The Nation May 31, 2015

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

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CAPTURED

Man with first name 'God' settles with credit rating agency

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New York City man whose first name is God has settled a lawsuit with a credit reporting agency that had refused to recognize his name as legitimate.

Under the agreement reached in Brooklyn federal court last week, Equifax will enter God Gazarov's name into its database. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Gazarov now has a robust 820 credit score.

He says he was shocked by Equifax's refusal to acknowledge his moniker.

The Russian native is a Brooklyn jewelry store owner who is named after his grandfather. He says it's a relatively common name in his native country.

He told the New York Post he's relieved the matter has been settled and plans to buy a new BMW. Lawyers for Equifax declined to comment.

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VEN the best clairvoyant would have been hard put to predict, by the end of last year, the peaceful manner the curtain fell on the Goodluck Jonathan era, let alone the auspicious opening of a new one, the Muhammadu Buhari era. But yesterday, against the run of play, much of it foul and abusive politics, the curtain actually fell. All that remains for Dr Jonathan is probably regret; and all that awaits President Buhari is probably hope. There was nothing in the inauguration, which lasted for less than three hours, that gave indication of the gruesome and cruel battles that foreshadowed the last polls. In fact, both President Buhari and Dr Jonathan conducted themselves maturely throughout the ceremony.

After labouring for all of 12 years to win the presidency, it was expected the president would be ecstatic over his unprecedented feat of defeating an incumbent in a country where such a political earthquake never occurred before, and in a continent where such daring and radical changes have been experienced only a few times.

Shortly after the elections were concluded and candidate Buhari announced winner, attention was repeatedly focused on what was described as Dr Jonathan's magnanimous and patriotic concession of defeat, a feat properly described as dissipating the tension that had suffused the elections and the polity. At the inauguration itself, attention was divided: with a final, parting flourish expected from Dr Jonathan, and a remarkable and even unusual thing expected from the new president. Other than his preliminary gaucheness in

From governor to drummer! • Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is a averick. His role at the heart of the political upheavals that toppled the erstwhile ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are now well documented. He celebrated President Muhammadu Buhari's inauguration at Eagle Square, Abuja on Friday by beating a talking drum - much to the amusement of his wife, Judith, and other guests. What was the coded message the drum was sending out? Only time will tell!

A new era opens auspiciously not exchanging pleasantries with foreign VIP guests before he took his seat, which he quickly corrected with the help of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, all President Buhari managed was a smile or two after taking the Oath of Office.

Nothing diminished the occasion, however. It held with military and civilian aplomb, while the inaugural speech aligned with his customary brevity with words. Though the speech exhibited little or no rhetorical garnishment, it reassured with the right emphasis, the right issues, and the right promises, many of them already given during electioneering. A few things were, however, unmistakable during the inauguration. The country appreciated the role Dr Jonathan played in

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FTER nearly four years of shunning Eagle Square for great state ceremonies, whether military parades or Independence Anniversary, the Jonathan administration was compelled by circumstances to return to those grounds once again for the closing act of his presidency. It seems like poetic justice, that the grounds which birthed his presidency, but was spurned on security grounds, should fittingly also end it. It was unthinkable in the Chief Obasanjo years that any parade, other than for visiting presidents, should be held anywhere but Eagle Square. Dr Jonathan, citing security concerns, in particular the Boko Haram

ensuring a successful election and handover, and the inauguration crowd responded to him with measured grace and respect.

He did not stir them when he was in office; they would not

pretend now that he was going to do so. Instead, they reserved their exhilaration for the president and vice president. Indeed, more than any scientific understanding or analysis of the event, the crowd demonstrated a sense of an era closing. Their lives were not touched in remarkable and positive ways, but touched they were nonetheless.

More importantly, the crowd showed by their responses and generally muted celebrations that they recogised a new era had just opened, a new epoch filed with great portents of sacrifice, pains, hard work, lonely nights, and sweaty days. They expect a new approach to national issues, because their instincts tell them the president would

demand it. They expect to be inspired by a new patriotic, can-do spirit, and perhaps they wonder to what extent they could meet his aspiration, and he meet theirs.

The new era is in fact pregnant with so many things: of renewed vigour in counterinsurgency; determined fight against corruption; sincere battles against little or no electricity supply, poverty and unemployment, and against all other sundry but loathsome crimes and misdemeanours.

It seems more than anything else that the new era will also indicate differences in style. President Buhari spoke much firmer when he was military head of state than he does now, whether during electioneering or

inauguration, but the differences between him and Dr Jonathan will more properly extend to work ethic, ideas, policies and even family. While President Buhari approaches life and leadership with more gravitas, Dr Jonathan had tended to be approachable but also uproariously more flighty. The president's 20 months or so as military head of state is still remembered for its tremors and deep longing to execute life-changing social and economic policies, it is almost certain that while his methods may be moderated by the demands of democracy, they are unlikely to be less urgent, sweeping or life-changing. Indeed, he gave enough indications in his inaugural address that he will not be afraid to break the mould, partly perhaps because this is not his first time as leader, and also because he appears irrevocably committed to a cause, expiatory or not, only he seems able to conceptualise and concretise.

Eagle Square comes alive again insurgency, attempted to wipe off that culture.

With the inauguration of the Buhari presidency at the square yesterday, it is expected that henceforth parades and state anniversaries will be held on its evocative grounds. The culture is reclaimed, and in the years to come, history will be written from its grounds just as yesterday's. Dr Jonathan failed to understand that by deserting Eagle Square on account of Boko Haram and other security concerns, he was giving indication of the failing strength and

weakening courage of the nation. He had failed to realise that by indirectly allowing the terrorists to dictate where the federal government conducted its activities, he had thereby handed Boko Haram victory.

Every subsequent policy or action since the desertion of Eagle Square told Nigerians that when it came to security concerns, the state was unable to defend its people. Sadly, it was not only hapless Nigerians that read that signal of national weakness, Boko Haram and all other mischief makers believed that if

severely tested, the country's resolve would weaken and its will to fight wilt. Until mercenaries were hired to help Nigeria fight the terrorists, and other countries brought their armies into the fray, the war had pressed hard against Nigeria, and the country was in danger of losing an entire geopolitical zone.

President Buhari probably realises what Eagle Square connotes. He also knows what other symbols of Nigeria's collective strength stand for in rallying the people to a great m i s r e a d t h e m a s h i s and noble cause. It is unlikely predecessor had blithely done. he will ignore those symbols or

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

COLUMN

The Nigerian state and the economy of disaffection N

OW that the protocols of power have disappeared and the inauguration of a new president over, we can resume in earnest the business of thinking aloud about the problems and prospects of Nigeria. The last few days to the inauguration of the Buhari administration have been particularly hair-raising. It has been the equivalent of an apocalyptic meltdown in Nigeria. What we dreamed of in improbable nightmares suddenly became a fearful reality. For a moment, it seemed as if something was about to give.

For the first time in living memory, Nigerians experienced the equivalent of a virtual state lock down. As striking petroleum sector workers held the nation by the jugular, the national electricity grid collapsed. No light. No food. No fuel. No salary. No government. For the first time in living memory, Nigerians experienced what it is like to be at the mercy of individuals and enemy nationals waging an economic warfare against their own nation. Welcome to hell on earth.

The phantom petroleum subsidy which is a function of phantom accounting, phantom ships, phantom bill of laden and phantom landing finally turned Nigeria into a phantom land. On Tuesday, snooper was at the Capital Oil filing station on Ojodu Berger around ten in the night to witness the pilgrim’s progress towards perdition. It was a scene out of the apocalypse.

Fists of fury and empty jerry cans flew at short notice. Men yelled at each other like famished hyenas. The surly night was no respecter of past achievements and future distinctions.

Even this late into the night, the express road leading out of Lagos was an automobile bedlam. Vehicles snarled and yelled at each other.

As a nation and as a people, part of the problem with Nigeria is our inability to accurately describe and pinpoint what torments and ails the country. It has been suggested by many that Nigeria runs a kleptocracy. A kleptocracy is a government of thieves by thieves and for thieves. While this concept captures the superficial features of our affliction, it does not exhaust its deeper essence.

When and where disaffected nationals bring a country to its heels by waging an unrelenting economic warfare against the nation, an economy of disaffection prevails. To be sure, this is often a question of weapons of choice and necessity, for there are other forces that bring a country to political heels through sheer number and superior political skills or bring it to religious perdition through organized spiritual siege.

In the event, the economy of disaffection stems from many sources.

In many cases, it could be part of some unresolved national question. It could be part of a fundamental dispute between old and new power blocs; between the resilient but lethargic residual and the untamed but dynamic emergent. It could be the fallout of a

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ARKNESS can be very enthralling and enticing.

