of rudderless leadership.

POLITICS

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

Katsina 2015: Who succeeds Shema?

•Masari S Nigerians await the full commencement of campaign for next year’s general elections, politicking in Katsina State is gradually heating up, with leading political stakeholders readying their arsenals in the battle for the government house.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has remained the ruling party in the state since the return of democracy in 1999 with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua serving two terms as governor before handing over to Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema in 2007.

The late Yar’adua was the second civilian governor of the state after Alhaji Sa’idu Barda, who was elected governor of Katsina on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in December 1991.

He defeated the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua, the then governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

But Barda’s tenure was abruptly brought to an end in November 1993 when the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, announced the sacking of all democratic structures.

The Nation gathered, in his search for a successor, Yar’adua had zeroed in on the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, then a PDP card carrying member.

The idea of picking the former Speaker was later dropped by the late president.

Sources claim that Yar’adua allegedly dropped Masari because of fears that the former Speaker may either become uncontrollable or betray him.

Ensuing intrigues and permutations resulted in the choice of the former Katsina State deputy governor, Ambassador Audu Aminchi.

But while Yar’adua was busy preparing the ground for Aminchi, Shema on the other hand was also plotting on how to clinch the PDP governorship ticket through the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

He eventually got the ticket through the aid of some of his friends that were close to Obasanjo.

Shema, who also served as an Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under Yar’adua’s regime, was elected governor of Katsina State on the PDP platform in 2007 and was re-elected for a second tenure in 2011.

In the North West state, the big question on the lips of many politicians within the ruling PDP and the major opposition party, APC is: who succeeds Shema in 2015?

Within the PDP, the seeming distrust among its leading stakeholders is giving the Presidency a serious concern. Accord-

A

•Shema

By Remi Adelowo, Assistant Editor

ing to sources, this development, if not well handled, could affect the party’s chances in the 2015 governorship poll.

Not a few party leaders and elders, The Nation gathered, are opposed to the governor’s plan to singlehandedly anoint his successor.

It is believed in Katsina that Shema has no strong political structure on ground that can produce the next governor in the state. It is further alleged that the PDP in the state has three factions and that the two other factions do not enjoy the support of Shema.

The factions include the late Yar’adua faction and the one called the Abuja group. The belief is that though the governor belongs to the Abuja faction, his relationship with members of the group has gone sour.

According to them, the third group, which the governor is heading, is not capable of producing the next governor as it is largely dominated by businessmen and a few party leaders, thereby making it weak politically.

Watchers of political events also believe that the faction, barring any unforeseen development, cannot make serious any impact in the politics of Katsina come 2015.

Another factor, which observers say will disrupt the governor’s plans in picking a successor, is the unpleasant relationship that exists between the incumbent and many top brass politicians in the state.

A pointer to this, they noted, was the last appointment of the local governments’ caretaker committees in the state.

The governor, it is believed, has offended many elders during the appointment by sidelining their candidates. They argue that most of the affected elders have not forgiven Shema and that they are waiting for an opportunity to get back at the governor.

But despite the hurdles in picking his successor, Governor Shema has reportedly made some attempts in a bid to have his way when the chips are down.

An unconfirmed report earlier had it that he may have settled for Alhaji Musa Sada, the present Minister of Mines and Steel for the PDP governorship ticket.

But Sada was later dumped due to his alleged political romance with Vice President, Muhammad Namadi Sambo, with a source claiming that Shema has tentatively made a choice in the person of the present state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua.

While the governor has not made any statement in this regard, there are also feelers many other PDP members including Senator Ibrahim Idah and Engineer Nura Khaleel have allegedly indicated their interests for the seat.

The Nation further gathered that the way and manner the Commissioner is being

•Bello fawned over by top government officials is a strong indication that he is Shema’s clear choice for the plum seat.

A recent statement credited to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, while addressing farmers in Mai’adua local government at a function for the sales of fertilizers, that Funtua is the PDP’s governorship candidate lends credence that Shema’s camp has made its final choice on who takes over from him in 2015.

This plot may, however be countered by some political groups and politicians within and outside the PDP, with the Abuja and Yar’adua factions of the party leading the opposition against the Shema/Funtua camp.

On the governor’s political future, analysts opined that the recent political development has already exposed the incumbent’s dilemma.

Shema’s name had initially come up for mention to replace the Vice President, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo, following an alleged plan by President Goodluck Jonathan to dump his deputy in the next presidential election.

Sambo’s deft politicking, particularly his alleged role in the defection of some top Northern politicians from the APC to the PDP, reportedly forced the president to stick with his deputy.

The development reportedly compelled Shema to lower his political ambition to the seat of Senator.

Recently, the governor was alleged to have informed some close aides his ambition to contest for Katsina Central senatorial district come 2015.

If he sticks to his plan, the governor will be slugging it out with Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua, the serving senator for the zone.

Other governorship hopeful Suleiman Dikko He is the current the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and former Chairman of the state Basic Education Board.

A relative and associate of Governor Shema, his political inexperience, analysts argued, could work against him.

Abdulahi Tsauri He is the only one among other the contenders who has come out openly to formally declare his interest in contesting for the governorship seat.

He hails from Dutsinma, the same council area with the incumbent governor, an issue that could work to his disadvantage.

Musa Adamu A former lawmaker and currently the Commissioner for Agriculture, he is quite close to the governor and also popular among the youth in the state.

He hails from Funtua, a council area in the southern part of the State which is yet to produce a governor. This had led some PDP

members from his zone to demand that the next governor comes from the area.

Abdullahi Garba If the law of succession is to be followed, Garba, who is the deputy governor of the state, would be the next to fly the PDP flag for the gubernatorial seat.

A former Attorney-General and university lecturer, he is seen by many to be a major political figure from Funtua senatorial zone.

Musa Sada He is the current Minister of Mines and Steel and former Works and Housing Commissioner in the state.

An Architect by profession, he reportedly played a key role in the construction of some of the infrastructure the state boasts of today.

His strength lies in his current position as minister and closeness to the President and the vice president.

Ibrahim Ida Senator Ida is the former lawmaker representing Katsina Central in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly.

Ida has the support base, experience and influence to fly the party’s flag. He is, however, said to be considering the possibility of returning to the Senate.

Dikko Inde Inde is the current Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

He has the charisma and clout due to his association with major political bigwigs. His undoing may have to do with his political inexperience and lack of a support base.

Nura Khalil Some years ago, Khalil contested against the late Yar’Adua for the governorship position on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Although he lost, he has nonetheless proved to be one person that could garner votes in an election due to his strong support base.

He was initially a member of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) before defecting to the PDP. Of recent, he had accorded more time to his business, which made some of his supporters wonder whether he is still interested in the governorship seat.

In the APC, whose profile has been on an upward swing in the state, some members are reported to be interested in flying the party’s governorship ticket.

Aminu Bello Masari He is the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and had contested for the same position on the platform of the •Continued on Page 25

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

I

T might turn out to be another case of the Biblical David versus Goliath epic battle. The 2016 governorship poll in Bayelsa is clearly a contest between powerful forces and seemingly political lightweights. On one side is the incumbent, Seriake Dickson, who is keenly interested in seeking reelection.

Dickson, by all means, is a history chaser. It is a history which comes with overwhelming burden for the governor.

Since the state was created in 1996, none of his predecessors had broken the second term jinx. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha actually won reelection in 2003. But his second tenure was aborted on December 9, 2005 when federal forces led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo saw to his impeachment over corruption charges.

His deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was inaugurated governor the same day.

Jonathan served out Alamieyeseigha’s second term and was on the verge of being reelected when he was picked to run as running mate to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 28, 2007. He went on to become deputy and then president after the demise of Yar’Adua.

Former Governor Timipre Sylva came on board on May 29, 2007, supported by Jonathan. His election was nullified on April 16, 2008 over irregularities. The then Speaker, Werinpre Seibarugo, became acting governor from April 16, 2008 to May 27, 2008. Sylva reemerged elected on May 27, 2008 but his first term ended on January 27, 2012 when the Supreme Court terminated his election.

Sylva’s travail was said to have been triggered by his alleged reluctance to support the Doctrine of Necessity theory that transmuted Jonathan to Acting President during the sick days of late Yar’Adua. When he contested the 2012 poll under the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he lost woefully to Dickson. Incidentally, the same forces that brought Dickson to power are about to see to his downfall.

He is being considered for what insiders call the “Sylva’s treatment”.

The governor, who many believe has done averagely well in term of performances, is in the eye of the storm.

Powerful forces allegedly spearheaded by the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are working towards his failure at the 2016 poll. But Dickson, considered a lightweight because of the godfathers’ syndrome, is reportedly prepared to slug it out with those his camp scornfully refers to as the “Abuja big men”. This, it was gathered, is why the governor is working tooth and nail to perform and win the confidence of electorate.

But then, he has formidable oppositions on his way. On that side is the First Lady, who is said to be so incensed that Dickson will be the first governor to win a second term in the State. A source in the governor’s camp said: “Her problem is that she cannot live with seeing the governor win reelection. She has told people in private that over her dead body will that happen.”

The Dickson-must-go campaign, it was learnt, is gathering steam and growing in influence. It is believed to be rooted in Abuja and prepared for execution in Bayelsa. Dame Jonathan, according to sources, is not willing to •Continued from Page 24 defunct CPC, but lost to the incumbent governor.

Currently the Deputy National Secretary of the APC, he is acknowledged as a major contender for the number one position.

Masari undoubtedly has the clout and support base to his advantage, but the political strength of the ruling PDP in the state is a major issue he has to contend with.

Abdulaziz Yar’Adua He is a younger brother to the late President Yar’Adua. The retired Army Colonel was the running mate to the flag bearer of a faction of the CPC in the last general elections, and had shown interest in contesting for the governorship seat in 2011, but was reportedly persuaded to step down.

POLITICS

25

Bayelsa: Seriake Dickson’s many battles

•Sylva

•Dickson

negotiate on the issue. A source in the thick of the plot confided: “If the governor wins reelection, he will become too powerful to control. He won’t need the presidency again and might start having ideas about having his own political structure and legacies in the State. This is what we can’t imagine and so it is better to stop him immediately”.

But the plot, according to political observers, is one that will be hard to execute. On what basis, for example, will be governor be denied second terms, they wonder. Peter Ateki, an analyst, said that will be the crux of the matter for the Abuja’s forces. According to him: “Will they say the governor has not performed? Will they find corruption charges against him? Will they face the electorates and say he is becoming too powerful? What will they tell us is why he shouldn’t be reelected?”

At the head of the plot is the First Lady ably supported by former governor Alamieyesiegha, who shares the conviction that Dickson should not take credit for breaking the second term jinx.

The plot is said to enjoy the tacit support of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been advised to stay publicly clear of the unfolding developments.

The trio’s anointed candidate is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa. The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is the only man Jonathan and Alamieyeseigha can trust, having served both of them. Sources said Dudafa enjoys

unfettered support of the Presidency for the Bayelsa 2016 race.

To garner support for his candidature, the political godfathers have reportedly floated and heavily founded a group, The New Dawn Initiative Development (NDID) to serve as the clearing house for his electioneering campaigns. The group is being touted as a Pro-Jonathan group to secure official protection and cover.

The plan, according to sources, is to deny Dickson the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket on the ground that there is a better alternative. Risky as the plot might sound, the godfathers are said to be confident it will work based on presidential might and the fact that Bayelsa has always been 100% PDP. But the governor is not one to take such threats to his political career lightly.

He is rolling out his machineries to counter any move against his reelection.

This was why he saw to it that NDID’s proposed rally for Yenagoa on April 19 was botched. Dickson said he backed the disruption of the rally by the police at the Community Secondary School, Opolo, Yenagoa owing to intelligence report some hooligans wanted hijack the rally.

“We also must remind ourselves that the INEC and even the PDP have not released their timetables and so, no group or individual is permitted to embark on any political rally. Such a rally will be seen as a ploy by the individual to use the name of the president to pursue his or her own selfish ambitions,” Dickson said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

Sources said the disruption of the rally irked the godfathers in no small way.

The popularity of his late brother in the state is a factor that could greatly work to his advantage.

Usman Bugaje The former university don and outspoken former member of the House of Representatives contested on about two occasions for the coveted seat, but lost to the ruling PDP candidate.

He is one candidate to beat when it comes to intellectual discourse.

Abu Ibrahim The current Senator representing Funtua senatorial zone had in the past, unsuccessfully contested for the gubernatorial seat. He is one lawmaker that has contributed im-

mensely to debates, and has both clout and experience.

His zone, which has produced only deputy governors, could give him the needed support if he eventually decides to contest for the seat. His popularity, however, seems to be limited to his zone.

Kanti Bello The former Senator represented Daura senatorial zone at the National Assembly from 2003 to 2007.

He has crisscrossed several political parties from the ANPP, PDP, CPC and now the APC. A vocal and charismatic person, he has the support base and clout to win the contest.

By Sunday Oguntola

They reportedly fumed he had the temerity to stop a rally purportedly organised to drum support for Jonathan. The First Lady, it was gathered, was particularly more offended, stressing the governor must be stopped before further humiliations.

Dickson, according to sources in his camp, is prepared to play the victim’s game against his estranged godfathers. This, it is assumed, will garner public sympathy and support in his favour. Besides, he is said to be considering working with the opposition such his ambition to seek reelection on the PDP ticket becomes impossible.

Though a conservative state with homogenous political identity, observers say the All Progressive Congress (APC) might be the biggest beneficiary of the PDP’s internal wrangling. The party continues to make strides in the state with former governor, Sylva at the forefront. It remains unconfirmed if Sylva will be seeking to return to the State House.

But sources said many members of the House of Assembly, whose elections he oversaw in 2011, might be favourably disposed to working with him in 2016.

The lawmakers, it is said, consider him their political leader and will be available to support the party’s bid to wrestle power from the PDP. The bitter bickering and backlashes expected from the Dickson-must-go campaign might just make this happen. Come 2016, a mind-blowing political shift might be in the offing in Bayelsa.

Katsina 2015: Who succeeds Shema?

But as a plan B, he is said to be considering the possibility of vying for the senatorial seat in the event that his governorship ambition does not succeed.

Mustapha Inuwa He was former Education Commissioner and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the late Yar’Adua’s tenure as governor.

Although he never showed interest in contesting for the seat in the past, several of his supporters had called on him to do so, and may do same as 2015 draws near.

His closeness to Masari and other APC stalwarts could give him an added advantage over other candidates.

26 POLITICS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

ripples Fayose’s loss, Fayemi’s gain

•Oni

T

hese are not the best of times for former Governor Ayodele Fayose and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the governorship election in Ekiti State. Sources say some recent developments have left the camp of the politician rattled beyond words.

To start with, barely 24 hours after a former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, dumped the man called Osokomole and his party for the ruling All Progressives Congress

(APC), a House of Assembly member, Mrs Bunmi Oriniowo, also defected to the APC. Oriniowo represents Ido/Osi 1 in Ido-Osi Local Government Area on the platform of PDP. Oni hails from the same local government. Oni had received Governor Kayode Fayemi at his IfakiEkiti home on Monday where he spoke of his readiness to partner with the governor and ensure his victory in the June 21 election.

Fayose and the PDP consider Ido/Osi Local Government Area a key in the efforts to win the coming election and the council had always been a stronghold of the party. But with Oni and Oriniowo now in Fayemi's camp, Fayose is troubled.

Mrs. Oriniowo, who announced her defection at a rally addressed by the governor in her hometown, Ifisin, said she decided to join the APC because the party represents progress, development and integrity.

Isn't this a case of Fayose's loss amounting to Fayemi's gain? Time will surely tell.

Who is afraid of new Rivers CP?

T

here are indications that in spite of his surprising ability to tame the terror of violence on the state since assuming office, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, may soon be relieved of his job.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has raise the alarm on an alleged plot to transfer Ogunsakin out of the state. But the story •Akala soon assume a life of its own as group after g r o u p s cautioned against s u c h plan as •Amaechi i t may ret urn the state to its gory past.

Recently, the APC Chairman, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said: “We have been informed that arrangements have been concluded by the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to redeploy CP Ogunsakin. We will resist the transfer through every legal means available to us. We need peace in Rivers State and the Commissioner of Police

Edwin Clark dares APC in Ogun State I

jaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, appears set to take his political opposition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) beyond the shores of the south south and Abuja. As we speak, he may be preparing to slug it out with Governor Amosun and his party come 2015.

Or what with the fact that Mr. Abisola Sodipo-Clark, wife of the Ijaw leader, is currently consulting party chieftains in the state over her rumoured ambition for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat in Ogun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The medical doctor, who hails from Abeokuta North Local Government, according to reports, was in Abeokuta recently to consult with PDP chieftains and members in furtherance of her political ambition in 2015. At the PDP State Secretariat in Abeokuta, Mrs. Sodipo-Clark was received by the Chairman, Chief Adebayo Dayo; the Secretary, Alhaji Semiu Sodipo; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye, and a party chieftain, Alhaji Agboola Alausa, among others.

•Clark Although she is yet to formally announce her senatorial ambition, she did not fail to drop hint of her desire when she told the PDP leaders present that she was qualified for any political position.

Mrs. Sodipo-Clark said she was in the state to renew her membership card and consult with party members.

Complaints Commission nails Adesiyan I f feelers coming from reliable sources are anything to go by, then Minister for Police Affairs, Hon. Abdul Jelili Adesiyan, has been fed with the proverbial humble pie by the Osun State Public Complaints Commissioner, Professor Razaq 'Deremi Abubakre.

As an aftermath of a petition by former Governor Isiaka Adeleke, the Public Complaints Commission, Osun State Office, led

by Professor Abubakre, has described the alleged actions of the minister during the 3rd April, 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Osogbo as a recipe for anarchy, and urged Adesiyan to be of better behaviour next time he finds himself in a public gathering.

“I wish to recall the disturbing incident of 3rd April, 2014 at the Ideal Nest Guest House, Ilobu Road, Osogbo, in which you were alleged to have used policemen to harass, intimidate and embarrass Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first Civilian Governor of Osun State and the contestant to your favoured candidate in your party for the gubernatorial ticket in your capacity as the Hon. Minster of Police Affair.”

Professor Abubakre went further to analyse that the reported conduct of the Hon. Minister of Police Affairs, “is a recipe for anarchy, if all Ministers were to act in the same manner”.

Professor Abubakre reiterated that Alhaj Abdul Jelili Adesiyan should imagine the minister of Finance, asking bankers to follow her to political functions or the Minister of Health being accompanied by medical personnel or even the Minister of Education asking students to do the same. Professor Abubakre pointed out that “the wild cacophony with which such act

•Adesiyan would be visited is better imagined than expressed.”

Professor Razaq Abubakre, was of the view, that the Minister of Police Affairs is not entitled to police escort more than the number allowed to the minister of Agriculture or any other minister for that matter. The Osun State Public Complaints Commissioner, therefore affirmed that no minister should use the law enforcement agents paid to protect the citizenry to intimidate law abiding Nigerians.

Sources close to the minister said he was badly hit by the commission's chastise. Let's hope other public officials will also learn from the advice.

Intrigues over election of new Chair of Speakers

T

has demonstrated that he is a thorough police officer."

Pray, who is afraid of CP Ogunsakin's handling of the affairs of the Police in the state.

Or is it that some characters thrive better when the state is in utter confusion and dishevel?

Nigerians sure are watching the unfolding drama.

•Ikon

he election of a new Chairman for the Conference of Speakers in Nigeria will be coming up in the next few weeks.

Sources claim an attempt by the outgoing Chairman of the Conference, Hon. Inuwa Garba, to seek for another term was resisted by majority of his colleagues, with the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, spearheading the opposition against Inuwa. The Chairmanship seat, a source revealed, has been zoned to the South, with the Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon, highly favoured.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

GLAMOUR

31

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

32 GLAMOUR

ADETUTU AUDU

crownkool@yahoo.com

08023849036, 08112662587

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

GLAMOUR 33

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

ETCETERA

34

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

Rhetorical rhyme •Or ‘The season of reason’

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

IF infants take infant food, Adults would experience adulterated products.

If the piano player is a pianist, The racing car driver would be racist.

If twenty plus one is ‘twenty-one’, Eleven would be ‘one-ty one’ and twenty plus ten ‘twenty-ten’.

If you lose weight jogging, You would gain weight jogging backwards.

If love is blind, Beauty would not be in the eyes of the beholder.

If people enjoy what they do for a living, They would not negotiate for better pay.

If a fine is a tax for doing wrong, A tax would be a fine for doing well.

If drawing boards are meant for drawing, There would be nothing to go back to when men err.

If leader turned follower and the led for once ruled, ‘Follow-follow’ would not be so bad.

If it brings sadness and ruin, War within a country would no longer be ‘civil’.

If beggars would ride wishes as horses, The rich would stop the talk, And walk the talk.

If white were black and black were white, The powerful would submit to ‘whitemail’, And the corrupt to a ‘whitelist’.

If east were west and west were east, Then you would go west and be due east, And the sun would not set in the west.

If north were south and south were north, You would travel up north, And arrive down south.

If left were right and right were wrong, I would no longer hold an opinion, Let alone right a wrong.

If right were left and left were right, I would for a while not write, And let the reader write.

Imagine: the reader as writer and the writer as reader.

Readers’ Response

CHEEK BY JOWL

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QUOTE When a man is in love or in debt, someone else has the advantage.

—Bill Balance

Jokes Humour Lockets Are Forever AT a jewelry store, a young man bought an expensive locket as a present for his girlfriend. “Don’t you want her name engraved upon it?” asked the jeweler.

The young man thought for a moment, and then, ever the pragmatic, said, “No, just engrave it: To My One And Only Love.

That way, if we break up and she throws it back to me in anger, I can use it again.”

One More Squeeze THE local bar was so sure that its barman was the strongest man around that they offered a standing N10, 000 bet.

The barman would squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran into a glass, and hand the lemon to a patron. Anyone who could squeeze one more drop of juice out would win the money.

Many people had tried over time but nobody could do it.

One day a scrawny little man came into the bar, wearing thick glasses and a polyester suit, and said in a tiny squeaky voice, “I’d like to try the bet.”

After the laughter died down, the barman agreed, grabbed a lemon and squeezed away.

Then he handed the wrinkled remains of the rind to the little man.

But the crowd’s laughter turned to total silence as the man clenched his fist around the lemon and six drops fell into the glass. As the crowd cheered, the bartender paid the N10, 000, and asked the little man, “What do you do for a living? Are you a woodcarver, a weight-lifter, or what?”

The man said, “I work for the Inland Revenue.”

Too Bad News A MAN got a call from his doctor who says, “I have some bad news and some terrible news.

Which would you rather hear first?”

The man says, “The bad news.”

The doctor says, “The lab messed up your tests and when they re-did them, they found out you only have 48 hours to live!”

Incredulous, the man says, “What could be more terrible than that?”

The doctor says, “We tried all day yesterday to get hold of you but your phone was busy!”

