May 24, 2014 by The Nation

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BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Sultan condemns forcible conversion of Chibok girls

HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Muhammed Abubakar, yesterday deplored the forcible conversion to Islam of the Christian contingent of the over 200 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok by their Boko Haram abductors. The Sultan, who is also the President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and leader of the Nigerian Muslim community, said in Ibadan, Oyo State, that Islam is not in favour of forcible conversion, adding that the action of the Boko Haram sect is in utter contravention of Islamic principles. He spoke at the commissioning of the Bodija Estate and Environs Muslim Community Islamic Centre. The Sultan described the abduction of the girls as ungodly, un-Islamic and a negation of the teachings of Prophet Mohammed on peaceful co-existence.

Boko Haram: Lawmaker raises fear of widespread violence Precious DIKEWOHA, Port Harcourt

HE lawmaker representing Akuku-Toru/ Asari-Toru Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dawari George, has expressed concern over the likely spread of violence across the country, following increase in Boko Haram’s attacks on the country. He said the inability of the Federal Government to bring the menace to an end was beginning to create tension and anxiety among Nigerians. The lawmaker stated this yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital during the launch of a book entitled Avenger of Blood, written by Pastor Franklin Finecountry Speaking after the book launch, George said that if the Federal Government does not resolve the Boko Haram debacle as quickly as possible, it could turn into a sectarian violence which will affect the overall development of the country. He noted that when people are hungry and have no reasonable means of earning a living, they would seek for alternative means of surviving, like engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping and other related criminal activities, to make ends meet. He said: “Government has focused more attention now on issue of security at the expense of development. When energetic youths who are supposed to drive development through positive engagement are busy carrying arms and wreaking havoc in the land, then there is serious problem. “This at the end will usher in food scarcity which in turn will translate into widespread hunger

Tayo JOHNSON, Ibadan

He charged the Muslim community to let the generality of Nigerians understand that Boko Haram members are not genuine Muslims but criminals. Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State shared the Sultan’s views, saying there is absolutely no connection between Islam and Boko Haram’s activities. Governor Ajimobi described Islam as a religion of peace and urged Muslims to always play active roles in Islamic activities for the development of the religion. The Chairman of the Islamic community, Alhaji Tiamiyu Giwa, also condemned Boko Harams’ continued abductions and killings in the North, while the guest lecturer at the event, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Oladosu, berated the insurgent group for converting the abducted girls to Muslims. “This is not an Islamic injunction, but an aberration,” he said. The Sultan will tomorrow in Abuja lead Muslims at a special prayer session as part of the effort to check the security challenge caused by Boko Haram in the country. He has invited prominent Muslim leaders and clerics to

the prayers slated for the National Mosque in Abuja. The National Muslims Prayers for Peace and Security in Nigeria is aimed at helping the country in “overcoming the current security challenges facing the country.” The prayers are coming on the heels of an open letter to

the Sultan by a prominent Northern rights activist and author, Mallam Shehu Sani, who has been part of several past efforts to end Boko Haram’s five-year deadly uprising through dialogue. Sani said Nigeria’s top clerics should do more to help secure the release of more than

•Workers queuing to enter their offices at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja yesterday.

reach out to the insurgents and amicably retrieve these girls via means that will guarantee their safe return,” Sani wrote during the week. “The Chibok girls have guns on their heads and chains on their hands and we have a dangling sword of posterity hanging over our heads,” he added.

PHOTO: NAN

We’re in war with unknown enemies —Jang

LATEAU State Governor, Jonah David Jang, has described last Tuesday’s bombing in Jos and its devastating impact on the people’s lives and property as war with unknown enemies. Governor Jang made the remarks during his visit to the scenes of the carnage shortly

Yusufu AMINU Idegu, Jos after arriving from his oversea’s trip yesterday. Jang, who was visibly angered by the incident, said: ”I can now agree we are in a war situation. But the unfortunate situation is that we don’t know the enemies that are fighting us.

“This type of war is different because the enemies are unknown or are hiding. You don’t know who the enemy is or where he is coming from. You don’t know where to tackle him until he takes you by surprise like in a situation like this. “These enemies of Plateau most of the time are com-

TMG tasks Jonathan on abducted girls

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been called upon to take more decisive steps in rescuing the 276 Chibok girls abducted by members of the Boko Haram sect. Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), a coalition of civil society groups, made the call at a press conference in Lagos. Addressing newsmen, the chairman of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, admonished the President to stop talking from both sides of his mouth and take decisive steps towards rescuing the girls. He said: “The President should stop talking from both sides of his mouth without taking actions that will lead to rescuing the abducted girls. Even if the girls have been taken outside the country, the Federal Government should

Innocent DURU do something. They should work with the government of other African countries on this matter. “President Jonathan should employ George Bush, the former President of America’s pattern in this regard by declaring any country that fails to work with Nigeria as an enemy of the country.” Zikirullahi bemoaned the state of the country, saying: “Today we live in a period where life is extremely difficult for the majority of Nigerian people. Fourteen years after the return to civilian rule, the political space is still authoritarian. “Decadence and degradation continue to characterise every aspect and sphere of our na-

tional life. The ruling elites, grafted on rotten and corrupt economic system, are throwing the working class into extreme conditions to make more and more money for themselves.” He also expressed concern about the forthcoming 2015 general elections, noting: “Already the ethnic, regional and sectarian drum is being beaten. Various groups are talking about marginalization on ethnic, regional and religious lines. If we are not careful, we run the risk of fighting along these lines and further dividing the country. We risk inheriting the prejudices of the politicians and become their foot soldiers in their battle cries that are absolutely senseless and meaningless. This would not be good for the health of the country.”

Sect kills 30 in reprisal attacks on vigilance groups

200 school girls held hostage by Boko Haram, whose mass abduction from a school in Chibok in the northeast on April 14 has drawn worldwide condemnation. “Religious clerics, particularly in the north, should move beyond prayers and independently move further to

OKO Haram is now targeting vigilance group members in Borno State killing about 30 in separate attacks on at least two villages in Borno State on Thursday. Attacked were Morofo in Marte local government area where 25 were killed and Kinmi in Biu Local government area which lost five residents. The deceased were described as members of the local vigilance groups. The Boko Haram attacks

appeared to be reprisals on vigilance groups following the recent killing of scores of Boko Haram members by vigilance groups in two communities in the state. Most villages have formed vigilance groups to protect their communities from militant attacks. Residents from Morofo and Kinmi said the invaders came in a convoy and gathered the men of the community together. They accused them of being

members of vigilante groups and killed them all, one villager from Moforo who escaped across the border to Cameroon told the BBC Hausa service. They then burnt down all the shops in the market, leaving the villagers destitute, he said. A resident of Kimbi village said the villagers contacted the security forces to alert them to their attack, but were told it was not an area under military control so they could not be helped.

ing from outside the state and outside Nigeria.” While calling on the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators of these crimes and their sponsors to book, Governor Jang said “those who have made and are making threatening statements should be arrested and questioned.” He encouraged the people of the state to expand their level of security consciousness by being alert even when they are sleeping. “Everywhere we go, citizens should be extra-conscious because the enemies are around us,” he charged.

He also cautioned politicians against using every means to gain political advantage. Commenting on the abducted Chibok girls, Jang said: “We are all concerned about the missing girls. But rather than protesting daily, we should join hands with the Federal Government and the international communities to address the issues before us, because Africa is looking up to us.” Governor Jang charged journalsts to be professional in their reportage of the twin blasts in a way that will not incite the general public.

Military did not deny us access to Chibok, says committee

HE Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the Abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls has refuted the report that members of the committee were on Thursday denied access to Chibok by the military authorities. A national newspaper had reported on Friday that the committee members were stranded in Maiduguri, owing to the refusal of the military authorities to provide them military escort to the town. But a statement released by the committee’s spokesperson, Mr. Kingsley Osadolor, yesterday stated that contrary to the newspaper’s report, no restriction was placed on the visiting committee members. Osadolor said: “The story is false, misleading, and erroneous. The Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the Abduction of the Chibok Schoolgirls was not restrained from visiting Chibok on Thursday. “Rather, the Committee was engaged in another round of intensive interaction with military, police and state security commanders. The interaction began in the morning and lasted until early afternoon when the Committee had another interface with a group of stakeholders. “I should state that the meeting with the commanders was the second since the Committee arrived in Borno on Sunday evening. The first interaction took place on Monday.” Osadolor further stated that the committee had interfaced with members of Borno Elders Forum as well as representatives of the Chibok community, adding that the committee was briefed by the district head of Chibok, Mr. Zannah Mai Chibok on Wednesday. “On the findings of the Committee, I would like to inform you that the Committee has made substantial progress in its assignment. The Committee has received the cooperation of the various stakeholders the Committee has interacted with. “However, the work of the Committee is not finished. The Committee will visit Chibok, and you will be informed accordingly,” the statement added.

BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

News 3

FG may swap Boko Haram’s wives, kids for abducted girls

S part of the ongoing backdoor talks with Boko Haram, the Federal Government may be disposed to the release of people described as soft detainees of the sect to secure freedom for the more than 200 school girls abducted by the group last month.

•Fact-finding committee meets Chibok leaders in Maiduguri, war commanders Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The soft detainees are the wives and children of Boko Haram members in various

facilities nationwide. The government is not keen on outright swap of the girls with Boko Haram members in detention, The Nation gathered yeterday. The Presidential Fact-Finding Committee on the girls’

abduction yesterday in Maiduguri met with leaders of the Chibok community. A top source said last night that the talks are progressing well with feedback from both sides. “The government may consider the release of only soft detainees in line with international rules of engagement,” said the source. It added that the soft detainees are wives and children of Boko Haram members detained by the Federal Government. “They are vulnerable people for whom the rules of engagement allow some human rights waivers,” the source added. It described the gesture as a continuation of a similar approval by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013. Responding to a question, the source added: “It is still at the level of contemplation. But the talks are ongoing. “Certainly, there will be no outright swapping of the girls with Boko Haram members who are in detention.” The source said the government was looking at this option because most Nigerians want the girls back alive.” Asked about the stage of the rescue operation for the girls, the source added: “Up till now, it is still at the level of intelligence gathering, to lo-

cate where they are kept. “Once the area or camp is located, it will not take less than six hours to liberate the girls. “We have got intelligence report that most of these girls are alive but we are trying our best to locate the exact spot of the camp or camps where they are held hostage.” Meanwhile, the Fact-Finding Committee yesterday met with leaders of Chibok Community in Maiduguri. Spokesperson for the Committee, Kingsley Osadolor, said the panel “ had made substantial progress in its assignment,” and received the cooperation of the various stakeholders it had interacted with. “However, the work of the committee is not finished. The Committee will visit Chibok, and you will be informed accordingly.” Osadolor also gave insight into the activities of the committee since Monday. The statement added: “Military Commanders, the state Commissioner of Police, state Director of the Department of State Services, Commanders of Customs, Immigration, and Prisons formations, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have taken turns to brief the Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the Chibok abduction.

“The meetings took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the Committee is carrying on with its assignment. The first round of interactions took place till late on Monday night, while the second session continued on Tuesday. “Others who have interfaced with the Committee are principal officers of Government Secondary School, Chibok, where the mass abduction took place, and the Chairman of Chibok Local Government.” The statement quoted the Chairman of the Committee, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo (rtd) as saying: “We are pleased with the candour of the officers. In the light of what we have heard and ascertained from the intensive engagement so far, I am confident that the Committee will discharge its mandate.” “Part of the Committee’s task is to articulate a framework for a multi-stakeholder action for the rescue of the missing girls, as well as mobilise the surrounding communities and the general public on citizen support for a rescue strategy and operation. “The Commanders, who interacted with the Fact-finding Committee, have been in the theatre of conflict with the insurgents, including the material time of the abduction of the schoolgirls.”

Ugandan President faults Nigeria’s reliance on foreign help to rescue Chibok girls

P •APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right), commissioning Gusau township road, one of the 43-kilometre township roads constructed by Gusau Local Government, on Thursday, while Yobe State Governor, Abdulazeez Yari, looks on.

IVES of soldiers at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri yesterday protested the bad transport situation at the facility. They complained to the new General Officer Commanding the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, BrigGen M.Y. Ibrahim, that the ban on commercial motorcycles in the barracks was making life difficult for them as they had to walk over long distances to and from town. The ban was imposed by the former GOC, Maj-Gen. Ahmadu Mohammed, for fear that Boko Haram members might use motorcycles to infiltrate the barracks. Brig-Gen. Ibrahim was said to have granted the request of the protesters.

RESIDENT Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has faulted the involvement of foreigners in the effort to rescue the more than 200 school girls abducted by Boko Haram in Borno State. Museveni, a former guerrilla leader said it is inconceivable that he would seek foreign help to protect Ugandans. He was addressing a rally of his party at Zirobwe Town Council grounds. “I have never called the United Nations to guard your security. Me, Yoweri Museveni to

say that I have failed to protect my people and I call in the UN....I would rather hang myself,” Museveni was quoted as saying by the pro-government New Vision newspaper. He added: “We prioritised national security by developing a strong army, otherwise our Uganda would be like DRC, South Sudan, Somalia or Nigeria where militias have disappeared with school children. “It would be a vote of no confidence to our country and citizens if we can’t guarantee our security. What kind of persons would we be?” he asked amidst cheers from the crowd.

Soldiers’ wives protest in Borno over welfare

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The Defence Headquarters yesterday denied reports suggesting mutiny at the Maimalari Barracks. The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the alleged mutiny was concocted by an online medium. Olukolade said: “What the online outlet garnished and dubbed as ‘mutiny’ was just a presentation of complaints by representatives of personnel families who wanted the ban on motorcycles as a means of public transporta-

tion in the barracks reversed. “Soldiers were not involved and there was no single shot fired by soldiers throughout the period as claimed in the report. “The ban was part of security measures put in place for the safety of the soldiers and their families.

“The Acting General Officer Commanding obliged their request and directed a suspension of the ban pending when the planned alternative transportation arrangement is put in place. He was not insulted or manhandled as reported. “The imputation of mutiny was concocted by the online

medium ostensibly to raise false alarm and create the impression of disquiet in the military. “Mutiny is a very grievous breach that attracts severe sanctions in the military and should not be trivialised by those who do not understand its ramifications.

“The general public is therefore requested to discountenance the rumours as no such incident took place. The mass media is again requested to beware of lifting stories on the military from online media as this has become the main channel of disseminating falsehood on happenings in the system.”

Military discovers rocket launcher production facility in Kano

HE Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, announced yesterday that the army had uncovered a rocket launcher production facility in Kano.

The discovery, according to him, was made during a cordon-and-search operation in Dorayi District, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. He said: ”The discovery

According to Okonjo-Iweala, “defence spending is top in everything. You know that military establishments need new things to assist them in their work, and ours will not be different. No budget will be enough to meet their demands but for now, I think the sector takes almost a trillion of the budget.” She stated that defence budget in 2014 is “about N968.127 billion and we have disbursed N130.7 billion between January and April 2014,

N85.9billion out of what has been disbursed is for personnel cost. Oknojo-Iweala said the military is in charge of its personnel salaries “because they are yet to be integrated into the IPPIS. On the late passage and signing of the 2014 budget, the finance minister said the delay would not affect the running of the economy as the existing laws give the executive power to spend up to 50 per cent of the annual budget pending its

follows the arrest of a prominent member of the terrorist group (Boko Haram). “Locally made anti-aircraft gun and mortar accessories, as well as rocket propelled grenade tubes and

launcher along with accessories were recovered. “Also seized were three AK47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunition as well as drilling machines and other fabricating equipment.”

passage and signing. According to Okonjo-Iwela, “that is exactly what we have done and we have disbursed N200 billion for the first quarter of the 2014, based on what the law allows us to do. So the effect of the delay may be relatively minimal.” She also stated that N571 billion would be borrowed to bridge the gap (fiscal deficit), adding that the one per cent deficit gap, when analysed within the context of the Fiscal Responsibilty Act (FRA) provisions, which al-

lowed for three per cent, and global best practices is reasonable. The finance minister further disclosed that “from June 2014, the Federal Government will advertise for the people that will benefit in the initial 10,000 housing scheme, to give the young ones hope to live.” Sshe added that agriculture, aviation and solid mineral sectors would get support in the form of duties to buy equipment to support the sectors. The duties, she said, would be incentives at zero per cent.

Military received N130bn in three months, says Okonjo-Iweala

HE Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has denied claims by the Nigerian military and other security agencies that poor funding was undermining ongoing war against terrorists. She said that the Federal Government has been providing the needed funds to prosecute the war. She said, for example, that the military has received N130.7 billion from the Federal Government between January and April, 2014 while

Nduka CHIEJINA, Assistant Editor

another N3.8 billion had been approved by President Goodluck Jonathan but was still being processed and would soon be released to the military. Okonjo-Iweala made this declaration while briefing journalists on the breakdown of the N4.964 trillion 2014 budget signed by the President on Wednesday but handed over to her in Abuja yesterday.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Chibok girls: Deputy Governor’s wife organises prayer session

IFE of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu, has urged women in the state to pray ceaselessly until the abducted girls in Chibok, Borno State are released. Deaconess Odubu made the call yesterday in Benin City at a prayer session targeted at securing the release of the schoolgirls who were kidnapped by the Boko Haram insurgents. The deputy governor’s wife enjoined the women to be passionate in prayers aimed at touching the hearts of the Boko Haram insurgents who have been holding the schoolgirls captive. She said the onus is on women to ask for God’s inter-

Ben OGBEMUDIA, Benin vention in this trying moment in the nation’s history. Deaconess Odubu remarked that the prayer session was aimed to fight the common cause of restoring security in the country, irrespective of religion. In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Hajia Maimuna Momodu, told the congregation that the focus is on the alarming rate of insecurity in the country, stressing that women are worst hit irrespective of whether men or women are the victims. She maintained that the prayer session was not for the

schoolgirls recently kidnapped in Borno State alone, but for every Nigerian who is directly or indirectly affected by the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. State president of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajia Fatima Hassan, said Boko Haram is un-Islamic and, therefore, called for all hands to be on deck in the face of insecurity.

Rev. Christiana Ejemurua, in an exhortation, expressed confidence that the Chibok schoolgirls would be freed unhurt. The interim state All Progressive Congress (APC) woman leader in Edo State, Mrs. Modino Emovon, appealed to the kidnappers to release the girls. The prayer session was attended by the wife of the Speaker of the state House of

Assembly, Mrs. Jennifer Igbe; wife of the state Head of Service, Mrs. Blessing Obazele, local government chairpersons, Muslim women and the women’s wing of the Christian community. Also, High Priest Osemwengie Ebohon has advised the federal government against the use of arms against the Boko Haram insurgents. Ebohon recommended the adoption of diplomacy to

achieve the desired result. He spoke against the backdrop of global calls on Boko Haram insurgents to release over 200 girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State who were adopted last month. Ebohon said: “If we want to save those girls and more Nigerians, we should negotiate in a way that we will not lose our sovereignty”.