Despite the permanent darkness, despite the soot and grime and the noxious fumes from Third rate generators from Taiwan, Baba Lekki, the great sage, was in a gloriously upbeat mood. He had taken on a new role as a lightless artist which amounted to helping people manage the transition back to the tenth century and teaching them how to do without electricity. He had even formed a band that he called the Dark City Brothers.

The huge queue suggested that he was not doing badly.

As soon as I sat down, he burst into a famous Christian song of praise.

Of course, it was a savage parody

•President Muhammadu Buhari.

fundamental collision of economic altars within the mutually contradictory constituting units of a nascent nation. It could also be a reflection of class warfare by a pan-national underclass against a dysfunctional state with all the features of state banditry itself.

On its current scale, the economy of disaffection can no longer be regarded as part of the shadowy networks of illegal and semi-criminal activities that make up the informal economy. It is the formalization of informality or the normalization of economic abnormality. It ranges from smuggling, kidnapping, armed robbery, bunkering, the operation of illegal refineries, the hijacking of petroleum products by pirates, the direct sabotage of petroleum passage, mounting book piracy, the wholesale importation of expired drugs, pension scams which is akin to robbing the dying and many more.

Economically, the state has lost its raison d’etre and is totally at the mercy of more powerful and more resourceful non-state actors who have taken over the commanding heights of the economy. Like the democratization of the forces of coercion which has completely demystified the Nigerian state and robbed it of its aura of invincibility and impregnability, the economy of disaffection has finally undone the Lugardian state architecture.

As it was said in the old Zaire of Joseph Mobutu, everybody gets by but on the corpse of the post-colonial state.

Whatever may be the cause of the economy of disaffection, it should be clear that its un-Nigerian and antiNigeria activities cannot be sustained in the long run without provoking state collapse. The run on the Naira in the last few years occasioned by unregulated business activities and state burglary of the Exchequer, and the collapse of the national grid for a few

days this past week should serve as pointers to a looming apocalypse.

Unfortunately, the first and major victims of an economy of disaffection are the multi-national underclass themselves. While those at the apex smile to the bank with their loot, the members of the underclass are sentenced to further immiseration and poverty by the economic meltdown.

Their small scale ancillary industry dies out as a result of lack of power and fuel and their patronage shrinks dramatically. When the smoke clears, more people would have been sentenced to the Nigerian underground. More nationals would have been downloaded into the peonage of perpetual poverty.

This is the ticking time bomb that all the post-military administrations in Nigeria have been priming, and the consequences have now arrived with us in all its implacable fury. Yet it is obvious that it cannot be confronted by mere palliatives. The roots of the disaffection have to be uncovered and tackled. This is why all the dodgy schemes accompanying the removal of petroleum subsidy in this country from so called Mass transit transportation, poverty alleviation schemes, Petroleum Tax Funds and SURE-P have come to naught.

The time has now run out for these state-subsidized scams. We have been arguing for the past twenty five years that as long as there is a run on the naira through a burglarized treasury by corrupt and dissolute administrations coupled by the wild purloining of the national currency by economic brigands, a gap will always open up which gives the illusion of subsidizing.

As long as a national product of Nigeria is being purchased by foreign currency earned from the same product, the illusion of subsidy will never go away. This economic psychosis is a

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu function of the historic psychosis of the Nigerian ruling elite. It is not subsidy that should be removed, it is those who have brought Nigeria to a sorry pass that should be restrained or reined in by the iron laws of the state.

It is not in the interest of those waging economic warfare against the fatherland through the economy of disaffection for a drastic solution to be found for the subsidy conundrum. They will fight tooth and nail. These are enemy nationals for whom the idea of the nation has not come. For them, Nigeria is and remains a no man’s land; a jungle of primitive and predatory extraction; a new Congo of combustible combos in which God marches with the quick and quick-witted.

Mohammadu Buhari has his work cut out for him. This is where his authoritarian messianic populism will help. In his first coming as an economic nationalist, the former military ruler, proudly and stoutly rejected all blandishments from the western powers to devalue the naira. Some of the measures he introduced, particularly counter trade and stiff fiscal regulation, were dismissed by western interlocutors as signs of economic illiteracy. Yet they would have worked very well if Buhari had been allowed to stay the course.

But the world has since moved on.

The modern economy is no longer powered by natural resources but by ceaseless knowledge production. Yet if the erosion and dilution of national boundaries premised on the rampaging forces of globalization has occurred at all, it is only in the peripheries of the global order.

As a state, America remains bullish and bearish remorselessly powered by the messianic notion of American Exceptionalism. The Brits are chafing at the grinding homogenization of an abysmally incompetent EU while the Scots are bent on dismantling the entire union or its more egregious oversight function. Canada is moving in the direction of a multi-state nation. The reports about the death of the postWestphalian state appear to be widely exaggerated. Let the premature obituarists take note.

In the circumstances, it is said that you cannot step into the same river twice. But if Buhari was an economic nationalist in his first coming, he must become an economic hyper-nationalist in his second sojourn if he is to retain a minimal notion of Nigeria as a viable proposition. Buhari must look for a new set of indigenous economists to fashion out a new economic order for a dying nation. There are many quiet Nigerians doing a lot of good work in that intellectual domain. The reliance on World Bank quacks mouthing shopworn shibboleths from the Chicago School has cost Nigeria very dearly in the past three decades.

Buhari must be wary of the kind of “policy experts” he takes seriously. He must reflect deeply on the tragic career

The light artist of Lalakukulala

rendered with satanic glee.

E se ibi tati bere, baba E se ibi te bawa de Adupe O Jesu ibi t’enko wa lo.

Then it was time for business. An elegant woman speaking Queen’s English came forward. “Sir, there has been no light in my area for a month.

The generator packed up five days ago.

The food in the freezer is beginning to go bad”, she lamented.

“Spread the food in front of the house in the night”, the guru urged.

“What? What if rats and snakes eat the soup?” the woman asked in alarm.

“Then you kill the rats and snakes

and add them to the soup”, the sage replied poker-faced.

“In the night? What if I’m bitten by snakes?” the woman screamed.

“Then you are added to the soup, period. O d’obe ni yen. Cobra no dey chop corn, na di thing we dey chop corn naim cobra dey chop” , the guru said and dismissed the woman.

Then another woman stepped forward, rather gingerly having witnessed the previous encounter.

“Oga no light no business oo”, she began on a plaintive note.

“Which kind business you dey do?”, the great man asked.

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“I be ashewo for Agege”, she replied with a bashful smile.

“Take your customers outside and get on with it”, the guru replied without looking up.

“What? Make dem comot dem blokos and fire me just like dat?” the woman shouted as she stormed off, “Oga, abi you no well?”

But the most hilarious encounter was between the guru and a selfimportant man who arrived with a retinue of aides, red cap, feather fan and all what not.

“Chief, kontri don pafuka, generator no dey work again, the meat

of President Olusegun Obasanjo who by early nature and instinct was an economic nationalist until he got swamped and stuck in the eddy of premature western adulation and metropolitan mendacity. Beyond the hidebound hallucinations of the intellectually challenged, some of these local “experts” have not done a day’s thorough reflection on the agonistic nature of modern economics and the plight of the Black people in the global order.

But even at that, a new economic blueprint without a thoroughgoing reevaluation of the architecture of the post-colonial state cannot completely address the adversarial possibilities of the economy of disaffection in all its nation-threatening potential. It goes straight into the heart of the National Question itself.

If President Mohammadu Buhari is in any doubt, he needs to look no further than the parting shots of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a widely quoted Parthian, Jonathan urged Buhari to extend any intended probe to past administrations and to adjudicate judiciously on the pattern and procedures of the allocation of oil wells since independence. This is as close to opening a Pandora Box as it can get. It is a very telling and revealing moment for the Robber-baron politics and economics of the Nigerian postcolonial state. While not denying culpability for mismanaging the Nigerian economy, Jonathan is saying that he is not the only culprit and should not be so treated.

In that fleeting moment of radical epiphany, Jonathan disemboweled the post-colonial state in Nigeria and reveals a deep political animus powered by the economy of disaffection which is predicated on what a great contemporary sociologist has called a deliberate strategy of excluding the excluders. Plucked from a provincial backwater, the foaming Niger Delta creek claimed its own in the end.

All those who recruited a man weighed down by such political neurosis and deep ancestral resentment as a blue-eyed boy and pawn of an unjust order might have supplied the burning pyres of their own political funeral.

Indeed, if the linguistically challenged former president is not merely slandering himself and his government, it shows that he had merely played along in order to wreak further havoc on the social and national question.

The Nigerian post-colonial state has become the political and economic pallbearer of the nation and only a drastic surgery can suffice at this point.