•Adapted from the Internet

Writer ’s Fountain OOKING the reader The use of beautiful expression as well as straightaway: As a technique, you skilful arrangement of words and thought may use a bit of flash forward or backward patterns works like music. It bears promise at the beginning of a long narrative. You may of more to come and the reader stays to find use it as a prologue to draw the reader into out if he is right. the book. He will want to find out “what It is all about enchantment. Whether it’s happened next.” about skydiving, murder or love, first The opening hook doesn’t have to involve impressions do the trick. Remember that violence or intrigue. It could involve people remember what they hear first. So hit aesthetics. A writer’s skillful use of language the high point in your opening statement and may as well invite the reader for more than a closing argument as well as the first sentence passing interest in your story. and paragraph.

For example, what do you remember of Light of the matter: this statement: “He was a dirty, low down •Joseph Swan invented the light bulb in thief, but he did many charitable works – 1879, one year before Thomas Edison did. helping the poor, particularly children”? He •However, Swan didn’t patent the idea and did many charitable works – helping the poor, was widely accused of copying Edison who particularly children. But he was a dirty, low did patent the idea and was therefore down thief. recognised as its inventor.

It’s the first statement you remember, not •Swan continued to be denied recognition the afterthought. until some time later when it was shown The bottom line is to start off with a bang! that both light bulbs were produced using See how writers in your chosen genre do it. different processes.

Then attempt a violent shock or the •Edison and Swan later formed a joint mesmerising turn of phrase common with company using the best of both more practiced writers. For effect, do it at the technologies. beginning and at the end.

H

38 MAGAZINE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

MAGAZINE 39

40 SUNDAY INTERVIEW

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

SUNDAY INTERVIEW 41

42 MAGAZINE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

MAGAZINE 43

44 MAGAZINE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

47

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

48

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

New WOMAN

PILLOWTALK YETUNDE OLADEINDE molaralife@yahoo.com

Raising a voice for the Nigerian girl With Temilolu Okeowo temilolu@girlsclub.org.ng 07086620576 (sms only)

W

HAT'S up with you, wonderful Nigerians? I'll be discussing the advantages of delaying gratification and sincerely hope it will give someone some relief and help chart a new course in life.

Delayed gratification is the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward. It is associated with resisting a smaller but more immediate reward in order to receive a larger or more enduring reward later. And a person's ability to delay gratification relates to other similar skills such as patience, impulse control, self-control and willpower, all of which are involved in self-regulation.

I tell you this may not come so easy as one's childhood orientation determines so much. However, one's deliberate or do I say forceful will power can help.

To start with, our greatest wishes in life don't come easy as life is not ready to give us what we really want most of the time, and so we have to put up a fight for it. We also must not forget that what comes our way easily or what we didn't sweat for does not last because we never develop the skills to maintain it. In other words, while fighting to get that which we desire, life itself trains us to conquer it by instilling some skills in us. These skills refine us, bring out the very best in us and practically lay the world at our feet. How nice! I have practiced delaying gratification over time and the following are what it availed me.

Etiquette

D

ON'T hold conversation with any other person in the library.

If you must whisper in the library, do it in such a way that you do not cause irritation or disturbance to any other library user.

Proverb of the week

A

T the bottom of patience one finds heaven. ~ African proverb

A-Z of a wonderful personality Honesty:

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O be honest is to be truthful and trustworthy. A lot of people are not honest in their dealings with people. They lie about everything. And one must note that one lie leads to another and then another and the end result is when one is found out, one may not be able to save one's face nor be able to regain the other's trust.

Elders as well as the clergy who ought to preach honesty and lay good examples tell the greatest lies and say they are being diplomatic. Dishonesty is one major vice destroying our society today. Those who are entrusted with public funds meant for the good of the masses often spend most of these funds on themselves. A lot of people have had their destinies thwarted because of someone's dishonesty. It could be someone refusing to speak the truth about an issue or even a judge diverting the course of justice. This is very unfair and punishable. If the long arm of the law does not eventually catch up with them, nature will. What goes around comes around and what you sow is what you will reap. If you are always honest and yet you get kicked in the teeth, don't give up.

Someday, you will be rewarded in a way you do not expect.

Heart for sale

W Delayed Gratification (II) Advantages of delayed gratification It trains you for the future It imparts in you Tenacity which is one of the secrets of success. It is the quality of being determined to achieve something. It involves Perseverance and is a quality displayed by someone who just won't quit. You'll agree with me that in a world as competitive as this, you need it to carry you through life. It instills Patience in you. Patience gives us the ability to put up graciously with obstacles in our path, to respond to life's challenges with Courage, Strength and Optimism. And it is a must-have virtue for your journey through life, otherwise you may get lost in transit! Also, for you to attain great heights in life, you just must climb the mountains and wade the stormy seas.

It grants you more than you wanted Haven't you heard of people who had been jobless for years saying they got multiple job offers at a time? Or women who were once barren eventually having triplets, quadruplets? When life sees you are a good student in the school of adversity and you are not ready to give up, it salutes you and automatically rewards you by bombarding you with more than you ever pined for. Now, I am not talking about miracles though I believe in them.

Life recognises and rewards hard work, determination and persistence -period!

The delay and struggle ushers in new vistas and opportunities- Imagine you are in a wild forest searching for a treasure; you are bound to come across all sorts - good and bad. Before you find your treasure, you discover a lot you never even knew existed and which will turn out to be of good use to you sooner or later.

It makes you master over your situation This is the best part of it. You become a master over that which had resisted you and given you great trouble, then eventually surrendered.

The harder its resistance, the greater your rulership and grip over it when it

becomes yours.

Sisters dearest, wouldn't you rather go through this process to have your greatest desires and much more than go through a shameful short-cut? Time has proved that when you take the pains of going through the narrow way waiting at the end of the road is a golden crown and a giant trophy which will give you a happy and glorious life.

Good luck!

For our sisters in captivityDear God, Why don't you tear the sky apart and come down? The captains of Sambisa forest would see you and shake with fear. They would tremble like water boiling over a hot fire. Come and reveal your power and release your children.

Amen.

Tips on motherhood (For mothers)

U

NDOUBTEDLY, most parents have a favourite child .You must be extra careful not to express this, so as not to sow seeds of discord which could last a life time amongst your children. Likewise, you must never make unfavourable comparisons amongst your children. Every child has a sterling quality; you only need to search deeper.

Life Nuggets

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Fear

NE of the surest guarantees in life is that you will face adversity. When faced with it, two paths pop out for you to follow - the path of faith and the path of fear. They are two opposites and it is left for you to decipher which is which and how to get on the right path, stay on it and walk your way out of the wilderness.

There are legitimate fears as there are unfounded fears. Whatever they are, legitimate or otherwise, if you summon courage and confront them directly, they simply wither away and eventually die. There is a way to continuously overcome adversity after adversity and manage your fears and anxieties. Find out how, next week.

C

FINAL WORD

HASTITY does not belong to the past. It saves you a lot of trouble, preserves your beautiful destiny and stands you out from the crowd. You are better off not engaging in pre-marital sex. Stay chaste!

Miss Temilolu O.Okeowo is the founder of Girls Club of Nigeria an NGO for girls of secondary school age aimed at influencing a positive change. She published her debut-book for girls-THE BEAUTY OF LIFE as an undergraduate and has other books and publications. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 and is a Certified Forensics Examiner.

HEN the heart aches so badly, it may just be that you need some emotional painkillers. If it persists, then you are likely to go for more painkillers. But you just have to be careful not to get to a stage where you end up with an overdose of emotional killers. There are some traumatic experiences that painkillers just cannot heal. Perhaps what you need is surgery to make the healing permanent.

This also may not totally take care of the harm that has been done to your poor loving heart.

Many have therefore asked overtime: who needs a heart when it can be broken to pieces? Isn't it better to put it up for sale and make some profits before it crashes? No, it isn't fair to sell your heart because it aches emotionally. It obviously carries out so many other essential duties that are far more important than falling in and out of love.

The heart is a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the blood vessels to various parts of the body by repeated, rhythmic contractions. The average human heart, beating at 72 beats per minute, will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during an average 66-year lifespan, and pumps approximately 4.7-5.7 litres of blood per minute. It weighs approximately 250 to 300 grams in females and 300 to 350 grams.

It is a part of you that you treasure and you certainly would not want to lose or allow to be in the wrong hands.

However, when it comes to the emotional heart, then there are times when it may be better to do away with a leaking heart, a sagging heart or a heart that has shrunk. When you get to this stage, then you are likely to put up your heart or the other heart for sale at an emotional bazaar. Here, the heart (s) would be auctioned and you can be sure that the highest bidder is going to go home with whichever heart has been put up for sale.

At this point, it is gone forever and you just have to let go and stop dreaming that you are ever going to get it back. Of course, the person who has staked so much to grab your heart or the heart of the person you treasure is not going to allow you to come and make claims after paying so much.

So, the big question here is why anybody would want to let go of something they cherish or had treasured at a particular point in time.

You get into a relationship with some expectations and when you get in there, you find that the person does not meet up to your expectations at all and that is the point where some begin to map out strategies on how to opt out of such a relationship.

There are also other instances when the person started very well and it looks like a dream come true. However, with time, values may change and the person may not longer be as attractive as they were in the past. Different strokes, indeed. What Mr. A places so much value on may just not be appealing to Messrs. C, B and D. The emotional additions and subtractions may just not add up correctly and this brings tears, frustration and confusion. If suddenly you discover somewhere along the line that something fishy is going on, then you need to take a decision. It could be to forgive and forget or simply to walk away instead of ending up in an emotional ditch.

Well, it could also be compared with “House for sale.�

The images would be unpleasant for many. What is exciting about a dilapidated porch, shattered window panes, casements that are rotting and sagging, broken shutters as well as door knobs that have fallen apart. Of course, there's nothing fanciful or interesting for anyone to behold! It would definitely be deserted and you would actually feel the empty loneliness from a distance.

Even a blind heart can smell it all. Whoever wants to reside here would be living in the past; old designs and the state of neglect which only a few would be content to stick it. Flashback down memory lane and you could see a very deep contrast. Sweet dĂŠcor, flowers and the freshness of new paint and wood polish made it once magnetic.

People sell what they have sometimes to meet a need, support a cause, to get a better value or just out of desperation. Here, you can be sure that this heart would be at the whims and caprices of the buyer.

If there is a jinx and there is no buyer then it may just become an abandoned building (heart). At such moments, you may just need the help of an agent (matchmaker).Here, you are at the mercy of the buyer and you should remember that this house now has a second hand value and you just may not be in control of the pricing.

Certain factors would determine what you get and if the bargain is right; the mood of the buyer, his or her temperament, personality and disposition to emotional matters. If the mood is right, then the buyer is likely to transform the old house and it would look like a palatial edifice, a place everyone wants to be. At such moments, those who sold it off in a hurry would look back and wish they could pull back the hands of time.

51

THEATRE

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BIGSCREEN

Tel: 08051101822

With VICTOR AKANDE

Where Talent Lies parades budding talents

M

O Eva’s World Production, a Lagos-based TV Production Company, has released a new movie, Where Talent Lies, for the viewing pleasure of movie buffs.

Produced by Eva George, Where Talent Lies centres on the power of the tongue, which can make or destroy an individual.

The movie, which has been released into the movie market and online, tells the true life story of Rachael, a 21-year-old beautiful and talented lady who constantly gets abused verbally by her father because of her low academic performance.

However, Mr. Abraham (Rachael's father) doesn't know that his attitude affects Rachael psychologically, thereby preventing her from pursuing her dreams of being a fashion designer.

“The movie is geared towards challenging parents to look beyond the challenges their children are facing. It also focuses on the origin of the problem and encourages people that failure in class does not mean failure in life. It teaches individuals not to judge people's problems from the surface and to promote and appreciate African culture,” Eva George said.

The film stars Abimbola Ademoye, Jennifer Igbinovia, Alex Ayalogu, Frank Paladini, Fortune Nwaneri and Dorcas.

Mo Eva's World Productions, which commenced operations in 2012, offers services in film and TV productions from development stage to marketing and distribution of contents.

SOUND TRACK

Skales launches record label

plus

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

Mary Lazarus celebrates birthday with prison inmates I

•DROPS ‘SHAKE BODY’ producer, to his label, Meanwhile, Skales has AST-RISING Hip hop fur the ngr sai Nje n d tha Joh ul t released a new single, OH Rao also K act, music would cater to music Shake Body, which was Njeng, aka Skales, has production, song-writing, produced by Jay Pizzle. joined the club of music promotion as well as He started his journey entertainment mu sic pub ng owi lish foll ing music in 2000 as a urs, for ene into all entrepr acts signed to the label. rapper and songwriter. In the launch of his new label, “For now, it is just Dre the past years, he has done OHK Music.

Beatz and I signed to the y some collaboration works According to the 23-year- lab el.

I lik new a e is to “It sta an, rt rea sici with numerous artistes and lly old mu sm all.

I Bu t and we er hav care e producers. Skales also phase of my aff revealed that his debut am excited about making it proiliates with other ducers and musicians album under the OHK all work.” out sid e OH just K,” who , he per rap imprint would be released The exp lain ed. a tz, Bea y later in the year. signed Dre

F •Eva George

I’m nnAiomtakruhude

•Mary Lazarus

T was another unforgettable moment last weekend when Nollywood actress, Mary Lazarus, marked her birthday.

However, the star of Desperate Girl, rather than party with her friends and colleagues in the industry, paid a visit to the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison to mark her birthday.

The actress, who was accompanied by Kehinde Bankole, Seun Akindele,Tamara Eteimo and her twin brother, donated various food items to the prison inmates.

Mary has starred in many movies and soaps, including Super Story, This Life, Tinsel, Spider, Living In Lagos, Married But Living Single, Behind The Smile, Show Girls, Needle's Eye, Waiting Years, Blackberry Babes, Corporate maids, The Benjamins, Now We Are Married and Shadows.

Yeka Onka is sad!

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–Toyi

I

N the eye of an average movie buff, top Yoruba movie actress, Toyin Aimakhu-Johnson, is snobbish. But the versatile actress, who seems to be worried by this general perception, has cried out that those who hold such a view about her are mistaken.

In a recent interview, the Edo Stateborn actress described herself as “nice, friendly and accommodating.”

“All I do is act and interpret my roles.

I love my private life a lot. I believe in honesty and perseverance. I play a lot; I don't lie to myself; and as such, I don't go beyond my limit. I also believe in timing. When I just got in the industry, I had problems with some people. They felt I was rude. It is not that I am rude. It is the way I was brought up. In my house, they allow us to express ourselves freely. Even with my father, you have the right to express yourself.

They wanted us to be bold and that is it.

That was my upbringing. So, you people should please free her.”

GISTS

•Toyin Aimakhu

INNER of the first edition of the television reality show, Nigerian Idol, Yeka Onka, is currently not in a happy mood.

The soul singer, who has distinguished her style of music since she won the maiden edition of the reality TV show, is said to be sad because of the happenings in the country, particularly the kidnap of more than 250 students at Chibok Government Girls Secondary School in Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

In a new single titled Help, she urged the Nigerian government and security agencies in the country to do everything in their capacity to bring back the kidnapped girls for the peace to reign in the country.

The six-minute song, which was released on Limelite records, dwells on peace, harmony and love, among the citizens of the country.

“I am sad. I mean I have been very sad since the day the news broke that those innocent children had been kidnapped.

It is even more worrisome that nobody knows the state of health of these little children right now. I know what motherhood is about and I share in the pains of the parents of these little children. This is not a war against a select group of people; it is a war against all well-meaning mothers in Nigeria, as injustice to one is injustice to all,” she said.

Yeka, who is still basking in the euphoria of the success of her latest video, Me and You, said she was working on a couple of new songs and videos, which would be released towards the end of the year. “I have been working, day and night, over my new projects, but I don't want to reveal much detail now. I will be giving my fans something new soon”, she added.

•Yeka

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ENTERTAINMENT

Nollywood is ripe for

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah is a household name in Nollywood. He has won several awards at home and abroad. As a talented actor, he has a large following. In this interview with VICTOR AKANDE, he talks about a number of interesting issues.

Not exactly! I mean that is how it stands from the Oscars itself.

Eventually, every country around the world has the same thing. So, they will need to start up a name that will choose indigenous movies from different countries all over the world. It is not like it is different in Nigeria; that is the way it is all over the world.

All the while, we have been talking about the Oscars and it seems like a joke. But this is the right step…

Exactly, this is more like the right steps towards it. The Oscars needs to have a formidable confirmation of direct dialogue with any organisation they have agreed to form with.

What is the strategy that this HERE is now a committee set organisation is going to use to select up to submit Nollywood the movies for the Oscars? movies for the Oscars. But is this the only focus of the committee?

It is a simple strategy like every It is about picking indigenous other movie award; they sit together movies and promoting them, and hand-pick. We will sit together, internationally. The Oscars is a watch the movies and be satisfied that household name when it comes to it is quality movies that can stand and awarding works of arts and movies. represent our nation. Then, we will And if Nollywood, which has come send them out there and they will now this far, can get a space there, it is a choose the one that wins. With the plus for us. Coming together to put level we have gone, we should be able this initiative together is a good thing. to bring the award home.

So, we are hopeful and believe that So, is this like a pre-award towards our works of arts will get a well a bigger one? deserved applause Let's assume that the organisers ask internationally and not that each country presents three to just locally. five movies, then, we will need to Is it so choose out of the movies that come to important the table the particular one to to have an represent Nigeria. And when we are agency or a sure of the good quality of these five group to movies, we will send them out, and select a hopefully one of them will come home movie for with an award. the Who are the members and what is awards? the composition like?

The members of the committee are more of artistes, producers and directors. It is also about people who have tested what is here and have done various works as artistes. So, they are very renowned people with good eyes for productions.

There is no politics involved in this in anyway. We are going to be raising funds from investors and people who want to sponsor. But all of that will be done from within. That is to let you know that, it is not like anybody is trying to be political about it.

Don't you think it is right to attribute names to those involved?

We have Mamood Ali Balogun, Chioma of AFRIFF, Chineze, my humble self and some others that I can't mention at the moment.

How long did it take this to fly?

Honestly, I think they have been trying to work it out since last year, so that Nigeria could get an input and a slot in the Oscars. Thanks to Chineze, who is the pioneer that has made that happened. She handpicked those names as part of the committee to actually pick the movies.

Do you think we are ripe for this, in terms of quality productions?

I strongly believe that we are ripe for it. We have the name and the fame.

If we do, we should be celebrated for it too, not just by words of mouth. You know, we are not just talking about all the movies that come out of

Oscars –RAMSEY NOUAH T

“It is a huge loss; it is a massive loss. It is sad that, at this point in time, she won't be here.

Amaka is one of the directors/producers who would love to see our movies get to the Oscars. She is a passion-driven person; it is going to be a huge dent on the filmmakers and everybody” Nollywood. That is why we say some movies will be handpicked. In every movie industry in the world, we have the 'A' movies, the 'B' movies, the crappy movies and the rest. Definitely, there are some 'A' movies that come out of Nollywood. They are well done, but are not that commercially successful. But they are the ones that will give Nigeria the desired pride of place.

At this point, we have people who have made good movies and the industry just lost Amaka Igwe. How would you describe this loss to the Nigerian movie industry at this particular period?

It is a huge loss; it is a massive loss.

It is sad that, at this point in time, she won't be here. Amaka is one of the directors/producers who would love to see our movies get to the Oscars.

Continued on Page 53

54

ENTERTAINMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

Michelle Bello headlines Nolly Silver Screen

International Jazz Day M unites cultures

ICHELLE Bello, the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Trailblazer winner, has graced the cover of this month's edition of Nolly Silver Screen, an online magazine.

She spoke about love and being a woman in Nollywood.

Also, 10 Nollywood actors, who have acted in English and indigenous languages, were featured in the 'CrossOver Stars' column. They include Kate Henshaw, Liz Benson, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, NkemOwoh and Mike Ezuruonye, among others.

Righteous Man partners Now Muzik

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•Bright Gain

Kevin Lucciano L laments insecurity in Nigeria

•Mazwai

•Yinka Davies

AST Wednesday, Jazz enthusiasts, consulate in Lagos. educators, organizers and performers International Jazz Day is the culmination of gathered to give what has been termed Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public a perfect finishing to a month- long Jazz attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage appreciation activities. The international throughout April. In November 2011, the Jazz/dance day, held at the Agip recital hall United Nations Educational, Scientific and of MUSON Centre, Lagos, was organised by Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially the US Consulate General in Nigeria in designated April 30 as International Jazz Day collaboration with the Musical Society of in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic Nigeria (MUSON). It was powered by Inspiro role of uniting people in all corners of the Productions. globe. In December 2012, the United Nations HE President of the Performing The highlight of the evening was the jam General Assembly formally welcomed the Musicians Association of Nigeria session conducted by Queen Anheva Anheva decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30, as International Jazz (PMAN), Kelvin Lucciano, has called on that had all the musicians come on stage and perform. Eko brass band kicked it off the Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now the Federal Government to step up its act, evening, while Yinka Davis followed and was both recognize International Jazz Day on their particularly as it concerns providing adequate joined in dance on stage by Latoya Ekemode official calendars. security for Nigerians. Luciano made this call and Orlando Julius.

International Jazz Day brings together in Ghana, following reports that the Boko Others, who participated in the night of communities, schools, artists, historians, Haram sect had threatened to sell the students instrumental sensation, include Bright Gain, academics and jazz enthusiasts all over the abducted at Chibok, Borno State.

Dr. Sheyi Kehinde, until the stage was world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its “It is my belief that if the entire nation wills practically filled with musicians and dancers, roots, future and impact; raise awareness of it, Boko Haram can be a thing of the past in Nigeria. It is not the fight of President Jonathan culminating in a rapturous applause from the the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce Goodlock alone; it is the fight of all Nigerians", crowd.

The event ended with a vote of thanks from international cooperation and he said. the Rhonda Watson of the United States communication.

He urged Nigerians not to fold their arms and watch the country brought down to its knees or suffer the dire consequence.

The PMAN President also sent condolence consumers.

N its drive to celebrate and promote messages to the bereaved families of the “The Goldberg brand believes that many Nigerian musical contents, Fuji to Bam, a Oputas, Amatas and the Otedolas who lost music talent hunt activation organised by parts of the country are endowed with their patriachs within the week. On the death Goldberg Lager Beer, a popular brand from talents in music yet to be discovered. I of former governor of Lagos State, believe that as the talent hunt contest moves the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, came Sir Michael Otedola, he said the to other locations, Fuji to Bam will discover alive in various audition centres, recently. father of his friend, Femi, was a more Fuji talents that will become great Fuji music lovers and artistes thronged hard working man who used all different locations in Nigeria, including De music icons like KWAM1, Pasuma, Saidi he had to serve the people, Osupa and others,” he said.

Palace Bar, Ilesha; Kwality Express Bar, especially when he held sway After a competitive contest, Ejire Oshogbo and La Cuisine Bar, Ibadan, as as governor in Lagos. the contest for the coveted cash prize Performer and Okikiola emerged as winners “It is a sad loss. I commiserate in Oshogbo; Salau Dauda and Akeem of N750, 000 and other exciting with the Otedolas, just as I Raheem grabbed the tickets from Ilesa, while prizes heightened. condole with the Amatas Twinszobia Twins and Muhideen Adisa Speaking at the event, were also winners in Ibadan. Winners at and Oputas over the Marketing Director, both centres qualified for the quarter finals, deaths of Igwe and Nigerian Breweries Plc, as they await qualifiers from other locations. retired Justice Walter Drenth, expressed Twinzobia, who qualified from the Ibadan Oputa. This has great satisfaction over the audition centre, expressed his gratitude for been a long, sad huge turnout of Fuji lovers the opportunity the brand had provided for weekend for and artistes, while budding stars to showcase their talents and Nigeria as we explaining the rationale be rewarded. have lost three behind Goldberg's Fuji to Also, Akeem Okikiola applauded the citizens who Bam initiative. “Goldberg is brand for the innovation to discover talents, a quality lager beer that had in diverse while contributing to the development of celebrates consumers and ways positively music. ''It is like a dream come true for their traditional values. Fuji Fuji affected our me.