Ekweremadu pledges accelerated passage of PIB

HE Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday promised that the National Assembly would expedite action on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Ekweremadu spoke when he received a delegation of the newly elected National Executive Council of the Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Abuja. He said that the Senate was mindful of the benefits of the PIB to Nigerians and those in the petroleum sector and would work to enthrone the envisaged major reforms intended by the bill. Uche Anichukwu, his special adviser on media, quoted the Deputy Senate President to have said: “I would like to use this opportunity to assure you that progress is being made regarding the Petroleum Industry Bill. “We are committed to passing the Petroleum Industry Bill because we believe that it is going to bring major reforms in the industry. We want to solicit your patience and also your support towards passing it. “We are hoping that very shortly our committee will bring forth the report of the bill and we are going to give

Sanni ONOGU, Abuja it an accelerated hearing so that Nigerians and those who are in the industry will begin to have the benefits of reforms intended by this bill.” He urged IPMAN to remain patriotic and ensure steady supply of petroleum products to Nigerians given the enormous dependence of businesses on the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. He further implored them to be security conscious in their operations, saying that the task of securing the country involves all. Earlier, the leader of the delegation and National President of IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, said that IPMAN was committed to stability in the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry. He said IPMAN would stabilize petroleum products supply at the official rate, adding that the new leadership of IPMAN planned to establish two refineries in Kogi and Bayelsa states to further boost the nation’s economy. He added: “The only way we can think of building capacity in the downstream is to build refineries, and as I speak, we have concluded plans to build two refineries, one in the northern part of Nigeria and another in the southern part of Nigeria.

•Chairman, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote; Group Managing Director, Graham Clark and Deputy Group Managing Director, Engr. Abdullahi Sule at the Company's 8th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Anambra tribunal ends sitting •APC, PDP want Obiano sacked •Petitioners haven’t proved their case, says gov

Anambra State Elections Petitions Tribunal yesterday rounded off proceedings with all parties adopting their final addresses. The case involved the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate during the November 16th governorship election, Tony Nwoye, against the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Others included the IndeT

APC raises alarm over arrest, intimidation of members in Gombe

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged yesterday systematic arrest, harassment and intimidation of its members and supporters in Gombe by the PDP-led government in the state and the police. Interim National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in a statement in Lagos that the Gombe clampdown on APC members is similar to what obtains in Bayelsa State, “over which the party had cause to raise the alarm on May 14th, and is sure to extend to other states as the 2015 general elections approach, because of the desperation and anti-democratic credentials of the PDP.” The situation in Gombe State, Alhaji Mohammed said, is marked by the continuous destruction of APC properties, including offices, flags, posters, banners and billboards in most of the local government areas and party headquarters. ‘’Sadly, the police who are

maintained by taxpayers’ funds and are expected to be nonpartisan have been providing cover for the PDP agents who engage in this destructive spree, while being quick to arrest our members and supporters who try to resist the destruction of our party’s properties,” he said. ‘’In addition, the police engage in frequent arrest and detention of our youths and supporters, who are then charged to court in an action that is clearly aimed at weakening their resolve to exercise their constitutional rights of free association, and ultimately to destabilize our party. ‘’Such arrests and intimidation of our youth and other supporters have occurred in Dukku, Balanga, Kaltungo, Akko, Nafada and Gombe, and the latest occurred a few days ago involving the mass arrest of our members, especially youths.’’ The party expressed concern

that the arrests and other acts of intimidation are about to increase, as the Gombe Division of the Police has been tacitly empowered with a fleet of Hilux vans to destabilize the APC in Gombe Metropolis, which is the epi-centre of the arrest, detention and torture of APC members. The APC called the attention of the Police to the fact that the “destabilization of opposition political parties, arrest and intimidation of opposition members and supporters and the provision of cover for thugs to destroy the properties of opposition political parties are not part of the constitutional duties of the police, hence they should desist from engaging in what is clearly an unconstitutional act.” It asked the Police authorities to “ call their officers and men in Gombe to order, now that they have become an accomplice to political brigandage and also become glaringly partisan.’’

pendent National Electoral commission (INEC), Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chief Willie Obiano, among others. Emotions were high yesterday as the chairman of the tribunal, Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello, and his members, John Viko and Akintola Akinniyi, said they were touched for leaving Anambra. Furthermore, they said the relationship with the counsel and the audience had touched them and made them cry, adding that they were no longer advocates but policymakers. During the sitting yesterday, 12 senior advocates represented different parties at the tribunal. They were Hassan Liman SAN and Ahmed Raji SAN for INEC; Rotimi Akeredolu SAN and Emeka Ngige SAN for APC and Senator Ngige. Emma Ukala SAN, D.C Denwigwe SAN and Uchechukwu Ezechukwu SAN were for Tony Nwoye. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, Ken Mozie SAN and Emeka Anaenugwu SAN were for Obiano and APGA, while Patrick Ikwueto SAN and Osita Nnadi appeared for APGA. Ngige, jointly with his political party as well as Comrade Tony Nwoye and his party had all urged the Anambra State Election Tribunal to sack Governor Obiano and conduct a fresh election in Anambra. But Obiano and his APGA urged the tribunal to uphold the election results because

the petitioners had not shown substantial impact on the election in their various cases. These arguments were canvassed yesterday at the tribunal sitting in Awka, while adopting the summaries of final addresses of parties in three out of the four petitions currently before the three-man tribunal. While addressing the tribunal, Emeka Ngige submitted that the 3rd respondent in the matter (Obiano) against the impending issue of disqualification “had failed totally”. Ngige posited that the only person who could have established whether the 3rd respondent was culpable on the issue of multiple registration as well as giving false information to INEC in the course of nomination. He contended that INEC, not having called any witness, abandoned the 3rd respondent to his fate and allowed his defence to collapse. He, therefore, argued that that being the case, INEC – certified evidence before the court substantially and the pleading of the petitioners on EPT/AN/GOV/02/ 2013 and the evidence adduced by their witnesses on the matter remain unchallenged, unresponded to and uncontradicted. This, according to him, was conclusive proof for Obiano to be disqualified and a fresh election conducted in Anambra State. Ngige’s response was based on the submission of

Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, representing Obiano in the matter who urged the tribunal to hold that the accusation of substance before the tribunal against his client was that “he submitted a forged document to INEC for the election”. Buttressing Ngige’s argument, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, urged the tribunal to take a second look at Exhibit RR431 tendered by Obiano which he claimed was a transfer form for his voter registration particulars and discover that the title of the document was ‘CVR APPLICATION FORM’. “My lord, DVR stands for Continuous Voter Registration, which means that it cannot be a transfer form, but an application for a new form. “The form contains three sections and the 3rd respondent admitted that the completed and signed Section 1 of the document where in answer to a question if he had registered before, he wrote NO “Therefore, his evidence contradicted his claim in the sense that only those who have registered before can transfer in the contrary, the form is meant for application for a new form and the tribunal is urged to find that as a fact”, Akeredolu said. INEC, represented by Hassan Liman SAN, noted in its submission that the petitioners failed to display the three concerned voter registers to establish through comparison how substantial the effect on the election was.

NEWS 5

THE NATION

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

•From left: Secretary to the State Government, Mr Udom Emmanuel; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Mr Don Etim and Mrs Omotola Omotosho at the Governor's Lodge, Uyo after a visit to the state by Mrs Omotosho...recently.

•From right: Dr. Kayode Ogungbuyi (FITD), President, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITD); Mrs. Folakemi Oshiyemi (MITD), MD/CEO, Wormspring Waters Nig. Ltd, Guest Speaker and Rev Tunde Salawu (FITD), 1st Vice President, NITAD, at the 13th Induction Ceremony of NITAD held in Lagos recently.

Controversial memo: Presidency, PDP in secret plot to remove Nyako T HE Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to impeach Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State,it was learnt yesterday. Their decision is based on Nyako’s recent memo to Northern governors on the insecurity in that part of the country. The Presidency and the PDP consider the memo a danger to national security. They are also relying on the reports of security agencies into the allegations contained in Nyako’s letter. The security agencies, including the Police, have faulted Nyako’s observations and rated the letter as “subversive and seditious.” Barring a change of mind, the planned removal of Nyako is billed to commence within the next two weeks.

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Some forces in the Presidency and PDP are said to be uncomfortable with the April 16 letter written by Nyako in which he accused the Federal Government of genocide in parts of the North under the guise of fighting Boko Haram insurgency. The anti-Nyako forces ,sources said,claimed that the governor failed to substantiate the allegations at a session with the 36 governors in the country on April 24. They had initially proposed to the idea of President Goodluck Jonathan appointing military administrators for Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, but this was shot down after legal advice indicated that it was unconstitutional.

Lagos holds Day of Tributes for Otedola

s a way of giving a be fitting honour and rec ognition to Sir Michael Agbolade Otediola, former Governor of Lagos State who gave up the ghost on Monday, May 5 at a ripe age of 88, the government and people of the state will hold a special farewell ceremony for the statesman. The state government, which had earlier declared a week of mourning and the lowering of flags at half-mast, has accordingly set aside Wednesday, May 28 as “Day of Tributes” for the recognition of the great contributions of the Epe-born politician to Lagos State. The programme, which will hold at Onikan Stadium, Lagos from 10.00 a.m., is, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba, expected to attract dignitaries from all walks of life, including former governors of the state. A statement by the commissioner stated that the former governor would lie-in- state at his Epe residence on Thursday May 29 from 2.40 p.m., while Christian wake would hold at the same venue from 4.00 p.m. that day. The late octogenarian would be buried on Friday, May 30,

after a funeral mass at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibowon at 11.00 a.m., after which guests would be hosted to a reception at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Eredo.

The forces then opted for a plot to remove Nyako constitutionally from office using the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The first stage of the plot is to take total control of the House of Assembly from Nyako. That may have been achieved already after the PDP secured the support of a comfortable majority of the House on Wednesday with 25 members. The next stage of the plot is said to be the commencement of impeachment proceedings against Nyako which will be based on a letter to the Assembly detailing security reports on Nyako’s memo to Northern governors. A source familiar with the unfolding development said: “The lawmakers have already been told that security reports on alleged subversive activities of Nyako will be sent to them. “On the basis of the reports, the legislators are expected to initiate impeachment proceedings in line with Sections 188 and 189 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The lawmakers are expected to receive security reports on Nyako any moment from now based on seditious breaches as applicable in Section 50-60 of the Criminal Code Act (LFN).” It was learnt that once Nyako is removed, he would be made to face treasonable trial. A member of the state House of Assembly, who does not want his name in print, said: “We have got a verbal notice from the Assembly leadership that a letter is coming from the Presidency. “But as at the time we ended sitting on Thursday, we had not received any letter or memo or report on Nyako. “If the alleged constitutional breaches are made available to us, we will look at the letter or memo on merit.” Some stakeholders in Adamawa State have, however, warned members of the Assembly against the plot to remove Nyako. The stakeholders reportedly told the lawmakers that attempt to remove Nyako is aimed at creating animosity

between Muslims and Christians in the state. It was learnt that Muslim and Fulani leaders in the state have vowed to resist any attempt to make the Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari (a Christian) to succeed Nyako. One of the stakeholders said: “These forces in the Presidency should know that the fact that the PDP controls the majority in the state House of Assembly does not lead to automatic removal of Nyako. “The Muslims and Fulani in the state will feel shortchanged if Nyako is removed as governor and a Christian is made to succeed him in this circumstance. “The people of Adamawa State are not opposed to a Christian governor as was the the case with ex-Governor Boni Haruna, but it must be in a conducive atmosphere, not under treachery or duress. “When Boni was in charge, Muslim and Christian leaders in the state resisted plot by exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo to remove him because of his loyalty to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “When the chips are down, the PDP may not get the re-

quired two thirds to sack Nyako.” Another source said: “Adamawa may be thrown into a political turmoil, if moves are made by the presidency to remove Nyako. The governor may not be good and acceptable, but he fits into ethno-religious configuration of the state. “There is a cold war between the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Umar Fintiri, and the Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, which would make the removal of Nyako difficult. “Fintiri, who had upstaged Ngilari politically many times, will certainly not make him to be either acting or substantive governor.” It was gathered that ex-Vice President Atiku’s factor might frustrate any plans to remove Nyako because the battleline is drawn between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). A chieftain of the APC in Adamawa said: “We are aware of their plot, but they do not know that this state is different. If they have anything against Nyako, let them wait till the end of his tenure.”

Bayelsa hosts first investment forum

IRECTOR General, Bayelsa State Invest ment Promotion Agency, BIPA, Ms. Freda Murray-Bruce, has said that Bayelsa State is to host its first Investment and Economic Forum (BSIEF) in Yenagoa, the state capital. Ms. Murray-Bruce, who disclosed this, while briefing newsmen in her office in Yenagoa, explained that the event will hold between July 16 and 18. According to her, the forum, with the theme “Unlocking Bayelsa State’s Economic Potentials: Opportunities and Challenges,” will focus on wealth creation, sustainable business growth and success within the West African subregion. The DG stated that to demonstrate its commitment and the importance attached to the forum, the state government is to create an official website and

email account for easy flow of information. “We are very serious and committed to this programme and as a government, we have decided to create an official website and email accounts for easy communication and dissemination of all relevant information about the forum,” the DG said. Ms Murray-Bruce added that Bayelsa State Investment Economic Forum is intended to serve as a platform for Bayelsans, Nigerians and the world-at-large to convene, discuss and collaborate towards building the economy of the state as well contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. Describing the forum as most timely and relevant to the ideals and philosophy of the Restoration Government in Bayelsa State, she noted that the state was ripe for business, stressing that her agency was

committed to ensuring that the state overcomes those challenges that had impeded the growth of indigenous businesses as well as create a sustainable economic climate for indigenes and Nigerians to make the desired progress. The DG used the opportunity to outline some of the investment potential of the state to include: its rich landmark that offers vast economic opportunities in fish-farming, riceproduction, cassava, sugar cane, cocoa, salt mines and others that are vital for sustainable economic growth. She said that the state is currently intensifying its efforts at becoming a major player in the thriving oil and gas industry, adding that government is equally taking relevant steps to tap its clay, salt, sand, gravel, lead and zinc deposits in the State. The DG pointed out that the emergence of the MINT na-

tions (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) as frontier markets offers vast opportunities for investment and also prompted the economic forum, in order to address the perceived and real challenges of investing in Nigeria, while also presenting the immense potential of Bayelsa State as a firstrate location for investment. The forum, Ms MurrayBruce emphasized, is also expected to proffer solutions to the perceived challenges and how they can benefit investors, the economy of the state and offer a unique platform for researchers, policymakers, development partners and global investors to discuss investments in Nigeria with key government agencies in the light of the nation’s search for economic transformation. The DG disclosed that BSIEF will be staged annually as a leading platform for discussions on investments in con-

stituent local economies and with a focus on wealth creation as well as sustainable business growth in the West African sub-region. Ms Murray-Bruce said the the line up of activities for the forum include interactive sessions through conferences and workshops as well as a gala and dinner reception. She equally used the occasion to welcome relevant stakeholders like entrepreneurs, banks and other financial institutions, ICT companies, petrochemical industries, mobile payments and technologybased companies. Others are government agencies with responsibility for SME development, corporate organisations, food packaging companies, consumer products companies, NGOs and charities, media organisations, businesses and individuals dedicated to moving Nigeria forward.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

NEWS

INEC accredits 29 observer groups for Ekiti, Osun governorship polls HEAD of the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC, yesterday said it has approved twenty nine (29) Observers groups to monitor the elections. The accredited groups are expected to participate in the elections, scheduled for June 21, 2014 and August 9, 2014 respectively. The Commission noted that the accreditation was sequel to the initial application of the observer groups, as contained in the completed Form

n Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja n

EMOC 01 which was assessed by it. The electoral body, according to the Commission’s daily bulletin, also warned that any observer group other than those accredited found in the field in the course of the two elections would be prosecuted. The groups include Centre For Education (Aka) Transition Monitoring Group (TMG); Justice And Equity Organiza-tion; NEPAD Nigeria and Reclaim Naija; Centre For Democracy And Development; Centre For Peace

Building & Socio-Economic Resources Development (CEPSERD); Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre);Nigerian Bar Association; National Association For Peaceful Election In Nigeria; Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG); Rights Monitoring Group; Election Monitor; Police Service Commission; Cleen Foundation and Institute For Peace And Conflict Resolution. Others are: Research Initiative For Sustainable Development And Gender Awareness (RISDGA);Justice Devel-

Democracy Day: Kwara gives jobs to 5,200 youths

•The Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Olusegun Agangu (middle), flanked by Mr. Peter Obi (right) and the Chairman of Kunech Group, Mr. Nsofor (left) at the opening of the group's precision auto care complex, the biggest in the world, at Elemoro, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, yesterday

n Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin n S part of the activities to commemorate its third year anniversary, the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed-led administration has completed arrangements to engage the services of 5, 200 youths under its Quickwin empowerment programme. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who made the disclosure, told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, that the anniversary would be low-keyed, considering the current mood in the country. Alhaji Isiaka Gold added that the anniversary “will also feature the commissioning of projects in the road, water, energy and health sub-sectors. Besides, it will witness Children Day Celebration, Democracy Day Celebration and above all, the launching of the Quickwin Empowerment programme with the engagement of 5, 200 of our teeming youths in the first batch. This particular programme is aimed at reducing unemployment, enhancing livelihoods and productively engaging our youths. “Having said this, I want to make it abundantly clear that the week-long anniversary will commence on Friday, May 23, 2014 and end on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Among others, it will be used to showcase a number of government activities, projects and programmes. The celebrations will kick-start with prayers in Ilorin Central Mosque and Interdenominational Church Service.

Honour for Obasanjo, Kuffour, Tambuwal, others ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo and his onetime Ghanaian counterpart, Mr. John Kuffour have been listed for recognition at the Annual Leadership Award for African Achievers. The event which will hold on Sunday June 1, 2014, at the Balmoral Event Center, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos is the brainchild of Celebrity International Limited, publishers of Celebrity magazine. Other notable Nigerians listed for recognition are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers State), Rauf Aregbesola (State of Osun), Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Babatunde Fashola ( Lagos).

opment And Peace Commission (Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria); The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON);Women Arise For Change Initiative; EU Delegation – Abuja; International Foundation For Electoral System (IFES); United States Mission To Nigeria; High Commission of Canada; British High Commission; UNDP/DGD – Abuja; Embassy of Kindom of Netherlands; Embassy of Switzerland; Embassy of The Federal Republic of Germany and Embassy of France.

Ekiti poll: Opposition wants to stop me through judiciary, Fayose alleges T

HE candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday raised concerns over alleged moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use the judiciary to stop him from contesting the election. Fayose, while speaking to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state, through the PDP state Legal Adviser, Mr Kolapo Kolade, said, "the PDP has it on good authority that some APC sponsored personalities had already filed three suits in court with alleged intention to embarrass Fayose and frustrate his ambition." According to him, part of the scheme to stop Fayose include a petition written by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda to the judiciary in Kogi State, seeking the transfer of a case involving one Charles Ovie on the kidnap of Attah of Ayede, Oba Joseph Orisagbemi and the late Provost of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Dr Gabriel Olowoyo in 2009. Kolapo also said another chieftain of the party and former caretaker chairman of Ekiti West Local Government,

•He’s only afraid of his shadow –APC

n Sulaiman SALAWUDEEN, Ado-Ekiti n Mr Tajudeen Akingbolu had filed a suit at Ado Ekiti High Court seeking the payment of N10 million as damages over allegation that Fayose’s train barricaded the road at Igede Ekiti during a campaign rally he held recently, depriving his vehicle of passage. He said that the third suit was filed by an Ilorin based lawyer, Barr Rauf Balogun, who, according to him, claimed that Fayose was not competent to contest on account of his impeachment on October 16, 2006, and sought an injunction to restrain him (Fayose) from contesting. According to Kolapo, “In as much as anybody is free to institute legal action in any court of law, our judiciary should allow due process to prevail, as some politicians are boasting everywhere that they have judiciary in their pocket. "The judges should be cautious of the banana peel trap that had been set

for them by some politicians. They should allow the politicians to do their politicking on the field and not allow the courts to be used to derail democracy and cause confusion and anarchy in the state.” Denying the allegations, the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC, Mr Segun Dipe, noted that "Fayose is only afraid of his shadow", and advised him to stop raising false alarm. The APC spokesperson said: “The act of governance is different from politics. If you don’t want to be prosecuted, don’t commit offences. If Fayose deserves to be prosecuted, he has to. Is it because he is afraid of his past?” Dipe added: “Are you saying that if a man commits an offence, he should not be prosecuted simply because he is a candidate of a political party? “Whether we are in election or not, governance must continue. If anybody has committed any offence, that person must be prosecuted at any time”, Dipe concluded.