While there is no doubt that President Mohammadu Buhari has the iron will and the adamantine integrity to handle economic saboteurs, going forward he will need exemplary political skills and superior savvy to handle the pathologies arising from the economy of disaffection and the poverty of our politics. dey smell, even the alligator my wife come bring from Abakaliki come dey rot well well for freezer”, he lamented with a hint of self-pity and selfindulgence.

“Which technology came first, electricity or generator?” the guru asked calmly.

“Which kind foolish question be dat one? Wetin concern dat kind grammar with dead meat?” the chief raved.

“Answer my question”, the guru snapped. “ Biko, this one be real onyeosi ooo, real were man, anoya proper. I just come waste my time with this yeye ngbati crook”, the man fumed as he fled with his hangers-on cursing.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

NEWS

I'll forever remain grateful to Alamieyeseigha - Jonathan

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•Senate President David Mark (2nd left) welcoming special envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Lee Ju-Young, who paid him visit at his Apo Mansion in Abuja at the weekend. With them are, members of National Assembly of Korea, Mr. Parker Dae Dong (left) and Mr. Lee Nogeun Photo: NAN

Buhari, Osinbajo declare assets

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have declared their assets in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Their declaration forms were submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau on Thursday, 24 hours before they were sworn- in at Abuja.

The Head of the Buhari Media Team, Mallam Garba Shehu confirmed the development yesterday, saying the Bureau Chairman, Sam Saba acknowledged receipt of the assets declaration forms.

Details of the declared assets were not made available.

"President Buhari's Declarant ID was given as: 'President: 000001/2015'," Garba said.

He added: "The Nigerian Constitution states in Chapter VI Section 140, that a person elected to the office of President shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the Constitution."

He said that by declaring their assets, President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo have not only fulfilled the requirements of the Constitution, but also fulfilled the first of their many campaign promises.

And speaking at the Inaugural Thanksgiving at the national Christian Centre, Abuja

•VP says President's election is divine intervention in Nigeria's affairs •Don't allow corrupt people around you, Bishop Oke warns VP From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

yesterday, Osinbajo said the victory of President Buhari in the March 28 election was a clear testimony of divine intervention in Nigeria's affairs.

"After three failed attempts, God made Muhhamadu Buhari win his fourth attempt at becoming Nigeria's president because it is the time for God to heal this nation," he said.

"God's plan is to make Nigeria a nation that will be admired and respected among the nations of the earth; and this he (Buhari) intends to do by establishing truth and integrity, ensuring that corruption is eradicated, and resources meant for all are not cornered by few but used according to law, justice and equity to the benefit of all.

"The Lord wants a nation ruled only in accordance to law and justice, where the guilty are punished and the good are rewarded.

"Listening to President Buhari deliver his inaugural speech, I am sure you will agree that he emphasized these three clear desires of God."

Osinbajo said he himself was divinely chosen to assist Buhari transform the country.

He said: "The great and mighty God who has chosen me at this time by Himself to assist the President of this nation."

In a sermon at the service, Bishop Wale Oke, said that anyone who honours God must be honoured by God. Stressing that the thanksgiving service was about honouring God, he warned the Vice President not to allow corrupt people around him.

He said that the Vice President's career and reputation built over the years could go up in flames within seconds should he condone corruption.

He said: "If you are corrupt, you cannot be a friend of God. We pray that you will enjoy the manifest of God all the days of your life.

"When others don't have an answer to a situation, God will reveal it to you. He will make you the Joseph of this administration.

"God will reveal the secret of the problems of Nigeria to you like Joseph and Daniel in

the Holy Bible. Your Excellency, choose the way of Abraham and not that of Eli. With that, I believe generations unborn will celebrate you.

"The nation has a brilliant hope in the combination of you and Buhari, who is known for his uprightness."

Dignitaries at the service included former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Chief John OdigieOyegun and his wife, representative of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Joseph Obayemi, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, the immediate past governor of River State Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, three former governors of Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi and former governor of Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu. Also at the service were the Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, Senator Olorunmibe Mamora, the VP's father-in-law, Mr. Tayo Shoyode and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Vice President directed that offering collected at the service be remitted to all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the country.

•Dignitaries at a reception in honour of former President Jonathan by the Otuoke Community in Yenagoa on Friday Photo: NAN

ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid tribute to his former boss, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, for giving him a breakthrough in politics.

Chief Alamieyeseigha picked Dr. Jonathan as running mate for the 1999 governorship election in Bayelsa State which they won.

The former President went on to replace Alamieyeseigha as governor following his impeachment.

He was preparing to seek re-election as governor in 2007 when he was drafted in as running mate to the late Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua in that year's Presidential election.

Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving service organised by the Bayelsa State government as part of the grand reception in his honour in Yenagoa, yesterday Jonathan said he never dreamt of becoming a commissioner in the state until Alamieseigha convinced him to become his running mate in 1999.

"Without Alamieyeseigha, l wouldn't have been here talking about being a former President. Nobody would have heard about Jonathan without him. So, help me thank him," he said.

He appealed to religious leaders and the Christian community to keep praying for him and his family saying that he would continue to contribute to development and nationbuilding by virtue of his current position.

He commended the CAN President and other Christian leaders for their prayers and support throughout his Presidency.

Jonathan who read the first Bible lesson from Luke 17:1112 hailed his former aides for their services to the country saying that they all worked tirelessly to develop the country.

He praised Dickson for packaging the grand reception.

The thanksgiving service,

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Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa which was held at the St. Peter's Anglican Church, Ovom, Yenagoa, was attended by dignitaries from across the country and abroad.

Governor Seriake Dickson and his wife, Rachel, Deputy Governor John Jonah, Alamieyeseigha, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Kombowei Benson and other notable politicians in the state were in attendance as were over 50 former presidential aides including ministers.

The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, led a high-powered delegation of Rivers people including the former Governor of the state, Celestine Omehia, to the event.

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, received Jonathan and his wife, Patience, at the church.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dickson said the people of the state were elated to welcome the former President and thanked the people for accompanying him to his Otuoke country home.

"The significance of this thanksgiving is that we as a government felt that all the activities will not be complete unless we assemble here to thank the awesome God for the opportunity granted us to serve this country.

"Our leader Jonathan did a great job and he has now entered into an exclusive club of national and international statesman. We know the challenges of public office but God helped him and we are very grateful to God", he said.

In his sermon, Pastor Uma Ukpai described Jonathan as "one man that remembers those who helped him when he was nobody. He was approachable and he doesn't behave like a Nigerian."

The highpoint of the event was a presentation made to Mrs. Jonathan by a group of Abuja women led by Onyeka Onwenu.

Nyako returns

HE former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, who was impeached by the state Assembly for alleged gross financial fraud, has returned to the country.

The former governor and his deputy, Bala Ngilari, were impeached by the Assembly under Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri.

After his impeachment, Nyako fled into self-exile over speculations that he was to be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It was believed that he was impeached over a scathing letter he wrote to former President Goodluck Jonathan accusing him of carrying out genocide against the people of the north east.

He fled to Germany and later England where he had been since July 2014.

Although Ngilari was able to quash his own impeachment in court, Nyako failed in his bid a Federal High Court sitting in Yola last week dis-

missed his suit challenging his ouster.

The former governor returned to Nigeria yesterday afternoon and was received by friends and associates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja. Some of those who welcomed him were Senators Binta Garba, Abdullahi Adamu and Danjuma Goje.

Mr. Nyako played a prominent role in the emergence of the new governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Jibrilla.

He directed his supporters in the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Adamawa State to vote for Jibrilla in the two primary elections held in the state; first during the bye election (before it was cancelled by the court), and in the run-up to the 2015 election.

After his victory in the April 11 election, Governor Jibrilla said he remained loyal to Nyako. He went ahead and appointed three core Nyako loyalists as part of the five appointments he made shortly after he was sworn in Friday.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

NEWS

Suicide bombing, attempted invasion of Maiduguri claim 37 lives A T least 37 lives were lost yesterday in the latest terror attacks on Maiduguri by Boko Haram, 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to crush the "mindless" and "godless" group, and ordered the military high command to relocate to the Borno State capital until the terrorists are brought to their knees.

Twenty seven people, 20 of them insurgents, were killed in a midnight attempt by them to invade the city.

The remaining 10 were feared killed in a suicide bombing inside a mosque, close to the popular Monday Market which has been repeatedly targeted by Boko Haram.

Scores of other people were wounded in the two incidents.

But Buhari, in a swift reaction to the attacks said Boko Haram would soon be history.

The insurgents first struck at about 00.25 yesterday about 13 hours after President Buhari ordered the military high command to relocate to the Borno State capital.

Soldiers engaged the invaders in a shootout and repelled them.