I have been listening to Fuji music from music enjoys huge nation. I send very tender age. Goldberg has really followership across Nigeria, ademonstrated my sincere itself as a brand that has which has led the brand to condolences to respect for tradition and celebrates with provide the Fuji T'o Bam, their people.'' one of the platforms, to families,” he The quarter finals will hold in Ilesha, while further engage and added. the semi-finals holds in Akure. Meanwhile, connect with our the grand finale has been slated for Ibadan.

•Kelvin

T

I

IGHTEOUS Man, a Tongues of Unity Records' artiste, has released the video of his single, No!, in partnership with Now Muzik.

The video of the single, which is off a yet-to-be released project, Save Nigeria, was shot in various locations within Lagos. It features a host of cameo appearances from some of the biggest names within the music industry. They include Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, Mode 9, Orits Wiliki, Ade Bantu, Dele Taiwo, African China, Daddy Showkey, Sunny Nneji, Ras Kimono and Buchi.

Others include, DJ Tee, Lord of Ajasa, Felix Duke, Frank De Nero, Black Face, Terry G, Elajoe, Obiwon, Osita Iheme.

With the recent spate of violence in the country, the release of the video for the single, No!, could not have been more apt. It is a conscious song that echoes the frustration of the average Nigerian.

Righteous Man is a music artiste, whose genre of expression tends towards reggae. He is signed to Tongues of Unity Entertainment Company that has entered into a joint venture with Now Muzik to proffer label/management solution services on his project.

Goldberg Fuji to Bam auditions elevate musical contents

•Saheed Osupa

ENTERTAINMENT

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

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NEXIM Bank: Between brand building & brand equity B

Y its constitution, ownership, role and market definition, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) is far removed from the category of the regular brands that could be profiled for direct demonstration of the interplay and influence of Equity and Brand Positioning, as brand management ingredients. In the first place, it is an institution of government, it has defined mandate, and its ownership or ‘share-holding’ as its owners prefer to be called, are the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance.To that extent, one is constrained to see it purely as a government institution or agency. Add to that, the Bank is funded by these two powerful government institutions, and their investment is guarded and guided by a Board of Directors carefully selected and appointed by them.

Established by Act 38 of 1991 as an Export Credit Agency (ECA), it started off with a total investment capital of N50billion, owned in equal equity participation between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (whatever that means).

NEXIM Bank’s vision is “TO BE THE LEADING AFRICAN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BANK” while its mission is “TO BECOME A FIRST CLASS INSTITUTION PROMOTING A DIVERSIFIED EXPORT BASE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF FINANCE, RISK BEARING AND ADVISORY SERVICES IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT TRADE POLICY”.

MC&A DIGEST was once relating with this brand. The perspective of engagement then was one of advocacy, having built some level of belief around its mandate and reason-for-being. My brief interaction with the Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Roberts U. Orya, left me with the impression of a mission driver dedicated to his job. The only issue we did not align perfectly on is the strategic importance he places on ‘Nollywood’ as an economic growth driver, for which he is committed to spending as huge resources as he can gather.

Beyond that, his initiatives for economic diversification through focused investment in non-oil sector, especially solid minerals, agro-processing and the Coastal corridor for trans-national shipping...are quite laudable. We also shared thoughts on issues bothering on adequate financing for the Bank, in the face of the growing number ofinvestment opportunities, with potentials for driving Nigeria’s economic diversification and employment generation, opento the Bank.

My take from the interaction with the establishment, when I did, is it’s near inexact target market profiling. It bothered me when I tried to relate the air of ‘good performance’ around the Bank at close contact and the otherwise ‘poor showing’ on issues relating to the Bank’s expected involvement in the real or outside world (its market). I couldn’t really figure out what is responsible for that disconnect then, but I was quite sure if the Bank gets well-funded, it will post more impressive results, so I stopped worrying about my fears.

So, it is understandable that the Min-

ister of Finance praised the Bank’s performance at the inauguration of the present Board of Directors, on August 23, 2013.

At that same meeting the Minister said identified with the three areas of the Bank management’s strategic thrust I listed above. What counted at that meeting were the results evident, upon financial report and clientele expansion. Evidently, this was a time when the Bank that was hitherto a financial drain pipe started posting profit, three years back-to-back. If we put in consideration that this same bank is in dire need of fresh funds, one can only join the SME in praising the leadership of Mr. Orya.

But the truth is that NEXIMBank is disconnected from the critical mass within its target market group, and not optimizing its potentials in its efforts towards opening up our economy BECAUSE the tool of marketing communication is not effectively and efficiently complementing the efforts of the Bank’s technical component - to drive its over-all market performance.

NEXIM Bank is only present in the minds of the elite locals andforeign or international targets for purpose of mind presence. Even the media platforms NEXIM Bank is present are far removed from the critical mass segment of its target audience group, taking the bottom-line in the nation’s economic transformation agenda into consideration. The media engagement strategic focus must be of at least 60% presence among the educated

male and female population within 28/ 40 years age bracket. Like in the days of MAMSA, NEXIM Bank should be at the vanguard of driving change for economic independence, self-employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity for economic productivity. NEXIM Bank’s engagement should be structured to galvanize grass-root economic participation, stimulate creativity, industry and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth population, being the future of this country.

NEXIM Bank must expend enormous resources towards driving thisgroup for productivity, using communication for economic development as the driving force in the case of NEXIM Bank.

Suffice that for a strategically important development finance institution such as NEXIM Bank, communication is such an important tool for effective and efficient performance, since it is not too seriously challenged in profit generation as indeed a commercial bank, for instance. The Bank has a mandate to deliver on, and the shareholders have provided funds; the challenge therefore would be in driving CHANGE in entrepreneurial spirit, economic engagement, self-application and productivity. To achieve these, the Bank must structure a communication strategy that will address its core essence and deliver at the very critical value touch-points, which in the case of NEXIM bank is driving economic development through attitude change and human capital appreciation and engagement.

Some may argue that NEXIM’s mandate does not expressly include human capital development, but let it be known that orientation and innovative thinking are part of human capital development.

NEXIM should be involved in advocacy, awareness generation, sponsor innovative learning, etc., to galvanize the youth for economic re-orientation. The one common vehicle for this is grass-root communication. Under this concept, town hall meetings, workshops, skill development centers, theme awareness campaign in conventional and penetrative media will all help the bank connect with this group of people. I have met with young entrepreneurs who have been scrapping to work out agro-processing businesses and yet never knew of NEXIM. Some are so innovative and prospective, you will lend to them. Yet these people, mainly young graduates, are left wallowing in poverty, borrowing from friends and relatives, while NEXIM Bank is busy selling its ‘products’ in foreign magazines, newspapers, digital platforms…because they must be present in the news platforms of international market.

MC&A DIGEST like to state, categorically, that Bank’s Communications strategy need some measure of rework. It should not be cosmetic and patronizing of regulators and top-end investors who can support them at times of accountability (based on half-truth). It should stimulate CHANGE among the youth for creativity, productivity and economic empowerment …the economically weak but educated young people who are skilled enough to drive change, if empowered.

The global perspective for NEXIM as indeed all Development Funds Institutions is connecting the bottom of the pyramid of the local economy with the global opportunities, which is in line with the World Bank and World Economic Forum’s focus on global competitiveness and economic development. That is exactly what EXIM Bank of India is doing, driving grassroots presence for fundamental economic change and development.

As a brand, NEXIM Bank its marketing communications strategy must align its drive for Brand image manifestation with the growth in its equity value, optimizing its achievement in delivering on its promise, at the critical value touchpoints that will help its target audience’s endorsement. So when we expend so much energy in trying to create any brand’s desired image, we must be guided by its projected equity value. If at the end of its total personality value, the perception scores higher than its achievement in the area of its core value essence, the brand would have invested in propaganda instead of brands communication; that is what NEXIM Bank must run away from at this time. Accountability beacons and we must be exact in our projections and target achievements.

NEXIM Bank’s communications present strategy amounts to propaganda.

The brand will need proper Brands Management expert engagement with bias for Marketing Communications to drive its efforts towards higher productivity.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014

-- Page 53

Turning the spotlight on fake contractors •Construction site

Page 58, 59

‘I believe in knowledge economy’ Page 62 • Okusaga

•Bulcke

Benefits of power reform will come in one year, says Okonjo-Iweala

T

HE Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala has disclosed that the results of the current power sector reform "will take a year or may be a year and half for people to see the real benefits."

She made this declaration over the weekend at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja. However, she noted that "productivity

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja gaps, tracking of implementation of government policies, corruption are areas of interest for the Nigerian government.

Our major focus now is on how to create jobs, improve infrastructure and human capital."

Okonjo-Iweala stated that

'Rural development critical to development'

there was need to link skills to education and that government needs to scale up delivery of service. She agreed that reforming of the civil service would help to drive better service in the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Mckinsey and Company, U.S.A. Mr Dominic Barton told African governments that good governance and

infrastructure development are keys to achieving inclusive growth on the continent.

Barton cautioned that efforts should be geared toward ensuring infrastructure development in Nigeria but that the government "must place priority on education and capacity building of the young people, as such efforts will help to drive inclusive growth in Nigeria."

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Price WaterHouse Cooper's charges African CEO's on growth

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From Grace Obike, Abuja

RICE WaterHouse Coopers(PWC) in a conducted Africa Business Agenda discussion has started pushing for a more robust and inclusive growth together with better risk management in Africa's economic outlook in other to build on the benefits of the recent GDP re-basing exercise.

PWC has been conducting annual surveys for CEOs in Africa which allows it to have a strategic intervention in areas of challenges and prospective growth.

Uyi Akpata Deputy Country Senior Partner at (PWC) disclosed at a background briefing during a networking session among CE0s,a side line event at the World Economic Forum that" we are looking at what the CEOs take home in terms of opportunities, and challenges in advancing efforts on recorded growth in Africa."

Meanwhile, Uche Orji the CEO of Sovereign investment Authority who appraised other CEOs discussions informed that "What has driven the GDP rebasing is not Government but the private sector. Government has no role in the creation of the entertainment sector; the power sector that is going is government handing over to the private sector, He said, "Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, you could see the opportunities in the sector. Few years back it was government handling the power sector, but now you could see the role of the private sector."

He revealed further opportunities in private sector as he noted "In health sector alone, 30 thousand Nigerians spend $1 billion on medical tourism abroad, we could take deeper look on areas of investment in the sector."

Alleged financial malpractice: Court fixes date for trial of ex-bankers

A

From left: Head, Sustainability and Responsibility, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs. Adrianne Nwagwu; Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Seni Adetu; Chief Executive Officer, Harrow Park Golf Club, Mr. Tunji Abdul; and Chairman, Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Atedo Peterside, during a dinner organized by Stanbic IBTC at the World Economic Forum in Abuja… recently

T

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the weekend said that the Ministry of Aviation has not abandoned the airports remodelling project.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Coordinating General Manager, Aviation Parastatals, Mr Yakubu Dati.

The statement described the allegation against the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Dr Jamila Shu'ara as not only

Airport remodelling project not abandoned-FAAN unfounded and untrue, but also unfortunate. ``The allegation against the Permanent secretary that she refused to release funds to contractors handling the remodelling project was not only unfounded and untrue, but very unfortunate.

"We wish to state that the remodelling project was designed by the Federal

Government to modernise all airport terminals in the country. ``The design was in line with International standards and best practices, and it has not been abandoned.

"The seeming lull in the execution of the project in some of our airports was caused by the late passage of the 2014 budget. ``We therefore wish to

assure the public that work on the project will be accelerated as soon as fund is released to the affected contractors," statement said.

According to the statement, the Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom has assured Nigerians that work on the remodelling project would be completed on schedule.

Customs Lillypond Command rakes N5bn revenue Q1 - Comptroller

T

HE Lillypond Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ijora, said at the weekend that it collected N5.2 billion as revenue within the first quarter of 2014.

Ms Isa Tallatu, the Comptroller of the command,

said this in a statement at the end of a monthly stakeholders' meeting in Lagos.

Tallatu said that the command collected over N2.2 billion as revenue in April, the first month of the second quarter, while N1.4 billion was collected in March alone, which

was part of the first quarter.

She attributed the revenue increase to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), adding that the system had started working efficiently and was now being issued within 24 hours.

Tallatu also commended

the freight forwarders and other operators at the command for their compliance which aided trade facilitation.

"I appreciate the efforts of everyone. In April, we made N2.2 billion as revenue. I appreciate you all for the efforts in trade facilitation.”

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos over the weekend fixed May 12 for the continuation of trial of three former directors of Integrated Microfinance Bank Plc, charged with financial graft.

The accused are former Managing Director of the bank, Akinteye Ademola, and two former directors, Jerry Orimovuohoma and Oladapo Bello.

Justice Okon Abang adjourned the case to enable the court deal with emergency matters before it.

Abang said that trial would continue on May 12.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have conspired to grant unauthorised credit facilities to themselves to the tune of N327. 6 million, without collateral.

Akinteye was alleged to have caused the sum of N131.2 million to be withdrawn by one Adewale Ayoade, which he (Akinteye) allegedly converted to his personal use.

The second accused (Orimovuohoma) was alleged to have recklessly granted credit facilities to himself to the tune of N29.

2million.

The third accused (Bello) was alleged to have also granted credit facilities to himself to the tune of N3. 2million.

The offences contravene the provisions of Sections 19 (a), 20, 20 (a) and 23 (4) of the Failed Banks (recovery of debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act, 2004.

Etisalat rewards distribution partners

N

IGERIA'S most innovative and fastest growing telecommunication company, Etisalat, has strengthened its route to the market with its 2014 Distribution Partners Awards tagged Heroes Awards, held in Lagos. At the well organised event at the InterContinental Hotel, Victoria Island, marked by entertainment and networking, the company rolled out the red carpet and doled out awards in 11 categories to appreciate the effort of its distribution partners towards its success in the past business year.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher said that Etisalat is pleased to recognise and reward its distribution partners because they are an important link with the subscribers and have to believe in the business to represent it well before the public.

Willsher thanked the partners for the role they have played in taking Etisalat to its present position in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria with hopes that team work will take both parties higher.

58

BUSINESS

It may no longer be business as usual for fraudulent and unregistered contractors following the new policy regime announced by the Federal Government which has placed stiff penalties including a five year jail term for culprits, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

“

…CARPENTER wey no know im work na swegbe eeeh na swegbe oo Tailor wey dey sew like carpenter na swegbe eeeh na swegbe oo Doctor wey dey talk like lawyer na swegbe eeeh na swegbe oo Commissioner wey no know im work na swegbe eeeh na swegbe oo…!"

The above gibe is a lyric from Swegbe and Pako, one of the popular vinyls waxed by the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti in which the inimitable Fela cast aspersions on a set of people whose level of professionalism and competence is forever in doubt.

Like Fela, the federal government appears to have become intolerant of the so-called contractors whose nefarious activities have continued to have adverse effect on the system to the extent that the country is not only being shortchanged economic-wise, but has become the butt of derisive jokes in the comity of nations.

Crux of the matter With a few exceptions, a good many Nigerian contractors out there have since gained notoriety for executing poor and shoddy jobs.

From civil engineering, road construction, plumbing, electrification to works and housing, the degree of incompetence exhibited by these set of unscrupulous contractors is self-evident in the rapidity of the incidence of collapsed buildings, fallen bridges, road accidents, abandoned projects, to mention just a few.

The challenges posed by the

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

Turning the spotlight on f unprofessional conduct of these set of people, has become a serious cause of concern because it has continued to cost the nation loss of resources, lives and property.

Unconfirmed report puts the economic loss recorded by the nation in the last few decades as a result of the nefarious activities of crooked contractors, especially in financial cost terms to several billions of naira, the highest anywhere in the world.

Modus operandi of unscrupulous contractors Investigation by The Nation revealed that a good many of our local contractors use fronts to obtain jobs from ministries and departmental agencies.

A source in one of the federal ministries who would not be named because he was not authorised to speak, disclosed to The Nation that most of the firms who source for contracts have insiders within the ministries who give them first-hand information and sometimes help them with the necessary documentation at a fee.

Corroborating the foregoing, a staff of the MDG Office, Abuja, who also begged for anonymity, confided in The Nation that some officials act in league with some of these so-called contractors who indulge in all forms of antics to get the job.

According to her, "From my experience a lot of our local contractors who pursue jobs with the ministries deploy all kinds of gimmicks just to get the jobs. I am aware that many tender forged documents and can hardly validate any claims they make. We have treated many cases when we evaluate tenders for contract awards."

Interestingly, the DirectorGeneral of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, also shares similar sentiments.

Speaking at a public forum in Abuja recently, the BPP boss declared that 80 per cent of contractors who do business with the federal government tender forged documents.

He was addressing a forum of contractors, consultants and service

•Construction site

providers of federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. The DG who frowned at the ignoble practice disclosed that as many as 156 such companies were currently being prosecuted. The worst culprits were local contractors.

His words: "A lot of contractors, especially 80 per cent of the local ones are notorious for submitting fake

documents when biding for contracts.

"We see all manner of fake documents such as false Tax Clearance Certificate, PenCom Certificate of Compliance, false claim of personnel, false audited account and use of fake addresses and submission of fake bank statements.

"Currently, there are 156 companies being prosecuted because

of this. There is not enough space in our prisons, to accommodate all these fraudulent activities by contractors, so this has to change."

How Nigeria came to this sorry pass The question most discerning Nigerians would care to ask is how did the country become enmeshed in this whole mess?

Precautions before hiring a contractor • Check the status of his or her contractor license through the state contractor license board • Search for any potential complaints about the contractor or his company

• Check his references and inquire about the quality of his work • Make sure you get a copy of his business card and perform a reverse lookup on the company

phone and fax numbers as well as company web site address • If possible and depending on the size of your project, you may want to visit the company facilities.

'Jail term for unscrupulous con tr Mr. Afolabi O. Adedeji, an engineer by training, is Chief Executive Officer, Ethical Business & Management Associates [EBAM], Victoria Island, Lagos. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf he shares his experience on new policy regime by the Federal Government which seeks to debar unregistered contractors from accessing jobs, modalities for contract award among other issues.

Excerpts:

•Adedeji

F

OLLOWING the rising wave of fraudulent and unregistered contractors in the system, the federal government last Wednesday announced stiffer penalties, including five year jail term for unscrupulous contractors. Will "debarment" of indicted companies and businessmen, those with criminal records, etc., stop the menace of unscrupulous contractors?

The menace of fake contractors, portfolio contractors who are in it "just for the money", artisans and craftsmen

that have been 'over -promoted' beyond their area of technical competence, and persons 'fronting' for those that wish to take money out of the system has done a lot of harm to our national treasury as well as to the general public who are 'sentenced' to utilising less than perfect roads, bridges, public buildings, have to live with the effect of drains, channels and canals that function sub-optimally, water works and reticulation systems that deliver poorly treated / polluted water to homes, offices, schools, and so on and so forth.

Their mode of operation (i.e. Fake Contractors) may form the subject of a dissertation or research project for a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters Degree, or even Ph.D. Degree in the 'Psychology of the misapplication of human creativity', which the constraints of time may not permit me to delve into in any great detail here.

Suffice it to say though that we all have a share in the blame for this "stubborn problem" that just refuses to go away. For as long as the generality of Nigerians still perceive contracts /government projects as the main route to getting rich quickly,

rewarding political party loyalists, taking care of friends, loved ones, blood relations, etc., this problem will remain a hard nut to crack for quite some time to come!

But to answer your question, only in 'theory' is my answer to this.

Corruption has eaten deep into the very fabric of our society. Those assigned with the task of 'probing' and/or compiling the list of those to be "blacklisted" may also get corrupted (or perverted). That is the sad reality of our situation in Nigeria today.

The problem has spread to our educational system where children who are the leaders of tomorrow (and our future) now believe so much in mere 'paper qualifications' that they will engage in all sorts of (unprintable) acts just to get that certificate, diploma, degree, etc.

Do you subscribe to the use of certified contractors? If so, why?

My answer to this is a loud and resounding YES. During my time in the Highways Department of the Federal Ministry of Works (and Housing), H/Q, Lagos, between 1989 and 1992, those to be considered for

major construction contracts had to be registered with the Federal Tenders Board. There were four categories of registration with "A" being the highest for key players like Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Costain West Africa Plc, Cappa & D'Alberto Plc, Arbico Plc up to Category "D" for up and coming players (many of whom were indigenous). The nomenclature may now have changed to Certified Contractors, but the principle remains the same. Various state government ministries of works, housing, environment and infrastructure also have their own equivalent.

There are also professional bodies like the Federation of the Construction Industry ['FOCI'] whose members must meet certain minimum requirements as regards qualified personnel on their payroll, equipment owned, cognate experience, etc. Errant members may also be made to face a Disciplinary Panel.

Contractors and public procurement officers not on the database of the Bureau for Public Procurement would be forbidden from taking part in the public contracting system and might be jailed for five

years. Can this work?

Perhaps, but I have my serious doubts. When laws as well as policies seem to be rather "draconian" in their provisions as well as penalties for noncompliance, those determined to 'beat - the - system', will simply wear their thinking caps and find a (creative) way of circumventing it. Have the policy formulators forgotten about 'fronting', whereby persons that 'have fulfilled all righteousness' will be the "public face" of an organisation, whereas those pulling the real strings and having controlling influence of the decisions, Finances, Bottom-line, etc., are behind the scenes, somewhere?

Our problem in the Nigerian construction industry is not an absence of laws, I can say with all firmness and humility. Let us all resolve to do the proper thing at all times, whether or not there is somebody looking over our shoulders to see if we are in breach. Period!

Is there a centralised database of registered engineers in Nigeria? What is the estimated number of persons whose names are on the register?

YES, there is a centralised database of registered engineers as prescribed

BUSINESS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

on fake contractors

•Onolememeh

•Adenowo

Mrs. Olajumoke Adenowo, an architect who sits atop as Managing Director/Chief Executive, AD Consulting Limited, offers plausible explanation.

At the centre of the crisis, she says,

is the problem of culture of mediocrity in the society.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation recently, Adenowo, who has earned many plaudits for her work both locally and internationally, argued that: "It's not an issue of not having enough laws; it's an issue of compliance. Some people use noncertified engineers because they are cheaper, others use certified engineers but won't pay them to supervise. We have had cause to leave a project because the client insisted on using a cheap (certified) engineer whose design was defective. The structural integrity of a building is the structural engineer's purview but most people who should know better don't know this. They think somehow the architect is responsible for the structures."

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Afolabi O. Adedeji, an engineer by training and Chief Executive Officer, Ethical Business & Management Associates [EBAM], Victoria island, Lagos, holds the view and very strongly too that the problem touches on the moral of the society.