Robbery scare forces banks, businesses to close in Ado-Ekiti ommercial banks in Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State, were yesterday forced to shut their doors early, as a result of reports of attack on a new generation bank by armed bandits in the town. News of the alleged attack, which started at about 10am, sent panic across the business district, local markets and other nearby communities, forcing businesses, including banks, most of which had opened for business, into abrupt closures. According to findings, officials of some of the banks had to plead with customers to move out of the banking premises, consequent upon alerts which they claimed to have received "from reliable security sources".

•It’s false alarm –Police n Sulaiman SALAWUDEEN, Ado-Ekiti n Some of the customers, who lamented the experience, wondered why "such a critical institution like banks would depend so entirely on unfounded rumour to treat customers like nobodies". A customer, who said he had approached the bank to facilitate payment of some amount into a foreign account to process a transaction, maintained "Now, with this development today, I may have to wait till another three weeks." Speaking on the development, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the

Ekiti State Police Command, Mr Victor Babayemi, dismissed the development as "unfounded and even unfortunate". The PPRO clarified that there wasn’t any robbery in Ado Ekiti or any of the towns in the state, urging the public to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses without any fear. Said he: “The Command has put machineries in motion to deal with the situation. But I want to say that there wasn’t any case of robbery in Ado Ekiti its environ. “We are assuring the members of the public of adequate security. We also appeal that they should go about their normal businesses without fear.”

Group endorses Fayemi for second term HEAD of the June 21 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, a socioeconomic group, made up of Ekiti indigenes, the E-eleven, has endorsed the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for re-election. The group, led by its chairman, Mr Femi Ajiniran, during a visit to the Governor on Thursday evening, said they had keenly followed the activities of his administration since 2010 in order to ascertain whether the he would keep to the promises he made to the people of the state in his eightpoint transformation agenda. Ajiniran stressed that the assessment of the group showed that the Governor has performed creditably well in all the eight areas which his administration set out to address. The Chairman, while speaking for the group, said that the E-eleven discovered that Fayemi has not been influenced by money or the power of his office to make him abuse the people. He stressed that Fayemi has governed the state with panache and good character befitting of the governor of the state. "We have decided we will review your activities in the last few years viz a viz your eight-point agenda for the state. On each of the items, we found that you have done us proud and we are indeed happy. There were lots of factors we considered. Character was one of them. Some would get to the office and change, but you are still the old Dr Kayode Fayemi that we used to know. You have not changed. We know money can change people.’’

I will not run for anything in 2015, says Imoke n Nicholas KALU, Calabar n OVERNOR of Cross River State, Mr Liyel Imoke, has said he will not run for the Senate or any other position in 2015. The governor’ declaration may have put paid to speculations that the he is set to wrest the seat from the incumbent, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, next year. Speaking with reporters in Calabar, the governor also said he was not going to impose any governor on the people. His words, "People are arrogating powers to me that I don't want. They say they are waiting for me to speak or observing my body language. "I don't want to carry another person's political wish. People say I am looking for someone that would protect me. Am I stupid? Only a fool would look for someone to protect him. "Wouldn't it be great if Cross River State gets a good governor? I would not mind if whoever takes over does not even call me until the end of his tenure, so long as the person does what is right for the state." The governor said although he was not going to impose anyone, there was still need for discussion among stakeholders about who will emerge as the next governor.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

COMMENTARY 7

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The Americans have brought in drones and anti terror experts stationed in neighbouring Chad and would soon take care of Boko Haram while the business, or is it politics, of governance and re election go on as usual and undisturbed

UDGING from headline news about daily Boko Haram killings in Nigerian newspapers this week alone, one would wander why foreign nations like the US and Britain have not asked their citizens to flee Nigeria or avoid it like a plague altogether, instead according that dubious honour with alacrity to Thailand where a coup took place during the week. Yet both Nigeria and Thailand are vibrant democracies where elections are the identifying hall marks although the difference as shown this week is that while the Thai army has suspended the constitution, it has not included the part that concerns the key part of Thailand’s stability, which is the Thai monarchy. On the other hand, in Nigeria according to reports, the army chief of finance at a military training course for army accountants lamented that the army cannot defeat Boko Haram because it was underfunded and bureaucracy was hampering the release of even the meagre funds to an embattled army expected to end the Boko Haram horror swiftly, by first finding and bringing home safely our 200 Chibok girls. Obviously the difference is clear in the workings of the democracies of Thailand and Nigeria and that is food for thought today. We will however top the menu to be served with an icing on the cake in terms of the US involvement in Nigeria and its recent criticism that only the US is helping Nigeria on Boko Haram while the globally vocal France and Britain are yet to show up in Nigeria to contain Boko Haram as announced with fanfare since the unfortunate abduction of the Chibok girls last month. In all these situations we are going to show how good faith and honesty were lacking in the governance of the nations mentioned as well as their accomplices, not only in the practice of democracy but also in the conduct of diplomacy. We end up with some comments on Egypt’s presidential elections this week end, where populist democracy is being buried as the army chief returns in a key election, in a new democracy that puts priority on the security and stability of Egypt, rather than the sort that saw out former Egyptian dictator Housni Mubarak in Egypt in 2011. Which also was the kind that the army stamped out so, nastily albeit bloodlessly in Thailand this week. Starting with Nigeria, it must be said that in spite of the Boko Haram horror and the showing of CNN reporters in the hamlets of Chibok patrolling with vigilante groups at night, the president is yet to visit Chibok even though whole world has taken the plight of the Chibok girls to heart. The reason is quite clear. One does not need presidential spokesmen to clarify that this president is seeking re election and even though containing Boko Haram is in focus, it is not in contention with that democratic pursuit .So the politics of re election must go on willy nilly and in spite of Boko Haram and the Chibok girls. This surely explains why the president was reported to have told demonstrators in Abuja that they should direct their protests on the Chibok girls at terrorists and not his government as done in other places experiencing terrorism. In

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Boko Haram, politics and a dishonest world addition the president cannot be expected to lose key states where elections are expected soon to a rampaging opposition that is far ahead and proactive in proffering solutions to Nigeria’s numerous socio economic and political problems while being burdened with the issue of Boko Haram when, anyway, the government has renewed the State of Emergency which the governors of the three states of the North East never wanted. More importantly the Americans have brought in drones and anti terror experts stationed in neighbouring Chad and would soon take care of Boko Haram while the business, or is it politics, of governance and re election go on as usual and undisturbed. Which makes plain common sense although the huge security and stability implications are there for all to see. Thailand’s democracy however was a different kettle of fish before the army intervention this week. Too many demonstrations by pro and anti government forces represented by the red and yellow shirts and election by proxy by the Shinawatra family of the former Prime Minster wanted for corruption in Thailand, paralysed business and the Thai economy such that ordinary Thais are relieved by the intervention of the army. Of course the Thai politicians have themselves to blame, as from Thailand’s political history they knew that the army could always come in. They could even have been invited by the monarchy which like that of Britain is very much revered in Thailand. So, in brief, on Thailand let the politicians rue their excesses in terms uncontrolled, frequent and paralysing demonstrations for now and hope to strike a deal with the military soon, so as not to prolong military rule. As said earlier, it was reported widely this week that US Secretary of State John Kerry took a rare swipe at France and Britain over their promised help to help Nigeria fight Boko Haram and find the abducted Chibok girls. John Kerry spoke at an anniversary dinner in the US and noted that France criticised the US for not attacking Syria over the use chemical weapons by the Bashar Assad regime after Kerry had elaborately shown the civilised world that the American government had ample evidence to punish Assad. Obviously Kerry was trying to tell the French who know more about the Sahel where Boko Haram is operating to be more forthcoming in helping Nigeria to fight Boko Haram as promised instead of developing cold feet at the last minute. At least the US Secretary of State wants France to use the same zeal it used to put pressure on the US to attack Syria on chemical weapons earlier, on its promise to help Nigeria fight Boko Haram in its backyard in Africa . Which really in recent times, given the decisive French military interventions in Mali and Central African Republic, is what ECOWAS sub region or the treacherous Sahel and its creeping desert where Boko Haram

and militant Islamists operate with impunity, have become for France in Africa. Definitely as a concerned Nigerian I do not think the US Secretary of State is asking too much of France this time around and would appreciate a quick and positive French rethink on the matter to save Nigeria from terrorism. Lastly the presidential election in Egypt provides another dubious face of democracy very much tied to security and political stability. The presidential elections have two candidates but one of them is there just to make up the numbers. The Egyptian army is mid -wifing the delivery of its erstwhile boss former Field Marshal Fatah El Sisi as the next elected president of Egypt. Not surprisingly, move is viewed with relief and satisfaction by most Egyptians after the tumult and violence of two street revolutions that overthrew former dictator Housni Mubarak who was deposed in 2011 and replaced by elected president Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood which has now been branded and outlawed in Egypt as a terrorist organisation and its members sentenced to death en masse in recent times. Today, the fate of both Mubarak and Morsi are extremely different while that of Egypt is being put firmly in the hands of Sisi by the ongoing presidential elections. Morsi is awaiting trial for treason and in prison and the penalty for that is the death penalty. Mubarak on the other hand is in military custody and was this week fined pittance and jailed three years for corruption and massive embezzlement while in power for almost three decades. It is clear that under Sisi, Egypt will slide back to a highly controlled democracy that puts human rights at arms length while guarding and protecting jealously its stability and security against its own version of Boko Haram which is the Islamic Brotherhood which it has driven underground again by banning. So Egypt has defined its own democracy on its own terms which was what then Field Marshal Sisi told a Pentagon official when he asked the Americans to see Egypt through Egyptian eyes. Now those eyes will be converted or metamorphose to another round of Pharaonic democracy when the rituals of democracy confer the presidency of Egypt on Sisi in this presidential election in the mould of past elections that created a long line of military dictators. Its pedigree goes back to the late Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Housni Mubarak with the Muslim Brotherhood condemned to political perdition and its formerly elected president Mohammed Morsi awaiting the call of the executioner. Really under these circumstances it is very difficult to say long live Egyptian or Pharaonic democracy. Yet, this is the destiny of Egypt in the ensuing Sisi presidency after this election. Sadly to me this is vintage democratic fraud and farce at its best and one can only wonder what will happen next in Egypt, in the name of democracy.

Lagos 2015: An oba’s personal wish is his prerogative “You can't pick and choose which types of freedom you want to defend. You must defend all of it or be against all of it.” — Scott Howard Phillips O much has been made of the statement credited to the highly respected Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who, at a recent book launch, reportedly assured one of the presumed aspirants to the office of the Governor of Lagos State of his selection by the ancestors and ‘key elders of Lagos’ as the next Governor of Lagos State. I know that such statements are not unusual in the months leading up to an election year. However, I also understand the concerns of those who have reacted strongly. Lagos is unarguably the most important state in Nigeria in terms of economic and commercial activities. It is also the most diverse state in terms of the confluence of different tribes and nationalities. Lagos is also the preferred gateway to Nigeria for many international visitors and, more importantly, Lagos has been and remains the home to the progressive ilk of Nigerian politics and the hotbed of democracy and human rights activism. It is, therefore, understandable that any statement respecting the emergence of the next Governor of Lagos State tends to generate intense interest and invite scrutiny. It appears, however, that the concerns and fears are misplaced or unfounded. In fact, there are a number of positive lessons to take away from this episode. The first is that, by coming out candidly to announce his preferred candidate, the Oba of Lagos has cemented his reputation as a forthright and transparent Oba who will not exploit his office to gather gifts and favours from all shades of the political spectrum. I understand that those who argue that Nigerian traditional rulers are not expected to wade into the political arena and that, being the custodians of the traditions, culture and hopes of people, they are supposed to be the ‘father of all’, accommodating all shades of political opinions and preserving and reserving their positions as acclaimed unbiased arbitrators in the event that the formal rules of engagement are unable to resolve differences in the society. However, it is important to point out that many tra-

• Oba Akiolu

Moruf ADEJO

ditional rulers have exploited this apolitical but influential status to immorally enrich themselves by taking gifts from all sides. Those who know the Oba of Lagos very well readily testify that the laudable qualities of frankness and honesty are the very qualities that his detractors despise. In this case, he could have chosen to ‘sit on the fence’ and leave the door open for all the aspirants to keep bringing gifts in order to secure his support. Instead, the Oba has chosen the path of honour. He should be commended. The second positive lesson from this episode is that the Oba of Lagos has taught us all a lesson in the need to freely and fearlessly exercise our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. As noted by the Icelandic Human Rights Centre, “the freedom of expression is a right without which other rights are difficult to acquire and defend. As freedom of expression is a foundation for religious and political activities, it is often exercised in concert with the right to freedom of thought and assembly.” In this respect, the profound observation of Mehmet Murat Ildan comes to mind: “Man must be able to think freely and he

must be able to express his thoughts freely! He who is against this is not only fascist and primitive but at the same time is a very great coward also! Only the brave and the honourable men are never afraid of freedom of thought and freedom of expression of ideas! Just like the cockroaches do not like the light, evil minds also do not like the freedom of thoughts!” Now, whether the Oba’s expressed wish and views are consistent with the expectations of certain persons is another matter entirely. The satisfying and gratifying observation is that the Oba has fearlessly expressed his personal wish and, in so doing, has honourably closed the door to lobbyists and political jobbers currying favours for political aspirants. Yet another positive lesson from this episode is the indirect manner in which the Oba has called attention to the All Progressive Congress’ unparalleled stewardship of resources and trust in Lagos State. By siding with someone affiliated with the APC, the Oba is rightly reminding us all of the great and transformative work of the APC in Lagos State. The citizens of Lagos should, from experience, trust the institutions and processes of the APC to throw up competent and worthy personalities as governor. After years of neglect, Lagos started witnessing a new lease of life with the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and thereafter his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN). In a well-considered article reviewing the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State, Jide Ayobolu noted as follows in reference to the state of Lagos State as at May 29, 1999 when the Asiwaju took over the reins of governance: “A brief journey back into the fiscal, physical, economic and social conditions of Lagos some 13 years ago will reveal the following: a city buried in heaps of rubbish, a city almost swallowed up in crime, a people choked up in traffic, millions of unemployed youths, thousands of area boys on the prowl, decaying infrastructure, dwindling internally generated revenue and a city of over 12 million with hopelessly bad and damaged roads. The armed bandits also ruled the day and night. Lagos was Nigeria’s nemesis. Everyone loved Lagos, but no one, not past military and civilian governors could do anything about it. • Continued on page 60

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Exactly five years after the Joint Task Force (JTF) launched a military operation in Gbaramatu, a hotbed of militancy in Niger Delta, President Goodluck Jonathan returned to the area last Saturday to lay the foundation for a maritime university and NIMASA boatyard and dockyard projects. South South Regional Editor, SHOLA Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NEIL, revisits the military operation and examines the significance of the two projects

GBARAMATU:

From militancy hotbed to manpower hub

â&#x20AC;˘Ongoing construction work at the temporary site of the Maritime University.

Story on pages 14&15

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

•President Jonathan flanked by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right), Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra and others BOUT seven years after President Goodluck Jonathan went on a trouble-shooting mission to restive Okerenkoko in Warri, Delta State, he returned there last Saturday. But the situation was different. On his first visit, Jonathan was Vice-President and was head of a delegation from then President Umar Yar’Adua to convince militants in the region to drop their arms and embrace peace. Jonathan went to the den of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the home of its leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo). He visited Okerenkoko, the hotbed of the crisis. His security details were barred from going with him to the notorious Camp 5, where he and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan met with Tompolo and the top men under his command outside the prying eyes of the media. That was in 2007. When he returned last Saturday, as President, the path of his journey was much the same. But his mood and feeling as well as those of his hosts were different. The Nigerian Air Force helicopter (marked NAF 541), which brought the president, touched down at the Oporoza field at 11. 20am. The community was in a celebration mood – it was the annual Amaseikumo festival. Traditional dancers, gaily dressed women, members of the National Association of Gbaramatu Students, the IYC, political and socio-cultural groups, all resplendent in their various attires, came out in their numbers with cymbals and drums. The ogele (traditional wrestlers), their bulging biceps primed and glistering in the sun, were prepared to entertain the president and his entourage. Dressed in his trademark grey traditional attire and matching black shoes and

From militancy to manpower hat, the president, accompanied by the host governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Dr Willie Obiano of Anambra State were welcomed by traditional rulers from across the state. The festivity and conviviality of the second coming were tempered by the fate of over 200 school girls who were snatched from their hostel in faraway Borno State by armed Islamic extremist gang known all over the world as Boko Haram (Western education is forbidden). Jonathan cancelled the festivity in compassion for the missing Chibok girls. The contrast in both events was also not lost on the president. “I was here in 2007 as Vice-President; I was here on a journey that nobody smiled. I and everybody who followed us, nobody smiled and nobody drank water; where we visited, nobody smiled and nobody drank water. It was a much tense situation because there were so many crises in this part of the country. “Luckily, follow up on that visit and other government programmes, the Amnesty Programme, today we are smil-

ing, dancing and drinking. That tells us clearly that without peace, there cannot be development anywhere on earth. If the environment of Okerenkoko was like it was in 2005, 2006and 2007, we would not have been here.” The president’s statement was an indirect appeal to the rampaging Boko Haram in the North to lay down their arms and embrace peace in the interest of the growth and development of their areas. The projects were eloquent testimonies of the president’s assertion. The return of peace and return of the president to Gbaramatu have brought two very massive developmental projects, which are probably unparalleled in any coastal community in the region. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Shipyard and Dockyard and Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko and Kurutie communities would cost well over N100 billion, according to President Jonathan. The president said the projects were in response to demands for development in the region, training of manpower and

provision of job opportunities to reduce the pool of able-bodied young men and women available to be used for criminal activities such as illegal bunkering and militancy. He disclosed that the maritime sector was a veritable means of further boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and increasing productivity. He said with the signing of the Local Content Law, Cabotage regime and establishment of the university, the nation aims to join countries where the maritime sector contributes up to 40 percent of the GDP. An elated Governor Uduaghan said: “We want to thank you Mr. President because today, you are starting a movement in Warri South West that will make it the most educated, the most industrialised and the most empowered local government in Nigeria.” Coupled with the nearly $9 billion neighbouring Escravos Gas to Liquid Project of Chevron Nigeria Limited and the $16billion (N2.65 trillion) Ogidigben Gas City and Export Processing Zone projects, it is difficult to fault the gover-

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

•Comrade Kingsley Kuku, Special Adviser to President and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Committee (2nd left) and some religious leaders