Military sources said the terrorists had planned to enter Maiduguri through the bushes around Damboa in the southwestern part of the state capital but could not succeed.

They then resorted to the use of Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs).

The firing raged until about 3.30am leaving traumatized residents unable to sleep or even run for their lives in view of the curfew in place.

A resident Mari Madu said he counted at least 40 thunderous blasts from the grenades before he lost count.

A second resident Khalil Ahmad, said seven people were killed by one of the RPG bombs at Dala suburb, behind Gomari area, along MaiduguriDamaturu road.

Another witness, Yusuf Sani, said a civilian was killed by the RPG bomb at another house at Gomari.

Adamu Hamza, who lives at Bulunkutu area spoke of "heavy casualties because I learnt some

• Terrorists rain grenades on city • Degrading Boko Haram unshakeable, says President

of the grenades torched people's houses."

A source said:"The terrorists came prepared to take over the town but after realizing the heavy fire power from troops, started firing their RPGs which claimed the life of a taxi driver, Mallam Bukar around Borehole area and three other residents."

Another resident of Gomari who shared a fence with one of the victims said the fence was partially destroyed by a grenade.

An AFP reporter who lives in the area said he heard what sounded like armoured personnel carriers deploying to the southern edge of Maiduguri to face the rebel advance.

A military source said: "For the third time, the insurgents attempted to overrun Maiduguri through Dala in the Southern part.

"They were however frustrated by the water-tight security and military apparatchik in Borno State

capital because they could not march on the city.

"Instead, they started firing Rocket Propelled Grenades at houses and soft targets along their invasion path."

The source however said troops took the battle to the insurgents and succeeded in killing more than 20 of them.

The source added: "Though the insurgents killed about seven people in the attack, troops fell more than 20 of them. Many insurgents were also wounded because of the aerial attacks by troops."

Another top security source in Maiduguri said:"The terrorists wanted to enter Maiduguri through Dala Alamdari because there was no way they could come in through any of the recognized highways.

"And the trenches that we dug around the whole of Maiduguri also served as a serious impediment for them to move with their vehicles and arms. They therefore tiptoed

By Yusuf Alli/ Duku Joel, Maiduguri/ Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja and agency reports

from the bushes and fired several RPG bombs into residential areas.

"We confronted them frontally for over three hours and all is now well," the source said.

Security sources said the attack had been repelled.

"All is under control. There is no cause for alarm," one of the sources said.

The sound of RPGs and gunfire had eased by midday yesterday only for a suicide bomber to strike late afternoon close to the Monday Market.

"It was suicide attack by a bomber who pretended to be worshipper," said Haruna Dawud, a trader at the market which is next to the mosque.

Dawud said he saw 20 bodies being evacuated after the blast at roughly 3:30 pm but could not confirm how many were dead.

Another trader, Nura

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Buhari in a statement issued by the Head of his Media Team, Garba Shehu, said his administration will fight terrorism with all the resources available to it.

He described terrorists as cowardly murderers that target innocent people.

•: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) with his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (left), President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Geingob (2nd left), his wife, Madame Monica Geingob (2nd right) and Namibian Minister of Foreign Relations, Mrs. Nelumbo Ndaitwah (right) during the Namibian President's courtesy call to the governor in his office at Ikeja, on Saturday.

Ijaw leaders angry with Jonathan section of Ijaw leaders has openly castigated exPresident Goodluck Jonathan for allegedly neglecting to promote the collective interest of the Ijaw in his six years as President.

They accused him of paying attention to only his Ogbia and Otuoke kinsmen while ignoring other Ijaws.

Jonathan is from Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State.

The Ijaw leaders under the aegis of Bayelsa Progressive Coalition Initiative are of the opinion that the Ijaw nation has little or nothing to show for his six years leading Nigeria.

Consequently, some of them chose to boycott Friday's reception for him in Yenagoa, the state capital and Otuoke on his return from Abuja.

The President of the group, Mr. Godwin Ebikpo and the Secretary, Margaret

Khalid, said he personally counted nine corpses being taken out of the mosque.

"The roof was blown off and fire destroyed the mats and a few Korans," Khalid said.

Sada Umaru, a trader who participated in the rescue operation, also said the death toll may reach 20 or higher, but like Dawud, was not able to confirm a specific toll amid the chaos that followed the blast.

Umaru confirmed the accounts of other witnesses that the attacker entered the mosque pretending to be a worshipper who had come for afternoon prayers.

President Buhari condemned the terrorist attacks, warning that his new administration won't tolerate wanton and willful destruction of life by criminal elements that are bent on anarchy.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Tei, in a statement in Yenagoa, accused Jonathan of abandoning "the Ijaw in Southern Ijaw, KolokumaOpokuma, Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas in his scheme."

According to them, Jonathan merely "used Ijaw title to garner respect from other parts of the country but back home, he played the Ogbia brotherhood politics, empowering the Ogbia people directly and indirectly with juicy contracts, appointments, scholarship overseas and financial assistance.

"He, however, excluded the Ijaw in the mentioned local government areas without realising that the Ijaw struggle took him to the exalted office.

"The core Ijaw always fight the battle for resource

control and selfdetermination with their blood but when by providence Jonathan got to the top he executed parochial agenda to enrich his nucleus enclave as demonstrated by Ogbia brotherhood in Jonathan's leadership."

But the group pledged support for the reelection bid of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State next year in view of the performance of his administration in his first term, and said his reelection should be viewed as a project for all Ijaw people.

They hailed him for uniting the entire Ijaw and giving them a voice.

The group expressed happiness that God destroyed the efforts of former first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan who, in their view, attempted to destroy the Dickson administration.

It was also gathered that

5

Gunmen burn 250 houses in Plateau village •Over 1500 residents displaced From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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NKNOWN gunmen have overrun Shonong village in Riyom local government area of Plateau State in an attack spanning three days.

Two hundred houses in the village were burnt down and about 1500 residents are now displaced, according to a member of the community, Isaac Kahwun.

"The gunmen came as usual and started shooting sporadically to announce their presence," he said in Jos yesterday.

"Residents scampered into the bush for safety. We sent a distress call to the special task force in charge of the village and they only succeeded in driving the gunmen away on the first day of the attacks.

"The security agencies advised the villagers to and run to a safer place as they (security agents) do not have the arsenal with which to confront the gunmen should they return.

"Given this scenario, all the villagers left their houses and took refuge in neighbouring villages. On Thursday night the gunmen returned and set all the houses ablaze including two churches."

He said some buildings used by the community as warehouse for relief items were looted by the attackers while they set the remaining ones ablaze.

Many of the displaced residents are now sleeping in primary schools in neighbouring villages.

The village was attacked last year by gunmen who killed 36 residents most of whom were women and children.

The local government responded to that attack by helping in rebuilding some of the destroyed houses only for the gunmen to return to set them ablaze.

The chairman of Riyom local government, Mrs. Josephine Piyo was stopped by security agents from visiting the village yesterday for security reasons.

An angry Mrs. Piyo said: "In the past two months, more than ten villages in my local government area have been attacked, and the security agencies are here watching without doing anything to defend the people or arrest the gunmen."

The council boss promised to mobilize people of the local government to stage a protest in Abuja with a view to drawing attention to the plight of the people.

India invites Buhari for Summit

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Jonathan

the Ijaw leaders are unhappy with Jonathan for allegedly resisting all entreaties from the state governor to pay a working visit to the state.

The failure of the President to pay a working visit to the state had, at a time, fueled speculation that all was not well between him and the state governor.

But the state government dismissed the insinuation.

NDIA Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Muhammadu Buhari to the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for New Delhi on October 29.

Modi's invite was extended through the Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who led his country's delegation to Buhari's inauguration.

"This was a significant event as this is the first time there has been a democratic and peaceful transfer of power in Nigeria which has been internationally praised.

Several heads of state and governments and senior leaders from around the world attended the event," the petroleum ministry said in a statement.

Nigeria is the fourth largest source of crude oil and the second biggest

source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for India.

In 2014-15, India imported about 18.2 million tonnes of crude and five million square cubic metres a day of LNG from Nigeria.

"Over 100 Indian public and private sector companies are active in Nigeria in various sectors including the upstream sector, import of crude and LNG, telecoms, IT, a u t o m o b i l e , pharmaceuticals, among others," the statement said.

Buhari

NEWS UN posthumous medals for four Nigerian fallen peacekeepers, 122 others

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

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NITED Nation’s (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon yesterday in New York gave posthumous awards of Dag Hammarskjöld medal to 126 peacemakers and from 38 countries including four Nigerians, who died in 2014 while serving under the UN flag.

The Nigerians lost their lives while serving in Liberia and Senegal.

They are: Lance Corporals Silas Danyawu and John Julius from the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Corporal Adama Ike and Sgt. Rabiatu Musa who both served with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

They were awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.