Adedeji, who had a short stint with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the 90s, believes that: "For as long as the generality of Nigerians still perceive contracts/government projects as the main route to getting rich quickly, rewarding political party loyalists, taking care of friends, loved ones, blood relations, etc., this problem will remain a hard nut to crack for quite some time to come!

"Corruption has eaten deep into the very fabric of our society. Those assigned with the task of 'probing' and/or compiling the list of those to be "blacklisted" may also get corrupted (or perverted). That is the sad reality of our situation in Nigeria today."

New rules of engagement Worried by the troubling menace of illegal contractors, the federal government, in all appearances, is out to finally clip their wings.

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the debarment of

contractors, consultants and service providers who violate the public procurement laws.

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, announced the president's approval recently in Abuja at the 2014 annual Contractors/Consultants and Service Providers Forum, organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

The debarment procedure entails the prohibition of a person or company which had been convicted of criminal acts in connection with an application from taking part in future business proposals.

Adoke, who was represented at the occasion by a Director in the Office of the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Olosola Moore, also said all contractors and public procurement officers not registered on the database of the procurement agency would henceforth be forbidden from participating in the public contracting system and might be jailed for five years.

According to the minister, four federal ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs) are currently on the pilot implementation of the centralised database for public procurement.

He said:"The essence of the provisions of the (public procurement) law highlighted is to stress the need for relevant stakeholders to get registered under the e-platform in order to guarantee the continued participation of their companies in federal procurement's business."

He assured the BPP of the backing of the justice ministry in its efforts to bring sanity and transparency into the public contracting process.

Apparently given an imprimatur of support to the new rules of engagement, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Ayim Pius Ayim, said the federal government would no longer condone the increasing incidence of controversial transactions which had become a national embarrassment.

on tractors not enough'

by COREN Decree 55 of 1970, subsequently amended to the Council For The Regulation Of Engineering in Nigeria Act. By authority of the amendment, there are now addition registers for [a] Engineering Craftsmen and [b] Technological Engineers, with the possibility of moving from one register to another upon passing certain prescribed Examinations and gaining appropriate Professional experience.

I do not have the figure(s) for registered members at hand now. But a conservative "guesstimate" may be over 10,000 Persons. To get the exact numbers, you may have to contact the COREN Office in Abuja.

Is it true that indigenous engineers and contractors are being unfairly "left -out" of government contracts?

What was your experience in Federal Ministry of Works regarding this allegation?

Our people in high places still appear to prefer 'foreign' products.

Could this be a part of the problem of neo-colonialism? Well, possibly so. In Contract Administration, there is the contract cost, which is what it will actually take to complete a project, and then there is the contract sum, which is the price at which the contracting firm that succeeds at the Tendering Process as well as obtains Ministerial Approval (or approval of the Federal Executive Council for huge jobs) is awarded the contract. It is instructive to note that the contract sum includes a "Mark - up", or extra allowance for

adequate 'profit' to make it worthwhile for the contractor.

When a foreign contractor submits a Tender with upwards of 40% to 100% "Mark - Up", he will get a fair hearing or even win the bid. Not so for local players who will struggle to even get audience at a mere 10% "Mark - Up".

Are we then playing on a level pitch or playing ground?

During my tour of duty at Federal Ministry of Works, Local Contractors had a strong showing in ancillary Road Works such as Lane Marking, grassing of road shoulders, etc.

What are the challenges usually faced in the execution of Government Contracts?

I will respond by identifying the key parties to the contract, which are: the promoter / Client / Employer, namely the Government Ministry, Department or Agency, the contractor implementing the Works usually with the intention of making a profit; the Design Consultants, who may be In House Government Engineers; the Supervising Engineers from the Ministry.

The most common challenge is related to timely release of funds for the execution of the Project. delays in release of budgeted Funds for the project may lead to cost "overruns" and 'time-overruns'.

Is it true that contractors are "harassed" for bribes and need to 'cooperate' if they want a 'smooth sail' with government contracts.... leading to inflated contracts? True or false?

This is a sore point that impinges on the reputation of my past pals, friends and colleagues in the Federal Ministry of Works. Our socio-cultural milieu in Nigeria and tolerance of "THANK YOU" Gifts / 'Appreciation' must be taken into full account in any realistic response.

Chief Shasanya who was the 'Hachetman' for the French Construction Giant 'FOUGEROLLE', which handled a Major Steel Industry Contract, nearly got into trouble with the Military Boys at the end of the Failed Second Republic over allegations similar to the foregoing.

How about the American Oil Service company, HALIBURTON that has links with the Family of former US VicePresident Mr. Dick Cheney over an LNG Contract some time during the commencement of the current Democratic dispensation (1999 to 2003)? I reserve all further comments.

Is it possible to seek legal redress by "aggrieved contractors" in Nigeria as it obtains abroad?

Not many local contractors may pursue this route for fear of being 'labelled' as "trouble makers". They might take the 'softer' approach of lobbying or applying "pressure" through civil society organisations.

Can EFCC and ICPC really and truly prosecute offenders on construction and built environment jobs, given the technicalities involved?

Yes, in very serious cases, where relevant experts may be invited from Government Agencies to Testify and give professional opinion.

He added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating alleged infractions against the Public Procurement Act, including false claims by contractors.

He said:"Recently, we have been witnesses to controversial transactions by government agencies with contractors that did not follow due processes. Government cannot accept a situation where public procurements become a source of frequent embarrassment. They do not help the nation's image; neither do they inspire the confidence of the citizenry in government."

Anyim, represented by Permanent Secretary, Economic Matters, Office of the SGF, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, said there was no excuse for non-compliance with the procurement laws particularly at a time when resources had become a challenge following the dwindling revenue from oil.

He said government would even go further to debar any contractor banned by the international community.

He explained that the federal government would not hesitate to invoke all the sanctions under the provisions of the Public Procurement Act against any public officer, contractor or consultant who contravenes any provisions of the law.

"It might interest you to know that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and EFCC are currently investigating cases of infractions which include but not limited to collusion among bidders, use of fake documents, false claims by contractors and suppliers and manipulation of the procurement process. I therefore urge you to prevail on all your staff involved in the public procurement process to conduct themselves with the highest sense of responsibility, accountability, ethics and integrity," the SGF added.

A global phenomenon Troubling as the problem of unscrupulous local contractors is, investigation by The Nation revealed that it is much a global concern as well.

In the view of some analysts, many people unknowingly hire fake

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unlicensed contractors for repair work at their homes, businesses and rental properties, especially after going through the yellow pages, Internet search engines or referrals to find and hire one.

Sharing a specific experience, Mr. Allan Smith, a Search Engine Operator in America, recalled how one of his family members had contracted a supposedly licensed contractor to fix the roof of a rental building.

According to him, the contractor had provided a name, license number and company address in the contract.

"For some reason, in the middle of the contract work, the contractor disappeared with the expensive tools that belonged to the homeowner.

During efforts to recover the stolen tools, the homeowner realized all provided information were inaccurate and such name, address, and license number did not exist."

Look before you leap The best way to avoid the booby trap set by of these so-called fake contractors, Smith advised, is to be wary of any potential hire from the outset.

Waxing philosophical, he said: "If I hire a contractor and he lacks the proper tools for the job that would be a red flag for me and put the contractor right in the list of potential unlicensed contractors. In this case, the homeowner trusted the contractor probably for his own reasons such as low price quote and based on information the contractor readily provided and never considered the additional risks that come with potential fake unlicensed contractors.

In some cases, the risks might even be greater than losing the expensive tools."

Not done yet, he said: "When we hire contractors, we sometimes let them into our house to do the work they were hired for and thus by hiring fake unlicensed contractors, we put our family, personal information and other valuables at risk because of our failure to check on them."

The new policy regime notwithstanding, not many Nigerians are hopeful that the laws can serve as the necessary deterrent it is meant to be because of the propensity by these so-called contractors to circumvent the laws of the land.

Fashion icons endorse Fayrouz L'original show

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EN of Nigeria's biggest names in fashion and style industry have signed up for the maiden edition of the Fayrouz L'Original Expression show, scheduled to hold later this year.

Mai Atafo, April by Kunbi and Kinabuti will be leading a team of top fashion influencers, designers, stylists and celebrity photographers like Omoyemi Akerele, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Gozel Green, Kate Williams, Nobel Afrik, Martha Warebi and Micheal Imomoh to present the biggest fashion competition ever witnessed in Nigeria.

These celebrated fashion influencers, who have over the years created a niche for Nigerian fashion, will be mentoring young aspiring fashion lovers at the competition.

These creative minds will come together to select the best style team for the Fayrouz L'Original competition while mentoring them.

Art director for the competition, Omoyemi Akerele who is the creative director and founder of Style House is known for nurturing, promoting and developing the fashion industry for years now. She was also one of the brains behind the establishment of Lagos Fashion and Design Week and has been listed as one of the 500 most influential people in fashion in the Business of Fashion.

Grand finale judge and mentor Ohimai Atafo, is the brain behind the lifestyle brand, Mai Atafo Inspired. Mai has been featured in several shows across the globe including the J Spring Fashion Show, Paris, Glitz African Fashion Week, Ghana, Arise Magazine Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion and Design Week both in Lagos to mention a few.

Second grand finale judge and mentor, Olakunbi Oyelese of April by Kunbi, has styled various celebrities like Agbani Darego, Genevieve Nnaji, Tiwa Savage and Monalisa Chinda, to mention a few. She also took home the Rising Icon award at the just concluded 2013 edition of Music meets Runway.

Among the panel of judges are Kinabuti, of The Kinabuti Fashion Initiative (KFI), Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture is a stylist, designer, writer and journalist and Kate Williams, who is the CEO of the fashion brand, Vttoire, formerly known as Pegwell Hill.

Other judges are Sylvia and Olivia Enekwe, owners of Gozel Green, Prince Idowu Akanni Oyefusi, owner of Nobel Afrik is the past National President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) and Catwalk choreographer, Warebi Martha.

The show will discover and promote different teams of four creative minds which consist of a Fashion Designer, Make-Up Artiste, Photographer and a Model. These teams will create original designs to win the sum of $20,000 as well as many fashion opportunities of a lifetime.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

BUSINESS

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Fed Govt signs MoU with China to fast track FDI T

HE Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Africa Development Fund to facilitate investment cooperation between Nigeria and China, and fast-track the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment between the two countries.

The China-Africa Development Fund, commonly known as CAD Fund, is a Chinese investment fund focusing on stimulating and facilitating Chinese investments in Africa. It is China's largest private equity fund focusing on African investments. As the first fund

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

in China focusing on investment in Africa, it also encourages and supports further Chinese enterprises to invest in Africa to promote the development of Sino-African commercial ties.

The Minister, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, said the CADFund, in addition to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Nigeria and China, would also help to fast-track the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment from China into Nigeria.

He said: "We began this discussion during my visit to China Development Bank in Beijing. As a result of that meeting, we had discussions with the China Fund for Africa (CAD-Fund) which have resulted in the signing of the MoU. The MoU involves the establishment of a Joint Office in Nigeria; recommending competent and willing Chinese investors for projects proposed by FMITI ; facilitating investment cooperation between Nigeria and China , among other things.�

Speaking, the Vice Governor, China

Development Bank, Mr. Wang Yongsheng said the MoU had laid a solid foundation for deepening of the current and future relationship between Nigeria and China.

"As at the first quarter of 2014, our total asset was $1.3trillion, with our clients spread across about 110 countries. Our loan balance for Africa as at the first quarter of 2014, was $19.3bn. Africa is our priority and Nigeria is very critical as an area of focus. The MOU has laid a solid foundation for deepening and strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and China now and in the future", he stressed.

• From left: Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome; Director Payments Infrastructure and Processing at InterSwitch Limited, Mr. Akeem Lawal and the Country Manager, MasterCard, Ms Omokehinde Ojomuyide unveiling Heritage Bank's transparent MasterCard in Lagos.

LCCI rewards First Bank, LAWMA, others for innovations, best practices

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HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has lived up to the bidding of its core mandate of trade promotion, business and policy advocacy by recognising deserving corporate organisations and public institutions who contributed to the development of commerce and industry in the country, including: Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), First Bank Plc, Mansard Insurance, Seplat Petroleum Development Company and a host of others.

The event was at the 2014 Commerce & Industry awards held in Lagos, where LCCI president Alhaji Remi Bello said the chamber is committed

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

to the promotion of the core values that would ensure sustainable progress of the nation's economy.

According to him, "Value creation is at the heart of wealth creation, the main drivers of the economy amidst multitude of challenges in the investment environment. We are excited that many of them are also indigenous enterprises. The LCCI Commerce & Industry award would among other things continue to promote healthy competition among corporate organisations as well as public sector institutions."

Bello said the chamber recognises that there is no perfect time to make an impact in any system.

He stressed that the nominees have excelled in their various sectors, noting that over 500 entries from virtually all sectors of the economy were received with the outcomes subjected to rigorous screening by a body of jury made up of eminent Nigerians such as Mazi Ohuabunwa, Vice Chancellor, Pan -Atlantic University, Prof.

Joan Elegudo, amongst others.

Earlier, Governor Babtunde Fashola in his remarks said it is fitting that contributions to the commerce and industry sector be recognised by those who drive the world economy.

He stressed that commerce is the driving force of the economy, noting that as the governor of a state with a monthly GDP of N20 billion, he is best placed to appreciate

how important commerce is for our growth.

The governor represented by the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Sola Oworu disclosed that the state is doing her best to provide a conducive and safe environment in which people can conduct business. He said: "Through our laws and policies we strive to ease the constraints of doing business so that companies can be more productive and, thus, contribute better to the economy. A few years ago, we reckoned that to achieve greatness, we must focus on the provision of power, the expansion of agriculture, the provision of proper, organised transportation systems and affordable housing."

Book on Nigerian taxation honours Fowler

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HE stage is set for the presentation of a new book on the basics of the taxation system in Nigeria.

Tagged: 'The Rudiments of Nigerian Taxation' published by ASCO Publishers, a foremost indigenous printing firm, is written in honour of Mr. Babatunde Fowler, the incumbent Executive Chairman of Lagos State

Internal Revenue Service.

According to Olugbenga Obatola, the author, "The Rudiments of Nigerian Taxation is written for students, tax practitioners, tax administrators and also those who may be interested in improving their knowledge of the workings of the Nigerian tax system."

He stressed that "there is currently an increase in the desire by tax practitioners and

students to keep abreast of the workings of the Nigerian tax system following recent reviews of tax policies and laws. Based on the position of tax laws and regulations as at 2014, the book is carefully arranged and written in a simple language with the reader taken from one chapter to another in a prose like fashion. Each chapter concludes with illustrative questions and answers to

further enrich the reader's understanding."

In the same vein, Chief Ayodele Otitoju, Chairman, Students' Affairs/ Examinations Committee, CITN noted that the book is a product of several years of scholastic work of the author based on his experience on the field as a tax administrator and an examiner of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

Cash strapped contractors stop work at airport terminal projects

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By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

ONTRACTORS handling the remodelling of terminal projects at various airports in the country have pulled out of site due to lack of funds.

Apart from the five new terminals being built in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and Enugu, which have concession arrangement and where construction is still ongoing, work had stopped on the other projects across the country.

It was learnt that though there is enough money earmarked for the completion of all the projects, the permanent secretary, Dr Jamila Shu'ara, who is the accounting officer for the Ministry of Aviation is allegedly sitting on the funds.

Shu'ara is also being accused of redeploying all the directors who are monitoring the projects for the ministry.

Informed source said that the permanent secretary is also questioning the projects being built in Akure, Ibadan, Asaba, Enugu and Jos, saying that they were not priority projects.

A source said : "The money to complete these projects is there but they have refused to release it to contractors. The permanent secretary, who is the accounting officer has refused to pay the contractors.

"It is the refusal to pay these contractors that is holding back the completion of the expansion project at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Work should have been completed there by now and new chillers installed to stem the heat being experienced at the airport."

In addition to the rehabilitation and restructuring of airport terminals across the country, government is building 14 new perishable terminal for harnessing and export of farm produce from different parts of the country. Work has since commenced in projects located in Lagos, Kano, Yola, Akure, Asaba, Markurdi, Owerri and others.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ori Okojokwu denied that Dr Shu'ara is holding back the funds.

"That allegation is very unkind. It is not true. Although I am not the spokesman of the ministry but I am telling you that it is not true. Somebody is being mischievous somewhere. That is just the truth," Okojokwu said.

But the Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom in a recent interview promised that the projects would be completed because their completion would improve the viability of the aviation sector.

"The aviation road map as you are aware is a comprehensive blue print on how to transform the Nigerian aviation industry into a modern, viable, profitable and sustainable one.

"The roadmap gave birth to the upgrade of all 22 federal airports, building of five brand new modern international terminals to be located in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. Works on the terminals have started and would be completed by 2015," Ortom said.

Heritage Bank launches novel Mastercard

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ERITAGE Bank Nigeria Plc has launched a uniquely designed transparent Mastercard as a way of entrenching its innovative banking service delivery across different spectrum of Nigeria's economy.

Heritage Bank's new transparent Mastercard, described as TheWindow for its numerous customers, is a product of the Bank's Electronic Banking research is designed to be physically transparent in appearance as well as reflecting transparency in transactional charges for its holders.

Speaking on behalf the Bank's Managing Director, Mr. Ifie Sekibo at the unveiling ceremony of the card in Lagos, Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, said the new Mastercard is a product of thorough research by the company's E-bank team led by Mr. Tobe Nnadozie and his colleagues with unflinching support from the Heritage Bank's partners like Mastercard and Interswitch Limited among others.

Mrs. Akpobome noted "At Heritage Bank our commitment o excellence service comes with uniqueness.

Here we create, preserve and transfer wealth to our teeming customers. Our transparent Mastercard that comes with unique green strip at the bank will not only be transparent in its stylish outlook, it will also bring the transparency to bear in dealings with our customers. Our Mastercard can be used anywhere without hitch or technical bottlenecks.

Ours is a culture of integrity, service and uniqueness at its best is our nature."

While congratulating Heritage Bank for introducing the transparent Mastercard, Country Manager for Mastercard in Nigeria, Ms Omokehinde Ojomuyide expressed delight in the partnership between the two corporate institutions.

According to Director Payments Infrastructure and Processing at InterSwitch Limited, Mr. Akeem Lawal expressed happiness over the partnership between the two firms.

The Bank's Group Head, E-Bank, Mr Tobe Nnadozie described the organisations innovative success of the Bank within short span of time as a result of team spirit and shared value of excellence and flexibility.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

BUSINESS

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Internal customer relations - The unheard voice

A • From left: Former President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Deacon Moses Adeisa, Registrar/CEO, Mr. Dele Togunde, Chairman of occasion, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, and ICSAN Secretary, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Essien-Akpan, at ICSAN 2014 Roundtable Discussion on Corporate Governance held in Lagos‌recently

Matters arising over Reps' pension reform bill The House of Representatives last week adopted the report of its Committee on Pensions on the long-awaited pension reforms bill. Dele Anofi in this report highlights the components of the bill

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HE this is a notable achievement and a plus to pensioners in Nigeria whose life savings have become a target for corrupt public officials. Chairman of the committee, Hon Ibrahim Kamba, said that much while speaking on the pension reform bill.

Owing to the noticeable challenges in the pension system, including the sharp practices in the country's pension administration exposed during the National Assembly's probe, it became imperative for the Goodluck Jonathan's administration to introduce the pension reform bill, in order to help confront the challenges therein.

He added, "We are pleased that the National Assembly was on the same page with the executive in supporting the reorganisation of the pension industry by passing this Pension Reform Bill. It demonstrates a serious effort on the part of the Nigerian government to overhaul its policies concerning our pension system and its administration, with a view to aligning them with international standards."

The bill creates new offences and prescribes stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrence against the mismanagement or diversion of pension funds. For instance, it prescribes harsher penalty of 10year jail term for anyone who misappropriates pension fund in addition to refunding three times the amount embezzled. The purpose for this is to provide a deterrent to potential looters and help check unfettered looting of funds in pension administration.

The bill also strengthened the streamline pensioners' entitlements by further establishing the Pension Transmittal Arrangement Departments (PTADs) to take over the remittance of benefits to pensioners under the defined benefits

scheme. These PTADs are expected to ensure greater efficiency and accountability in the administration and payment of pensions under this scheme because pensioners are now to receive their pensions directly rather than through the various Pensions Departments, which have problematic to them. It is also expected that with the coming of this department, the story of pension fund looting will become a thing of the past.

Apart from introducing uniform rules, regulations and standards for the administration of pensions for both the public and private sectors at the Federal, States and Local Government levels, the bill is also designed to ensure that workers get their retirement benefits as and when due.

On the controversial minimum experience required of any candidate for the position of director general of National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the House scraped the present 20 years minimum experience and adopted any "fit and proper" person for the appointment.

Explaining the rationale behind this, Kamba said, "We have now laid emphasis on competence, integrity, fit and proper persons to expand opportunities for the engagement of professionals to manage pension administration in Nigeria. This is in line with international and local best practices in pensions and financial regulatory agencies. We have now aligned the Pension Reform Act in line with the CBN, FIRS, and NDIC laws."

Contrary to this position, the Senate pegged the minimum required experience at 15 years after senators rejected an open required similar to that passed by the House.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Aloysius Etok, explained,

"When the committee report got to the chamber on the first day of presentation of the report it the committee's recommendation of a fit and proper person was rejected and 15 years of post qualification was adopted.

"So the post qualification experience for the one who would be DG of PENCOM is 15 years. In Nigeria professional pension administration would be about 10. And because we are talking about cognate experience not post qualification experience.

"If you are talking about post qualifications experience what about somebody who has 30 years post qualification experience with two years cognate pension experience. Is he better than someone with 10 years cognate experience in pension administration?

"So having realised that we have slightly below 10 years professional pension administration experience possessed by anybody in this country, we decided if somebody must have had 5 years somewhere else and then have additional 10 years cognate experience in professional pension management. That would be a fit and proper person to serve as DG. So, the current situation as contained and accepted is 15 years post qualification experience for the post of DG PENCOM."?

The two committees will now meet to harmonise that part before it is transmitted to the President for accent.

"We are almost certain that President Goodluck Jonathan would sign the Bill into law urgently and urge him to do so to enable implementation start in earnest", the House Pensions Committee chairman said, while adding, "This is a legislation we can all be proud of because if fulfills the expectations the Nigerian people have in us and will enhance the dignity and liveli-

hood of workers and senior citizens.

"We believe this pension reform bill will also be a veritable tool in the fight against corruption, especially in our public sector. When workers are certain of getting their full retirement benefits, it decreases the temptation to loot public funds preparatory to their retirement."

The passage of the bill came barely a day before May Day and has been hailed to be a gift to Nigeria Workers. "This is in appreciation of the Nigerian Workers' sacrifice, both those in service and the pensioners, towards the development of our fatherland.? We wish to reassure them that the House and the National Assembly will continue to protect the interest of the Nigerian workers and pensioners?", the lawmaker stated.

In January 2013, a director of the Police Pension Office, Mr. John Yusuf, practically walked away scot-free after embezzling billions of naira of police pension funds after he was left off with a bail of N750, 000.