•Tompolo (2nd left) with Chief Vero Tamgbowei and NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi (right) during Jonathan's visit to Gbaramatu

hotbed hub nor’s optimism. The proximity of the two projects means that either would feed off on the other. While the shipyard would provide practical experience point for the students of the NMU, graduates from the latter could find experience and employment in the former. Tompolo: From villain to hero It was also very significant that the dockyard and university projects were sited at Okerenkoko, which suffered the most devastation from the May 2009 military operation, and Kurutie, the paternal hometown of Tompolo, leader of the defunct MEND, who was the subject of the manhunt and the military operation that unleashed the carnages and wanton destruction of Gbaramatu from May to August 2009. The two communities were bombed from all fronts during the search for reserved warlord. Kurutie particularly suffered heavy destruction because of its closeness to Camp 5; the then JTF Commander, Maj-Gen. Sarkin-Yarkin Bello, said there was a back path from the camp to Kurutie. The Nation recalled that trouble broke

president on Niger Delta, Hon Kingsley Government for the success of the proKuku. He said: “Today, Gbaramatu Kinggramme, remarked that the age-long dom, which experienced military attack, is problems of the region persist, stressing: celebrating. This place where the presi“The Niger Delta region is today relatively dent is sitting celebrating with us is partic- peaceful not because the issues that led to ularly the place, the palace of the late the agitation have been addressed, but beAgadagba that was razed down by the cause of the need to give you (Jonathan) military and (is now) celebrating the life maximum support.” of Tompolo and the Niger Delta struggle. Udengs noted that there were yet to be Tompolo is a quiet young man who has concerted efforts to address the problems provided humble leadership for his peoof environmental degradation and the ple. He has supported me to succeed. He issue of resource control. He also listed the has supported his kingdom and Ijaw peo- Coastal Road to link most of the commuple.” nities in the region as well as the Bonny to Kuku described the day as one of the Port Harcourt, Yenegoa to Brass among best of days in the history of “our struggle road projects that the Federal Government as Niger Delta agitators commencing the needs to take over. modern one in 1992 up to 1999 when we On the issue of illegal bunkering and had the Kaiama Declaration, up to the pe- oil theft, the IYC leader said he viewed riod when they became a decline in im“the problem as a fall out of the unrepact and effect, sometimes negatively for solved question of resource ownership.” some of our communities, particularly The Regent of Gbaramatu, Oyagha PT Gbaramatu Kingdom and Odi commuHeavens, expressed hope that the projects nity and others in the Niger Delta.” would signal the development of the reDrawing what could be construed as gion, stressing: “This part of the country parallel to the Boko Haram insurgency in has been neglected and marginalised over the North, Kuku clarithe years by succesfied that the Niger Delta sive governments.” struggle was not inHe urged the I was here in 2007 tended to destroy the proper funding of as Vice-President; I the projects before Nigerian nation. “The intent was to draw the end of the presiwas here on a jour- the attention of governdent’s first tenure. ment to communal land “For this event to ney that nobody issues, justice in the take place in our life smiled. I and area of environment, time is a miracle and the rights of our people our people are overeverybody who for political space and whelmed with joy equal opportunity,” he and happiness. In followed us, nostated. fact, this is a dream The SA to the Presicome true for the body smiled and dent, who showered enpeople of the entire nobody drank comiums on Tompolo Niger Delta as this is for his sacrifice for the a foremost university water; where we cause, noted that his effor us all.” forts and those of other In spite of the celevisited, nobody agitators were not in bratory mood, the resmiled and nobody gent tasked President vain. He described his (Kuku’s) appointment Jonathan on the need drank water... and that of the Director to help rebuild the General and Chief ExecLuckily, follow up communities devasutive Officer of NItated “for no just on that visit and MASA, Patrick Ziakede cause” during the Akpobolokemi, as a military operation other government product of the struggle. five years ago. “He (Akpobolokemi) Heavens disclosed programmes, the is able to understand that the Gbaramatu Amnesty Prothe need for manpower people’s quest for development for the justice took the comgramme, today we Niger Delta and he has munity to a Federal brought about these High Court in Asaba, are smiling, dancprojects, the first ever in which awarded the ing and drinking. West Africa, Nigeria sum of N99billion as Maritime University is damage to the kingThat tells us now situated in Okdom. “We want to erenkoko in Gbaramatu plead with Your Exclearly that withKingdom. This is the cellency to ensure out peace, there benefit of appointing that the money (is) people who understand before the end cannot be develop- paid the plights of their peoof your first tenure.” ple and who are prodIn his response to ment anywhere ucts of the struggle,” he Udengs’ call for the stated. development of on earth... Decked in white transport infrastructrouser and shirt, Tomture in the region, polo soaked up the encomiums without President Jonathan said his administration any outward emotion. Yet, there was no was working towards developing in comdoubt about his influence on the choice prehensive transport infrastructure in the and location of the project. country. The Minister of Transport and NI“We are working very hard not just on MASA DG, Senator Idris Umar and Z P the coastal road but on a coastal railway Akpobolokemi respectively spoke on the system. Roads alone don’t solve our probimportance of the project. Senator Umar lems. For you to provide mass transit to revealed that the university would take off move people easily, especially heavy mafrom a temporary site at Kurutie. terials and human beings, you need railThe minister said the sites were chosen ways. Until you get railways you cannot because of their natural endowment, talk about effective mass transit system.” closeness to shipping route and hydrocarOn the call for the rebuilding of the ravbon reserve and activities in the region. “It aged Gbaramatu communities, the presiis a fulfilment of the resolve to spread dedent assured: “We will rebuild this velopment. The projects are legacies, not community now that there is peace. I only to Nigeria, but to the West African want to commend and urge Tompolo and sub-continent.” others to use their commitment to work with the FG to bring in development.” Ijaws still far from the promised land The IjawYouth Council (IYC) described Senator James Manager, representing the projects as a testament of the success Delta South; Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, repof the Presidential Amnesty programme, resenting Warri Federal Constituency; stressing that the event would not have Ndudi Elumelu and Chief Ayirimi been possible without peace that was ush- Emami, a Warri chief, were at the event, ered in by the programme. while traditional rulers from Ogulagha, IYC President, Comrade Udengs Uvwie, Obotebe and other parts of the Eradiri, while commending the Federal state were also in attendance.

out in the area in May 2009 when armed youths suspected to be under Tompolo’s command ambushed and killed seven soldiers and officers of the Joint Task Force during the annual Amaseikumou festival in the area. The incident led to widespread condemnation and Federal Government’s approval for the military to wage an all out war against Tompolo and militants in the

Niger Delta region. Sadly for the kingdom, the military operation came on just after the coronation and presentation of a staff of office to the Agadagba of Gbaramatu, HRM King Godwin Bebenimibo, Aketekpe Ogeh Gbaraun III, now deceased. The enthralling palace of the monarch, his courtyard, various artefacts and paraphernalia of his office, which were on display during the flamboyant ceremony, just a month earlier, were pillaged in the aerial and sea bombardments of Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom. The palace, still bearing poke of heavy artillery bombardment, was a striking background at the pavilion that hosted Saturday’s ceremony. A source said the ongoing rebuilding of the town, financed by Tompolo, deliberately eluded the palace because the people want it kept as a relic of their travails. Happiest day for Niger Delta agitation –Kuku The irony of the president’s visit and the site of the reception held in his honour were not lost on the Special Adviser to the

Kunle AKINRINADE

Okungbowa AIWERIE, Asaba

Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt

Kunle AKINRINADE

Rukayat JIMOH

Kunle AKINRINADE

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Continued from Page 17

Typical scenes of ill-fated suicide in Nigeria; the victims, mostly youths oftentimes die, before they are discovered.

Offiah S, Obiorah C C. Pattern of suicide in Nigeria: The Niger Delta Experience. J Med Investig Pract 2014;9:8-11

Continued on Page 48

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

‘My boyfriend gave me N230,000 for Christmas but I didn’t know he was a robber’ PERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, have smashed a four-man robbery gang who carried out an operation at the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja on October 30, last year. In the process, they carted away the sum of $1.5 million kept in a bagging store by Mrs Uche Eziama, owner of Deravine Company. According to a police source, the said money was kept in a bag and Mrs. Eziama intended to use it for a business transaction that could not hold, following which she decided to keep it in the bagging store. But to her utter shock, by the time she went there to fetch it, it had vanished. She alerted the police and some suspects were arrested. As the suspects were being screened, one of them, Ifeanyi Francis, confessed to the crime. The police later recovered the sum of $224, 240 and two landed properties Ifeanyi said he acquired with the money. Also recovered from him was a Pathfinder SUV he allegedly purchased with part of the stolen money. He also confessed that one of the gang’s members, Chibuzor Onuegbu, who worked at the MMIA as a clearing and forwarding agent, was the one who told him to come to Lagos for the job. He said the larger share of the money was with Onuegbu, adding that Onuegbu confided in him that he would give the money to his elder brother, Kalu, to keep for him. Based on the foregoing information, operatives of SARS, led by officer in charge of SARS a Superintendent of Police (SP) Abba Kyari went after Kalu, who was said to have initially denied any knowledge of the deal. But he later confessed to the crime, giving details of the steps they took to steal the money. His confession led to the arrest of another suspect, Chioma Obinabor, who claimed to be a girlfriend to Chibuzor, the alleged mastermind of the crime, who was said to have escaped to London. Kalu said some money was given to him but he did not know the exact amount he was given to keep until the third day when Chibuzor came, collected the money and gave it to his girlfriend to acquire three and a half plots of land for him at Onigbo area of Port Harcourt. He also bought two plots of land in Aba with two detachable bungalows. Based on Kalu’s information, SARS operatives went after

•Ifeanyi Francis

n Ebele BONIFACE n Chioma in Onitsha and arrested her, following which she admitted that her boyfriend, Chibuzor, gave her money to acquire landed property for him. She said she bought six plots of land for N9 million and another four plots for N10 million at 33 area of Onitsha, Anambra State. She said Chibuzor relocated to London after giving her the money. The police also revealed that Kalu bought a Honda CRV and rented a three-bedroom flat for N500,000, furnishing same with over N700,000. The said flat was said to be located at Abuloma area of Port Harcourt. The first suspect, Ifeanyi Francis (25), who claimed to have trained as a bricklayer, said he attended Government Technical College (GTC) Owerri, Imo State. Asked how he became involved in robbery operations, he said: “I got a call from Chibuzor Onuegbu. He became my friend when we were in Enugu in those days, and he asked me to come to Lagos for a deal. When I got to Lagos, I gave him a call and he came and took me to his house where he told me that there was something he wanted me to do for him. He said there was a bag he wanted to pick from a company where he worked at the MMIA Ikeja, but he wanted me to go and pick it for him. “I asked him what the content of the bag was. I did not know that he wanted me to steal the bag. I thought the bag was his. He brought out a tag ticket and a bag and said he would take me to the company and show me the particular place I would take the bag from, and that I should tell them that I came to baggage because I wanted to travel. He showed me the tag ticket that would be put on the bag. “He took me to the company and pointed at the place. When I entered, I told them what he instructed me to tell them and they opened the bag and saw laptop and clothes. I asked him whether I was going to pick it on that day and he said yes. He said they would charge N300 per day for keeping the bag and two days would be N600. “I later left the airport and went to my sister’s house to sleep. When my sister saw me, she was surprised because I did not inform her that I was coming to Lagos. Around 6.30 pm the same day, Chibuzor called and told me that I should come to the airport. I went there to meet him. When I met him, he said I should go and pick the bag. “I picked the bag, but I did not know the content. When I took it to him, he told me that what he planned to do did not work out well, particularly the things he wanted to put inside the bag. The next day, he called me again and said I should go through the same process. They still collected the bag from me and I left. “Around 7.30 pm the same day, he called me again and I told him that I was at my sister’s house. He said I should go and pick the bag. This time, the bag was very heavy and he was outside with a taxi. I entered. Why the bag became heavy was that he carried the one containing dollars and put in the one I brought to the airport. “I carried the bag containing dollars and entered the taxi cab he came with and we drove to the street where he was squatting with his sister. But half way, we stopped and he paid off the taxi driver, while we trekked the remaining distance to his sister’s flat. “As we were trekking, I asked him what was inside the bag. Along that street, there was a container. We entered the container and there he opened the bag and showed me the content. When I saw dollars, I was so shocked that I nearly lost control of my mind. It became very difficult for him to close the bag, so he brought out part of the money and put it in the other bag we were carrying. “When we got to the gate of the sister’s house, he said I should find my way and that by the following day he would give me a call to come. He rushed to the backyard and within 30 minutes, he came out. That was between 9 and 10 pm. He said I should give him the bag and that I should go with the other bag, and I left. “In the morning of the following day, I went to the sister’s house to see him. For two hours, I could not see him. Fortunately, he came out to buy something, thinking that I had gone. I rushed towards him and asked how we were going to share the money. He said there were other people behind the business who would get their own shares, but that he would give me something for the excellent role I played in stealing the money. “I wanted to play a smart one on him, so I told him that the

•Ifeanyi Francis with dollars

money he put in my bag was no longer there because I put it back without him knowing, and he said it was not true. He threatened not to give me anything until I brought out the one in my possession. I went inside, checked the bag and counted the money. It was about N60 million. “I used the money to buy land while he carried the bigger bag. I bought two plots of land for N4.5 million and built a six-bedroom flat, bought a jeep and enjoyed my life. My only regret is that the government will confiscate my land and vehicle and the balance I have in the bank will be returned to the owner while I will become poor again; a situation I thought that I had overcome for life. The second suspect, Chioma Obinabor (27), who claimed that Chibuzor was her boyfriend, said: “My boyfriend, Chibuzor, told me that his name was Michael Okafor when he started ‘toasting’ me at ITC Motor Park in Onithsa as we were travelling to Owerri in the same commercial bus around November 2013. I later learnt that his real name is Chibuzor Onuegbe. “We did not know each other before then. When the bus moved, we started discussing and became friendly. He asked me about my name, village and where I was going to stay in Owerri. He told me that he was working at the MMIA Ikeja and that God had blessed him somehow and would take all the glory. “I told him that I used to help my brother to sell goods in his shop. He later paid my transport fare and I gave him my phone number. He later called me and invited me to one hotel • Continued on page 50

•Onuegbe Kalu

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

From US with memories of stranded Nigerians

•The Washington Monument

•Close up of Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington DC

•Front view of the Lincoln Memorial

n Onyedi OJIABOR, Assistant Editor n just back from Washington DC She continued: ‘What is your profession? Where do you work? How much do you earn in a month? Do you have some of your recent publications?’ A couple of other harmless questions followed. I was calm and cautiously responded to the questions to the best of my ability - apparently to the satisfaction of my interviewer. “Okay, you can go. I will offer you a visa to the US,” the lady said after about 20 minutes of question and answer. I thanked her and left, only to be confronted on my way out of the embassy by a fellow who energetically congratulated me. “Congratulations! Congratulations!” the fellow said smiling broadly. “Why are you congratulating me?’’ I asked, pretending not to know. “You are lucky. I mean you are fortunate, very lucky. Do you know what it means to get a US visa? You are very lucky,” the fellow said. He only fell short of telling me to go for thanksgiving in my church, but the truth was that I was not desperate to go to the US. I was only nominated by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for the trip as part of the sensitisation on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. The journey to Washington DC via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, through to Heathrow and Dulles In-

ternational Airport in Washington DC was strenuous but smooth. My first reaction upon landing at Dulles Airport was to wonder: ‘Is this America?’ Airport formalities completed, we boarded the airport shuttle bus that ferried us to our hotel. Already seated in the shuttle bus was a white couple. Mr Smith Ichaka, who works in the office of the Deputy President of the Senate, elected to sit in the front seat. As Omo Bazuaye of AIT and I made to enter the bus, the couple felt noticeably uncomfortable. We ignored them and entered, armed with our tickets. The husband endured us but his wife protested. She gestured to the black driver, telling him in her deep American accent that she would rather sit in the front seat where Smith was already seated. A little drama ensued. The driver too became uncomfortable. He was caught in a web. The elderly woman became increasingly uncomfortable, but Omo and I continued to ignore her. The driver prevailed on Smith to join us to save the situation. Smith grudgingly complied before the vehicle took off. Ekweremadu gave his lecture on “Constitution Review in an Emerging Democracy: The Nigerian Experience,” at the prestigious Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC. He took the captivated audience through the twists and turns of the ongoing constitution review exercise in the coun-

e u G o l e Trav

try. Ekweremadu followed up the lecture with a meeting with the leadership of John Hopkins University to explore the means by which the university could establish a campus in Nigeria. He also met with the Nigerian community in Washington to encourage them to return home to invest. He met a former National Security Adviser to President Clinton to discuss the security challenges within the West African sub-region and how America can assist. Ekweremadu also met with officials of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a group that is interested in the success of the 2015 elections. The lecture and meetings over, we took time off to visit some landmark places, including Abraham Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veteran Memorial and the White House. Martin Luther King Memorial, located in West Potomac Park in Washington DC, was structured to honour the civil right activist, a man of conscience and a beacon of freedom movement. Lincoln Memorial, located at the West end of the National Mall in Washington DC, is described as a principal landmark of the city. The Lincoln Memorial is an American national monument built to honour the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial is credited to be the site of many famous speeches, including Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech delivered on August 28, 1963, during a rally at the

OR many, going to America remains a mere dream of a lifetime. Hence, it was a dream fulfilled when I was nominated to accompany the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to Washington DC. I was, however, promptly warned by those who are familiar with the processes involved in obtaining a US visa that my leaving the shores of Africa to the land of dreams was squarely in my hands. “You must attend and pass the US Embassy interview for visa processing. You must be ready with the necessary supporting documents, including a life-size passport photo of yours, to prove that you are really who you claim to be,” I was told. I had been to a couple of other countries but never was I ‘frightened’ by the talk of a visa interview whose outcome would depend squarely on my ability to express myself well. The visa interview turned out to be an anti-climax. While I was expecting to be grilled and quizzed in an uncommon manner, the interview session turned out to be just a routine chat with nothing unusual. ‘What are you going to do in the US?’ ‘How many days will you spend in the US?’ ‘Where are you going to stay in the US?’ ‘Are you married?’ ‘How many children do you have?’ I thought my lady interviewer would also ask when I got married, whether my wife is tall or short, dark or fair, plump or slim or whether she is elegant or not, but she didn’t.

Fix electricity and you won’t need to beg anybody to come home. We will hurry home. Who is happy with the consuming tax regime we endure in the US? We will return home once the system is working,” a Nigerian who lives in Maryland, said, echoing the sentiments of many others

end of the March on Washington for job and freedom. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, also located in Washington DC, honours members of the US Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War in South East Asia and those unac-

counted for (missing in action) during the war. We also visited Hogan Lovells, a law firm that boasts of over 2,500 lawyers operating out of more than 40 offices in Asia, United States, Latin America, Europe and Middle East. The White House arena was our next port of call to behold the seat of government of the world’s most powerful nation. Thereafter, there was an unforgettable sumptuous dinner hosted by the Nigerian Community in Washington DC. After visiting the cenotaphs, especially the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, it was easy to realise the disconnect in my country, Nigeria. Where is the memorial of the Nigerian service men who died in Liberia or those unaccounted for? Over 3,000 Nigerian soldiers were said to have made the supreme sacrifice while helping to restore peace in Liberia. Countless others died from conditions like HIV/AIDS, which they contracted in the war theatre. Where is the memorial of Nigerian service men who died in Sierra Leone? Where is the memorial of Nigerian soldiers who died in Congo? What of those who died in Burma? Apart from the ceremonial manoeuvrings mounted every January 15 and tagged Armed Forces Remembrance Day, who talks about these men and women who died so that Liberia, Sierra Leone and Congo may live? Was my Washington experience worth the while? The trip was as thrilling as it was rewarding. I saw a people determined to keep the American dream alive. I saw deliberate efforts at planning and development. To say that I was captivated is to say the least. But I also discovered that far from the impression of most people in Nigeria, America is also faced with huge challenges. Unlike the way desperate Nigerian visa-seekers see it, the streets of America are not paved with dollars. Until I saw it, I could not imagine that there were human beings who picked from the rubbish bins just a stone’s throw from the White House. I could not imagine the intimidating number of the ‘layabouts’ we encountered at virtually every corner of Washington. I discovered that like Americans, Nigerians ought also to dream dreams; big dreams if you like. America is a land of dreams, and so is Nigeria. In America, some dreams come true, and so it is in Nigeria. Nigeria is faced with the daunting challenge of insecurity in the mold of Boko Haram, and so is America battling with the suffocating problem of indiscriminate shooting of school children by their misguided mates. Nigerians are today praying for their kids who go to school to return home safely, just like Americans bless their children before they leave for school. The utopian belief that all is well once you set your foot in America is far from reality. The Nigerians we met in Washington dream of coming home. However, as a result of being too used to an environment where things work, they think about the epileptic power supply in Nigeria. “Fix electricity and you won’t need to beg anybody to come home. We will hurry home. Who is happy with the consuming tax regime we endure in the US? We will return home once the system is working,” a Nigerian who lives in Maryland, said, echoing the sentiments of many others. If only our leaders, who regularly visit developed countries where things work, can return home with a resolve to replicate the good things they see in other lands! If only our leaders would decide to do the needful, Nigeria will shine like a thousand stars.