The honour was part of the activities to celebrate the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers’ observed every year on May 29.

2015 is marking the seventh successive year in which the Organisation will honour more than 100 ‘blue helmets’, as they are referred to.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described the medal as egg-shaped and made of clear lead free glass, engraved with the name and date of death of the recipient, the UN logo, and the inscription “The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.”

The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal is given posthumously by the UN to military personnel, police, or civilians, who lose their lives while serving in a UN peacekeeping operation.

It is named after Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the UN, who died in a plane crash in what is now Zambia in Sep-

tember 1961.

At the award ceremony, Ban said: “I regret to say this is the seventh year in a row that more than 100 peacekeepers lost their lives.

“The risks that our peacekeepers face are growing steadily from attacks by extremists and rebel groups to the threat of diseases, including Ebola.

“Of all the ceremonies that the UN organises, this is perhaps the most solemn and most difficult, but in many ways it is the most inspiring.

“The peacekeeping community gathers together to honour courageous men and women, who lost their lives while defending the most vulnerable people in some of the most dangerous places on earth.

“Their sacrifice and the way that they lived their lives, makes us all proud and spurs us on to work harder to ensure that their lives were not lost in vain.’’

The UN Peacekeeping, Ban said will continue to carry risks and sadly this will not be the last time we gather together to mourn.

Our peacekeepers carry a heavy burden for all of us.

He said their hard work and successes have made UN peacekeeping an irreplaceable tool for the international community to address countries in conflict and to help the millions of people affected by war.

The fact that 125,000 peacekeepers serve today, an alltime high, Ban said, is a true testament to the faith and confidence entrusted in them.

The UN Chief said 41 of the peacekeepers honoured lost their lives in Mali, on May 28, due to acts of violence.

I didn’t bar ex-ministers, from travelling — Buhari M

INISTERS and other officials in the immediate past administration are not to be “subjected to any undue harassment and intimidation at the airports or at other points of entry and exit,” President Muhammadu Buhari warned yesterday.

He declared that his government has “not banned anyone from travelling.”

In a statement in Abuja against the backdrop of cases of ‘V.I.P stoppages’ at airports in the country, President Buhari asked “all agen-

cies under the government to run their affairs in full compliance with extant rules, regulations and the constitution of the country.”

“Unless otherwise directed by the courts, no lawabiding citizens should be barred from travelling abroad,” he said in the statement signed by the head of his media team, Mallam Garba Shehu.

“We must treat fellow citizens with courtesy and respect. Officials at the borders and other points of entry and exit should conduct

their affairs in strict compliance with due process. No one has my permission to bar anyone from travelling abroad.”

Many former governors, ex-ministers and others have already left the country, some shortly before Friday’s swearing in of the new President.

In this category are the immediate past Petroleum Affairs Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and former Governors Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Usman Saidu

Dakingari (Kebbi) and Bala Ngilari (Adamawa).

President Buhari in his inauguration speech on Friday had advised those in fear of his coming after them to stop nursing such thought.

He said: “A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.”

He said there is need for Nigerians to be united now more than the case in the past because of challenges at hand.

•Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (centre) with new Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai at Kaduna International Airport when the former visited the Governor in Kaduna yesterday.

Photo: Abdulgafar Alabelewe

Britain to assist in retrieving looted funds T

HE British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron has pledged more assistance for the country in tracking and retrieving looted public funds.

Prime Minister in a goodwill message to President Muhammadu Buhari requested a list of what Nigeria wants to help succeed against the current challenges facing the country.

He asked President Buhari to attend the forthcoming meeting of the “G7” industrialized nations with a “wish list”. The summit is scheduled for June 7-9 in Berlin, Germany.

The British Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond who delivered the message said:”We are waiting for your own list.”

This meeting was a follow-up to an earlier one between the then Presidentelect and Mr. Cameron in London during which commitments were given to the in-coming administration in several areas, including the fight against terrorism, power and energy and such matters of common concerns of migration challenges facing the continent as well what he

•Foreign Secretary says 250,000 Nigerians are in the UK •Bilateral trade hits £7 billion per annum From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation/ Vincent Ikuomola and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

called “intelligence fusion” to secure Africa from global terror.

He also raised the issue of “free trade” between the EU and Africa, a proposal he said enjoyed the support of several countries on the continent and in support of which he sought to enlist the backing of President Buhari.

The President promised to prepare the government’s aspirations for the summit which he said he will attend.

And in a statement yesterday in Abuja, Mr. Hammond said his country would assist the Buhari administration to track and retrieve looted funds.

He said the UK believes that Nigeria’s wealth should be spent for the benefit of all citizens.

He said about 250,000 Nigerians are currently residing in the UK while bilateral trade with Nigeria stands at over £7 billion per year.

Besides, Hammond, pledged UK’s preparedness

to collaborate in tackling Boko Haram.

Describing Buhari’s ascension to power as important moment for Nigeria, Hammond said: “there are many serious challenges ahead.

“In our conversations with him and his team both before, and since, the election, we have found many points of agreement on both the size and shape of these challenges, and the way to address them.

“In particular we agree with President Buhari’s top priorities: tackling corruption; addressing the root causes of instability in the North East; and stabilising the economy in the face of low oil prices.

“We also stand ready to help where we can with the government’s priority of tackling the diversion and leakage of money so that Nigeria’s wealth can be spent for the benefit of all.

“Nigeria can and should be one of the great African success stories of the 21st Century. The UK is determined to be a close partner as Nigeria reaches

that goal. Together we should seize this moment of renewal, and strengthen yet further our long-standing partnership.”

On Boko Haram, Hammond said the UK is “ready to support President Buhari and his new government as they begin their programme for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

“As we have been increasingly doing over the last year, we look forward to working closely with the Nigerian government and security forces to help them tackle Boko Haram and bring lasting stability to the North East.

“We will share our experiences in building strong security architecture accountable to an informed political system; the two need to work in harmony, to an agreed set of objectives and standards. And we will continue to support the training of Nigerian soldiers to improve their ability to defeat Boko Haram on the battlefield.

“Stability is not delivered by an effective military alone. We are also working

extensively with many States throughout the country on development programmes which bring health, education and employment opportunity to communities threatened by instability.”

He said Britain was looking forward to a new beginning for a longstanding partnership with Nigeria.

Speaking separately, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James F. Entwistle said his country has always been in support of Nigeria and remains committed to assisting it in every way possible His words: “ In terms of what we expect from this government, the US and Nigeria has always had good relations.

“From government to government, it has always been up and down sometimes but we have always had fundamentally good relations and that will continue with the Buhari administration. President Buhari graciously spent few minutes talking to Secretary Kerry after the inauguration very quickly. Of course it was

a short private chat.

“We focused on the future, doing even more on top of the extensive assistance we already given against terrorist threat, what can we do to help more on the power sector, things like that. So the future is very bright, not only with government but with private sectors.”

Mr. Han Changfu, who led the Chinese delegation to the inauguration also had an audience with President Buhari. He asked Nigeria to open avenues for Chinese investments.

China promised to help out in such areas as agriculture, power and railways.

President Dennis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo at a meeting with Buhari said he was mandated by other leaders in Central Africa to consult with their counterparts in the ECOWAS with a view to tackling common challenges especially the one posed by terrorism. Nguesso also requested President Buhari to assume his rightful place as the leader of Africa.

President Buhari agreed that the meeting holds before the next African Union in South Africa as suggested.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

NEWS

Asari-Dokubo challenges Buhari on corruption

Cole resigns from GPHCDA board

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

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From Morakinyo Abodunrin, Abuja

HE Spartan lifestyle and austerity disposition of new President, Muhammadu Buhari, would serve as a booster to tackle corruption in the country.

Founder of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, gave this view in an exclusive interview with our correspondent.

A close associate of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Asari-Dokubo, called on Buhari to match his words with action by declaring a total war on corruption.

He said, "I will be happy if Buhari can follow up on his words that the fight against corruption would be rigorously pursued.

"I cannot wait to see the change the new government would usher in, because it is on the basis of the word change that they were voted into power.

"There is a lot of corruption in the land and this has nothing to do with the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan; corruption is something that has plagued the country as far back as some 25 to 30 years ago.

"So, I'm looking forward to the change they are talking about, because a few people have amassed so much wealth for their own personal aggrandizement and unfortunately at the detriment of the people of this country. It would be interesting to see how the President would effect change in the war against corruption."

In his reaction to the President's inaugural speech, Dokubo said it was a breath of fresh air, which he believes, could set the tone for the eagerly awaited change in the nation's polity.