He was handed a twoyear jail sentence for conniving with others to defraud the office and pensioners of N27.2 billion out of which he admitted to stealing N2bn but Justice Abubakar Talba gave him an option of fine in the sum of N750,000 for three offences he pleaded guilty to. Each of the three offences attracts a twoyear jail term and the sentences were to run concurrently.

Yusuf's case raised national uproar as he was the first to be jailed of persons involved in the N38.8bn Police pension scam. It also exposed the loopholes in the Pensions Act and emphasised the need for urgent reforms in the sector. The Pension Reform Bill, 2014 was sent to the National Assembly by President Jonathan last year.

S Nigeria joins the rest of the world on the first day of May each year to celebrate the International Workers Day also known as May Day, or Labour Day in some countries, recurrent questions keep flooding the mind.

Does the Nigerian labour force actually identify with the purpose, course and value the martyrs fought for that led to what is now celebrated globally?

What is the government's perspective to this annual event at all levels?

What does this day mean to the employees, and employers of labour? Is it just another day off work or does it call for any reason to go back to the drawing board.?

Three out of every five employees interacted with stated that they earnestly look forward to the 1st of May each year like every other public holiday because it affords them a break from the regular hustle and bustle of getting to and fro work and an opportunity to spend quality time with their families, attend to needs that hitherto had been pending because of their daily work schedule.

This day in history, 1st of May 1886, workers summoned courage for the first time to gather en masse, take to the streets to ensure that their agitations are met in Chicago. They clamoured for eight hours a day against the usual 10 to 16 hours with no reduction in pay and a better work environment.

This year, members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) all assembled at various locations in almost all states to address the plight of Nigerians.

The bone of contention, however ,was the need to fight corruption among politicians and a clarion call on the government to come up with more realistic strategies and policies to tackle the menace of unemployment among graduates and youths.

As much as these issues cannot be overemphasised, we all seem to ignore the obvious fact that a good proportion of the working class Nigerians are underemployed. A situation which arises when an individual with high skills take up low wage jobs that does not require these abilities in order to pay bills and live up to domestic responsibilities. This is often the case in an economy with a prevailing unemployment rate as it currently exists within the country, where an individual is discriminated against either due to physical disability, health reasons and other factors which are never disclosed or lack of certain skill certifications, persons who have served jail terms. These groups of individuals often work the hardest, under harsh conditions with less than proportionate income at the end of the day, "a take home pay that really cannot take them home."

There has been so many agitations in the past about the exploitation of citizens employed by foreign investors. Where in extreme cases, factory workers are locked up in their workstations to ensure they justify the man-hours for which they were hired, absence of safety gears in hazardous work environments with no compensation plans for accidents or deaths that may arise as a result of such, as so many of the affected workers are not aware of the contracts binding between them and their employers.

Most employers have to deal daily with the challenge of underemployment within their workforce. Staffs make out time during work hours to check for recent job openings, seeking an exit out of their current make-do job or run their personal businesses.

With the strength of the nation's economy tending towards the service sector,where the human resource determines the fate of an organisation, it has become imperative for the management and employers of labour to seek means not only to hire but also maintain quality hands for the job. Recent studies have shown that high labour turnover accounts for over 60% of inconsistent service standards within an organisation. Employers are rather conscious of the cost effect than the long run effect on the business, holding on to the possibility of replacing an experienced hire with a cheap hire who they are not willing to spend resources on training to enable him fill the gap adequately but they believe an on the job training would do the desired magic.

The communication channel within an organisation is usual horizontal between colleagues of the same cadre and vertical between superiors and their subordinates. While free flow of information goes on horizontally with little or no restrains, the culture is more of instruction and reports between supervisors, managers and the staff who answer to them.

Unfortunately many of the ideas and information an organization requires for strategic repositioning lies with these individuals who have the ability to make or mar their outlook with clients. They hold the key to the bank of knowledge about customer's opinionthat will shorten the length of hours spent at board meetings if only they were available.

Seeing an organisation as an entity with the employees as its heartbeat and the conscience with which it operates. Most employers would be shocked if they let their conscience speak and be heard by conducting a mystery survey to establish how their employees feel about their job. Workers who are not entitled to annual leave, those whose employment terms have been modified to take off benefits and incentives which made the job attractive in the first place while the organization declares increase in profit are not likely to feel good. Contract staff whose employment with the firms were renewed after a number of years with no review given to their pay with the rising cost and standard of living are also not likely to feel any better and this in no doubt would impact on their productivity.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Plunder of timber and fisheries is holding Africa back - Kofi Annan

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FRICA’s rich natural resources offer a unique opportunity for a breakthrough in improving the lives of Africa’s citizens, says a major new report launched over the weekend by Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, but too often these resources are plundered by corrupt officials and foreign investors. Rising inequality is also blocking Africa from seizing that opportunity, the report shows.

The 2014 Africa Progress Panel report, Grain, Fish, Money: Financing Africa’s green and blue revolutions, calls on Africa’s political leaders to take concrete measures now to reduce inequality by investing in agriculture. It also demands international action to end what it describes as the plunder of Africa’s timber and fisheries.

“After more than a decade of growth, there is plenty to celebrate,” Mr Annan said upon releasing the report. “But it is time to ask why so much growth has done so little to lift people out of poverty – and why so much of Africa’s resource wealth is squandered through corrupt practices and unscrupulous investment activities.”

“Africa is a continent of great wealth so why is Africa’s share of global malnutrition and child deaths rising so fast? The answer is that inequality is weakening the link between economic growth and improvements in wellbeing,” he said.

Although average income has risen by one-third in the past decade, there are more Africans living in poverty now – around 415 million – than at the end of the 1990s. New global development goals are likely to aim to eradicate poverty by 2030 – but on current trends, one African in five will still be in poverty when that deadline arrives.

Mr Annan, who played a central role in shaping the Millennium Development Goals, says: “When countries sign up to the new global development framework, they

•Kofi Annah

should pledge not only to meet ambitious targets but also to narrow the region’s indefensible gaps between rich and poor, urban and rural, and men and women.”

The report’s authors identify agriculture as the key to growth that reduces poverty.

They point out that most of Africa’s poor live and work in rural areas, predominantly as smallholder farmers. “Countries that have built growth on the foundations of a vibrant agricultural sector – such as Ethiopia and Rwanda – have demonstrated that the rural sector can act as a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth and poverty reduction,” Mr Annan said at the launch.

The report calls for a “uniquely African green revolution” that adapts the lessons provided by Asia to African conditions. Africa currently imports US$35 billion worth of food because local agriculture is dogged by low productivity, chronic underinvestment, and regional protectionism. Increased investment in infrastructure and research could

dramatically raise the region’s yields and the incomes of farmers. Meanwhile, eliminating the barriers that restrict trade within Africa could open up new markets.

While critical of African governments, the Africa Progress Report 2014 also challenges the international community to support the region’s development efforts. It highlights fisheries and logging as two areas in which strengthened multilateral rules are needed to combat the plunder of natural resources.

Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing has reached epidemic proportions in Africa’s coastal waters. West Africa is conservatively estimated to lose US$1.3 billion annually. Beyond the financial cost this plunder destroys fishing communities who lose critical opportunities to fish, process and trade. Another US$17 billion is lost through illicit logging activities. ”Natural resource plunder is organised theft disguised as commerce. Commercial trawlers that operate

under flags of convenience, and unload in ports that do not record their catch, are unethical,” Mr Annan said, adding that these criminal activities compound the problem of tax evasion and shell companies. The Africa Progress Report 2014 calls for a multilateral fisheries regime that applies sanctions to fishing vessels that do not register and report their catches. The report also calls on governments around to world to ratify the Port State Measures Agreement, a treaty that seeks to thwart the poachers in port from unloading their ill-gotten gains.

African political leaders have failed to manage natural resources in the interests of the true owners of those resources – the African people.

As well as losing money through natural resource plunder and financial mismanagement, Africans miss out on money from abroad, not only when aid donors fail to keep their promises but even when those in the African diaspora send remittances home to their families. It is estimated that that the continent is losing US$1.85 billion a year because money transfer operators are imposing excessive charges on remittances.

With greater resource revenue, African governments now have the opportunity to develop more effective taxation systems – and spend public money more fairly, the report adds. For example, 3 per cent of regional GDP is currently allocated to energy subsidies that principally go to the middle class. That money should be diverted into social spending to give the poor a better chance of escaping the poverty trap.

“Africa’s resilience and creativity are enormous,” Mr Annan says. “We have a rising and energetic youth population. Our dynamic entrepreneurs are using technology to transform people’s lives. We have enough resources to feed not just ourselves but other regions, too. It is time for Africa’s leaders – and responsible investment partners – to unlock this huge potential.”

U.S. Postal Service loss swells to $1.9 billion in second quarter

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HE United States Postal Service ended its second quarter with a net loss of $1.9 billion, as first-class mail volumes continued to tumble and the government was unable to provide relief, the agency said at the weekend.

Its net loss for the fiscal second quarter ended March 31 surpassed the firstquarter's loss of $354 million, but it remained flat

from the year-ago quarter. It was the 20th of the last 22 quarters that the agency has posted a loss, USPS said.

The Postal Service's most profitable product, first-class mail, fell by 4.1 percent in the second quarter as more Americans opted to communicate and pay bills via the Internet.

Liabilities totaling $64 billion exceeded current assets by $42 billion, adding

to its dire financial situation, the agency said in a statement.

In the meantime, its shipping and packaging business remained a bright spot.

The agency, which has leveraged the growth in ecommerce, saw its shipping and packaging volumes grow by 7.3 percent as more people shopped online and needed carriers to deliver their goods.

The Postal Service is also

still struggling under the weight of heavy mandatory payments into its future retirees' health fund, which was required by Congress in 2006.

The mail carrier has sought legislative relief to allow it to modernize its business service offerings, restructure the retiree payments, and shift to a fiveday mail delivery service.

Namibia to focus on value addition in trade with Nigeria - Envoy

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HE High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, Amb. Peingeondjabi Shipoh, said Namibia will focus more on value addition to bridge the wide gap in its trade with Nigeria.

Shipoh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja at the weekend that the value addition was necessary because the volume of trade

between both countries was not impressive. `` What has been imported into Nigeria from Namibia has not been impressive at all, although there is a slight increase in the figures. ``When we look at the imports and exports in terms of years, starting from 2009 to 2013; taking a specific year, 2011, the trade between the two countries wasn’t up to

one million dollars, just within 800,000 dollars. ``With over 160 million Nigerians and over 3 million Namibians, it is unbelievable that Namibia’s trade with Nigeria has not crossed one million dollar (about N160 million)”, he said.

He added that it was important for citizens to have the right information about the two countries and the

investment opportunities that existed.

The envoy noted that opportunities for trade existed in the areas of salt production, fish processing, oil and gas exploration, education, health, among others.

He also noted that the government had introduced favourable policies that would protect and encourage investors.

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Putin chasing Chinese Money to sustain sagging Russian economy

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USSIAN President Vladimir Putin plans to open the door to Chinese money as U.S. and European sanctions over Ukraine threaten to tip the economy into recession, according to two senior government officials.

The move would roll back informal limits on Chinese investment as Russia seeks to stimulate growth, said the officials, who have direct knowledge of talks and asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public. The government wants to lure cash from the world’s second-biggest economy into industries from housing and infrastructure construction to natural resources, they said.

The Chinese won’t be welcome in all areas: Russia plans to set “red lines” around significant gold, platinum-group metals, diamond mining and high-technology projects, the officials said.

Putin is turning to Asia as financing from the U.S. and EU tightens and capital outflows surge amid the worst standoff since the fall of the Iron Curtain. The U.S. and the EU have accused Putin of fomenting unrest in Ukraine’s easternmost regions after annexing the Crimean peninsula in March, threatening to widen the sanctions to target the economy unless Russia helps ease tensions.

Putin oversaw nationwide military drills in the run up to today’s World War II Victory Day celebrations, after saying May 7 that Russia had pulled troops from the border with Ukraine, a claim that the U.S., the U.K. and the government in Kiev have challenged. Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions vowed to press ahead with autonomy votes on May 11, after the Russian leader urged them to postpone the plebiscites.

The International Monetary Fund said last month that Russia’s economy is already in a technical recession, and cut its growth forecast to 0.2 percent this year.

Russia has been building trade ties with China, including long-term oil deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars, to tap Asia’s biggest energy consumer as the European economy slowed. China is Russia’s largest trading partner with $95.6 billion of turnover in 2012, followed by Germany, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“It’s a clinical fact” that China is heading to become the number one state in the global economy, Putin said during his annual televised call-in show on April 17. Russia will develop ties with China and the two countries’ union will be a “significant factor” affecting the architecture of modern international relations, Putin said.

Still, the Asian country has relatively few major projects in Russia, evidence of informal restrictions on its investments, according to one of the officials. At least two government discussions are scheduled this month to set guidelines for how Chinese investors will be allowed to work in Russia, the officials said.

In addition to limiting access to precious metals and diamonds, Russia is likely to restrict China’s investments in high-technology projects, the people said. The government will also look at how to bar large settlements of Chinese citizens on its territory to avoid ethnic tensions, they said.

Apple woos Dr. Dre with $3.2 Billion offer for Beats

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N what would be the largest-ever purchase by the iPhone maker, Apple is in advanced talks to acquire headphone maker and music-streaming service Beats Electronics LLC for $3.2 billion, people with knowledge of the matter said.

A deal for the Santa Monica, California-based company, which was founded by music-industry executive Jimmy Iovine and hip-hop artist Dr. Dre, would bolster Apple’s online music capabilities by giving it ownership of the Beats Music service that started earlier this year. For $10 a month, subscribers get unlimited access to all of the songs in the service’s catalog through a smartphone, tablet or Web browser.

Music has long been one of the cornerstones of Apple’s business, with its iTunes store and the iPod music player that reignited the company’s growth more than a decade ago. Yet digital-download sales fell for the first time ever last year as people turn to streaming services such as Spotify Ltd., Google Inc.’s YouTube and Pandora Media Inc. to listen to music, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

“The age of digital downloads is basically over,” said Aram Sinnreich, a media professor at Rutgers University who studies the intersection of technology and music.

While paying $3.2 billion would use just a fraction of the $150.6 billion in cash and investments on Apple’s balance sheet, a deal would signal that the Cupertino, Californiabased company is serious about introducing its own musicsubscription service to rival Spotify. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had long resisted such a move, insisting that people don’t want to rent their music.

“They are buying into the future and the future is going to be streaming and subscription,” said Jon Irwin, the former president of rival music service Rhapsody International Inc. “Revenue from streaming and subscription is growing. Files and downloads are shrinking. Everyone has to engage in streaming and subscription.”

Apple took a step in that direction last year, introducing iTunes Radio, which is an advertising-supported music streaming service that competes with Pandora. ITunes remains the world’s largest seller of music, but is only for downloads of single tracks and albums.

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BUSINESS

OW are you handling your shareholders in Africa and what have been your contributions to the region so far?

As our tradition worldwide, we are committed to creating shared value in Nigeria both for shareholders and in the local community.

Creating shared value is the expression of our conviction; it is only by creating value for society as a whole that we can create long term value for our shareholders.

At Nestle, we focus on three areas where we think we can have a meaningful impact, which are nutrition, water and rural development.

Rural development is the backbone of Africa's economy.

Today, 80 per cent of Africa's poor live in rural areas and depend mainly on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, our rural development initiatives in Africa aim to reduce poverty and hunger by adding more value to the raw agricultural products.

As an example, in Central and West Africa, up to 30 per cent of cereal crops are lost to mycotoxin contamination, caused largely by humidity and poor drying and storage practices. With Nestle's Grain Quality Improvement Programme, 10,000 farmers from the region were able to produce grains within Nestle standards. Last year, the number rose to 30,000 farmers.

Training those farmers and linking them to markets helped them achieve greater yields and higher quality crops which meant increased income and better living standard for them.

As one of the biggest manufacturers in Nigeria, what are the challenges you are facing?

High cost of doing business, more importantly in the export market in Nigeria is worrisome. The country need to improve on its infrastructure including power, roads and water. Without them, business cannot grow. Stakeholders in the country should see to this.

Security of life and property is needed to facilitate peace, success and progress.

Government should ensure this to facilitate more patronage even from foreigners. Banks in the country are not doing enough. Banks should also assist manufacturers with loans, overdraft with relativelyaffordable interest rate. If these are adhered to, the rural- urban drift of youths will be minimised and the nation will be more comfortable.

Nestle is said to have a very strong corporate culture. Many of your managers have spent their entire careers with the group. How do you keep your people open to progress and change?

It's true that we have a strong culture, but like I said, diversity and inclusion are important parts of it. Look at how we handle partnerships and acquisitions, for instance.

We recently entered into a partnership with a Chinese company, a candy manufacturer that employs 24,000 people. We will continue to run this company with the help of the families who founded it. And we are open to learning from our Chinese partners. After all, they know their home market better than any outsider ever could. This is our understanding of inclusion -the inclusion of this company is dynamic. And this is how we usually handle partnerships and acquisitions. If a company is successful, it will be a mistake

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

'Rural development critical to development'

Nestle, the world's biggest food and drinks manufacturer, has revealed that though it expects 2014 to be just as challenging as last year amid falling growth in emerging markets, the company is prepared for the challenges. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nestle, Mr Paul Bulcke, in this interview with Toba Agboola, elaborates on how the company is expected to handle the situation in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world. to replace its management. We also make certain that our goals and more importantly the values align. However, because part of embracing diversity is making sure that employees and managers from independent units feel part of the NestlĂŠ Group. And our culture is the glue that holds us all together. At its core is a sustained passion for quality in everything we do. That may not sound particularly original, but we pursue this value so explicitly and persistently that everyone of our employees understands what it means to their daily work.

You mentioned showing respect for other cultures. How is this reflected in the company's daily business?

Take our corporate business principles. They form the basis for our business practices across the group, and we have had them translated into over 50 languages. Of course we could have made English our official language as many other globally active corporations have done. The translation effort wasn't merely a sign of respect for other languages and cultures, however ,we wanted to communicate the values and practices we consider important to every single one of our employees. And using their native language is the first step.

Do you also evaluate the performance of your executives based on how and what they have contributed to promoting diversity within the company?

Yes, that does play a role in promotion decisions. But again, we don't just look at the numbers here, but at how they shape events. We point in a certain direction and then evaluate each executive's progress based on a number of criteria, one of which is diversity and inclusion. I don't believe in overregulated approaches with exact provisions for every conceivable scenario. I prefer to create attitudes and approaches and to provide the tools and methods that enable people to attain their goals proactively.

What challenges and obstacles do you see Nestle facing in the future?

The biggest challenge for us and indeed for all companies is not to lose sight of what really counts. It is not the case at Nestle, but at this particular moment, the principles of sound corporate governance are often being neglected in favour of short-sighted decisions. The global financial crisis has definitely contributed to this tendency. But, it is important that Nestle should maintain its global perspective even under difficult circumstances. Our company stands for the highest quality standards and for good products that meet a diversity of demands around the world, and this is what we must

growth.

Nigeria as the country is a major growth driver of Africa's development. Thanks to her large population, the ideal geographic location and its economic dynamism. To indicate the strength of our commitment to Nigeria, I am happy to announce that we will continue to expand our operation in the country.

What is your total investments in Africa and how have you been able to satisfy your consumers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole?

The African continent is considered internally as a major contributor to our overall growth and represents significant potential for business development. We have therefore invested more than $850 million in our operations in Nigeria and the rest of Africa over the past five years alone and we plan to increase the number of factories to 32 in 2015. In the Central and West African Region only, Nestle has invested more than 395 million CHF over the past three years.

The African continent is considered internally as a major contributor to our overall growth and represents significant potential for business development. We have therefore invested more than $850 million in our operations in Nigeria and the rest of Africa over the past five years alone and we plan to increase the number of factories to 32 in 2015. In the Central and West African Region only, Nestle has invested more than 395 million CHF over the past three years.

In every country where Nestle operates, we want to be as close as possible to the consumer and to offer the consumer products adapted to their tastes and expectations.

This aspiration is no different in Africa or here in Nigeria.

An important part of our strategy for this continent is the PPP strategy. The PPP business model is based on in-depth knowledge of the needs of emerging consumers, many of whom are entering into the cash economy and buying branded goods for the first time. As such, PPPs are adapted to meet their specific requirements in terms of price, accessibility and format. A good example of this here in Nigeria is our Maggi cubes.

We recognise that many of our consumers in developing countries suffer from deficiencies in iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A and we therefore fortify most of our PPPs with key micronutrients contributing to the wellbeing of our consumers. The PPP model not only improves nutrition but also creates employment opportunities for market stall holders, mobile

street vendors and door-to-door distributors.

In 2010/2011, Nestle sold 600,000 tonnes of iodineenriched Maggi bouillon cubes, seasonings and noodles globally. Specifically around 37 billion Maggi cubes (4g) using iodised salt are sold annually in Central and West Africa alone and approximately 90 per cent of the Maggi products range now carries added iodine.

But there are also other aspects to our strategy here. Just to mention a few, we will in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, accelerate the growth of brands such as Maggi, Milo, Nescafe, Nido as well as the All Family Cereals category. We will strengthen the presence of Nestle professional, our out-ofhome offer, further develop our bottled water and our infant nutrition business.

Can you tell us how the company fared last year?

The year 2013 was challenging, causing its net profit to shrink by two per cent, its net profit was at 10 billion Swiss francs ($11.2 billion), down from $ 10.2 billion a year earlier.

In 2013, Nestle's overall sales grew by 2.7 per cent to 92.2 billion francs, kept back by the impact of shifting foreign exchange rates. Organic sales growth was 4.6 per cent.

Nestle's aim every year for five to six per cent organic growth and improvements in its trading operating profit margin, underlying earnings per share and capital efficiency.

The macro-environment in 2013 was one of soft growth, minimal in the developed world and below recent levels in the emerging markets. As I said, Nestle saw its sales figure swelling from 2.7 per cent to CHF 92.2 billion, though the negative impact of exchange rates had sliced 3.7 per cent out of its sales figure.

Profit margins also contracted in the Americas, narrowing by 0.5 percentage point to 18.2 per cent. Sales in the region rose to 5.3 percent as Nestle boosted marketing for its DiGiorno frozen pizzas and new Butterfinger peanut-butter cups.

In Asia, Oceania and Africa, sales rose to 5.6 per cent. Nestle's sales in emerging markets last year rose 9.3 per cent, faster than the 8.8 per cent clip after nine months. This was fueled by strong results in Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia.

Also helping results was the company's nutrition unit, whose 8.2 per cent sales uptick exceeded analysts' 6.9 per cent estimate. Infant nutrition sales rose by more than 10 percent in Asia, Africa and Brazil.

What are your expectations this year?

2014 is expected to be another challenging year, but we would be disciplined in driving performance in line with the company's model of profitable growth and resource efficiency.

I, therefore, expect our 2014 performance to be similar to last year half, outperforming the market, with growth around five per cent and improvements in margins, underlying earnings percent share in constant currencies and capital efficiency.

Revenue will rise about five percent this year excluding acquisitions, disposals and currency shifts, with the second half stronger than the first. We expect improvement in the second half and about five percent organic sales growth for this year, which does not reflect acquisitions and currency fluctuations.

xxxx

• Bulcke continue to offer. We also have to keep asking ourselves if we have the right leadership on board to accomplish this. But I think we have created the right environment and we have a common goal for diversity and inclusion that we all work towards.