27 THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Marriage is not all about love but ...

–Uduaghan’s aide Oyibocha-Agbajoh Stories on pages 38&39

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

The CAN leader in one of his libraries

Atilade

Atilade with some of his art collections

Pg 30 Pg 33

Pg 32

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY

24, 2014

Inside The

COUNTDOWN TO BRAZIL 2014 W/CUP... The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage where the world’s best players meet; so here is a look at 5 players whose performances should be watched out for, and who are likely to be influential in Brazil.

HIAGO Silva: Widely regarded as the best central defender in the world, Brazil national team captain Thiago Silva has gone “under the radar” in terms of publicity ever since his move to Paris Saint Germain. In spite of niggling injuries that have bothered him now and again, he has continued to perform well enough to cement his place as the best in the world. In Brazil, Silva will not just be a leader by name, but will also need to lead by example. Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, having won a World Cup once before, brings a tournamentwinning pedigree to the table, but has chosen a squad that is suited more to a game-plan based primarily on defense and counterattack. Brazil, on paper, have the best defense among all the clear favorites going into the tournament – so this should serve them well. Scolari, however, is loath to change a settled setup once it is shown to work. Fielding David Luiz in central defense worked wonders at the Confederations Cup last summer, but David Luiz has since been on the periphery at the club level. Club form and international form are two different things, but were there to be any changes made before and during the

FIFA W/Cup 2014 – 5 players to watch tournament, Silva’s role in keeping the defense tight will be crucial. Radamel Falcao Radamel Falcao Garcia, not so long ago, was seen as one of the finest players in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, even though he has never played in the UEFA Champions League. He will finally do so with Monaco in 2014-15, but a knee injury suffered in a Coupe d’France fixture against Monts d’Or Azergues Foot may possibly end his dream of playing at a World Cup in his prime. He is still not confirmed as a member of Colombia’s squad for the World Cup, and will face a late fitness test to determine whether he will make it. Were he to make it, however, it will be interesting to note how he would perform at less than 100%. Manager Jose Pekerman and the medical staff will have a hard decision to take. Vincent Kompany Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will be fresh from winning a second Premier League title in three years as he leads his team on to Brazil 2014. The presence of Kompany along with the likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois mean that despite not qualifying for the tournament since 2002, the Red Devils go into the tournament with a squad full of players who hav

•Thiago e

all perfor med at the highest level of the game at the club level. Lack of experience at the international level could be compensated for. Just as with Brazil, however, the central defensive partnership will be central to Belgium’s hopes for making a deep run into the tournament’s knockout stages. Jan Verthongen has just come off an unimpressive season with Tottenham

•Kagawa

Hotspur, while Arsenal captain Thomas Vermealen has only played whenever Laurent Koscielny has been injured (read, rarely). Moreover, Kompany himself has been inconsistent this past season, despite winning the Premier League. Hence, his role both in terms of his playing position and as a leader will be one to watch. Daniel Sturridge Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge walked into Anfield in January 2013 seen as a Chelsea and (previously) Manchester City “reject”,Daniel Sturridge whose perceived issues with his attitude and on-field relationships with his teammates meant that he was joining the Reds to rebuild his career. It was widely believed that the opportunity offered to him by Brendan Rodgers was likely his last at a big club; and he has indeed grabbed it with both hands. Ironically, he was close to being a Premier League title winner earlier this month over the two clubs that cast him aside. One thing that has never been in doubt is Sturridge’s ability to deliver the goods. He is that kind of player that relishes the challenge of performing under pressure; as shown by the 21 goals that he has scored this past season in the league. However, Sturridge is also known to feel the need to be “loved” within the setup that he works in. While Liverpool has now become his comfort zone, the England national team setup is not the same. Thanks to his unfulfilled potential in the past, Sturridge seldom got the chance to play for his country before; and hence will enter the tournament relatively inexperienced in international football. It remains to be seen how he will translate his club form to the World Cup. England will not be seen as favorites by any stretch of imagination, but Sturridge’s selection along with several young players

from Liverpool and Southampton mean that it will be crucial for him to perform in order to bring the best results out of the system Roy Hodgson puts out. Moreover, Wayne Rooney cannot be expected to shoulder the goal scoring burden by himself; hence, Sturridge will prove to be a key player for England this summer. Shinji Kagawa Going purely by presence on social media, Evil Kagawa has surfaced more often than Shinji Kagawa this past season at Manchester United, despite the club’s troubles on and off the pitch. Having been marginalized by David Moyes, the Japanese midfielder has a golden opportunity to get hold of the attention of incoming manager Louis van Gaal. Japan will enter the tournament as part of a tough group featuring a high flying Colombia and an Ivory Coast squad that is looking towards one last hurrah for surviving members of their golden generation. Kagawa will be a key member of Alberto Zaccheroni’s Samurai Blue; and a strong showing at the tournament will have a positive knock-on effect on his career at the club level.

•Daniel

Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

The Road To Rio (4)

ARLY in the week, Coach Stephen Keshi gave an insight into what he expects of his players and Nigerians when the Super Eagles take on the world at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, only a few weeks ago. He told a gathering of eminent media personalities in Lagos, while receiving his Coach of the Year Award from Matchmakers Consult, that he is getting the feeling of 1994 and that the spirit of 1994 is coming into the team! For those who are old enough to know what ‘the feeling of 1994’ means, it is a great feeling, and it is a great revelation for those of us in administration who want our team to do well at the FIFA World Cup finals. I believe it is the same great feeling for our dear President, the Official Number One Supporter of all National Teams of Nigeria, as well as all lovers of Nigeria football everywhere. A number of weeks ago, I had written about the fact that there is so much to compare between the present team and the Class of 1994 – still seen as the best assemblage that Nigeria has ever had on the field of play. Just as this new team has done, winning the Africa Cup of Nations and traveling to the FIFA World Cup as champions of Africa, the Class of 1994 also won the Africa Cup of Nations. While in the Class of 1994, there was a Peter Rufai, impregnable in goal and seen as the best in Africa, today we have Vincent Enyeama, also impregnable and solid between the sticks. For those who doubt Enyeama’s abilities, please watch again the video of the Super Eagles’ first match at the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa four years ago – in which he denied Lionel Messi more than a dozen times and won accolades from far and near. Since then, he has emerged perhaps the top goalkeeper in Africa, and in the just-ended season logged a superb record of unbeaten run in the French Ligue with his club, Lille FC. Enyeama has remained one of the most assuring presences in the Super Eagles, and if you talk of experience (which Rufai also had in abundance in 1994), you have to think back of when Enyeama won his first cap. That was way back in May 2002, and even at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals a month later, he was thrown into the deep end against England in our final group phase game and acquitted himself brilliantly in a 0-0 draw. The 1994 squad had Keshi himself, Chidi Nwanu and Uche Okechukwu in central defence, with Benedict Iroha at left back and Augustine Eguavoen at right back. Today, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose give similar confidence. I believe that Sunday Oliseh remains one of the greatest midfielders and passers of the ball to have come out of Nigeria. In the same vein, the vibrancy and creativity that Ogenyi Onazi brings to the set-up is amazing. Few years ago, he was also an U-17 lad, spending more time on the substitutes’ bench than on the field. At the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year, he was superb. His go-go spirit, belief and energy helped the team greatly, coupled with his fabulous sense of humour. He makes the camp come alive. He disrupts the flow of the opposition’s game by his timely interceptions and runs vigorously towards the other end to set up his strikers with opportunities. Who remembers the run that resulted in Sunday Mba’s winner against Cote d’Ivoire in the Cup of Nations quarter final? In John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike, you can see images of Austin Okocha, Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George and Rashidi Yekini. You may say that the present squad won the Africa Cup more than a year before the FIFA World Cup (unlike the 1994 team that won it two months to the World Cup), but the new boys played at the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament inbetween (which the Class of 1994 did not). All said and done, I believe that it is good that the spirit of 1994 is being felt in the camp now, just at the right time. And when we play Scotland at the Craven Cottage in London, on Wednesday, 28th May, we can all confirm that the spirit has indeed come around! Goodluck Nigeria! Flying Eagles, Super Falcons must go all out… Today at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, the U-20 National Team also known as Flying Eagles take on the Ngorongoro Heroes of Tanzania in the second leg of their 2015 African Youth Championship qualifying fixture, with our boys leading 2-0 from the first leg. It looks like a mere formality but it is never over until it is over, and my charge to the boys is to go all out and play as if they lost the first leg away in Dar es Salaam. Also this weekend, the Senior Women National Tea, Super Falcons take on their Rwandan counterparts in the first leg of their final qualifying fixture for the 2014 African Women Championship. The Super Falcons know they have to invest all the energy and skill they have to earn a sweet win in the first leg away, in order to make the second leg much easier. Goals and more goals are what we need as the Falcons seek to return to the top of the African game. Next Week: The Road To Rio (5)

REAL, ATHLETICO

CLASH IN DERBY Koke (l) and Villa

Bale (l) and Ronaldo

TOP 10 GOAL SCORERS - 2013/14

Player Team

Goals

Ronaldo Real Madrid Ibra PSG Messi Barcelona Costa A/Madrid Ag端ero Man City Lewandowski B/Dortmund Benzema R/Madrid Bale R/Madrid Vidal Juventus Negredo Man City

16 10 8 8 6 6 5 5 5 5

Isco

ATLETICO MADRID ROUTE TO FINAL September 18 - Atletico Madrid 3 Zenit 1 October 1 - Porto 1 Atletico Madrid 2 October 22 - Austria Vienna 0 Atletico Madrid 3 November 6 - Atletico Madrid 4 Austria Vienna 0 November 26 - Zenit 1 Atletico Madrid 1 December 11 - Atletico Madrid 2 Porto 0 February 19 - Milan 0 Atletico Madrid 1 March 11 - Atletico Madrid 4 Milan 1 (5-1 agg) April 1 - Barcelona 1 Atletico Madrid 1 April 9 - Atletico Madrid 1 Barcelona 0 (2-1 agg) April 22 - Atletico Madrid 0 Chelsea 0 April 30 - Chelsea 1 Atletico Madrid 3 (1-3 agg)

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

38 She is one of the new breed female politicians that have emerged in the Delta State political terrain in recent times. And whichever way you look at it, Barrister Mary Oyibocha-Agbajoh is never a push over. As the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, she came into the office with great gut, a mind-set to excel, backed with much education. We met her while on her way out of Warri to Abuja, the nation’s capital city. Barrister Oyibocha-Agbajoh has a passion that also sets her aside from many females. And that is her love for golf! She told us that playing golf connects her to nature. “The fairways are so natural that after I hit my balls, I walk to the next hit with so much on my mind. I feel good at the Golf Course.” Here, she explains the background that produced the strong-willed achiever that she is today and her passions. She spoke to PAUL UKPABIO. OW did your early life influence the person that you are today? My early life influenced me. I am today a result of my family upbringing. I was born into a family where truth and love is the yardstick; hence I stand for the truth at all times. What is your educational background? I attended Baptist Primary School in the Heart of Warri. From there, I moved to Our Ladies High School Effurun, after which I proceeded to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Lagos. There, I obtained two degrees, a B.sc in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management (IRPM), and then a Law degree (BL). There after, I obtained a certificate as a professional negotiator and mediator. What do you think influenced the choice of you being a career lady? Right from my early days, I loved to be

Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God so it must be respected. Even though I failed out of the institution, I learnt a lot from the short stay. Marriage for me is not all about love but compatibility; then, love will fall in place as you share together, especially when kids start coming. So if I have the opportunity of doing it again, I will partner with a friend instead of a lover

free in expressing myself and because of the special privilege I enjoyed from my father in having access to talk freely in the midst of older people, I was never afraid of speaking in the presence of people. That is how and where I got my confidence from. As to my choice of carrier, I always love to defend the deprived, so I needed a legal backing to back up my claims after obtaining a first degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management (IRPM). Tell us about your journey to becoming the Delta State Governor’s Senior Special Assistant? This can be best described as being God’s grace. It happened in 2006. I was fortunate to meet the then Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, at a function in Warri, Delta State. Then it was the days of crisis in the Niger-Delta, especially in Bayelsa. Then I was just coming out of Law School, bursting with so much idea after a professional course in Conflict Resolution. During a discussion, I was quick to proffer solutions to the crisis. He was very impressed with my interaction with him about my proffering solution to the crisis that he asked me to do a proposal on it. Behold, on my way to present the proposal, I was informed that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had been chosen as Vice-President-Elect of Nigeria along with President Musa Yar ‘Adua. Trust me, I was never one to take no for an answer. I immediately changed the proposal to a campaign material and named it ‘The Goodluck Initiatives 2007 (Gi07)”, an organisation of Niger Delta Women & Youths Support for Jonathan. Since I am the type of person who hates to be idle, I focused all of my intellect and energy to the Jonathan Project, enlightening the people of the benefits of having a son from the Niger-Delta Region in the highest office of the land. I then formulated eight initiatives with Jonathan titled: ‘There will be Peace in Niger Delta.’ As we know, the ticket won the election and I was nowhere. As fate will have it, Olorogun (Senator) Felix Ibru, First Executive Governor of Delta State, who, as a golfer in Ikeja, suddenly noticed my absence and called me. I relayed my ordeal of having worked so hard but nothing to show for it. He made it possible through Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. In what ways would you say that fashion is relevant to today’s woman? My mother taught me to always be at

‘If I’d another it would be with a my best. According to her, you do not know when you might meet your enemy on the way. So at any given time, I am always at my best and more so when I am going to the enemy’s camp. My style is simple. Wear what you know you feel best in. Can you describe yourself? In one word "complicated". The things people count as something means nothing to me. What roles do you play as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor? Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, as the name implies, I can be called upon to perform in any area of special interest for ‘my oga’. But notwithstanding that, because I hate to be idle, I don't wait for him to delegate duties to me. Writing is

my passion. I spend all of my time in the media side that is, social media (Facebook, Twitter & Blogging & Whatsapp). What are the challenges of the office? How are you coping with your office pressure and personal life challenges as a woman? There are challenges in every profession. So I do not see anything beyond my capacity, even though most times I get my finger burnt because many see my work as threat… “over Sabi Sabi, Madam know it all” and other names. I am used to it anyway. Will you change and become a professional politician? We are all politicians by birth. The issue is what you make of it. To me, being a professional politician is just a way of life.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

shot at marriage, friend not a lover’ Like we play politics by every breath we take. At home, office, market place and even in the church. But why I enjoy playing politics is the ability to be part of the policies affecting my people. What is it like working with an up and doing governor like Dr. Uduaghan? Indeed, it is very interesting working with Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan because the governor is a very brilliant man. That is what thrills me most about him. Just like you said: "Up and Doing" Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is current in everything about the state and Nigeria in general. So when you see him pressing his phones, he is communicating round the world. He is abreast of everything and as a peace maker. He’s always in the centre. As a successful lady, do you still find

time to do lady’s things like going into the kitchen to cook? It is no news that with the nature of my kind of job, I hardly have time for myself; not to talk of kitchen affairs; and because, as a single mother with grown up kids, I do not bother about kitchen unless I feel like eating real Niger-Delta food of pepper soup and banga soup. However, I am a good cook sha… One other reason why I do not bother about kitchen is when I am trying to create a tweet or Facebook post; I will leave food in the burner and it often times burn to ashes before I remember I’ve something on fire! What is your view about fashion and how do you describe fashion? Fashion is a way of life. Wear what you

•Faces of Barrister Oyibocha-Agbajoh

feel comfortable in. It is not because everybody is wearing it. My nature is that I always like to be different, so I hardly go with the wind. What is your style, what kinds of clothes do you like wearing? Simple, but gracious and my best colour is magenta. What determines the clothes you wear in a day? My mood determines what I wear. When I am down, I wear my best just to lift up my spirit because, I like to be in the best mood to write. What fashion accessories will you not do without? One particular item I can't be cut not wearing is coral beads. Your hobbies? And what other things do you do to take off stress? My hobbies include golf. That is the place I like to connect with nature. The fairways are so natural that after I hit my balls, I walk to the next hit with so much on my mind. I feel good at the Golf Course. What do you value most? Nothing but my private space. What is your view on relationships and marriage? Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God so it must be respected. Even though I failed out of the institution, I learnt a lot from the short stay. Marriage for me is not all about love but compatibility; then, love will fall in place as you share together, especially when kids start coming. So if I have the opportunity of doing it again, I will partner with a friend instead of a lover. So what do you say to your critics, to those who wonder why you act the way you do? Many people don't know why I act the way I do, hence, they tag me different names. After an early marriage and break-up, subsequently, I found myself in my own world and living in a society where every divorced woman is to blame! I couldn’t but stand up to the challenge of defending myself. And because I don't want to be seen like others do, calling the supposed father for money upkeep, I took it upon myself to work harder unlike my mates. Firstly I went back to school to study Law. Thereafter, I did other certificates. I kept on upgrading myself. I must thank God for He has made me in charge of my life and given me total control and management of the kids. Hence, I don't see any man above me. I see myself more than a man. Now, I can imagine why my mentor once said to me: "It takes more than just a man to handle you." And you know, only a few Nigerian men can stand a woman with guts and intelligence. I can only respect and be with a man that's more than the regular man; that is, only a man with authority can be with me. As a woman, do you think a woman can combine a career with family life successfully? If yes, in what ways do you think she can do it? Don’t let women in politics deceive you; it is not easy to combine both home affairs with politics. It is never possible. One has to suffer for the other to thrive. Hence, I don't advise married women to engage in politics except the separated kind of marriage. If you were not what you are now, what else would you have loved to be?