T

FG trains 292 Professors, PhD holders in specialised courses From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja O fewer than 292 professors and holders of doctorate degrees drawn from 73 universities in the country are currently undergoing a specialised training in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) courses.

The training was an initiative of the Federal Government.

The program, which is jointly facilitated by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), College of Engineering of Gregory University, Uturu, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and some experts from Israel, also has other component areas which it would cover such as supply and delivery of set laboratory, teaching, learning laboratories/workshop equipment to all the benefiting universities.

The multi-billion naira project also includes the rehabilitation of four selected laboratories that will house the new set of hands-on training equipment, such as provision of five-year spare parts to support the laboratories, monitoring and evaluating the project performance with a view to deepening the research and development capabilities of the various institutions.

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• L-R: APC chieftain Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Senator Bukola Saraki when Kwara State delegation paid a visit to the Governor in Sokoto yesterday

Panic as Apo transmission system collapses on Inauguration Day T

here was panic at the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) following the collapse of a transmission system (100MVA transformer) in Apo Transmission Station at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of presidential inauguration.

A highly placed source who made this disclosure to The Nation on the condition of anonymity, said the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) was earlier billed to receive as much load allocation as possible, but confusion set in when a major fault

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja reared its ugly head at the station.

In the ensuing confusion, a situation report was communicated to the Disco, while frantic efforts were made to restore power to the Central Business District (CBD).

Respite however came at about 7.00am after the technical crew succeeded in allocating 20Mega Watts (MW) for sensitive facilities in the district.

An hour later, it was gathered that the system was able to restore 50MW for more feeders in the city.

The pandemonium lasted till about 9.00am when the TCN raised the allocation to 309.5MW for all sensitive installations.

However, the company could not restore power to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which was powered with a generator.

A source said: "We were all at a loss on that inauguration day. I was woken up with the news of the faulty transformer in Apo Transmission Station.

This caused panic in both the AEDC and the TCN, which saved the situation that had degenerated to 20 MW as early

as 6am in the morning. An hour later, we were able to restore the situation to 100MW and later to 309.5MW. But we could not restore the power to the airport."

It was learnt that initial plan was for the AEDC to have as many MW as possible and had expected about 400MW before the fault was detected in the transformer.

Attempt by our correspondent to speak with the spokesperson of TCN, Mrs. Seun Olagunju, was futile as her phone indicated that it had been switched off.

Suswam withdraws petition against Gemade

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ORMER Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, has withdrawn his petition challenging the election of Senator Barnabas Gemade, saying the decision is to enhance the development of the state.

In the last general elections, Suswam contested the Benue North East senatorial district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Gemade of the

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Not satisfied with the outcome of the election, Suswam filed a petition at the Election Tribunal challenging the victory of Gemade, citing massive irregularities and rigging of the polls.

But fielding questions from journalists at the weekend during the dissolution of the State Executive Council at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, Suswam announced his decision to discontinue with the court case, saying the decision was taken after consultations with Gemade and other relevant stakeholders.

He said: "I have ordered

my lawyers to discontinue with my case against Senator Gemade. I have consulted very well with Senator Gemade and other relevant stakeholders and has resolved that I will not continue with the case in the interest of peace."

He, however, debunked insinuations in certain quarters that he was induced to withdraw the suit against Gemade.

Nigeria, South Korea seek improved economic, parliamentary ties

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IGERIA and the Republic of South Korea have pledged to improve the economic, parliamentary and socio-political relationship between the two countries.

The parliaments of both nations would facilitate the bilateral cooperation according to an accord reached by Presidential Special Envoy from South Korea led by Senator Lee Ju-Young to the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria's Senate President, David Mark, in Abuja.

Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh in a statement, said

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Mark specifically appreciated the international community for the solidarity and support on the smooth transfer of power from former President Goodluck Jonathan-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration to Buhari's All Progressives Congress (APC).

He reiterated that Nigeria and Nigerians have embraced democracy as the best form of government and are prepared to defend it.

It is on account of this development, he stated, that the nation resolved to strengthen

all the democratic institutions, including but not limited to the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mark added that Nigeria would continue to play her big brother role and leader in Africa.

He said: "Nigeria is ready and willing to partner with any nation that has the expertise and capacity to improve our commerce and industry."

The issues facing Nigeria at the moment, he added, include insecurity aggravated by Boko Haram insurgents, youth unemployment and epileptic power supply.

He called on the international community to assist the new government to address some of these challenges.

In his earlier remarks, leader of the South Korea Presidential delegation, Lee Ju Young, noted the strategic role of Nigeria in Africa and promised his country's willingness to invest in Nigeria.

He expressed happiness on the improved bilateral relationship between the two countries, adding that the success of the 2015 general elections and the smooth handover of power have boosted the confidence of investors in the Nigerian economy.

HE Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole, has resigned as Chairman of the board of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA).

The GPHCDA was established with a mandate to transform the Greater Port Harcourt Area into a world-class city internationally recognised for excellence, and the preferred destination for investors and tourists.

The Cole-led board coordinated the unfolding transformation of the project through the implementation and enforcement of policies that are driving the provision of firstrate infrastructure and the delivery of quality services to the people of Rivers State.

Speaking on the potentials of the project, Cole, a frontline entrepreneur in the oil and gas sector said, "Nigeria remains one of the foremost emerging frontiers for fast paced economic growth and development. All we need to do is harness our potentials and creatively apply our resources.

"We have started something unique with the Greater Port Harcourt City project and I am confident that the project will transform and open up Rivers State for more investments whose impact will outlive generations."

Overhaul oil sector, Buhari told

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HE Amalgamation of Nigeria Youths Association (ANYA) has called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to completely overhaul the oil and gas sector with the view of bringing in efficiency, transparency, decorum, accountability and probity into the sector.

Such overhaul, the association said, should be holistic in order to avert strike actions by players in the procurement and distribution of petroleum products in the country.

In a statement signed on behalf of the members of the association, the National President and Secretary, Prince Oliver Okpalla and Tola Adeboye respectively, the association urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to avoid strikes in the oil industry, like the recent one by members of the Oil Marketers Association, which almost crippled the nation's economy and caused untold hardship to Nigerians.

It, however, commended "the patriotic act of one of the oil marketers, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah of Capital Oil and Gas, who pulled out of the strike by ordering the opening up of all his company's strategic oil tanks located throughout all the geopolitical zones of the country for loading and distribution of petroleum products to the tune of 13 million litres of fuel in consideration of the plight and untold hardship suffered by Nigerians."

The association noted that "it was this act of national patriotism by Ubah that forced the Oil Marketers Association to immediately call off their strike."

It therefore urged the "Buhari administration to commend and appreciate the action of Ubah as a shining example to others in the oil industry," adding, "we are of the view that such patriotic act should receive or attract the award of a national honour to the individual involved."

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Leadership crisis hits Ondo Muslim Council From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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leadership crisis has engulfed the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

At the centre of the crisis is a retired school principal, Alhaji Ibrahim Omoloja, who has been the chairman of the Islamic body since the past 18 years.

According to sources, the genesis of the crisis began sometime in 2010, when some Muslim youths in the state allegedly raised concerns over the perceived redundancy of the Council and subsequently set up a committee headed by Alhaji Amuzat Aliu to come up with recommendations to address the situation.

The committee's report, it was learnt did not however see the light of the day.

Following this development, a General Assembly of the Council was held at the Central Mosque, Akure, the state capital, where a vote of no confidence was passed on the Omojola-led Executive Committee.

Consequently, an interim committee headed by Abibulahi Akinpelumi was put in place and given three months to produce a new substantive committee to replace Omojola's exco.

Sources disclosed that two Muslim leaders in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani from Akoko zone and Alhaji Nureni Akorede from Akure were recommended to succeed Omojola.

But Omojola, who was removed as chairman, allegedly summoned a meeting to scuttle the implementation of the report, even as many members of the council insisted that a new executive council should be put in place.

Speaking on the crisis, Chairman, Ondo State Muslims Welfare Board, Alhaji Rashidi Ajifowowe, said the tenure of the Omojola-led executive has lapsed.

He said, "The former executive council has been in office for the past 18 years and majority of Muslims in the state demanded for a change."

Ajifowowe said he had intervened in the matter several times, adding that the embattled former chairman had earlier agreed to relinquish power but later reneged on his promise.

Infertile women should embrace advanced IVF measure-Expert From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

NEWS

Gynecologist, Dr. Bukunmi Kolade, has admonished women with fertility problem to embrace the In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) advance fertility treatment to address their fertility problem.

Kolade spoke at the weekend while commissioning the Vine Branch Fertility Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

While debunking the notion that children born through IVF methods behaves abnormally, Kolade said the only difference is the process of conceiving the child, but added that there may be a slight difference in their physical behaviour due to environmental challenges.