Could you give a brief history of the company and your commitment to Nigeria and Africa in general?

Nestle, as you know, is the largest food and beverage company in the world. It was established more than 140 years ago and now sells over a billion products everyday to millions of consumers across the globe.

Globally, our ambition is to be recognised as the world leader in nutrition, health and wellness, and to be a reference for financial performance in our industry. We are confident that we can achieve this objective thanks to our strong brands, our advanced research and development capabilities, our in-depth knowledge of each local market and very importantly our employees. A big portion of our growth has, and will, come from emerging markets - many of which are right here in Africa - where the population is growing and more consumers will enjoy improved purchasing power in the coming years. Indeed, in 2009/2010, our sales in the emerging markets amounted to 35 billion Swiss Francs or 35 per cent of our turnover and we expect this to grow to 45 per cent in the next 10 years.

But let's have a closer look at our ambitions in Africa and particularly at the Popularly Positioned Products (PPP) business model. A growth driver for our operations in Africa - and why this new factory is key to our growth ambitions in the Central and West African region.

Nestle's commitment to Africa is not new. Nestle came to Africa towards the end of the 19th century and established its industrial presence in 1927 when we opened our first factory in South Africa.

Today, many years later, we operate 27 factories on the African Continent and provide direct employment to around 15,500 people and indirect employment to more than 50,000. Nestle products are now sold in all 53 countries of the African Continent and through our expenditure like taxes, salaries, raw material procurement and so on we estimate our contribution to the African economy at $1.5 billion per year.

We see Africa, with its one billion inhabitants, as a continent of limitless possibilities: it is home to 15 per cent of the world population and its population is expected to increase by 50 per cent by the year 2030.

Nestle in Africa currently represents three per cent of our Group Sales, or CHF 3'018 million. Our ambition is to reach CHF 7.7 billion sales by 2020 by growing our business 1.5 times faster than the Africa GDP

Crime

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The Nation on Sunday May 11, 2014

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OUR robbery suspects who specialise in vandalizing telecommunication masts and tying security men who guard the masts and robbing innocent citizens have been arrested by the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

According to Police source, the Officer in charge of SARS, a superintendent of Police (SP) Abba Kyari led the special squad that tracked the masks robbers.

Explaining his role, the leader of the gang Uchechukwu Echetta, 38, from Ezi Isu in Isu Local Government Area, Imo State, an industrial parts trader based in Alaba International market Lagos said, “We are seven in the gang. I don't know their names because they are only contacted on phones when there is deal.

I was arrested because of solar battery we robbed. We went to community mast and rob by tying the security men on duty and armed with dangerous weapons. Later we loosen and collect the batteries. At times we get six or eight batteries in one mask we have not killed anybody in all the seven operation we had carried out. The total batteries we collected were 64 batteries.

Each battery is sold for six or seven thousand naira. When we sell we share money immediately.

“The first place we operated was at Shagamu by pass and Ibadan Lagos Expressway, the third place, is Lagos Ibadan Expressway the forth place same Shagamu road, the fifth we turn the same area, the sixth place same place and the seventh place the same area.

“The masts include MTN, GLO, ETISALAT, we don't go to Police, Military, Immigration, Custom, NITEL masts because of the heavy security and they can shoot us in the process.

We started operation masts in August 2013 before our chairman one Mr. Louis got problem and we stopped. The problem was that of diverting aluminum zinc and the special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) Lagos.

Some of our members were sent to prison by the court.

“I was arrested in Alaba International Market on Friday, 9th May 2014 by the Special Anti Robbery Squad in company of one of my gang members named Sunday Emeka who led the SARS detective to my shop, following the robbery operation we carried out on different occasions.

“I am married with two children, I regret my participation in crime and I promise not to participate again if I regain my freedom.

The total money I made in mast robbery is

Police arrest masked robbers

Police IG, Abubakar N120,000 we need to sell it to one Izu Ifewenbi from Osumeyi in Nnewi, Anambra State.

“The second suspect Sunday Emeka, 34, from Ihite Nansa in Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State, an electrical parts and high tension material trader in Alaba International Market, Lagos.”

On why he was arrested he said, “Someone called me to drive a car for him, I did not know that they wanted to steal the car. We were four; two entered the compound in

Adeloko area Ketu Ijanikin along Badagry road, Lagos while two stayed outside. I was outside watching the security men that were tied with my two colleagues outside.

“They entered inside and opened the main gate and called me and I entered inside the compound and they gave me two car keys. We moved to Apapa area within Ajegunle area and parked. They asked me to wait that somebody will be bringing money. Around 12noon to 2pm the person brought N250, 000 and they gave me N60,

000 and I left them.

“The next day I used the money to start turkey business. I kept turkey in a cool room at Okokomaiko when my customer paid me to supply him I carried the turkey to go and supply but, along the way Ekene called and I went to meet him in a hotel called Zefhar hotel at Iyana Ajangbadi unfortunately I saw policemen sitting with Ekene. I greeted everybody and wanted to sit down but they said let take this one first meaning to arrest me first and I was arrested with the vehicle driver Obi and the woman that came to buy the turkey. Later we were transferred to SARS for armed robbery.

“The guy that brought the two guns locally made with four bullets (red bullets) is Bigi and Tony who are still at large.

I can't be specific on the money I made because at time, I get N10,000 in battery business and generator business but the one I got more money was the armed robbery I got N60,000 only. I am married with three kids and I am promising God that if I go back after regaining my freedom let him take my life immediately I touch anything that does not belong to me.”

Third suspect Chika Ndubuisi, 30, from Newe in Ogwu Local Government Area Enugu State said, “I sell electrical parts at Alaba. I followed to lose battery from masts.

I was paid as a loader. First time N45,000 second time N30,000 third time we joined money together to buy a bus at N370,000.

After the bus, a friend of mine claimed the bus alone and we left the bus for him. When our chairman Louis got problem that sent him to jail we became stranded until the day I met my friend Sunday Emeka. He begged me to lend him N4,000. When I came to collect the money I lent him Police arrested me in the same hotel they arrested him. I did not follow them to go for the car robbery where two guns were used.”

The fourth suspect Izuchukwu Ifewembi, 37, from Nnewi South Osumenyi in Anambra State is married with a child. A business man selling solar energy in Alaba Market said “I bought the battery they robbed from masts. I bought only thirty pieces at the rate of N5,000 each. I don't sponsor the robbery. I only buy when they come back.”

On what attracted him to become buyer of stolen goods, he said it was the cheapness of the price and promised not to go into that kind of business again the moment he regains his freedom.

Amosun's wife donates 150 chairs, tables to Ajuwon school

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n fulfillment of her 48th birthday anniversary pledge, wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has donated over 150 chairs and tables to students of Ajuwon High School (Senior), Iju-Ajuwon in Ifo Local Government area of the State.

Amosun said the donation was as a result of the promise she made to the students when she visited the school as part of activities marking her birthday celebration.

She assured that her Uplift Development Foundation through the UPLIFTing Schools programme would distribute more chairs and tables to other schools in the State as part of measures aimed at making learning more conducive for students in the States in addition to improving the quality of lives of the people.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Segun Odubela, expressed appreciation on the good gesture of the governor's wife.

“Your Uplift Development Foundation is tremendously supporting the state government in uplifting the lives of people in the State. This donation testifies to your increasing motherly desire to always support and assist people once the needs arise,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the students and staff of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Sekinat Omolola Ogunwolu, thanked the wife of the governor for redeeming her * L-R: Principal, Ajuwon High School (Senior), Mrs. Sekinat Ogunwolu, wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso pledge, adding that the gesture would go a long way in Amosun and the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Segun Odubela, at the donation improving the education of the students. of educational items to the school recently.

74

Oddities The Nation on Sunday May 11, 2014

No Ogbono in Asaba From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

T

T

Mysterious Agere River

HE Agere River rious one .He said the flows ceaselessly fishes inside must not be and no one swims killed!. For it is highly in it. One could see fishes medicinal and nobody of various types and goes there and comes sizes jumping up and divback empty!". ing into the river as if comMadam Oluloro peting with one another.

Adeyemi claimed that As this reporter made an barren ladies have effort to kill the fish the Taiwo Abiodun writes on a mysterious river in many become mothers , she monarch elect and comsaid " many stories are munity head warned Unaun community near Owo, Ondo State, which told of how many barren "don't kill the fish it is forwomen used the water in bidden. We have many water is said to be highly medicinal while the fish the late 50s, 60s and 70s rules guiding the river as inside must not be killed. when they were looking no one should curse anyfor the fruit of the womb. body while in the river or Lagere , according to Olunaun told the Then there were few hosby the river side, one should always feel community that she had a feast prepared for happy and rejoice while one's thought them for a special meeting and fixed a date pitals , and we used to consult the traditionshould be constructive for this is where we for the feast "On that seventh day Lagere alists who would instruct them to use the commune with the almighty God espe- was dressed in her royal regalia which fell water, it is a healing water ".

For Madam Adenike Eleghomola she is cially for those looking for the fruit of the on a market day where they all gathered . womb, and for those who are sick", he Drummers beat the leather , while dancers not happy that the special river which is explained. displayed their skill and she suddenly com- God's given one is not paid attention to! She H i s R o y a l H i g h n e s s O l a n r e w a j u manded them to stop and listen to a special said " we are blessed with this mysterious Abegunde the Olunaun of Unaun said " the announcement .All eyes were fixed at her. river if it is in the oversea countries they water has been there over two centuries , While the husband and his new wife that will appreciate it and turned it into tourist our great grandfather met it like that. We taunted her were happily seated. No distrac- attraction center. The Indians use the knowllearnt that it is a mysterious water for it does tion. The Queeen Lagere stood still like a edge of leaves in their environment and the not dry up in the dry season but instead it statue and everywhere was quiet as eyes Chinese too use their leaves and environwill be more full than in the rainy season." were fixed on her .She broke down and wept ment to produce many drugs and they are all manufactured in factories today."

Speaking about the mysterious river, the and accused the new wife of her misdeeds.

Adunni Ogunremi is concerned about the She then stretched her hands towards the monarch said the power of the water was discovered several years ago. On how the East, West, North and South, gave a loud mysterious healing river and compared it river came to be, the monarch delved into his- cry and called unto the gods to welcome her with the healing water in the Bible , she said tory: "A woman called Lagere (Queen) fol- into their midst and thus turned into a flow- ,' I remember the Biblical story of the man lowed her husband, Unaun who was one of ing river, and fishes swimming all over the with infirmity who was by the river of the grandchildren of Oduduwa from Ile- Ife place. The Queen's voice was then heard that Bethsaida for 39years in order to jump into to this town , Unaun . She laboured and suf- the river should be worshipped and fishes the river for healing .I am not saying this is fered with her husband whom they both found inside should not be killed .She how- Bethsaida but since we have such a healing struggled together to be successful. When ever promised to be assisting the small water here we should appreciate it".

A woman who is over 90 simply called they achieved success she begged him not town if worshipped. " On what they do to worship the river, the Mama Iyanu said " It took me years before I to have any other woman aside her saying women are jealous and it could cause disaf- monarch said " every year we go there to could have a child of my own.I went to the fection between them, the husband whole- pray irrespective of one's faith and religion : hospitals , but then we don't have medical heartedly accepted and swore that he Christians, traditional worshipers , even facilities like this . would not break his vow. But when both set- Muslims come here to celebrate here every However , Olunaun is pleading to the tled down, there was peace and progress and December .We kill cock, goat and cook food state government to turn the place to a toursuccess came into the household ,unfortu- all this is to remember the woman who came ist centre ."I am pleading to the state governnately the husband, Olunaun forgot the with her husband here and despite being ment and individuals to assist in doing this , past, he forgot his vow then went against betrayed she blessed the small community!" it should be like the Osun Oshogbo festival According to Olunaun, the water is where people come from all walks of life to his wife's wish, he married another wife which caused disaffection, jealous, envy medicinal, potent and for spiritual healing. worship and celebrate ". and hatred. The new wife became domineer- If you are looking for the fruit of the womb On his name , he said : My name is that of and scoop it you will be healed, he added, ing." tradition , I am Olanrewaju and that implies "even some nurses, Christians come here at The community leader continue "She the wealth in our family ,we are not poor, would jeer at her senior wife calling her night to pray since they are shy of being and Abegunde means I am from the family unprintable names like an old rag, a male called names." Olunaun said “it is a taboo to of masquerade , and I am from a royal famduck, empty vessel, among other unprint- kill and serve it as a delicacy will be afflicted ily. I bear Emmanuel which is a Christian able names. This annoyed Lagere and one with strange disease.”

Madam Oladunke Ibrahim, described the name , so I am also a Christian for I go to day she called her husband, the palace resiriver as a blessing to the community and church and observe all these which did not dents and all the townsmen to inform them Owo as a town, she said "my great grandfa- affect a traditional ruler who doubles as the of the harsh treatment she was exposed to." ther told me the story of the pond as a myste- spiritual head and leader of a community."

HE Ogbono is a condiment used commonly in homes across the south/south zones to prepare soups.

It is also widely served in restaurants, fast foods and local bukkas dotting many major cities. Served along with Akpu, Eba or Pounded Yam, Ogbono soup is a remarkable culinary experience.

Despite its wide acceptance in many communities, Ogbono does not enjoy the same reputation among Asaba indigenes. The Ogbono condiment is a taboo in the five quarters that make up Asaba community.

Many Asaba indigenes adhere strictly to this cultural taboo which is rooted in the traditional belief of the people.

Oral tradition, according to the Onoi of Asaba, Ogbueshi Peter Ogbogu Eso-Yanya, holds that the mythical matriarch Onishe, who unknown to her, had soup stain on her white Akwoucha regalia as she presided over a social event.

Ogbueshi Peter Eso-Yanya is the chair of the Otu-Ihaza age grade. The Otu-Ihaza is the executive arm of the Asaba traditional government open to males born from 1946 to 1956.

Traditions further say the drummers at the event drew her attention to this social indiscretion on her part to her great discomfiture.

Following this faux pas, she prohibited the use of Ogbono condiment to prepare soup in the community with stiff penalties for defaulters.

His words, “Onishe is the only shrine recognized in Asaba. It is because of Onishe that we forbid Ogbono. Onishe was a very proud woman. The Onishe, according to legend, went outing and returned home and was served a meal, she did not notice that the soup offered her was Ogbono and that her all white Akwoucha regalia was smeared with soup stain. She hurriedly went to another social engagement. On getting to the venue of the meeting, drummers at the event who had noticed the soup stain started running commentaries on her indiscretion. Immediately, she realized that she was the subject of the drummer's song; she quickly left the arena sad and unhappy. She decreed that Ogbono will never be tasted in her domain.

This is why today Asaba indigenes forbid Ogbono soup. If you go to the stream where the Ogbono tree stands at the shrine, during the fruiting season miraculously no seed or leaves falls to the ground .That is the reason we believe the Onishe is a powerful spirit.

Only God knows how this event takes place.”

Although many indigenes strictly adhere to the tradition, those who violate the law may be punished with a strange illness that results in spastic seizure of the mouth and neck akin to the avian infection known as coccidiosis.

But Ogbueshi Eso-Yanya says succor can only come the way of defaulters only after adequate propitiatory rites have been performed at the Onishe shrine situated on the banks of the ancient River Niger.

His words, “If an Asaba indigene eats Ogbono soup at times they will suffer a spastic seizure in their mouth or their neck. This condition can only be reversed after adequate propitiatory rites have been performed”.

Asaba since it became capital of Delta State in 1991; it has been transformed into a cosmopolitan city, thus putting many ancient practices under great strain.

How have the indigenes coped with the sudden influx of non-natives who do not share such cultural injunctions and its impact on ancient cultural practice?

Ogbueshi Eso-Yanya is not worried with the influx of non-natives whose cultures permit the eating of Ogbono, but urges those engaged in the sale, especially at the Ogbeogonogo market, to desist from it.

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ASHIKODI-EBUH

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alesinloye, Abiodun Rachael, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Along, Abiodun Rachael. All former documents remain valid. Local government Service Commission, Ekiti State and general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Makume Madise-Webo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ASHIKODI-EBUH CHIGOZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MADUAGWUNA CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANYANWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Anyanwu, Vivian Chikodi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ochulor, Vivian Chikodi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLOYEDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Oloyede, Habeebah, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Habeebah Folorunsho Jimoh. All former documents remain valid. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, LUTH, IdiAraba, West African College of Physicians, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and general public should please take note.

MADAKI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jennifer Abakasa Madaki, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jennifer Abakasa Nuhu. All former documents remain valid.

Immigration and general public should please take note.

ALESINLOYE

ALESINLOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Akin, Ajofoyinbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Akinlaja Samuel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OSANYINRO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osanyinro Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayenibiowo Opeyemi, . All former documents remain valid.

Access Bank Plc., Nigeria Police Force, NLPC Pension Fund AdministratorsLimited and general public should please take note.

KANU

NKENCHOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Kanu Precious Onyekachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Egbeogu, Precious Onyekachi, . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BOROBO

I, formerly known and addressed as Otunba Ishola Lazeze, now wish to be known and addressed as Otunba Adesola Awonowo Omosanya Ajenowo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as Ebipamene Borobo, now wish to be known and addressed as Tammy-Epipamene Africanus. All former documents remain valid.

The Niger Delta University, Corporate bodies and general public should please take note.

OSUNFOWORA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osunfowora Azizat Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eruobodo, Yetunde Azizat. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLOMU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olomu, Abiodun Adedayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayodeyi Abiodun Adedayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ETUMU

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

ALIMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alimi, Ronke Omotanwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ronke Omotanwa Odukomaiya. All former documents remain valid.

Agege LG, Lagos State government and general public should please take note.

LADAPO

I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. (Miss) Rasheedat Omolola Ladapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Rasheedat Omolola Balogun. All former documents remain valid. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and general public should please take note.

SOLANKE

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

QUADRI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Quadri, Risqat Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dosunmu Risqat Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLAYINKA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olayinka, Abosede Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aladegboye, Abosede Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LAMIDI

I, formerly known and addressed as Lamidi, Bola Maliki, now wish to be known and addressed as Lagoke Bola Malik. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AMUSAT

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amusat Mujidat Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adegoke, Mujidat Bukola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OTUNBA

LEBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Goodnews Igbekele Lebi, now wish to be known and addressed as Goodnews Lebi-Edunjobi. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OGUNMOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunmoye Shakira Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rufai, Shakira Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission and general public should please take note.

ADEGBESAN

I, formerly known and addressed as Adegbesan, Fatimah Aderemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Alli, Fatimah Aderemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NDIE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyinye Ndie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyinye Ifeanyi. All former documents remain valid. ESUT and general public should please take note.

DANIEL

OGUNWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunwale, Isreal Olajide, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogunwale, Olukunmi Olajide. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Lagos State government and general public should please take note.

LIKINYO

FASINA

I, formerly known and addressed as Fasina Omobayonle Arinola, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwashina Sylvanus Arinola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ELEKWANYA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elekwanya Ogechi Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Adekoya, Ruth Ogechi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EWHUBARE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ewhubare, Rebecca Becky, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Becky Nelson Agbonah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ENEGEDE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. CHARITY AKUNOKE, now wish to be known as Mrs. PHILIP CHARITY AKUNOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omobuwa, Roseline Ibilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemi, Roseline Ibilola. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and general public should please take note.

OKOJIE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okojie, Ahanor Juliana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anyokwu Ahanor Juliana. All former documents remain valid. Relentech Specialists, PTI Warri, WAEC and general public should please take note.

AKUNOKE

OGOCHUKWU

HARRY

ALAWODE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ALAWODE RACHAEL OLUREMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABIODUN RACHAEL OLUREMI. All former documents remain valid. Teaching Service Commission Ogun State and the general public take note.

VANSKOJE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Olohi Vanskoje, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Faith Ewan James. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGWE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IGWE OBIAGELI ANNABEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NDUMDI ANNABEL OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid.

Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu and the general public take note.

ILEDI

I formerly known and addressed as ILEDI NICHOLAS, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAKAEZE NICHOLAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, SUNDAY NWAFOR OKOLIE and OKOLIE ORJI refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY NWAFOR OKOLIE. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank and general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, OKERE THEOPHILUS NWAGBARA and OKERE THEOPHILUS UCHEABUCHI refers to one and the same person.

Now wish to be known and addressed as OKERE THEOPHILUS NWAGBARA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKEJIAKU

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAMAKA IKEJIAKU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DURU NWAMAKA .F. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSONWA

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS ADA OSONWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADA MBADUGHA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BABATUNDE

FAGBENLE

I, formerly known, called and adressed as Miss Faith Efemena Agbruko now wich to be known, called and adressed as Mrs. Faith Efemenan Enaohwo. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

JACK

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Jack Dora Nwaugo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwoba Dora Nwaugo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUWO

ORAME

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS BABATUNDE TOLULOPE ESTHER now wish to be known and address as MRS OLATOYE TOLULOPE ESTHER. All former document remain valid. Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Fagbenle Oreoluwa Omodele, now wish to be known and addressed as Oso Oreoluwa Omodele. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UKPERE

I formerly known and addressed as Ukpere Friday Peter Onyiwelehi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ahuowa Friday Peter Onyiwelehi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oguntade Oluwatosin Sekinah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bello Oluwatosin Sekinah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZEMDI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluchi Ruth Ezemdi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluchi Ruth Irokanulo. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

ONOH

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onoh Emmanuelar Chinwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. King Enusiahu Emmanuelar Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEPOJU

ABIONA

I, formerly known and addressed as Ogochukwu Rosemary Nnabuife, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogochukwu Rosemary Anthony. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADESUNYAN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesunyan Omoseye Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemi Omoseye Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oladiran Oluwabunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyebanji Oluwabunmi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ORAME CECILIA CHINWE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKAFOR CECILIA CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiona, Olubukola Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunleye, Olubukola Esther. All former documents remain valid. Ise Oru Local government, Ekiti State and general public should please take note.

JOHN

I formerly known and addressed as Chukwudum Okoye John, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwudum Prince Frank. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EMMENUEL

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, now wish to be known as Mrs. PRECIOUS CHINEDU OGBUGO. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

IGBOKIDI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbokidi, Denise Ebele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jonatha Denise Ebele. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwakemisola Oluwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwakemisola Ikejiaku. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. YETUNDE OLAJUMOKE ADEPOJU, now wish to be known as Mrs. YETUNDE OLAJUMOKE OWOLABI. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

BANKOLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Williams Abosede Semawon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sohe, Abosede Semawon. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. CHIOMA DORIS UZOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHIOMA DORIS CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University and general public should please take note.

OMOBUWA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Nnaji Chukwuemeka, Nnaji Emeka and Nnaji Emeka Samuel are one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Nnaji Emeka Samuel. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

WILLIAMS

UZOMA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. ENEGEDE FAVOUR ONYEKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FAVOUR ONYEKA ISOBOYE ASEMINACHIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IGWE

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

OGHIDI

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. GLADYS OGHIDI now wish to be known and addressed as MADAM GLADYS ASSAH ASOR. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University and general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Likinyo, Iyabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adelure Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS HARRY STEPHANIE IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS UMEUGO STEPHANIE IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid. HRC and the general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Obi Ora Igwe, now wish to be known and addressed as James Henry Sunday. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGBRUKO

IGBUDU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbudu Ekelemchi Felix, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekelemchi Kingsley-Izuwa.