My hobbies include golf. That is the place I like to connect with nature. The fairways are so natural that after I hit my balls, I walk to the next hit with so much on my mind. I feel good at the Golf Course

I cannot think of something else but what I am now. I never regret any past; rather I use my past to forge ahead. Tell us a few things you remember about your childhood and a few you remember about your parents. My childhood was truly interesting because my dad loved me and that gave me so much confidence, which gave me so much gut. That has also helped me to get this far. One memorable event is whenever I was with my father, I just felt good. What does glamour mean to you? When should a lady be glamorous? Glamour is a lifestyle and it depends on individuals. For me, it is not the amount of gold or diamond you wear as a woman that makes you glamorous, but your disposition and carriage. Glamour is not only for the rich; even a village woman can step out and get admired by many. You have travelled to some of the most fabulous places in the world. Tell us about your travels. Where are some of the world's exclusive spots that you have been to? At one time London was home for me, Edgware Road. I used to have a jewellery shop at the station. I must look out before entering the train. But these days, it is USA, because my children are there. Tell us about some of the places you shop and the peculiar things you like about them. I can shop at anywhere but Zara on Oxford Street is a must stop and Victoria Secret another must in New York and Co. I just can't miss because their clothes fit our Nigerian style and temperature. How about designers? What is your view on designs in Africa and designs abroad? I don't go for designer’s name to buy my wear, rather I shop according to taste and need for the clothes. What inspires you? Challenges! What does make-up mean to you? Make-up is to further enhance the features given by God so it is a part of every woman’s life. All work and no play make Jill a dull girl, how do you relax or take stress off? You won’t believe it. Just a cup of coffee will do the magic. And like I once mentioned earlier, I love to be alone, it enables me to meditate and create content. Any other thing you will like to add? I am one of the most misunderstood women on earth. Those who can't come close tag me as arrogant. Those who can’t stand my gut call me names. But each time I am in a situation, I report myself to God. And if you must know this, my God always makes a way for me where there's no way.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

with KAYODE ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com Tel:08116759807

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

41 with KAYODE ALFRED

E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08116759807

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

OGBENI AREGBESOLA

Modakeke wants more dividends of democracy

MINISTER OF LABOUR How to end unemployment

Ogbeni Aregbesola

MINISTER OF POWER

Stop fixed charges Emeka Woku

GOVERNOR SUSWAM

Develop Igede land Pro. Ojerinde

JAMB REGISTRAR

Release my results

Prof. Dibu Ojerinde

Governor Suswam

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Provide transformer for Iyana-Ilogbo

Give us skill acquisition centre

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still expecting compensation from NYSC

A faulty transformer

Help us develop Gboko

Repair Olowoyo road in Odo-Ona

Remember Amata people

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Continued from Page 47

Ayobami

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Amosun and Awo’s legacies EVELOPMENT all over the world is work-in-progress. An objective appraisal of any administration must, therefore, be based on the amount and quality of work done within a particular time or term and the resources available. A comparative analysis is even better as it affords the public the opportunity to assess the management of their resources and sum of socio-economic development under different administrations. When I said recently that “in less than three years, the Amosun administration has achieved far more than what the previous government accomplished in eight years,” it was not a hyperbolic comment. In Ogun, as I opined, “the blind can see!” The recent happenings in Ogun APC have turned out to be a referendum of some sort. From all I have read in the newspapers and heard on radio and television, feelers from towns, villages and hamlets, the common denominator is that the Amosun administration has been outstanding: Never in the history of Ogun has this quantity of work been done in such a short space of time with such meagre resources. Such remarks from the overwhelming majority of our people should constitute a morale-booster for Senator Ibikunle Amosun, especially at this momentous time. Following a report in the papers last month suggesting that Amosun was the first governor to visit the school, I went to the Social Development Institute (Shasha), Iperu. This is a college established in 1956 by Chief Obafemi Awolowo to offer leadership training to community leaders, traditional rulers, politicians and social workers. I established that the current governor was not the first to pay a visit to the 58-year-old school in a decade or two, but Amosun is the first governor who made a promise to the school and fulfilled it. “Governors came, they promised, but they never fulfilled their pledge.” That much was confirmed. So the news report did not err materially. I was on the entourage of Amosun in June, 2013 when he paid an official visit to the college which now offers Certificate and Diploma in Social Works and Social Development to our youths. I was numbed by the level of the decay that I saw. Just picture structures abandoned in the bush for decades or that have lost their innocence to wars or some natural disasters. I looked at the termite-infested hall - the best of the buildings - the (high) table and chairs standing grudgingly on legs that had lost their souls to the rage of termites, the pock-marked asbestos ceiling, windows without covers, roof threatening to collapse at the slightest fury of the elements... The governor was downcast: “How can this happen in Ogun State?” “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” goes a line of our National Anthem. The students have been evacuated; reconstruction work is going on at a steady pace. The Social Development Institute (Shasha) is one of the thousands of abandoned structures scattered across the state. Even if you devote the entire yearly budget to education alone and consecutively for 10 years, you will still be left with one or two dilapidated buildings. Yes, what Amosun inherited was a sector in ruins. Some of the

• Awolowo

• Amosun

n Soyombo OPEYEMI n

buildings need to be pulled down. Some of the schools need to be relocated because they are currently choked by development. As at the time some of them were built, the locations were conducive to learning. Now, imagine voices of commercial bus drivers - Oshodi! Oshodi! Ilaro! Ijebu Ode! - drowning those of classroom teachers! Population has risen. Also, new schools have to be erected as schools are returned to their original owners. Amosun, during his inauguration on May 29, 2011, said: “It appears that our public schools were deliberately destroyed so as to justify government’s abdication of its responsibility to educate the citizens, feigning inability to shoulder the attendant financial requirements as the basis. My belief is that education is a social service which in the end serves the public good. Nowhere in the world is education treated as purely a profit-making venture. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, of blessed memory, will turn in his grave, if he hears that due to inability to pay school fees many pupils and students are dropping out of school in his state of birth. Or that as a result of ill-conceived policies, many of them are excluded from going to the school of their choice. “(i) Education is now free in both primary and secondary schools. (ii) All illegal fees and levies in both primary and secondary schools are hereby abolished. (iii) The government will also be responsible for the payment of the final examination fees for primary and secondary school leavers in Ogun State. (iv) Tuition fees will be drastically reduced in all the state’s tertiary institutions. (v) The bursary and scholarship scheme for students in tertiary institutions will be reinvigorated. “ (vi) Allocation of at least 20 per cent of our annual

budget to education with emphasis placed on improving the quality and capacity of staff through training and re-training, improved welfare packages and provision of teaching and research facilities. (vii) Three state-of-theart and well-stocked public libraries will be established, with one in each senatorial district. (viii) Immediate commencement of construction, rehabilitation and expansion of physical facilities in the sector with a target to achieve a ratio of 30 students per class in our primary and secondary schools. (ix) and Reinvigoration of the inspectorate division of the Ministry of Education.” Three years on, I believe Senator Ibikunle Amosun can look back and take pride in his achievements, for he has accomplished between 75 and 80 per cent of his promises. Indeed, by the time the world-class model schools under construction are completed, the governor would have recorded between 90 and 95 per cent success. For instance, instead of three state-of-the-art and well-stocked public libraries, you now have fifteen in the first phase. Even in WASSCE, once you have 75 per cent, that is “Distinction or A1”. If politicians in Nigeria could just fulfil 50 per cent of their promises, I’m sure our nation would be better off. Today, the over 20,000 children that would have been out of school due to the policy faux pas of the last government are in school. Enrolment figures have soared as more children are abandoning private education in order to enjoy the free education policy of the current administration. TASUED has been taken off the life support, while OOU is gradually coming out of the stench. Revenue from the Federation Account has slumped drastically from 2013, but due to prudent financial husbandry, teachers are receiving their salaries. Of course, occasional hiccups are inevitable under our warped federal arrangement, but with the very first bridges and international standard roads adorning our state, the restoration of the climate of security, which has resulted in investment of about N730 billion in two years with attendant thousands of jobs, introduction of luxury buses and brand new taxis on Ogun roads for the very first time, distribution of new 500 transformers to revive SMEs, generation of over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, scale-up of free health policy (Gbomoro) and launch of Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (Araya), payment of backlog of salaries, pensions and gratuities inherited from the last government, ongoing construction of power plant to ensure steady supply of potable water, construction of state-of-the-art markets, strategically located in business districts (not in the bush), revival of agriculture through release of N1 billion to farmers to boost production, purchase of massive land-clearing equipment to aid mechanized agriculture, resuscitation of farm settlements, among others, the current government has, indeed, sustained the legacies of Awo. Senator Ibikunle Amosun can hold his head high for having launched modern Ogun into its golden years. •Soyombo, a journalist, sent in this piece via densityshow@yahoo.com

A Christmas ‘gift’ gone awry • Continued from page 19

in Owerri on a Friday. The hotel is situated on Douglas Road, but I don’t know the name of the hotel because I was not interested in that. I only wanted to honour his invitation because I had fallen in love with him, thinking that he was a responsible man. “We later made love. And when I wanted to leave the hotel, he gave me N20,000 for transportation back to Onitsha and I was very happy. “He later invited me again to another hotel in Owerri and gave me N50,000 as transport fare back to Onitsha. All these happened between November and December last year. He even invited me to the hotel the third time, and when I was going back to Onitsha, he gave me N100,000. During the Christmas period, I called him and told him that I wanted to buy •Chioma Obinabor

something for Christmas, and he asked me to send my bank account number to him. He paid N230,000 into my account, bringing the total money he gave me to N400,000. “In January this year, he told me that he wanted to travel to London and asked me to help him buy some lands. He gave me money in dollars and I later bought land for him with the money. I bought a plot at 33 area of Onitsha, Anambra State for N10 million, but I paid the owner in dollars for four plots of land. “I took the documents to him in Owerri for signing. Later, I went to buy another six plots at the same 33 area at the rate of N9 million. I bought it from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) based in Abuja. “When he told me that he would travel to London through Ghanaian Airport, I decided to go with him so that I could branch to Togo to see my father who was sick and was taking treatment in a hospital there. I dropped when we got to Ghana while he left for London at 11 pm that same Saturday with a promise to call me when he reached London. “But I was arrested in Onitsha in March when I went for my father’s burial. I have shown the police all the lands and documents. I did not know that they stole the money from MMIA in Lagos. This incident has taught me a big lesson because from now on, before I accept to be anyone’s friend or fiancée, I will investigate him properly.” The third suspect, Onuegbe Kalu (34), who claimed to be elder brother to Chibuzor, said he was newly engaged with a beautiful woman. He also described himself as an electrical

engineer working with an oil company in Port Harcourt. He said: “Early this year, the operatives of SARS invited me to Lagos and I honoured their invitation. They told me that my younger brother, Chibuzor, stole money from the company where he was working at the MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos. Chibuzor was staying with my in-law who got him the job he was doing at the MMIA. “I was invited here and I took an undertaking to look for my brother. When I left, I tried to get him. Luckily for me, he called and told me that he would visit me in Port Harcourt. He came with a bag of money and told me that I should keep it for him. I did not count it. He asked me to help him acquire landed property with the money. “When he left, I called close friends and told them that the police had asked me to help them to arrest my brother for stealing millions of naira, but they said it is only a stupid man that would see wealth and choose poverty. That left me confused as to the next step to take. “As I was thinking about what to do, he came back a few days later and told me that he wanted to collect the money to give to somebody who would be able to use it to acquire land for him quickly. He only left N5.2 million with me and asked me to use my name to buy a land and develop it. I had no choice but to comply. “Already, I had bought two plots of land for him for N10 million. But before he left, he told me that he would give the remaining money to his girlfriend to buy land for him.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

I married into money, so why am I so miserable? (1)

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Take heed of marriage destroyers (4) Email: counselling@faithoyedepo.org

ear Reader, I welcome you to this week's teaching. In the previous editions, I have taught on wrong companion, slothfulness, anger, bitterness and covetousness, as some of those things that destroy marriages and families. Consciously staying away from those things will bring about a quick turnaround in your life, marriage and family. Today, I will be teaching on IMPATIENCE as yet another thing that can destroy marriage and families. Patience is the opposite of impatience and impatience is simply the inability to deal calmly with a situation or wait for something. It can also mean a state of being in an unusual haste. Many families have been ruined because of impatience in an individual or family member involved. The Word of God says: … He that believeth shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16). Haste makes waste. One example of impatience is Abraham in Genesis 16:1-6. Abraham, the father of faith, came to a point in his life where he experienced impatience. God had appeared to him several times, assuring him that he would have a son by his darling wife, Sarah. Having waited for what appeared to be too long a time, he readily gave in to Sarah's suggestion to go into her maid and raise an heir through her. One would have thought that as great as Abraham was, he would be immune to impatience but it was so natural for him to give in to it. He must have been tired out from waiting long before Sarah made that suggestion; such that, the moment an opening came he quickly grabbed it. The consequence of Abraham's action was that the child born by him out of impatience became an enemy of the child of faith: Ishmael and Isaac could not live together. Many have killed the joy of their would-be miracle because of their impatience with the Word of God. The Word of God says: For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36). As a husband, you need to be patience with your wife. As a wife, you need to be patience with your husband. You may not be getting what you really want from your spouse right now, but

wish you good health of body, mind, and spirit.

I bet you yelled - Amen!! One thief of health is poison. Poison is a phenomenon of nature. Many animal and plant species use it to survive and to thrive. Commonly, the poison is used to weaken, to incapacitate, to destroy, or to kill the victim so that the predator can conveniently consume or use the victim or victim's parts. On the other hand, a victim can use poison to escape a predator or to eliminate a competitor. The dynamics of wildlife and the dynamics of civilization are somewhat diametrically opposed. It is civilization that enables mankind to renew, rule, and preserve the world.

you need patience to tolerate him or her. If you have an unbeliever as a spouse, all you need do is to be patient with him or her. Patience can turn your unbelieving spouse to a man or woman after God's own heart. Remember, God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than ours. Even when He appears to be delaying, you must never lose hope, because He makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3: 11; 2 Peter 3:9). Don't let the enemy cheat you out of your blessings. God is never slow or late; He is always on time with whatever He promises an individual. God's time is the right time! The cure for impatience is simple patience backed by faith in the Word of God. The Word of God says in James 1:4: … But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Perfection will only come, when your patience is in place. Your patience must be backed by a strong faith in God and His Word. If you are experiencing turbulence in your home, for instance, you must discover what God's Word says is the solution, and then step out in obedience. It may not look like the solution, but God is a marriage expert; He instituted the union and knows how best to make it work. When you fill your home with what the Word of God says concerning the home, it will not run short of miracles. To keep enjoying God's blessings for your family, you must keep doing whatever He tells you to do. Not just doing it, but doing it right and going to the extremes in your obedience. God has not changed, and He will not compromise His standard. You need to give God's Word a chance in your marriage and family. When His Word is not given its priority place in your marriage and family, there are bound to be problems. Satan is rendered powerless when a couple stands firmly on the Word of God and operates by its principles. So, hold on to God and His Word patiently. Many give up when they are just a minute to their breakthrough Don't give up! Trust God completely. God's Word in Hebrews 10:36 says: For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Patience is a must! Instead of looking at the problem, challenge or situation, look into God's Word, confess it to yourself and remind Him in prayers of

His promises. If, for instance, you are looking for a baby, instead of mourning over doctor's reports and getting unhappy about every monthly menstrual circle that comes, you can hold on to God's Word; it never fails. To overcome the darkness of barrenness, go for the light in God's Word and keep declaring it until that barren situation changes. Light will always shine in darkness and darkness can never comprehend light (John 1:5). A woman gave this testimony and in her own words, she said: “I have been married for seven years. Shortly after my wedding, my period seized. I thought I was pregnant, so I kept expecting my baby. But it turned out to be a false alarm. From the results of an ultrasound scan that I did, the doctor said I my uterus was too small to accommodate a baby. I laughed it off, reasoning that if God has given those without wombs, children, how much more I, who even has one. There is hope for me. During one of the conventions, Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Oyedepo made mention of my case. I immediately, I got up and started declaring my restoration. After the prayers, my period was restored and a month later, I became pregnant! My baby was born and his name is David! All glory to God.” I declare by the power backing the Word of God that I bring to you right now, that situation of barrenness is consumed and you are liberated in Jesus' name! Your testimony shall be the next in Jesus' name! You are free! However, true liberty from all those things that destroy marriage and family is established when you accept Jesus Christ into your life. If you would like to accept Jesus Christ into your life, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am born again! Congratulations! You are now born again! Till I come your way next time, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: counselling@faithoyedepo.org; Tel. No: 07026385437; 08141320204 For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work and Building a Successful Family.

Poison

Nobody wants to be a victim, to let poison harm him or her, and people would generally keep away from themselves those things they know as poison. But what do we really recognize as poison? Holistic health cannot restrict itself to chemicals which poison the body alone. The mind can be poisoned. A person's spirit can be poisoned. If a chemical poisons someone, that person can die as the ultimate result. A person with a poisoned mind may not die,himself or herself, but may kill

A cross section of graduands at the first graduation ceremony of the Professional Postgraduate Course of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) held in Lagos .

everyone else around him. The recent youtube videos of the very powerful Nigerian terrorist, Mr. Shekau, show a mind that is different from ordinary. Two thousand and more years ago, Jesus Christ (call him crazy if you like) gave his followers spiritual power over physical poisons, should they need that protection. Of course, they needed to survive to pass on his message and/or they were bound to be hated by some enemy or other who would feel threatened enough to want to get rid of them. Apparently, physical poisons are not the worst type of poison because our bodies can get rid of them and survive their assault if our blessed kidneys, livers, lungs, skin, and other excretory systems and body repairs are working well enough. The Master of Human Nature, let's nickname him, showed he could change human bodily realities from a state of ill health to well-being. Yet, he warned his disciples about one type of poison that we need to be warned about. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees”. The Pharisees, in those days, were perhaps the most powerful in affecting what people believed and did; they could influence the human will - free will. One hero of civilization, Nelson Mandela, did remind the world that we humans were not born hating. As a scientist, I have not tested this assertion; I prefer to believe it because it is obvious. We get poisoned along our journey in life.