Ambode receives Namibian President, moves official residence to Ikeja

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the economy of the state has the capacity for expansion.

He stated this at the weekend while playing host to the President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Geingob, at his office in Ikeja.

The visiting President and his wife, Madame Monica Geingob, were in the country for the inauguration of the new President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor, who said he is a firm believer in African Renaissance, added that African countries should have a meeting point to relate and find ways to explore the economic potentials of the continent.

He reiterated his plans to

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro create an Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (LAGOS GLOBAL), which according to him, would go a long way to attract Direct Foreign Investments into the State.

Ambode disclosed that his administration is ready to collaborate with Namibia in the areas of tourism, entertainment and arts In his remarks, President Dr Geingob congratulated Lagos State for the successful transfer of power, stating that a similar transition recently took place in Namibia, which he said, brought him to power.

While calling for greater collaboration between Lagos State and Namibia, Geingob described Nigeria as the power

house of Africa, adding that there is a lot of interest on Lagos due to its potential, size and long history of commerce.

Meanwhile, the governor on Friday held his first meeting with the Body of Permanent Secretaries in the State, reiterating that the civil service will drive the change and the continuity which he intends to put in place in the next four years.

At the parley which held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Ambode promised to strengthen the civil service and sustain the reforms put in place by his predecessor.

He said new offices would be created just as some present ones would be streamlined in order to ensure that cost of governance is reduced, while

ensuring greater efficiency.

Ambode stressed that he would saddle the Body of Permanent Secretary with the task of taking a look at the draft which the immediate past administration could not conclude, urging them to work on such drafts to fit into his vision.

The governor insisted that his latest pronouncements are not about reinventing the wheel, but take full advantage of the experience he had garnered while in the public service of the state.

Ambode disclosed that he would be residing at the Lagos House, Alausa, as against the governor's official residence in Marina used by his predecessor to enable him discharge his duties more effectively.

'Emergence of Buhari, a new vista of opportunity'

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HE Osun State House of Assembly memberelect, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as vice president signals a new dawn in the political history of Nigeria.

He said: "Nigerians have been eager to witness the epoch making event, which signaled a new beginning" Expressing confidence in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his promises, Oyintiloye urged Nigerians to keep faith with their decision, adding that though the journey may be rough, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

"President Buhari is a man who Nigerians believe would bring the desired change, not only change of government, but change from bad governance to good governance," he added.

Oyintiloye called on the President to avoid distractions capable of derailing him from fulfilling his campaign promises to the people.

He advised the President to hit the ground running and quickly find lasting solutions to the challenges of insecurity, power and unemployment.

Ekiti APC members celebrate Buhari's inauguration From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

• Former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande wife of Osun State Governor. Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola; Lagos State Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife Bolanle; Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the swearing in of the governor at the Photo:Taiwo Okanlawon weekend in Lagos GUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has acknowledged the role of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in his reelection.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Addressing thousands of urban renewal, provision of because he has to be in Abuja, Abeokuta supporters at the MKO Abiola security, among other sectors. but we have his wife; our International Stadium during elicited deafening ovation mother with us here. I say you In the build up to the 2015 his inauguration, the governor from the crowd. The former are recognised Mama." general elections, Obasanjo who thanked the people of the President was not present at the quit party politics after he fell The political relationship state for their support, however occasion, but his wife, Mrs. Bola between Obasanjo and out with his former party, added Obasanjo deserved a Obasanjo, was in attendance.

Peoples Democratic Party Amosun was rekindled due Amosun said: "Let me to what the former described special mention and (PDP). He subsequently specially appreciate our Baba, as the governor's impressive commendation. publicly announced his The governor's former President Olusegun performance in the areas of support to Amosun's reacknowledgement of Obasanjo Obasanjo. He is not here, infrastructural development, election.

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Obasanjo contributed to my re-election, says Amosun

Lagos speakership: Agunbiade steps down, solicits support as deputy speaker

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NE of the major contenders for the position of Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanai Agunbiade, has stepped down from the race.

According to him, he would now vie for the position of Deputy Speaker.

Agunbiade, who represents Ikorodu 1 constituency, has written to both returning members and the new comers to intimate them of his decision and to solicit their support for his new aspiration.

In the letter titled, 'I humbly seek your consideration, acceptance and support,' the lawmaker said the motive of his intent "transcends personal ambition, but firmly

By Oziegbe Okoeki entrenched in my passion for a virile and effective legislature of all time.

He added, "My credentials for this request are rooted in my previous leadership experience garnered over the years and nurtured by the capacities in which I have served as leader of men. My records of leadership, with peaceful, rational and remarkable accomplishments in the past are all verifiable.

"Our choice of leadership for the 8th Assembly should not be guided by sentiment of attachment, but be guided by our dream and expectations for the next four years as legislators. I am sure we all desire an Assembly we could

all have a sense of belonging and be exceptionally proud of; an Assembly that can stoutly stand in defence of each and every member more than ever before."

Speaking on his decision to step down from the speakership race with our correspondent, the lawmaker said with the new governor, Akinwunmi Ambode from the Lagos East senatorial zone like him, it would be difficult to convince his colleagues to back his ambition.

In a related development, a non-governmental group, Change Alliance Leadership has urged the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to consider competence and experience in deciding on the next speaker

of the Lagos Assembly.

Speaking with newsmen at the weekend, the Coordinator of the group, Princess Olabanji Folashade-Oba, noted that a competent and experienced must be supported to emerge as the new Speaker in order to ensure the ongoing transformation in the Assembly is sustained.

The group called on all stakeholders to support the election of the current Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Rotimi Abiru as the next Speaker, saying that the lawmaker possesses the qualities needed to surpass the achievements of the outgoing Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, and take the House to the next level.

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EADERS and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State trooped out in large numbers yesterday to celebrate the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

They described Buhari's inauguration as "unprecedented, a historic landmark and milestone for the party," which they said, would usher in a new era of development for the country.

Led by Chief Joseph Alake, the APC members, who were drawn from all the ten wards in Efon Alaaye, sang, danced and congratulated one another for the successful handover of power to Buhari.

They were provided security cover by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the town following reports that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were allegedly plotting to attack them.

Alake said: "We have been waiting for it (the inauguration); we tried during the Awolowo era, but it was not realized. We thank God that at last, the progressives are now in charge at the centre. Buhari is a man of integrity. I worked closely with him in the Army before I left 30 years ago. We thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief John Oyegun for their roles in the emerging new Nigeria."

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

•Buhari

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HE May 29, 2015 Inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari has become a window of what the new administration is poised to do for Nigeria and Nigerians in the next four years. As a result, both the international and national leaders, professionals, interest groups and general stakeholders are undertaking diligent scrutiny of the speech. Their reactions are as varied as their interests and expectations. While some respondents, who spoke to The Nation at the weekend, commended the president for the speech, describing it as a good beginning, others pointed out some issues he allegedly left out, advising that as implied in his assurance that he belongs to all, Buhari should do everything to carry the entire nation along for rapid socio-economic and political development.

‘It’s the best inaugural speech in Nigeria’s political history’ -Wahab Shittu, human rights lawyer My take on the President’s speech is that it is the best inaugural speech in Nigeria’s political history, given the challenges Nigeria is currently faced with. Most fundamentally, the speech captures the essence of the major ills confronting the country, such as the insecurity, pervasiveness of corruption, parlous state of the economy, lack of power and unemployment and how the government under his watch would tackle these challenges.

The president also went down memory lane and spoke about the nation’s founding fathers, their vision, contributions and aspirations for the country, while relating it to the failure of successive leaders to build on the legacy bequeathed by the heroes of our independence.

His declaration that he is for everybody and not for anybody is also very

INAUGURAL SPEECH

Kudos, knocks for Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari's May 29, 2015 inaugural speech has continued to generate reactions from local and international leaders. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan and Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo, spoke with some politicians and informed professionals who assessed and commented on the historic speech. commendable. My interpretation of this is that he is going to run an all-inclusive government devoid of partisanship and not be a stooge to anybody. What that also means is that the entire country is his constituency.

No witch-hunt On his decision not to witch-hunt anyone or settle old scores, no one should interpret that to mean that the President would not probe proven cases of corruption, because really not

settling scores should not mean that clear cases of abuse of office in the immediate past administration would not be investigated.

Boko Haram The President made a categorical statement on the direction of his government to tackling the menace of Boko Haram in the North-East. By ordering the immediate relocation of the military command structure to the region is very critical and underscores

the importance he is attaching to solving the problem once and for all.

What also impressed me is his statement that after the terrorists have been completely subdued, the government would conduct a sociological study on the remote and immediate causes of insurgency, its foreign links and funding with a view to preventing such groups from springing up in the future.