All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

HARRY

OGUNTADE

OBOT

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bassey Margaret Obot, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Essien Akan Margaret. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SONEYE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Soneye Olabimpe Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jinadu Olabimpe Helen. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SHOMADE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Shomade Kudirat Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fagbolade Kudirat Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SALAU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Salau Aminat Adebimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tijani Aminat Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

JIMOH

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimoh Aminat Abeni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omodara Aminat Abeni. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OYIRIARU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyiriaru Uchechi Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Modeyin Uchechi Joy. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MABORUKOJE

We formerly known and addressed as Mr. Maborukoje Sunday Edwin,Mrs. Maborukoje Adesoye Temidayo, .

Maborukoje Oluwatamilore Ayomide, .

Maborukoje Oluwasijibomi Ayomikun, now Mr. Oyewole Sunday Edwin, Mrs. Oyewole Adesoye Temidayo, . Oyewole Oluwatamilore Ayomide, .

Oyewole Oluwasijibomi Ayomikun General public take note.

OGAR

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogar Faith Tianketi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ushie Faith Tianketi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. The payment can be made through - FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number - 2017220392 Account Name VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide@yahoo.com or thenation.advert@gmail.com.

For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide@yahoo.com or our offices nationwide. Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

75

‘Why Nigeria needs trained teachers for infants’

By Sunday Oguntola

N

IGERIA lacks adequately trained teachers for infants, a situation which will affect early childhood education, the initiator of Super Nannies Nigeria, Mrs. Chika Nwuche, has stated.

She said the country must take urgent steps to equip specially trained teachers for the education of infants.

This, she explained, will enable the infants grow into adulthood with basic knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

Nwuche spoke during the inaugural alumni meeting of the organisation in Lagos at the weekend.

She said government and other stakeholders must adopt best practices to ensure children are given quality education in Nigeria.

According to her: “Early Childhood is a critical period for rapid physical, cognitive and psycho-social development of a child.

“The quality of care and education which a child receives at this crucial age will determine to a great extent the level of her physical and cognitive development in the future.”

Nwuche added: “It is very important that our children are given early basic education that is qualitative and we have taken up this initiative as an organisation to spread the message as well as providing teachers with the necessary talents in carrying out this important function.”

She lamented that Nigeria lacks adequate trained teachers to impart knowledge to infants, saying the situation poses grave dangers for the nation’s educational sector.

Oko mayhem: Community accuses Rector, Offor

T

HE President General of Oko Peoples Union, Cyprian Nwanmuo, has pointed accusing fingers at the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof. Godwin Onu and Anambra-born businessman, Emeka Offor, for the lingering crisis in the erosion-ravaged community.

The duo, he told reporters last week, are responsible for the recent attack on the monarch of the town, Prof. Laz Ekwueme and his wife, Lucy.

He alleged Offor has been fuelling the crisis since he called the monarch on April 13 and “abused him for the effrontery to criticise the council he (Offor) constituted for the Polytechnic”.

Nwanmuo told Offor to use his vast wealth and contacts to set up a new tertiary institution in his hometown of Oraifite in Ekwusigo instead of fomenting trouble in Oko. The community leader demanded that the position of Rector should be advertised with a transparent method adopted to find a replacement for Onu whose first term ended on March 14.

He accused Onu of arming 17 youth to terrorise residents, a development he said degenerated to violence on April 19 during the Ifu Olu festival.

The Rector however denied the allegations against him.

Speaking through the Public Relations Unit of the institution, he said he was not involved in any violence or armed anybody to terrorise the community.

76

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

‘Poke-nosing’ is wrong

N

ATIONAL MIRROR of May 8 opens the door this week with too many faulty lines: “Bring back our girls protest hits Rivers” This way: ‘Bring-back-our-girls protest’ hits Rivers “He said the state government is (was) delivering on affordable homes as promised.” I do not know why basic principles of reported speech should be challenging for some journalists!

“UNICAL expels 107 students over (for) certificate forgery” “The practice of ruling party wins-all-council (win-all-council) offices has made stakeholders to see the SIECs as irrelevant and undesired (undesirable), thus leading to calls for its (their) scrapping.” “…SSA to the acting governor of Taraba State on Media and Publicity recently speaks to (recently spoke with) journalists….”

“Librarians blame high cost of printing on incessant power outage” Education Today: incessant power outages/cuts “Polytechnics (Polytechnic) Medical Directors elect officers (officials)” “Forging Pan African (pan-Africa) integration through unified marketing education” “Nigerians to watch World Cup (World Cup matches) free—OSMI” “Dollar falls to lowest since October on lower yields” Global News: lowest level “Genetics explain (explains) why some twins are bigger than others” “Why DStv staged All Stars (all-star) show” “Lack of funding, poor management (mismanagement) and lack of vision has (have) stunted the development of….”

“OSSAA reads Riot Act to outdoor owners” Brands & Marketing: the riot act The back page of NATIONAL MIRROR under review rounds off the long introduction: “Maybe the scales has (have) now fallen off Jonathan (Jonathan’s) eyes….” “…to advise and not to keep poke-nosing into the affairs of the nation….”

There is nothing like ‘poke-nosing’. Get it right (informal): poke your nose into something! So, the man should be advised not to keep poking his nose into. Nobody has the right/licence to change fixed/stock phrases, especially as borrowed users of the English language.

Usage note: both ‘singlehandedly’ and

‘singlehanded’ are correct and can interchangeably be used.

Someone should inform Classic FM 97.3 presenters, editors and newscasters that the right expressions are ‘mature people’ and ‘marching orders’—not ‘matured people’ and ‘marching order’! (Thursday, May 8 evening belt programme and Tuesday, May 6, 11.15 a.m. bulletin respectively) Wrong: A force to reckon with Right: A force to be reckoned with The next two contributions are from Bayo Oguntunase (08056180046): “95,926 candidates to write (do/ take/sit) exams” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY Headline, April 27) “The late National Security Adviser, Andre Owoye Azazi, said that modern equipment had to be provided as a way of bringing the insecurity crisis (security crisis) to an end.”

(DAILY SUN, April 17) Usage note: we correctly say or write insecurity or security crisis/security problem/security challenge. Similarly, unemployment or employment problem/crisis/challenge….

Our next capture is THE NATION ON SUNDAY of May 4 which could not police its Page 2: “…the fallouts from the aborted visit are still reverberating in democratic circles all over the country.” Barometer: ‘fallout’ is non-count.

“Nyanya blast: Troops arrest 8 Nigerian (Nigerien), Cameroonian suspects” The COMMENT (EDITORIAL) of the above edition follows with just two minor drawbacks: “It tells of how we value human lives, compared to how people in more civilized climes value same (the same)….”

“More worrisome is the harsh reality that majority (a majority) of the victims were pupils….”

“Group sensitises traders on (to) security” “…on discovering the business potentials (potential) in comedy….”

The next serial errors are from a full-page press release signed by Dr. Aminu Ahmed, Secretary, Anambra State Congress Committee of the APC: “To review the overall conduct of the wards congresses with view to determine harmonious acceptable outcome….” Get it right: …ward congresses with a view to determining a harmonious and an acceptable outcome….

“To monitor and super-

vise the process and resolution of any problem that might have arise (arisen).”

“The state congress committee, therefore (another comma) wish to announce the re-schedule (rescheduling) of the congresses in the state.”

Finally from the blunder-ridden press release: “By this notice, all card carrying (card-carrying) members of APC (the APC) in the state are advice (advised) to prepare for the congresses.”

SATURDAY INDEPENDENT Comments Page of May 3 takes over the baton: “…and majority (a majority) of media practitioners (professionals)” We can talk of medical or legal practitioners.

Journalists do not practise ‘media’ as doctors and lawyers practise medicine and law respectively!

From THE NATION ON SUNDAY Classified Page of April 27 comes this foible: “Change of name is now published every Sundays….” Either every Sunday or all Sundays: this is a yellow card!

The lexical crises continue with SUNDAY Sun headlines of April 27: “Police arrest 20 students over (for) protest in Delta” “PDP commends nonpartisan approach on (to) terrorism” “Borno records low malaria-related deaths” News extra: low malarial deaths, preferably THISDAY Front Page Banner of April 26 lacked reason: “President shelves Adamawa trip over mood of the nation” A rewrite: President shelves Adamawa trip over nation’s mood” “He was rascally parading as a masquerade (masquerader) during Christmas.” ‘Masquerade’ is the mask/wooden or plastic symbol/effigy/ facial caricature or covering while the wearer/carrier is the masquerader. It is close to ‘dupe’ (the person tricked) while the felon (trickster) is the ‘duper’ and the heinous act is known as ‘dupery’.

But, often, people use ‘dupe’ to mean everything!

“Below are photographs of personalities at (on) the occasion.”

THISDAY Front Page Window of April 25 extended the medium’s blundering profile: “…the board said the extension of Otti’s tenure is (was) in recognition and appreciation….”

“Flight operations restored in (to) Kaduna”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

Toast to a good man @ 50 A T a time when sycophancy and bootlicking have become full time jobs in the media, it is difficult to talk about a man such as Lekan Otufodunrin without being mistaken for a jobber in search of his next meal ticket.

The probability is high that someone somewhere would read this and conclude like most people do these days, that whoever penned such lofty things about another man must have gotten some pecuniary inducement or expecting something that can only be provided by the man he has written about.

But regardless of what anyone would think after reading this, I am persuaded that those who have been privileged to meet Otufodunrin would at least concur that everything said about him in this piece is nothing but the truth.

As a matter of fact, it would be a travesty to write about him without sounding like brownnoser in a king’s palace.

One cannot but deploy the best adjectives (which may still be grossly inadequate) to describe a man who has devoted a better part of his young life to discovering and mentoring young people in order to make their lives better.

Personally, I owe my becoming a journalist to “Uncle Lekan” as many of us who have passed through his informal school of mentoring love to call him. It was under his tutelage as the Sunday Editor of The Nation Newspaper that I cut my teeth in this pen-pushing profession.

Many of the things I have achieved in the few years that I have practiced would not have been if this man did not take a chance on me that hot Sunday afternoon when our paths crossed at the headquarters of the Living Faith Church, Ota. I met Uncle Lekan at the church’s Press and Publicity Department where I had just been registered as a volunteer writer. Since I didn’t see him anywhere around the office on my first visit, I had no idea he was the chairman of the department.

Looking back to that fateful day, I have no regrets for mistaking him as an ordinary member like myself. He didn’t

•Otufodunrin

By Vincent Nzemeke have the airs of a chairman and his down-to-earth interaction with everyone in the room that day was not what one expected from the chairman of such an important group in a Nigerian church. You can imagine the surprise that registered on my face when a member announced that: “our chairman has just donated a new printer” and pointed at him.

Such is the humility of the man. It is that humility coupled with a heartfelt sincerity to make enduring positive impacts in the lives of others that endears Uncle Lekan to so many people.

In my case, that chanced meeting with this modest chairman of the Press and Publicity Unit in the church set my journalism career on an upward trajectory. Like he still does for so many young people today, Uncle Lekan offered me an opportunity to work with him on the Sunday desk even as a greenhorn. Through an informal but meticulous process, he groomed me into an awardwinning young journalist. As an undergraduate, I was light years ahead of my contemporaries just because he gave me a chance to do what they only read in textbooks.

As an editor, Uncle Lekan would go out of his way to ensure that an intern is accepted in the newsroom. Unlike oth-

ers who see such interns as errand boys and girls, he keeps them on track by ensuring they have something to do. He is one of the few editors who will ask an intern “how many stories have you written?”

Other than his humility and fervid passion to help young people navigate out of the labyrinths of life and the journalism profession, you cannot talk about Uncle Lekan without saying a few things about his large heart and bonhomie way of life. Here is one man who is never tired of giving. I have known him for years now and I still cannot recall ever seeing or hearing him say no to anyone who approached him for help.

As Sunday editor, he made it a duty to ensure that everyone on the desk got something from the gifts given to him at the end of the year. In the same organization, where some units heads stock their cars with bags of rice, hampers and other goodies, Uncle Lekan would gladly share his with workers on the desk, security officers and other have-nots.

Every human being has a weakness. Uncle Lekan’s weakness is his selflessness and dedication to the progress of other people. He is one of the few people in his ilk who will drive for hours to deliver a lecture to secondary school, polytechnic and university students without asking for a penny. When these students visit The Nation Newspaper on excursion, he also takes his time to conduct them round the premises and explain the newspaper making process to them.

With these exceptional qualities, it is no surprise that his office is decorated with several awards from various individuals and groups who have been touched my wonderful life.

As he joins the league of the fifties, it is my prayer that God who has kept him thus far will make his glorious life more beautiful. Happy birthday.

•Nzemeke writes from Utako, Abuja.

Reinventing Journalism in Nigeria

Continued from page 13

or the journalists themselves don’t take maximum advantage of the opportunities.

One possible excuse which is even not tenable is lack of funds since many media organisations are finding it difficult to pay salaries, but how do we explain that we employ young journalists and don’t give them basic orientation as it’s done in other sectors.?

The defunct Daily Times had a training school for new and old staff. Radio Nigeria still has a training school in Lagos which I am not sure has the capacity to meet the demands of modern broadcasting. There is also the old TV College in Jos. By now, we should have had more training schools better equipped, better staffed to cater for the boom in the media industry.

While media organisations have the obligations to train their staff, in-

dividual journalists as professionals should also invest in their own career. Our career is about our life and the progress we make should not be limited by only the support we get from our media houses.

Journalists should like other professionals take personal responsibility to become better on their job. If artisans buy their tools, I don’t know why some journalists will refuse to buy simple gadgets to improve on their productivity and wait for their employers to buy for them., I am not aware that employers pay for most ICAN, NIPR,APCON courses that staff are supposed to acquire, yet the concern staff dutifully enroll for the courses.

Using the popular definition of Public Relations, journalists should have a deliberate planned and sustained career plan. We should have a mission statement and goal.

A career is like a journey and unless it is planned it will be an aimless one than will

amount to nothing no matter how long we are on the job.

As someone said, if you don’t know where you are going, everywhere you get to will look like your destination.

For too long, many of us have carried on as if we are engaged in a lesser profession or even a trade which some claim journalism is. Journalism and other media work is too important for any professional to be a mediocre.

It is not difficult to have structured programmes for continuos education for as many journalists as possible.

What the industry leaders need is the will and the commitment to provide an enabling environment to improve the cavity of journalists.

The task to reinvent journalism practice in Nigeria is a task that must be urgently done and we all have individual and collective roles to play.

Excepts from my 50th Birthday lecture on May 9, 2014

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

77

With Adeola Ogunlade 08083127847

Hello kids, I hope you are having a great time with your friends, parents and teachers. Love and respect everyone you meet everyday because that is only way we can live together in peace. Schooling is fun, enjoy every bit of it and you are on your way to success

DEBIRUSS AT SEA SCHOOL APAPA After a keenly contested election, the candidates that emerged were sponsored by the school management to a 10-days leadership training at the Sea School Apapa were the prefects had fun, but not without sweat. The training was from Tuesday 29th April to Thursday May 4th. The students that participated were Esuola Success, the headboy; Olowo-Ake Oluwasayo, the head girl, and seven others.

POEM

READERS ARE LEADERS

T

HIS week we are looking at the importance of reading and ultimately to your success in life.

Reading is a wonderful exercise and gateway to a world of knowledge, learning and growth.

Someone once said, “when I am reading, I have something to look forward to; something that fills my need for learning and makes me great.” if you are well read, you will be well informed. Everybody that is well-read and wellinformed makes a great leader. To remain a great leader, you have to be well informed. Reading inspirational stories of successful and famous people stimulates the desire and motivation to be successful in life. Achieving success in life, career or business requires knowing what it

takes to be successful and what the road to success looks like. This can be achieved through reading.

However, for some time now, reading has declined among every group-adults, youths and children. Developing a habit of reading may seem difficult but it is A rewarding task.

Procedure for profitable Read books that you enjoy Find a good place you can read with comprehension Establish a routine time table for yourself Take breaks while studying. Take time to reflect on what you have read and refresh your brain at intervals.

Prepare a list of questions to ask while reading.

Use a dictionary. to check unfamiliar words you may come across as you read.

Rise up Africa

A

FRICA, Africa rise up Africa Africa, Africa stand up Africa when will you learn Africa your sons and daughters are calling they are crying for they are starving when will you change oh Africa you hate wisdom so do not have freedom and mystery consuming your kingdom to be brave means disrespect you have lost a great prospect Africa, Africa rise up Africa Africa, Africa wake up Africa

By Matt Ancient

WORD SEARCH •Students at the cooking competition

W

HO’S there?

Canoe.

Canoe who?

Canoe help me with my homework?

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you going to let me in?

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Anee.

Anee,who?

Anee one you like!

JOKES who?

Knock, knock Avenue Avenue knocked on this door Dozen.

Dozen who?

Dozen anybody want to let me in?

1. Giving 2. Thanks 3. Thanksgiving 4. Holiday 5. Grateful 6. Gratitude 7. Kindness 8. Caring 9. Family 10. Friends 11. Health 12. Appreciate 13. Respect 14. Thankful 15. Polite 16. Manners

before?

BIRTHDAY

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Needle.

Needle who?

Needle little money for the movies.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Knock, knock Henrietta.

Who’s there?

Henrietta who?

Iva. Henrietta worm Iva who?

I’ve a sore hand from that was in his apple. knocking!

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

Knock, knock.

Avenue.

Who’s there?

•Adanganga Keira Ebere admires her 1st birthday cake on 20th of April,2014 at Satellite Town, Lagos

WORD WHEEL

E D

T

T

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

C

N G

How many words of three or more letters, each including the letter at centre of the wheel, can you make from all this diagram? We have found 36, including one nine-letter word

78

SPORTS THE NATION ON SUNDAY

MultiChoice promises uninterrupted World Cup broadcast

EXTRA

MAY 11, 2014

'Nigeria won't miss Uche, Obasi'

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P

AY-TV giants, MultiChoice Nigeria, has assured Nigerians of uninterrupted broadcast of the 2014 World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil next month.

MultiChoice, which recently announced that SuperSport on its DStv platform has secured screening rights to all the matches of the World Cup, is confident of screening the matches in excellent sound and picture quality.

Speaking in Lagos recently, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing, said the company is committed to continually deliver thrilling content in the best picture and sound quality available. He assured subscribers that all the World Cup matches will be screened live on its DStv and GOtv platforms, and will also be available on the SuperSport HD channels.

Mabutho allayed concerns that subscribers will experience signal interruption during the World Cup, stating instances in the past when the signal remained intact during the games.

“We are the pioneer digital pay television operator in Nigeria and have been in business for over 20 years.

In those years, we have screened up to five World Cups during the rainy season in excellent picture and sound quality. The World Cup falls within the rainy season and although rain fades do happen if there is torrential downpour accompanied by high winds, we have never encountered unaccountable signal loss during these times. I don't expect this World Cup to be any different,” he said.

Man Utd, Liverpool want Song

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ANCHESTER United and Liverpool are set for a summer scrap over the signing of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song; plus the rest of the day's top stories.

United and Liverpool fight for Song: According to the Mirror, Manchester United and Liverpool are set for a summer scrap over the signing of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song.

The Cameroonian is set to leave the Camp Nou, two years after making the switch to the Spanish giants from Arsenal, and could be keen on a return to England's top flight.

United and Liverpool are said to be keen on acquiring the 26-year-old's services and would be willing to offer the Blaugrana £8 million.

Song is reportedly happy to join either club, revealing back in March that, if he were to leave Barca, his favoured destination would be the Premier League.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City, Liverpool set for title finale

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dramatic Premier League season comes to a conclusion on Sunday, with Manchester City favourites to pip Liverpool and win the title.

Manuel Pellegrini's City side will be champions if they draw or win their home game against West Ham. Liverpool - in the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster - can clinch their first league title since 1990 by beating Newcastle if City lose.

At the bottom, Norwich will be relegated even if they beat Arsenal.

The Canaries can finish A run of 11 straight wins level on points with West had put the Reds on top, but Brom if they beat the Gun- after a slip from captain Steners and Albion lose at home ven Gerrard, Chelsea won 2to Stoke, but Neil Adams's 0 at Anfield to put City back side would require a 17-goal in control. swing in goal difference to Liverpool then further fell prevent a return to the Cham- behind on Monday evening when they threw away a 3-0 pionship.

For Liverpool, it looks set lead at Crystal Palace, evento be a disappointing end to tually drawing 3-3. an otherwise brilliant sea- They are now relying on son. Brendan Rodgers's side West Ham winning at Manfinished in seventh place last chester City but Rodgers is season, 28 points behind delighted with his team's c h a m p i o n s M a n c h e s t e r progress.

United, but they were He told the Liverpool favourites to win the title as Echo: "We certainly don't feel here as if we've thrown it recently as two weeks ago. away. We knew it was always going to be tough.

The final hurdles are always difficult to get over.

"In the Chelsea game we made a mistake - a slip - and that can happen to anyone. everyone available to repre- We just couldn't find a way to sent Nigeria” get the goal and that hap"We spoke two weeks before pens. the squad was announced to "If we win on Sunday and clarify certain things that had been written and said in the don't win the league but fin-

W/C: Uche holds no grugdes against Keshi

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KECHUKWU Uche says he harbours no bad feelings towards coach Stephen Keshi, despite being omitted from Nigeria's provisional 30-man World Cup squad.

The Villarreal striker was not picked by Keshi, despite scoring 12 goals in the Spanish top flight this season.

Uche has not played for his country since they won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year.

The 30-year-old insists, however, that he holds no grudges against Keshi.

"Of course as a professional footballer you'd love to represent your country, but I have never had bad words towards the national coach," he told BBC Sport.

“We should all rally round the team and support them in Brazil. The coach cannot select

media.

"Most significantly, it was a very good discussion. It gives me great pleasure that there is no ill will towards anyone.

"I thank the coach for that. I also wish my teammates all the best in Brazil because we are all one family whether you are in the squad or not."

Keshi has been criticised for leaving Uche out of the squad, but the player insists that attention should shift towards the Super Eagles team and not individuals.

"We should all rally round the team and support them in Brazil. The coach cannot select everyone available to represent Nigeria," he said

ish second that means we've finished second to the richest and most expensive team in world sport.

"We will have taken them right to the wire. That will be a sign of the remarkable progress we have made this season."

City have only been top of the table for 14 days all season but are a point away from a second title in three years, and a first for Pellegrini, who won the League Cup earlier in his debut season.

He said: "I expect to win.

We are thinking not of winning one point but just winning the match, and the best way to do it is to play the way we always do."

While City could end the season back on top, it has been a turbulent year for rivals Manchester United , who will end the campaign no higher than sixth - their worst finish since finishing sixth in 1991.

Ronaldo ruled out of Celta Vigo game

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OP scorer Cristiano Ronaldo is out of Real Madrid's La Liga match at Celta Vigo on Sunday, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday.