Poisoning of the mind affects our reasoning, is difficult to remedy, and the choices we make under such a state rub off on other people or on society. Poisoning of the spirit determines our affinities and passion for evils. But were we all, including MrShekau, not born innocent and naïve? Today, the poisonsthat change our minds and define our spirits come from religion, ideology, politics, economics, and culture. May I echo: “beware of such yeast.” They all make us to hate or to love and they all determine our actions and reactions, our choices in life, and our abilities to be sane, to thrive, to prosper, and to leave the world a better place.For now, let us leave MrShekau (I would have said in peace, but he does not seem to have that yet) and turn to ourselves. We do need to protect our total health - body, mind, and spirit, otherwise any of us is the next sociopath, psychopath, or terrorist in small measure or in great measure. So there are various types of poisons affecting the body, mind, or spirit. Let us take a look at the poisons that affect our bodies and the known antidotes that could counteract their effects. Dr. 'Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 08160944635.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Sexual violence, rape and HIV: Way Forward The aggressive social marketing that drug manufacturers have come to be known by seems to give people the impression that HIV is just another parasite like the one associated with Malaria. It is time we took a second look at the strategies being currently applied in the fight against the virus. HIV test kits are everywhere in patent medicine stores, some genuine, many others fake, and so are many different fake anti-retroviral drugs. Young people, and criminals who rape women of all ages, don't have the mind and time to negotiate for safer sex, but instead carry these drugs with them. There is an urgent need to reactivate all relevant infrastructures set up to counter the spread of HIV/ AIDS. Apathy on the part of government, perhaps as a result of global economic recession, which has caused marked reduction in funds from donor countries and Non governmental organizations (NGOS) has reduced the frequency, quantity and quality of anti HIV/AIDS campaign. Governments at all levels have been doing what they can, but can do more by injecting more funds into the moribund programs, evaluating existing ones and formulating new policies where necessary. Governments can also discourage the mass distribution of condoms as a way of encouraging safer sex. The idea was intuitively seminal at the

mpotence is the inability of a man to perform the sexual act satisfactorily. It may consist of a weak erection, inability to gain an erection, loss of sexual desire, premature ejaculation or loss of normal sensation at the time of ejaculation. Transient impotence is fairly common and does not imply a physical or psychological disorder. It is often related to mild degrees of anxiety, depression, pre-occupation or fatigue associated with ordinary problems of daily living. Chronic impotence, on the other hand, is due to either physical or psychological reasons. The physical factors include ageing, chronic debilitating disease, alcoholism, drug addiction, diabetic neuropathy, disease of the nervous system; especially spinal cord damage, endocrine disorder, damage to the urethra, large hydrocoeles and

08170268670

email: drmikeoyakhire@yahoo.com

consequences of rape. While in prison, mental rehabilitation should be a major element of the behavior change programs. The social media is an avenue currently under utilized in bringing awareness of the bidirectional health risks associated with rape. It is time we began to warn restless souls that HIV is real. It is very much around and spreading. So that people, particularly those battling with prevention fatigue will understand that a single blind moment of sexual gratification can bring a life time of sadness, for the victim and the perpetrator Churches need to also do better than what you find in those places of worship where what matters is the crowd

Coping with diseaseS

hernias. Various drugs, With Prof. Dayo Oyekola Ph.D. (Ibadan), NMD,FNCP including certain Tel: 0803-330-3897 Website: www.holisticlifecare.com a n t i E-mail: kolemetric@yahoo.com hypertensive drugs, may p r o d u c e impotence in some men. The psychological reasons for chronic impot obesity), venereal diseases, stress ence often include guilt and anxiety and excessive intake of alcohol. about the sexual act itself, hostility When a couple cannot have a towards the partner, unwillingness to child, the wife is always thought to assume responsibility for all that goes be the culprit and looked down upon with marriage and children, as an outcast, with disdain. Yet, unhappiness at home and neglect by many a man constitutes the weak the wife, who may even neglect herself link in the chain most times, without to the point of becoming unattractive the slightest suspicion that they are. and undesirable, especially after Prevention and Control menopause. From observations, the failure to Apart from the causes already perform sexual acts effectively could mentioned, other known causes of be due to disuse of the organ over a impotence are fatty tissues (like in long period a condition we recognize biologically as disuse atrophy. Every part of the body must be exercised (although, in this case, not indiscriminately!). Conversely, over-indulgence in sexual activity in early days in a man's life should be avoided, particularly where stimulants are used. These can cause impotence at early middle and old age. Treatment and Control of Impotence In treating this disorder, the patient is advised to rest well. In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advised that the client should go back to nature. Firstly, a strong cleansing herb is given to him, to help remove fats from his internal Governor District 4o4b Nigeria Lion's Club International, Mr. Gbolade Adebisi (6th right) organs. The patient should abstain inaugurating a bore-hole donated by Ilupeju Lion's Club at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital, others from sexual intercourse for a specific are: The presiden of the Club, Mr. Ibukun Emmanuel (5th right); Regional chairperson, Mrs period while he is being treated. He Atinuke Amotajo and other members

With DR MIKE OYAKHIRE

Matters arising beginning, but we now know that the unintended negative consequences outweigh the short term benefits . At one occasion where youths from different background congregated, a young lady not experienced in such matters actually had sex with a total stranger and later confided in her friend that she actually lured the young man because she was fascinated by the packet and wanted to have an experience. Unfortunately the experienced male drew off the barrier at the peak of it all and infected her with the virus. He has since disappeared from her life . Nothing seems to be working any where in the country, but as we grapple with problems, we can find ways if the will is there. Special courts can be set up just for sex related crimes ,with the r e m o v a l o f injunctions. That way, habitual or serial sex offenders can be promptly kept away so they can't prey upon the innocent. Instead of blaming the victim, the police will then have the opportunity of understanding the far reaching

Impotence

Health Matters

regardless of their patterns of behavior. For those without dress codes, even pastors can be seen struggling to keep their eyes away from the exposed body regions Family members should be careful who comes near, cuddles our kids or plants kisses on them. Age appropriate dress codes should be the norms in the house. Children should also be given age appropriate sex education and trained to report any unusual exploration of certain parts of the body to Mom and Dad It is important to stress that in resource limited countries with little or no knowledge about forensic investigations, prevention is safer, and cheaper than cure. Victims of rape should immediately see a qualified medical Doctor ,who will outline what actions, general and specific will need to be taken. People often go to Hospitals days to weeks after, by which time, you can only do little because seeding of infective microorganisms will have begun. For a sexually active victim who does not know his or her HIV status, a positive test done less than a week after the incident may not mean the virus was contracted from the assailant. The same goes for Hepatitis B, or Syphilis, both have long incubation periods A pregnancy test using urine or blood sample is mandatory . The family Doctor may recommend emergency contraception if victim is a woman in the reproductive age group, to avoid an

must stop alcoholic drinks and smoking. A healthy, energy-giving diet is recommended. Most importantly, the Holistic remedy being suggested for impotence is a combination of natural extracts of herbs such as Colocasia antiquorum, Musa parasidiaca, Triumfetta cordifolia and Verbena officinalis. For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-3303897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Lagos 2015: An oba’s personal wish is his prerogative • Continued from page 7 Not even the Federal Government was willing to tackle the problems of Lagos. The narrative of Lagos was that of an abandoned and neglected former capital city which had become a no man’s land.” He further noted: “Public infrastructure had disintegrated abysmally. Delivery of social services had collapsed in virtually all sectors. The environment was in chaos as Lagos was routinely described as one of the dirtiest cities in the world. The state was largely dependent on insufficient financial allocations from the centre as she lacked the capacity to generate adequate revenue internally to meet her numerous challenges. The public sector was demoralised and ill-equipped, psychologically and logistically, to effectively perform its functions and achieve set objectives. While the citizenry was alienated from the state and thus de-motivated from paying taxes or the ones they paid being stolen making the state technically bankrupt, the organised private sector had little or no incentive to partner with the government in meeting the immense developmental challenges of the Mega City.” We must not forget that all these changed for the better when the Alliance for Democracy (which metamorphosed

into the Action Congress of Nigeria and now into the All Progressives Congress) took over the governance of Lagos State. In the same vein, this episode and this statement from the respected Oba is a validation of the confidence of the people of Lagos State in, and their loyalty to, a welfare-focused party. In the words of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself at his first inauguration as Governor of Lagos State, “Our goal, as the Prophet of old commands, is to lighten the burden of our people, alleviating poverty by providing jobs for our youths, houses, secure homes, water, good roads and creating efficient mass transportation system, industrial development and providing life more abundant for our people”. The amount of attention devoted to, and the energy expended on, evaluating and criticising the statements credited to the Oba is also an indication that we may be taking our eyes off the ball by not focusing on the two urgent tasks before us. The first task is the retention of the political control of Lagos State in the trusted hands of the progressives in the All Progressives Congress. No one can creditably argue that the achievements of the APC in Lagos have not surpassed all expectations. The second task is that of wrestling power at the federal

level from the clueless and disappointing Peoples Democratic Party that has failed to justify the years and resources committed to it in trust since 1999. As rightly noted by one of the Senators on the platform of the APC, “If you look around the society, there is a lot of restiveness, unemployment, so many ills. But we still believe that if we have good governance, a very strong and capable leader, all sectors of the economy and sections of this country will be positively affected. With unity of purpose, we can all make change happen in Nigeria and rekindle hope. We can all work towards achieving progressive goals; pool our strength together with one clear goal of developing our society through good governance, thereby accomplishing a lot for our teeming masses. In the final analysis, the statement credited to the Oba represents the Oba’s personal wish and views that can only have as much weight as the people decide to give to it. Instead of conjuring up and reveling in conspiracy theories about an attempt or plot by the ‘key elders’ referred to by the Oba to manipulate the political system and process by installing or imposing a particular candidate on a political party or on the electorate, all Lagosians should be preoccupied with the urgent tasks before us in 2015.

Champions League ODAY'S Champions League final at Lisbon's Stadium of Light is going to be a very special one for Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo who will be making a rare club appearance in his homeland.

The 29-year-old Portuguese national captain, who has scored a season-record 16 goals in the competition, is delighted to be facing Atletico Madrid in his own capital city where he began his career with Sporting.

Ronaldo full of praise for Bale He has praised world record signing Gareth Bale and team mate Karim Benzema for taking Real to within 90 minutes of their long sought "decima", their 10th European crown. In an interview in the match programme, Ronaldo said the relationship between the three men, so crucial to Real's attacking potency was excellent.

"The connection we have is nearly perfect. Karim and Gareth are excellent players and both are enjoying good spells. I'm happy to be playing alongside them. Things are going well and that's important for the club," he said. There was huge media speculation that Ronaldo would not take kindly to Bale's arrival

Villa: UCL final will be special TLETICO Madrid striker David Villa is looking forward to Saturday night’s UEFA Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, believing it will be “something really special”. The two Spanish giants lock horns in Lisbon with very different European pedigree – Real Madrid are aiming for their coveted tenth European Cup, while Atletico are aiming for their first-ever Champions League trophy. “We are confident in our chances but we know that it will be a very difficult final,” Spain’s all-time top goal-scorer revealed in a Facebook

interview with fans. “Both teams know each other very well.” Villa highlighted the magnitude of the game for the two teams taking part in the final. "This is the most important game at club level and that signifies enormous responsibility. There will be a very special atmosphere in Lisbon and it will be a privilege to be able to live through it,” he said.

in Madrid last year. The 86 million pounds ($145 million) fee Real paid to Tottenham Hotspur set a new world record transfer record, breaking the previous mark of 80 million pounds they paid to Manchester United for Ronaldo in 2009. That, however, was never the case and Ronaldo has plen-

ty of praise for the Welshman who has scored 20 goals for Real this season - 15 in La Liga and five in the Champions League. Ronaldo said he made an immediate connection with the devastatingly quick midfielder who has settled well in Madrid after a slow start.

NEWS 61

THE NATION

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

N his over 500-page tome titled ‘Awaken The Giant Within’, the American life coach, self- help author and motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins, offers techniques, formulas and principles to help anybody snatch success from the jaws of failure, triumph over adversity, become a valuable asset to society and leave an enduring legacy for successive generations. Robbins believes that within each human being, no matter how seemingly disadvantaged, lies the spark of potential, which can be fanned to a bright light of accomplishment that adds value to the human enterprise and shows the light for others to find the way. If Anthony Robbins’ book makes rather tedious reading with its sheer daunting size likely to discourage and intimidate the average reader, the same purpose is more easily and pleasurably achieved by the new book, ‘The Art of Selfless Service’, which has just been presented to the reading public. Written by Mrs Marina Osoba, a lawyer, poet, columnist and administrator, ‘The Art of Selfless Service’, focuses on the life and exemplary public service career of Mr Akinwunmi D. Ambode, to illustrate the path to success, fulfilment and a truly valuable existence for anybody desirous of making a lasting and positive impact this side of eternity. The subject of the book, which runs into a highly readable 120 pages divided into 15 chapters laced with scores of inspirational, philosophical and motivational quotes from diverse sources, Mr. Akin Ambode, posts intimidating academic and professional credentials. An alumnus of the University of Lagos, Ambode holds a B.Sc degree in Accounting and a Masters degree in the same discipline with specialisation in Financial Management. Apart from being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ambode has over time enriched his mind and honed his managerial skills through several specialised courses at highly reputable institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School of Government, USA; Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield, England; Institute of Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland and INSEAD, Singapore. His experience as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow in Accounting and Finance from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, had a major transformational impact on Ambode both as a professional and a human being committed to offering selfless service to

Akin Ambode: Awakening the giant within

•Ambode Segun AYOBOLU humanity. It is thus not surprising that he has had a most distinguished and accomplished career as a public sector accountant and administrator spanning close to three decades. During his mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) posting in Sokoto in 1985, Ambode was deployed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where he had to work as hard as the regular staff in the Accounts Department of the institution. He thus learnt to develop a diligent work ethic right from the commencement of his working life. After his Youth Corp, Ambode’s career started in earnest on the 4th of November, 1985, when he was employed as an Accountant Grade 2 with the Lagos State Waste Disposal Board at the age of 22 and on a starting salary of N324 per month. Three years later, armed with his professional ICAN certification and theMasters degree in Accountancy, Ambode was employed by the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission as a Senior Accountant on Grade Level 10. For the next ten years (1988-1998), Ambode accumulated considerable and invaluable experience working in various capacities at the Local Government level in Lagos State. This experience not only gave him an intimate knowledge of the state, it sensitized Ambode to the crucial role of the Local Government level as

the foundation for meaningful development because of its proximity to the majority of the people. During this period, he served at various times as Assistant Treasurer to the Badagry Local Government, Auditor and later Council Treasurer to the Shomolu Local Government, Council Treasurer to Alimosho Local Government and Council Treasurer to Mushin Local Government and later Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government.Of his experience in managing the finances of the grassroots governments in Lagos State, Ambode notes in Chapter six of the book that “…if you work successfully at Local Government level and you are able to make a difference, there is nowhere else you cannot make a difference”. Following his transformational experience as a Hubert Humphrey scholar at Boston, United States (1998 – 1999), Ambode returned to Nigeria and transferred his service from the Local Government to the State Public Service. Courtesy his hard work, commitment, proficiency and dependability, Ambode’s rise at the state level was meteoric. He rapidly rose from the post of Assistant Director in the Office of the Auditor General for Local Governments to Acting Auditor General for Local Government and then substantive Auditor General for Local Government. In January 2005, he became Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and in February, 2006, Permanent Secretary and Accountant General of Lagos State, a position he held till his resignation from the public service in 2012. One of his lasting legacies as Accountant General of the state was the creation of the State Treasury Office (STO), which revolutionized public sector financial budgeting, management, planning and expenditure in Lagos State. It is impossible to accurately write the story of the remarkable transformation of Lagos over the last 15 years without acknowledging the role of Ambode as a key Actor in re-engineering the finances of the megacity as a basis for her rapid development. What then are some of those essential and indispensable building blocks that enabled Ambode to awaken the giant within and make a success of the opportunities that came his way? First is a warm and supportive family environment into which he was born and grew up in Epe on the 14th of June, 1963. Secondly, is

a solid primary and secondary school education particularly the excellent facilities, curriculum and teachers at the Federal Government College, Warri, which had such a tremendous impact on the development of his personality between 1974 and 1981 when he completed his O’ and A’ Levels. Third was his sheer determination, discipline and self- sacrifice, which enabled him to overcome such an adversity as the death of his father when he was still a youngster and his decision to set the goal of pursuing both his ICAN certification and M.Sc degree simultaneously and achieving his objective within his specified time frame. Fourth is a lifelong commitment to cultivating and improving his mind through continuous education. The author, Marina Osoba, drawing from Ambode’s life and career, identifies seven essentials of selfless service namely, ‘Courage, Time, Effort, Persistence, Patience and Focus, Love and Charity as well as Vision’. In chapter ten of the book, several of those who have worked with Ambode over the years offer testimonies of how he had positively impacted their lives through self-sacrificial mentoring and being a worthy role model. Ambode over the years has sacrificed the time, resources, energy and efforts to mobilise old students of his alma mater, Federal Government College, Warri, to identify with and help restore the glory of the school. This initiative has been expanded and has resulted in the establishment of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) comprising alumni of 100 Unity Schools in Nigeria to provide “a National platform through which alumni can focus on rekindling and sustaining the vision of the Unity School concept as centres of academic excellence, integration, leadership and unity as well as influencing policy changes in the way and manner these schools are administered”. In offering such selfless service over the years, Ambode was motivated by sheer altruism with no expectation of reward. It is in this same spirit of selfless service that in 2012, Ambode founded the La Roche Leadership Foundation to offer support to Nigerian students at all levels of their educational endeavours. As the call of destiny and selfless service at higher levels beckons, the best for AkinwumiAmbode certainly lies ahead.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

COMMENTARY

The geopolitics of Boko Haram •Beware of the merchant who sells you medical insurance after giving your enemy a loaded weapon

HOSE of you who regularly suffer themselves to trudge through this column know I generally abstain from commentary on Nigerian politics. There is already a surfeit of commentary; I would rather not increase the torrent of words. Occasionally what happens in Nigeria intersects with an important global issue. When that occurs, my responsibility switches to that of providing you a different strategic perspective through which you might assess the events taking place in your own backyard. Such a confluence has occurred. Sadly it is not a convergence of positive elements. It is an assembly of the unfortunate. Boko Haram is no longer a local wound. The Chibok abductions have elevated it to an international concern. The overriding moral and policy imperative is to secure the freedom and safety of the girls. With each day that passes, hope diminishes that a good ending will be had by all of them. The chances of abuse and trafficking increase with the accretion of time. Already, too much time has passed. The girls have endured more than should be asked of the innocent. China, Israel, France, the United Kingdom and the United States have offered law enforcement and security assistance. At this stage, help from any quarter is welcome. Yet, none of these nations extends a purely altruistic hand. There is a cost to be had. In fact, these nations volunteer this assistance because Nigeria already paid the price without even realizing the costly transaction had occurred. Boko Haram has been a lethal nuisance for several years, but something has changed during the past several months. Boko Haram has increased the pace and breadth of its operations. The terrorists’ combat ability has likely improved both qualitatively and quantitatively. This has been achieved through receipt of significant lethal help from some of their friends and, indirectly, from some of their purported enemies. The terrorists now have armoured personal carriers, rocket propelled grenade launchers and other deadly war material. These are not items one finds at the corner store or in newspaper ads. They are expensive and relatively hard to procure. Moreover, operating this equipment requires training and maintenance that may be even harder to obtain than the materiel itself. There are only a few places Boko Haram can get such a quantum of dangerous merchandise; it is not from private stock. The likely source is from some national inventory. The most probable source is Libya. This may be where the trail of weapons ends but it is where a trail of questions must start. During the war against Qaddafi, Western propaganda successfully convinced most of Africa that ousting Qaddafi was apt policy. Yet, from what should have been the vantage point the objective national interests of African countries, the attack against Libya was a dangerous, unwise lark. Qaddafi was a loquacious sort whose bark could be irksome. However, he had not bitten anything or anyone in quite some time. He had aggressed against no one and had been a champion, albeit a highly idiosyncratic one, of greater African unity. His policies were more operatic than substantive. In short, he was a noisy, sometimes meddlesome, but not a violent or warmongering neighbor. He was also an implacable bulwark against the advance of radical extremism into subSaharan Africa via the Maghreb. That the West would attack his government was unsurprising for he had been a nettle in their side much too long for his own safety. His proposals to ditch the dollar as the world’s currency and to unite Africa under one coin touched a raw nerve in Washington and elsewhere. The West was looking for a reason to make Gaddafi mount the scaffold. The surprise and tragedy was that so many African nations joined this death procession for no good reason of their own. It was as if they forfeited the right to define their policies in a manner befitting their national interests. Instead, their national interests were reduced to the lowly game of currying the favour of the West by joining them in tossing stones at the house of Gaddafi. As such, African nations erred by fooling themselves that they would come out ahead by allowing the West to define their interests for them. During that period, this column warned that the consequences of the demise of Gaddafi would be broad, largely unpredictable in their specifics, but mostly negative in their outcome for an expansion of terrorists’ violence was a foreseeable consequence of the reckless permissiveness towards Al Qaeda in Libya. Events have since unfolded to give their indisputable account. Africa needs to readjust how it views the West and stop seeing the West as the paragon of anything except the amoral acquisition