The Portugal captain, who has been struggling with minor injuries in recent weeks, limped out of Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Real Valladolid with an apparent thigh strain. With the Champions League final against Atlético on 24 May looming, it has been decided not to risk aggravating the injury, Ancelotti told a news conference.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is not

playing tomorrow because he is not at 100 percent and I prefer not to take risks," Ancelotti said.

Midfielder Angel Di Maria and defenders Pepe, Raphaël Varane and Dani Carvajal were also unavailable due to injury, he added.

Real need a win in Vigo to keep alive their faint hopes of pipping leaders Atlético and second-placed Barcelona to the title. With two games left, Atlético have 88 points, Barca 85 and Real 84 in third after consecutive draws that look to have wrecked their chances of a treble of Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

ORMER Green Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu believes the Super Eagles have the wherewithal to do well at the 2014 Fifa World Cup despite the absence of forwards Ikechukwu Uche and Chinedu Obasi.

The duo was excluded from coach Stephen Keshi's 30-man provisional World Cup released on Tuesday evening.

In a chat with Goal Nwosu who is Gateway United's head coach is confident that players invited by the Big Boss will defy all odds to make the nation proud.

“We have a very good squad and with this, we are sure of doing well at the World Cup because we have our star players there,” Nwosu told Goal.

“It is now left for those whose inclusion has steered controversy to prove their worth before the world.

“The absence of the likes of Uche and Ideye [Brown] will definitely not be a minus as long as those invited prove their mettle.

But if the reverse is the case, then people would naturally feel their absence.

“Obasi wouldn't have made any difference if invited because he is just returning from injury. I know him too well and he is a good and determined player but unfortunately he is not in his best form.

Hughes: Odemwingie a great buy

S

TOKE boss Mark Hughes claims there was 'no risk' in signing the striker who could be public enemy number one at West Brom this weekend.

Peter Odemwingie, who has made a big impression since joining Stoke in January, is preparing to return to the The Hawthorns for the first time since acrimoniously leaving the Baggies early this season.

The Nigeria World Cup hopeful fell out with the midlands club spectacularly last season after failing in his public attempt to force through a move to QPR. He eventually moved to Cardiff, where he failed to fit in, but his switch to the Britannia Stadium has reaped instant rewards with the 32-year-old having struck five times for Hughes' men.

TODAY’S FIXTURES Cardiff City v Chelsea Fulham v Crystal Palace Hull City v Everton Liverpool v Newcastle Man City v West Ham Norwich City v Arsenal Southampton v Man Utd Sunderland v Swansea Tottenham v Aston Villa West Brom v Stoke City

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 11, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

Giggs eyes Europa League finish

R

YAN GIGGS wants to sign off his spell as Manchester United manager by leading the club into the Europa League.

Giggs' final act as interim United boss will come on Sunday when he takes his team to Southampton for the last match of what has been a dreadful campaign.

Ever since he made his debut back in 1991, Giggs has never ended a season without having the prospect of European football to look forward to after the summer break.

But this year United are looking increasingly likely to finish outside the qualification places. Already without a chance of making the Cham-

pions League, United will miss out on the Europa League unless they beat Southampton and Tottenham lose at home to Aston Villa.

Many United fans want their team to finish seventh.

The Europa League is far less prestigious than the Champions League and not qualifying for Europe can help a team's domestic fortunes - as everyone has seen with Liverpool this year.

Giggs does not agree with those who say the Europa League would be more trouble than it is worth, though.

"I maintain my stance, we want to be in Europe," United's interim playermanager said.

"We can only qualify for the Europa League and we will carry on trying to do that.

"It would have been in our hands now if we had beaten Sunderland (last week) because Tottenham lost (to West Ham).

"That was disappointing for us."

Europe or no Europe, whether Giggs will be involved with United - either as a player or a coach - is still up in the air.

"I am going to take a holiday as soon as the season finishes and discuss with family and friends what to do next," said the Welshman, who came off the bench for a 20minute cameo in the 3-1 win over Hull on Tuesday night.

79

Arsene Wenger to stay at Arsenal

A

RSENE Wenger has told Eurosport that he will remain as Arsenal manager, and will sign a new contract soon.

The Frenchman's current deal expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with big-spending Ligue 1 side Monaco.

However, the 64-year-old said he was committed to

Arsenal, and would extend his 18-year stay in North London.

Wenger told Eurosport: "(The contract) is not totally done but it should be soon.

"I am proud of my team's attitude because they have been through tough times.

They have always been present even after disappointments and they have always had a positive attitude, and it is not that easy."

Wenger also dismissed suggestions his future depends on next Saturday's FA Cup final. Arsenal take on Hull City at Wembley hoping to end a nine-year trophy

drought.

Their last silverware came in the same competition in 2005, when they beat Manchester United on penalties.

Wenger said: "When you have been in the same club for 18 years, and you say 'my final decision depends on only one simple match' it is a bit ridiculous, in my opinion."

Arsenal travel to Norwich on the final day of the Premier League season having already secured fourth place and Champions League football for the 17th consecutive season.

How Cross River is empowering youth with sports T

URN the clock back to seven years and even further down, to when it was a once-upon a state whose sports rating was in the lowest ebb among the comity of sporting states in Nigeria.

Except for Pelican Stars of Calabar whose birth was to once again put Cross River State on a reckoning pedestal not only as a pacesetter in female football, following the eclipse of Rovers of Calabar, but also for its long dominance of the Nigeria female league, not much could be said of the state sport-wise.

While other states were busy winning laurels at National Sports Festivals as well as National School Sports Festivals, Cross River's participation was not only marginal, but it was no more than just making up the number of participating states.

Besides the general apathy of the political leadership which characterised a lukewarm attention to sport development in the state and which in turn occasioned its chequered showing at national sport competitions, there was the absence of a sport policy for the state.

It was in obvious recognition of this policy failing which had gone on for years and unaddressed that compelled Governor Liyel Imoke's administration to inaugurate in 2009, a Comprehensive Sports Development Programme as a vehicle to harness the abundant sporting talents in the state.

To ensure that the programme was not held captive by bureaucratic meddlesomeness, an astute sports development consultant, Dr. Bruce Ijirigho, was sourced to oversee the grooming, training and welfare of the athletes.

The vision of the governor led to the discovery that sport could also be another conveyor belt to take Cross River State to its greatness. It was Imoke's vision that education when combined with sports could catapult the youths of the state to lofty heights.

Under the scheme, kids usually in primary and secondary schools are discovered and offered the necessary platforms of education and sport where they are allowed to hone their sporting skills and at the same time acquire education.

Since the inauguration of the programme, it has been one sterling success after another, culminating in three successive years of recognition and award of honours to the state's athletes who have

is being achieved: “Since the inception of the programme, the state's sporting men and women are being mentored and given the necessary guidance to acquire university education. Many of our athletes have secured admission to the University of Calabar to pursue different degree programmes. Some of them never believed they would ever see the four walls of a university in their life, but today, they are undergraduates. Just recently, we got a team to prepare about 14 of our athletes for JAMB. “We have worked out a good relationship with the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology (CRUTEC) for future admission of the products of this programme.

There is also a scholastic aptitude test programme where we prepare our athletes for * Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (middle) flanked by sports consultant, Dr. Bruce Ijirigo, Commissioner for Youth and admission into American uniSports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, Director of Sports, Mr. Jude Amadi, and outstanding sportsmen and women in Cross River pre- versities. Resultantly, one of senting with cash awards and certificates. the state's athletes is at the University of New Tennessee actually participated. The rea- members of the state executive weightlifters in Nigeria today, on full academic scholarship done the state proud.

So, in what has become the son why only six participated council, state legislators, as well Cross River has the best youth from this programme.” norm in the state, Governor was that the remaining six as past heroes and heroines who programme. This makes the Apart from winning medImoke recently rolled out the though very good, were consid- had turned out to witness the state's team unbeatable in the als, Cross River State young country today. award presentation by the govdrums to once again celebrate ered too young to be in the sports men and women, since Also in swimming, the game the inauguration of Governor ernor that “at the elite level in the young men and women national junior team. has literally become the excluathletics, our own Patience “Out of the six that particiwho have distinguished themImoke's Comprehensive selves as sporting ambassadors pated, two of them won three Okon represented Nigeria at the sive preserve of Cross River's. S p o r t s D e v e l o p m e n t For instance, five of the state's World Athletics Championship gold medals for Nigeria at the of the state.

Programme, three years ago, The gesture of the governor championship. It is also inter- in 2013 and in the World Indoor swimmers who represented have stumbled into some Nigeria at the African Zone II Championship in 2014.

In that was a display of his love for esting to note that the two athkind of goldmine with disthem and his appreciation of letes who won the three gold competition, she came sixth in swimming championship in covery of sports as a platform their effort in bringing glory to medals went beyond the Afri- the 4x400 and broke the African 2013 won 14 gold medals. This for their economic empowerCross River State in national can continent to represent Nige- record in the process. It was our is due largely to an instituted ment. This is even while still and international competitions. ria at the Junior World Athletics own Patience who anchored the programme to discover and har- in primary and secondary ness talents in swimming. schools.

For him, it is also the galva- Championship in Russia, where relay.”

As a result of Governor Today, swimming has been a niser and the inspiration that Blessing Okon was placed 5th in On how this is playing out, they need to work harder as the 400 metres which was the Imoke's well coordinated policy bonanza for the state in compe- Dr. Ijirigho offered an insight: titions. " for sports, Cross River is rated they prepare to bring more best Nigerian performance at “Our primary and secondary Giving a breakdown of the schools athletes have been on as having the best youth glory to the state in future com- the championship.” performance of the state at the programme in boxing in NigeOn further exploits by other petitions. a monthly allowance of As a spinoff of the governor's state's ambassadors, Ijirigho ria today. Tellingly, the divi- last National Schools Sports Fes- between N3000 and N15000. sports development policy, said while this feat was dends have been mind blowing. tival in Ilorin, where swimming Some of the state's athletes Cross River State has won the achieved, “it is regrettable to According to the sports consul- was the first game to kick-start are now breadwinners in National School Sports Festival announce that our triple tant, “at the national youth the event, Cross River was their families. They are earnin 2011, 2012, 2013 and appears jumper, in fact Nigeria's best games, eight medals were up already leading on day one on ing good money from compeyouth triple jumper, Edokiye for grabs, and out of the eight, the medals table with 12 gold titions nationally and interpoised to win it again in 2014.

Rendering what could be Imeh, was not allowed to partic- Cross River State won three medals. By the end of the com- nationally. For instance, an regarded as scorecards of the ipate in Russia because he was gold, one silver and one bronze petition, the state had 58 gold athlete, Ofonime, earned medals from swimming alone. N1million last year from a programme during the recogni- three months below the actual medal.”

As a result of the catch-them- This rare feat culminated in the competition. tion and presentation of cash age allowed for participation.”

To ensure that the state does young component policy of the state's swimmers being nickawards to the athletes, Dr. She used this earning to Ijirigho said Cross River State not rest on its oars, the programme, Ijirigho hinted: named “Tilapia children” complete a building project has not only done well at the var- renowned sports consultants “As we speak, a 17-year-old boy because of their swimming hero- started by her parents. This is ious National School Sports Fes- hinted that “this year, five of our from Cross River State is cur- ics. Two of the swimmers, Abe just one out of several of the tival, but that its fortunes have athletes have been invited to the rently in Bulgaria representing and Collins Obi, won nine and athletes who are making continued to increase and get national camp in preparation Nigeria at the world boxing ten gold medals respectively." some money and supporting For a governor who has an their parents and siblings. better with each successive year for the African championship championship. unbridled passion for human In fact, four of the state's boxsince the governor initiated the and the world athletics champiThese are all success stories.” onship that will take place in the ers were supposed to be on the capital development, his sport programme.

From the initial vision of development policy is not all team, but when their passports In his words: “The successes United States of America this repositioning the state in about winning competitions and other travelling documents of our athletes go beyond year. They are Michelle Otogo, sports by harnessing the national competitions. Our ath- Blessing Okon, Blessing Itioyo, were sent to the world body, alone but in building capacity abundant raw and energetic To underscore this philosothree of them could not make letes now take part in interna- Victoria Akpareka and Imeh talents into medal winning tional competitions, represent- Edokiye. They are currently in the team because they were con- phy, and in line with the state athletes, Governor Imoke has ing Nigeria all over the world. Sapele preparing for the cham- sidered too young to participate government's directive to blend continued to broaden the ecoand were so disqualified. So in sports with education, there is a nomic base for the state's “For instance, in athletics, 12 pionship.”

On the performance at the no distant future, there will be deliberate policy to make edu- teeming citizenry by deployathletes from the state team were invited to camp to repre- elite level, Ijirigho disclosed to new Hogan Basseys coming out cation a focal point of the state's ing sports and education as s p o r t s d e v e l o p m e n t escalators to achieving greatsent Nigeria at the African the over one thousand people, of Cross River State.”

In weightlifting, going programme.

Junior Championship in Warri, including the Deputy Governess.

Dr. Ijirigho spoke on how this Delta State last year. Six of them nor, Barrister Efiok Cobham, s t r i c t l y b y t h e a g e o f

QUOTABLE

“The Nigerian security forces failed to act on advance warnings about Boko Haram’s armed raid on the state-run boarding school in Chibok which led to the abduction of more than 240 school girls on 14-15 April… The security had more than four hours of advanced warnings about the attack, but did not do enough to stop it.”

SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 8, NO. 2846

T

OUCHED by massive and unalloyed support from more than five powerful nations, President Goodluck Jonathan has at last found his voice on the Chibok abductions. Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Abuja on Thursday, the president declared that Boko Haram terrorism was in its last gasp. His latest hyperbole stands in stark contrast to his waffling and dithering at the height of the Chibok saga between mid-April and first week of May, when he, his wife and PDP women leader Kema Chikwe characteristically insinuated that the abductions, if they took place, were more of politics than reality. The president had pleaded for victims’ parents to cooperate with him, while his meddlesome wife and Mrs Chikwe suggested incredulously that there was probably no abduction anywhere.

It seems now that Dr Jonathan is finally persuaded that hundreds of schoolgirls were indeed abducted, even if he is uncertain of their number, and he is upbeat that given the magnitude of international support, the girls will be rescued and Boko Haram will be vanquished. World support has also seemed to galvanise Dr Jonathan’s men. The National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and other security chiefs have visited Chibok, as they put it, on a fact-finding tour of the affected town. Perhaps they were accompanied by senior military commanders who in all the weeks the abductions struggled to arrest world attention failed to visit the scene of tragedy. Many more officials will probably be visiting the town in the coming days, in a sort of tragicomic tourism. Maybe, too, Dame Patience, who had threatened to march on Borno State Government House, will find the good grace to visit that state, if indeed her doubts have been finally dispelled. Then to cap a spectacular volte face, perhaps the immovable and often imperturbable Dr Jonathan will find the nobility to visit the afflicted parents of the victims.

With the acceptance of responsibility for the mass kidnap by Boko Haram, and given massive international support for Nigeria and the increasing number of grieving parents who have been interviewed by the press, it is likely that there will no longer be any debate as to the veracity of the abductions.

From all indications, the debate may be moving towards a more sinister direction, one probably encouraged by the dithering Jonathan presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The new suggestion is that Boko Haram terrorism, not to say the abductions in particular, is a ploy by the North to pressure Dr Jonathan to abandon his re-election plan. This shocking argument is further divided into two areas: first is that the North, loosely defined, believes the presidency is its birthright and is therefore loathed to staying out of power

—Human rights group, Amnesty International, giving a damning verdict on the military for its handling of last month’s abduction of 276 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, by Boko Haram terrorists.

Jonathan and Chibok: the nonsense about conspiracy theories for too long; and second is that there really is a subterranean religious agenda undergirding Boko Haram with the intent to annihilate other religions and helped the North promote Islam nationally.

Sadly, the Jonathan government has recklessly exploited these arguments and fears by adducing facts to corroborate the notion of northern and religious dominance. Only a few days ago, the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA), an amorphous group purporting to represent the South as a whole, underscored these fears by affirming its opposition to a government produced by what it described as the dynamics of insurgency and blackmail. The group boasts members like former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, represented by Dozie Ikedife, Edwin Clark, an elder statesman, and Bolanle Gbonigi, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church. The group was in other words saying that Dr Jonathan was being pressured to either abjure re-election or, if he goes ahead to contest, lose on account of his failure to curb the insurgency. A former minister from the SouthSouth zone, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, also identified with this trenchant and rampant falsehood by suggesting that Dr Jonathan was a victim of orchestrated manipulations by shadowy northern forces.

The SNPA’s conclusion is inelegantly couched in uninterrupted fallacy. It said: “Let it be known that the people of Southern Nigeria shall not allow themselves to be ruled by any government that is a product of insurgency or blackmail if the sponsors of insurgency in this country think they can brow-beat and pummel the government of President Goodluck

Jonathan to abdicate the authority and mandate freely given to him by Nigerians to rule this country.” This farcical reasoning is not an aberration. It is rampant even in the supposedly enlightened Southwest, where many have allowed themselves to be seduced by such farfetched and unfounded ideas about the country’s power dynamics and power equation. In addition, this farcical reasoning forms the overwhelming logic and bedrock of the Jonathan presidency, where officials unable to provide answers to Dr Jonathan’s abysmal failure as president have sought diversionary and emotive explanations both to explain contemporary events and to anticipate and possibly deflect what looks certain to be an electoral disaster.

It is, therefore, clear that Dr Jonathan rests his present and future political fortunes on the divisive tripod of alleged northern hegemonic machinations manifesting through Boko Haram insurgency, religion, and his ethnic status as a minority. Both he and his supporters downplay, if not excuse, his failures, his lack of charisma, his stark inability to provide leadership in moments of crises, his miscomprehension of the economic and social dynamics engendering crises in the country, his poor judgement and uninformed choices, and his preference for insular, retrogressive and parochial company. Dr Jonathan has often accused his opponents of politicising the insurgency. But he is in fact more disposed than anyone else to evoking politics as an explanation for his lack of a sense of urgency in national affairs. It is not surprising that the world

Government’s whimsical approach to counterterrorism

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ITHER because it lacked the imaginativeness to do what is right or because it believed no abductions took place on April 15, the Jonathan presidency did not wake up to the full import of the kidnap of more than 200 schoolgirls of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. For more than two weeks after the abductions, the federal government pretended the problem was not as serious as the rest of the world thought it to be. But after worldwide consternation over the abductions reverberated as far as Nigeria itself, the Jonathan presidency reluctantly roused itself from slumber. That rousing, however, did not include visiting Borno State or immediately putting into place effective strategies to solve the shocking crime.

Instead, the awakening led to a flurry of activities in the presidency. Dr Jonathan summoned everyone but the military commanders on the ground. Since he had apparently met with his top security chiefs, that step was more than enough. But what did he discuss with them, if after meeting them they still could not convince him the abductions took place? And rather than handle

•Badeh

•Minimah

the Borno State officials that met with him between May 3 and May 4, like a statesman, especially because the entire security machinery rests on his own shoulders, the president and his police chiefs treated them harshly, almost as if they believed the Borno officials orchestrated the abductions.

A day after the unpleasant experience with the president and the police, the same Borno government officials were hauled before the first lady. The officials were subjected to worse indignities, with the first lady all but accusing them of trying to undermine her husband. Even in a military government, that kind of atro-

cious intervention was unlikely. The first lady thereafter summoned another expanded meeting to which she invited more state and federal officials. There she indulged in indescribable histrionics and concluded she didn’t think there was any abduction; or that if there was, the Borno State government, not her husband’s administration, had the responsibility of rescuing the schoolgirls. By May 8, however, Dr Jonathan had seemed convinced abductions that outraged the world indeed occurred, and had begun to declare with his customary optimism that given the involvement of the rest of the world, Boko Haram’s end was near.

It was an eventful week, the like of which Nigerians may never witness again, not in two lifetimes. In three or four frenetic days the president, his enthusiastic and boisterously proselytising wife and somnolent aides had run the whole gamut of emotions between disbelief, epiphany, and exultant embrace of new realities. It would be tragic indeed if this state of suspended animation were to continue after 2015 because some obtuse thinkers believe that the gentle Dr Jonathan is a victim of an indeterminate conspiracy by internal hegemonists.

press has dismissed him as a weak and ineffective politician presiding over a massively corrupt government.

Examined closely, the silly argument that the insurgency is a ploy to weaken and discourage Dr Jonathan does not hold water. If Boko Haram was designed to undermine Dr Jonathan, why was it founded before he assumed the presidency? It is known that the group, which was first described as the Taliban equivalent of the Afghanistan Taliban movement, had its beginnings in the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency. It later became virulent under the Umaru Yar’Adua government during which time its former leader, Mohammed Yusuf, was extra-judicially murdered by policemen. Not only was it clear that the last two governments misunderstood the sect, they also underestimated the social, economic and religious forces that drove it into extremity.

Dr Jonathan cannot also be exculpated from mismanaging the revolt. Apart from his failure in appreciating the threat constituted by the sect to national cohesion and stability, he also vacillated for a long time on whether to fight or mollify the sect. Even when he was encouraged by analysts to declare the sect a terrorist organisation, and foreign governments were prepared to take a lead in that direction, Dr Jonathan led a campaign to dissuade foreign categorisation of the sect as terrorist, while he also tried to pacify the group and describe it as a part of the Nigerian family. He left matters too late until the sect became a fierce ogre. Now he is encouraging the tendentious opinion that Boko Haram is a northern scheme designed to humiliate him as a southerner and Christian, an opinion strangely embraced uncritically by many in the South and elsewhere, an opinion that is sadly gaining foolish currency.

If indeed Boko Haram is a northern scheme to defeat or undermine Dr Jonathan, is the military also a northern army? Dr Jonathan has twice changed the leadership of the army. On both occasions, he opted for southerners. And since his army commanders and rank and file are not only northerners, why have they not devised brilliant tactics to defeat the sect? Are the factors hindering the army the making of northerners only? The truth is that the military is demoralised, and its equipment, sometimes in quality, and at other times in volume, do not match those of the insurgents.

As testified by grieving Chibok parents, and contrary to what the military would have the people believe, when the insurgents raided Chibok, the army was forewarned and the detachment defending the town radioed for help. No help came. Soldiers have also told of tactical inadequacy and corruption in the war efforts, even as Chibok natives confirmed that the military never embarked on hot pursuit of the insurgents after the abductions.

Blaming intrigues and northern blackmail for Dr Jonathan’s evident inadequacies and poor leadership is an elaborate ruse.

While it is true that some politicians might have connived at the insurgency in its early years and even sponsored it, and while religion and ethnicity have become depressing and distortionary factors in Nigerian politics, these do not explain the president’s idiosyncratic failures. And whether the schoolgirls are rescued or not, or whether Dr Jonathan gets a second term or not, nothing will redeem him from his staggering lack of vigour and accomplishment in the face of stirring national challenges. He is one of a few damned by both their successes and failures. Nor will the multinational help he is receiving rescue his presidency from total failure or even imbue it with the right mix of policies required to rebuild Nigeria and make it a great nation. If they are capable of it, Nigerians must assess the Jonathan presidency more scrupulously than ethnic and religious jingoists have done. If in spite of themselves they manage to do that, Nigerians will uncover unsightly evidence that would lead them to punish this failed government severely in the 2015 polls. But if they don’t, the consequences will be inescapable and dire.

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Website: www.thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: FESTUS ERIYE