n Brian BROWNE n

• Obama

•Jonathan

of power and money. America and its Western allies claim the war against terror as their utmost priority. Yet, something curious took place in the war against Gaddafi. The West joined forces with Al Qaeda to topple the Libyan. America and its minions knew Al Qaeda fighters had poured into the Libyan civil war to become one of the strongest, most coherent elements of the anti-government armed elements. This replicated the West’s open door to Al Qaeda to infiltrate Iraq when it smashed Saddam. The story is currently being played in Syria. To understand Western policy regarding Boko Haram, one must discern the reason the West would team with Al Qaeda to topple regimes that clearly were neither threats to vital Western strategic interests nor had recently launched attacks on Western soil as Al Qaeda had done. In the Libya, the collusion was startling. Ground attacks by Al Qaeda and other units were complemented by NATO air support. As victory appeared imminent, NATO did nothing to protect the military armouries Gaddafi had stockpiled. There seemed to be an informal agreement regarding the division of war spoils. NATO countries would acquire the oil installations and static infrastructure. Al Qaeda would loot whatever was not tied down. Gone went massive amounts of weapons and probably enormous stashes of money. In helping to rid the West of the Gaddafi headache, Al Qaeda was allowed a handsome dividend, enabling it to prance southward to Mali. They teamed with Malian Tuaregs to a point where they had overridden half the nation before the French intervention repulsed them, forcing them back to their desert lairs. The quickening of Boko Haram is eerily redolent of the strengthening of the Tuareg insurgents after being annealed by Al Qaeda. Given this history, African must recognize that Al Qaeda is not America’s or the West’s most dreaded foe. America’s most hated foe is that nation which seeks to ply a foreign policy independent of America’s, especially when the nation seeks to divorce itself from dependence on the dollar as the universal currency. America and its allies demonize such governments as the prelude to dismantling them. Farther afield in Eurasia, we must view the clash over Ukraine and the West’s sudden intense animus for Russian President Putin in this light. That is a story for next week perhaps. The morale of the current story is that American and the Woestern grand strategists do not see mortal danger in Al Qaeda. Their objective is to rid each geographical region of potential state actors that might contest against American interests. Years ago, Nigeria and other African countries objected to America’s African Command (AFRICOM) establishing a permanent presence on the continent. Now, we are reduced to requesting their assistance to fight a foe their government indirectly equipped. Please, understand this harsh but honest appraisal. Much – perhaps your future - depends on it. American society and government are not the monoliths you suppose. There are opposing schools of thought battling each other to define the national interests and articulate policy

based on that emergent definition. There are conservative, racist militarists on one extreme and enlightened progressives on the other end of the spectrum. Over the long course of American history, the militarists have enjoyed the upper hand, but progressives try as they might. Thus, in the 1960s, the same nation that inaugurated the benign Peace Corps helped engineer the demise of Patrice Lumumba and his democratically-elected government in the Congo. A similar fight for primacy in American policy continues, but today the battle is even more unbalances in favour of the war machine. War is hot-blooded struggle but the machine is a cold-hearted business. Left to itself, war would be fought to a conclusion. But that is not the way of business which seeks profit. For war to be profitable, it must neither end nor be so dangerous that those who wage it will be defeated and lose their shirt if not more. Thus, America and its allies profit so much from fighting Al Qaeda and their affiliates that the corporate war machine would be loath to finish them off. Al Qaeda poses no true military threat to Western global dominance but it incites a deep fear that allows this war machine to fuel and expand itself from the coffers of governments led by anxious, fearful civilian politicians. Where it can, the West uses Al Qaeda or some other local devices, to undermine governments that might stand as regional competitors to American and Western hegemony. It happened in Libya and Iraq. It is happening in Syria. Review the situation in Mali. The French only suppressed the insurgents. The goal was never to defeat them. Insurgents still roam the northern tier of the country. French interests are served by the rebel presence. This renders the government in Bamako beholden to Paris. As such, the French military presence has become an informal occupation force with much of the territory it now laden with precious resources like gold and uranium. Those who believe this is mere coincidence have an enduring love of fairy tales. For Africa, the writing is beginning to appear on the wall for those sufficiently courageous to read it. We must pierce through the clichés and the catchy phrases until the truth is had. Remember a cornerstone of Western policy is to arrest the growth of potential regional powers that might give the West some independent backtalk. View the largest nations in Africa. Africa’s big nations all have big problems. Not one is well positioned to enter a golden era. Most of them seem more likely to fall off the rails. After all the exertion of the Arab Spring, Egypt will soon, by election or otherwise, return to the hands of a dynastic autocrat as brutal as Mubarak. The two Sudans seem like charter members of the fight club. Either they are fighting each other or younger one is engulfed in civil war. Kenya suffers the terrorist scourge and the West wants to place some of its elected leaders behind bars. The Democratic Republic of the Congo could light most of the continent and hold great leverage over the global economy, if a competent government could control the areas where the precious minerals lie. However, the West and their allies in Rwanda and Uganda continue to plague DROC that it remains the sickest of Africa’s sick men. South Africa just reelected a government the people know will deliver them to a diminishing future. Social misery and unrest, particularly labour strikes, will be increasingly common. Nigeria now struggles with an incipient insurgency that has no aim, but to tear the nation apart then casts its separate pieces into a modern Dark Ages where old-fashioned hatred and ignorance trump all that is good of modernity and enlightenment. Boko Haram is a terrible and ugly thing. But in one sense, it may prove to have some utility if only we understand the magnitude of what is upon us. Nigeria’s and Africa’s political elite better come to grips that the world is small and the global game of strategic power, control, land and money now knocks at the door. The traditional way of local politics and policy has to be swept swiftly aside. The challenge that is upon Africa is great. The foreign masters of the game are ruthless and brook no excuse. Bring back the girls by all means, but never ever forget that the story just begins and does not end there. Those helping to rescue the girls also indirectly abetted their taking. Do not be fooled by their assistance because it is not you they have come to help. They have come in their own interests. You better understand where your interests coincide with theirs and where they collide. If not, more than these precious girls will be taken from you. • This material was supposed to appear on Browne’s column last Sunday.

Silence please, Siasia • Continued from Back Page pray and support the squad. Will I join the prayer sessions? God forbid. Football allows upsets, but not when the team is lopsided - as ours. My worries stem from the fact that our best striker on the list, Emmanuel Emenike, was benched in the Fenerbahce FC of Turkey’s last game, raising the poser about his fitness - less than 20 days to Nigeria’s first game. How about those players who ignored the coaches’ directive to join the team in London for the May 28 friendly against Scotland from their European clubs, only to call him to announce that they were in the country? The puzzling aspect is that the players expected that their tickets back to London would be paid for by the NFF. What a cheek. Who knows when they sneaked into the country and what they have been doing? Argentina’s gazelle Lionel Messi joined his mates in Argentina’s camp on Tuesday, underscoring the importance he attaches to the Mundial. Another bone of contention is what our invited players are doing between now and when they converge in England on May 26, ahead of the May 28 international friendly against Scotland. Last Saturday, I watched Ecuador drill Holland in a titanic clash that ended 1-1. Both teams played with contrasting styles, yet it was the Dutch who struggled to cope with the doggedness of the Ecuador lads, who muscled out their hosts. The Dutch were rescued from a home defeat by the sublime skills of Robin Van Persie, who riffled home a belter, having controlled perfectly a long ball from his side’s defence.

What amazed me in this game was the passion exhibited by both teams’ players, in spite of their hectic European season. The speed of the game was frightening. It gave me concern against the backdrop that most our Eagles stars have not seen regular action. The lame excuse that it could be an advantage to us is spurious because it is little that an unfit player can do. No matter how compact and united a team is, it still needs the brilliance of exceptional players to make the difference during matches, like we saw with Van Persie’s super strike against Ecuador. Only fit players can strike the ball with such accuracy. Listening to the commentators during Saturday’s game in the Netherlands, one heard how both teams were preparing to storm Brazil. As at Saturday, both coaches knew those to make the final 23-man squad, unlike Nigeria, where those to make the cut would emerge 24 hours to FIFA’s June 2 deadline for lists’ submission. In fact, for Holland and Ecuador, their players will hit Brazil departing from their home countries. Can we say so for our Super Eagles? If the coaches’ plans are to be taken seriously, the Eagles will fly straight to Brazil from the US. What a pity. We will be subjected to the agony of watching other countries send forth their soccer ambassadors with pomp and ceremony simply because we have an insensitive government that cannot provide its citizenry with a national carrier. Indeed, in the days ahead, we would see pictures of countries with national carriers emblazoned with such countries’ colours. The chosen aircraft will take their players and officials to Brazil. Can Nigeria assign any aircraft to such designs? Or are we thinking of storming Brazil on commercial flights? The England side

was decked out in suits before heading out of London this week. It was colourful. Their suits fitted. Then, I asked, what will be the Eagles’ national dress? Agbada or Babariga? The conservative England management has begun talks with their manager Roy Hodgson to extend his stay till Russia 2018 World Cup, despite the fact that the Englishman would be 71years-old at that time. They have hinged their negotiations on the fact that Hodgson has listed an England side for the future with nine of them being under 21 years. Can we say so of the Eagles? What is the average age of the Super Eagles? Did the coaches consider that before picking Nigeria’s 30-man squad? It simply means that the results of the 2014 World Cup for the England FA chiefs don’t matter. The FA men are planning for the future, having seen a manager guide England through an unbeaten World Cup qualification series. Are we thinking along this direction like the English? Have the Nigerian coaches picked players that suggest that they are looking into the future? Do we depart from Brazil in crisis? Do we expect the coaches to give their best when their future isn’t cast in stone? Will we return to the proverbial drawing board? Isn’t it about time we build on the gains of major competitions? Will Brazil be another battle ground to wash our dirty linens in the public? Aminu Maigari and his board have complimented Stephen Keshi thorough the rejuvenation of the Super Eagles. They have crossed swords during the relationship. But it helped the Eagles to achieve the feats that we craved for. Let us continue with them. They will get better. Let us pray the voice of reason prevails after the Mundial, irrespective of our lot. Oba Khato Okpere, Ise!

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 2858

O serious and objective analyst can ra tionally blame President Goddluck Jonathan for being responsible for the multifarious challenges that have left Nigeria at the brink of state collapse. The seeds of the appalling poverty, misery, ignorance, physical and moral decay as well as descent to sheer anarchy were sown during decades of gross misrule by a succession of visionless and corrupt leaders. There are two contending schools of thought as regards how President Jonathan has risen to the challenges of his office. There are those who accuse Jonathan of inept, effete, spineless and pedestrian leadership. Consequently, they contend that the problems of the country, which predates his tenure have worsened under his watch. The other school of thought has a more sympathetic and favorable view of Jonathan’s leadership of Nigeria. As far as they are concerned, the country’s present travails - Boko Haram insurgency and other assorted forms of violence including pipeline vandalisation and massive oil thefts- are all part of a grand conspiracy to undermine Jonathan and make the country ungovernable for him. This position was strongly and passionately argued by Professor Femi Aribisala in his characteristically provocative column in The Vanguard of Tuesday, May 13, titled “A season of conspiracies against Goodluck Jonathan”. Where others see stagnation, decline and retrogression in diverse sectors of our national life under Jonathan, Aribisala believes the country is indeed taking ‘giant strides’ with the much trumpeted ‘Transformation Agenda’ being implemented by the Jonathan administration. For him, Jonathan is not the worst President Nigeria has ever seen and even ranks among the ‘better ones’. Among the wonders of the Transformation Agenda, the professor avers, is the revelation that Nigeria’s newly rebased economy is the largest in Africa; President Barak Obama’s recent declaration in 2012 that Nigeria is ‘the world’s next economic giant’, and the country’s hosting of the 24th World Economic Forum (WEF) – an indication of Nigeria’s emergence as a frontier market in the world economy. Aribisala is impressed that Nigeria is reportedly the number one destination for foreign investments in Africa, Aliko Dangote is the 23rd richest man in the world, and that Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina was named Forbes magazine’s African of the Year 2013 - a reflection of the successes of the Transformation Agenda in the agricultural sector. He also attributes the reported seven percent growth in the Nigerian economy over the last few years to the administration’s policies including what he sees as ‘extensive rehabilitation of rail and road networks nationwide’. Well, in the first place, Dr Jonathan has absolutely no reason to be the worst leader Nigeria has ever had. In fact, he has no excuse not to be the best. No leader before GEJ has had his level of formal education. He is the first doctorate degree holder to preside over Nigeria’s affairs. Again, as the current President, Jonathan has the opportunity to learn from the successes and failures of his predecessors. He should naturally post a more stellar performance. Beyond this,

Politicians, the military and all those managing this insurgency must be prepared to answer questions. We opened the door when we failed to tackle what we had advertised as a local issue. Now that we have begged for foreign help, we must realise it is not a freebie. It comes with a price: scrutiny and accountability. —Festus Eriye

GEJ: Poverty of conspiracy theories

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Beyond this, Jonathan knew the enormity of the challenges confronting the country when he campaigned vigorously for re-election in 2011 and made rosy promises to transform the country if given the mandate

•President Jonathan Jonathan knew the enormity of the challenges confronting the country when he campaigned vigorously for re-election in 2011 and made rosy promises to transform the country if given the mandate. Measured against his documented promises in every state of the country during the 2011 electioneering campaign, Jonathan’s performance has been dismal. Of course, Professor Aribisala knows only too well that statistical growth does not necessarily translate into concrete development. The same international organizations that have hailed the statistical gimmickry of Nigeria’s rebadged economy, also rank Nigeria as hosting a huge chunk of the country’s poorest people. Agriculture Minister, Akinwunmi Adesina, may well bask in the glory of his Forbes award. That does not detract from Nigeria’s continued food dependency or the grim reality of the over 70 percent of our population who live on less than one dollar a day. Yes, Aliko Dangote may be a symbol of our entrepreneurial ingenuity but his example also vividly helps illustrate the gross inequality that characterizes our malformed economy - a gulf between the haves and the have-nots that has widened under Dr. Jonathan’s watch. Contrary to the view from Professor Aribisala’s observatory, federal highways across the country remain dilapidated com-

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pared to the vigorous and impressive road construction efforts in many states of the federation. What is being celebrated as the transformation of our railways or airports is a sick joke. According to Aribisala, “Jonathan is not the object of so much attack because he is incompetent, but because he comes from the minority South-south. Moreover, a Northern cabal that has been out of power for 15 years is desperate to return”. He thus reasons that the entire Boko Haram insurgency including the abduction of the Chibok school girls are carefully calculated and orchestrated to make the country ungovernable for Jonathan and abort the possibility of his re-election. Now, this argument ignores the fact that the Boko Haram extremism predates Jonathan’s election and actually flared out of control under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Again, even if it is true that terrorism is being utilized as a weapon to make the country ungovernable for Jonathan, does he not as Commander-in-Chief possess sufficient powers not just to find and bring such sponsors to book but to also more effectively contain the insurgency? Are those allegedly undermining Jonathan also responsible for the massive corruption under his watch that is giving the rag tag Boko Haram insurgents an edge over Nigeria’s military? As the US has pointedly noted, “Corruption prevents supplies as basic as bullets and transport vehicles from reaching the frontIines of the struggle against Boko Haram”.

Professor Aribisala joins the Jonathan administration in laying the blame for the Chibok tragedy on the Borno State government. But he does not address the fact that Borno is under a state of emergency and the President is directly in charge of the territory through his military commanders. The massive corruption that has hobbled the efficiency of an otherwise competent and professional Nigerian military is certainly not a function of any anti-Jonathan conspiracy. I do not deny that such a conspiracy may exist. If it does, Jonathan can effectively neutralize it through competent, visionary, elevated and responsible governance. The mediocrity, ineptness and flagrant corruption that have flourished during GEJ’s tenure, cannot be excused by any resort to dubious conspiracy theories. As a result of what he sees as the northern conspiracy against Jonathan, Professor Aribisala contends that Jonathan must be voted back into office by all means in 2015. Interestingly, he does not deny that corruption thrives under Jonathan. But according to Aribisala, once GEJ is reelected “we will insist that the corruption that has gone through the roof under his administration must finally come to an end. The time is long overdue. Some malefactors must be arrested, prosecuted and jailed. No more pussy-footing; Nigerians require a transparent government and we require this “yesterday”. Thus, we will first reward a corrupt administration with re-election and then expect the same government to miraculously undergo a born again experience and launch a fierce onslaught against the corruption that guaranteed it electoral success in the first place. It cannot get more weird than that. So much for the poverty of these conspiracy theories.

On BRF’s successor (2)

The battle to succeed the iconic governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji FAshola (SAN) is gathering momentum and getting more interesting. The APC is inevitably bearing the burden of its exemplary record of governance in the state. Its highly prized ticket will be fiercely contested. Oba Rilwan Akiolu caused a stir when he threw the weight of his office behind Mr Akin Ambode’s aspiration. Supporters of some of the other aspirants have been throwing mud. But they would have grabbed the opportunity with both hands if the respected Oba had thrown a supportive nod in their direction. After all, he equally was unflinching in his support for a then little known BRF in 2007. And governor Fashola has also wisely admonished against unduly allowing religion to influence electoral choices in the state in the next election. Luckily religion has never been an issue in Lagos elections. In 1999 and 2003, Tinubu a Muslim defeated Funsho Williams, a Christian in the governorship elections. And in 2007, BRF, a Muslim won against accomplished Christian opponents like Jimi Agabaje and Femi Pedro. I am unaware that any aspirant in the 2015 race is flaunting religious credentials. But the governor’s words of wisdom should definitely be useful to those with a Boko Haram extremist mindset who, luckily, are far away from Lagos.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Silence please, Siasia

UR players have started again. They are boasting about their potentials to play in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup. They reckon that only Argentina stands on their way to qualify atop the group. There is nothing wrong with these players expressing their wishes. My worry is that they are raising the hopes of millions of Nigerians. I’m not too sure we have the fans who would accept a poor outing. Please, players and coaches, tread with caution. It is better to shock the fans with a superlative outing than to raise their hope, dash it and cause pains. A word is enough for the wise, as they say. It is true that the Eagles are not the only ones

(My World Cup diary 6) talking about the World Cup fixtures. My fear is that these other countries’ fans seldom take the law into their hands, like ours. Our fans seem to have this mob mentality. Wonders cannot stop happening here. I read in Monday’s newspapers Samson Siasia’s revealing remarks on some of the bench warmers invited for the Eagles’s World Cup task in Brazil, beginning with the opener against Iran. Siasia’s comments were germane, except that he listened to nobody when he held sway as Super Eagles coach. Siasia should spare us his analysis, having failed to accept pleas from concerned Nigerians

to recall Vincent Enyeama to the Eagles camp. Siasia started the process of shutting out stars, such as Obafemi Martins. Nobody could talk to Siasia when he was coach. If Enyeama had manned the goalpost against Guinea in Abuja, Nigeria would have qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Siasia was the biggest culprit in picking halffit players to the Eagles. In his Eagles were many clubless players. He had a fixation for his under-aged achievers, even when many of them had lost their form at their clubs in Europe. His camp was more or less a rehabilitation centre. I hold Siasia responsible for the failure of the

youths discovered by the late Yemi Tella to graduate into the Super Eagles. It really hurts that members of the 2007 World Cup winning squad do not form the pivot of the Brazil-bound Super Eagles, despite the impeccable soccer they played in Asia under the late Tella. I recall my altercation with Siasia in Beijing over his decision to bench Osaze Odewingie and Victor Anichebe. He asked me to face my media job. Thank God, Siasia ate the humble pie when Osaze and Anichebe scored in the next game against Belgium, after his bench warmers flopped in the previous 2008 Beijing Olympic Games tie. It is clear that nothing would be done to the 30-man list to include Ikechukwu Uche and Chinedu Obasi, not forgetting Brown Ideye. Uche and Ideye scored for their Spanish and Israeli sides last weekend. We are being told to

•Continued on Page 62

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