Militancy His decision that militancy in the Niger Delta would also be accorded priority attention was also very commendable. In all, the speech was very reassuring, detailed enough, well thought out and well delivered.

It is a very good beginning- Okorie —Chekwas Okorie is a top politician and UPP presidential candidate in the 2015 elections The speech captured the major expectations of many informed Nigerians. It started by laying strong foundation on how his democratic profile will be defined when he said he belonged to nobody and belonged to everybody. The assurance implicit in that statement is the fact that he does not have strings attached and that he is not obligated to political investors or cliques that may lay claim to his ascendancy as president. He also reassured all those who may have hurt him in the past that he will not embark in settling scores. It was a very good beginning in the inaugural speech of this nature to prepare and that he will be focused on leadership of the construction and service delivery.

His comments on security situation and directive for the command and Control Centre of the military to relocate to the theatre of the battle in Borno proved his seriousness and determination to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.

•Contd. on page 10

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

‘Kudos, knocks for Buhari’ •Contd. from page 9

He also described Boko Haram in the strongest terms, which is to show Nigerians that there is nothing Islamist in Boko Haram.

That has proved skeptics wrong who had insinuated that he had sympathy for the group on the basis of religious sentiment.

Also re-assuring is the indication that revenue allocation to local governments will not be hijacked by state governments as has been the case over the years.

He did not leave out the more worrisome energy and power supply sector, oil and gas, anti-corruption measures, creation of jobs and employment opportunities.

I want to point out that I feel really glad that he assured the people of Niger Delta that all contracts and other commitments made by the outgoing government to develop the Niger Delta area would be continued by his government. It goes to show that he belongs to all. However, I am a bit worried that the continued neglect of the South-East area, with regard to infrastructural development and federal presence in the area were missing in that very important inaugural speech. I want to cease this opportunity to inform President Buhari that the entire people of South-East still feel, and for good reasons, that the three ‘Rs’- Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation- promised by the Gowon government in 1970, after the war, has been observed in the breech. We therefore expect that in the change that Nigerians expect, it will help national cohesion and harmony if the peculiar circumstances of the people of the South-East zone receive the special attention and presidential dispensation of the Buhari leadership.

It shows his commitment to survival and unity of Nigeria- Dele —Hon. Kosoko Dele, is an APC chieftain in Lagos State and former member of House of Represenattaives The speech shows President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the survival and unity of Nigeria. He succinctly identified the problems of the country and gave priority to the major issues like power, energy, security and fight against corruption because they are very vital to our economic survival.

I consider the president’s inaugural speech as very powerful. No wonder even international leaders have commended it.

It’s a ray of hope, says human rights lawyer, Fred Agbaje It is a very inspiring and commendable speech, which gives one a ray of hope that the new government is ready to hit the ground running.

I have no doubt that the President would walk his talk, because he is known to be a man of his words.

Insurgency in North-East Relocating the Military High Command to the North-East should be applauded. One of the colossal mistakes made by the Goodluck Jonathan-led government was on the bungling of the fight against insurgency in that region.

The resultant effect of this irresponsibility is the escalation of the activities of the Boko Haram group in the last four years, with thousands of lives lost and millions of people displaced from their homes. Our soldiers were also not well motivated and became highly demoralised.

But now that the Service Chiefs have been directed to relocate to the region, the battle has now been taken to the doorsteps of the Boko Haram, which I believe could lead to the quick resolution of the insurgency.

Corruption Though the President made it clear that he would not witch-hunt anyone, that does not mean that he would close his eyes to cases of corruption by officials of the past administration.

There is so much decadence in the country’s political and economic sectors, which requires strong political will to address. I believe very strongly that the new President would look into the monumental graft in the oil and other sectors of the economy.

Speech shows Buhari’s preparedness for the job- Razak

• Buhari delivering his inaugural speech

• Okorie

• Latinwo

• Razak

• Agbaje

-Lanre Razak is former Deputy National Chairman, defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Lagos APC chieftain The inaugural speech by President Muhammadu Buhari clearly demonstrates his thorough understanding of the major challenges the country is faced with and his preparedness for the job.

He talked about corruption, insecurity and unemployment, particularly among the youths.

My candid assessment is that if we put the speech in its proper perspective, it shows that the president is determined to actualise his campaign promises and I urge all Nigerians to support him to make his job much easier.

On corruption, the President would not condone this in his administration even if he has promised not to witch-hunt anyone. A lot of people have this perception that he is out to settle scores, so his speech was to give an assurance that witch-hunting anybody would not be his agenda.

The speech lacks depth - Adegboruwa Frontline Human Rights activist and lawyer, Ebun Adegboruwa, described the President’s speech as lacking in depth

considering the very high expectations of the people. According to the legal practitioner, “the President has not addressed the real issues affecting our lives in Nigeria. It would seem that the President is still on the soap box, whereby promises and promises and intentions, are the order. He is the President of Nigeria now and my expectation was that since March 28, 2015, when he won the election, when he received the certificate of return from INEC, when he got assurances from Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, that his election would not be contested, General Buhari would have outlined his main policy direction. But alas, that has not happened today.”

Speaking on specific areas where the President’s speech fell short of expectations, Adegboruwa contended that “the President did not say anything on his foreign policy directive, on issues relating to global warming and climate change, the violence in the Middle East and the general global economic downturn. Also, the President was silent on the mode of tackling corruption, which indeed has been the main thrust of his electioneering campaigns; he was silent on the collapsing aviation sector, he kept mute on the unpaid salaries of millions of workers across the land,

the huge debts that the Jonathan administration has bequeathed to him and indeed the main means of generating revenue, to run his government, apart from oil.

Buhari gave no hint on the mode of reform of the judicial system and the administration of justice generally, the expected policy statement on NNPC did not come, and even the Boko Haram insurgency, to which the President devoted most of his speech, ended up in a policy disaster, of cause after effect; in that the President will only know the cause, origin and perspectives of the criminal organisation, only after he has succeeded in killing them all.

In his final analysis, he submitted that the speech is nothing more than “another campaign promise, a general rendition of statements of intention, without action. It was too vague and illusory, like a speech being delivered by a novice in power. This is the President who has ruled this country as a Head of State, through a coup detat in 1983, and one that has sought to rule this nation since 2003, so he had all the time in the world, to have mapped out his cause of action and strategies. This is surely not the speech expected from our GMB.” Buhari offered hope in his speech Latinwo Group Captain Salaudeen Adebola Latinwo (red), former military governor of Kwara State, and a key player during Buhari/Idiagbon administration in 1984/85, has praised the President for giving Nigerians hope in his Presidential address.

He then urged the President to match all his words with immediate action.

He hailed the agenda set out by Buhari in his inaugural speech, describing it as a beginning of new things to come. “I have no doubt that the administration will hit the ground running. I also have no doubt that this should mark the true beginning in the kind of the transformation that we need in the area of building our economy, strengthening our democracy and ensuring good governance in this country”.

“Most importantly, I am happy he is ready to tackle the issue of security. With his submission on how best the war on Boko Haram can be won, I think there is hope that the insecurity in some parts of the country would soon be over. The new government must tackle the issue of security, especially the Boko Haram menace in the North-East.

A tactical approach is required to rid the country of these elements and as a retired military officer, the President knows what to do. And from his speech, I think he is ready to do all that is necessary to win the war.

A very promising speech - Olowoshile Comrade Bayo Olowoshile, the General Secretary of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) said “the content of the president’s speech is very promising and offers a better future for the people.”

Consequently, he promised that the labour would give him needed cooperation in spite of the challenges.

“The speech offers hope to Nigeria as a country. For us in the labour movement, we are going to actually cooperate with him to ensure that Nigeria makes tremendous progress in spite of the challenges ahead.

“On our side as labour unions, we are going to assist him so that he can surmount the challenges ahead for Nigerians to experience real changes in all areas of their endeavour. We want him to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the entire country is carried along in the new government.’’

According to him, for the country to progress, the cooperation of workers is vital.

“I’ve always said Buhari came in on a high moral ground and huge expectations from Nigerians because of his zero tolerance for corruption.

“I think if he could lead by example and all the lieutenants around him follow suit, they will be able to exhibit to Nigerians that they mean well.’’

“Labour will always give support to any government that is sensitive to the plight of workers and to any government that has strategies to ensure full employment to citizenry of our country.

“The support of labour will always be there as long as workers and the general masses are being given policies that could help their well being,’’ he said.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

Ropo Sekoni

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Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

Jonathan’s parting shot tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

The ex-president cannot dictate whether his successor should probe or not; or the period the probe should cover otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net

08050498530(SMS only)

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NE had thought Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the immediate past president of Nigeria, would give us a breather so Nigerians could pick the bits and pieces of their lives together. But try as one did, Dr Jonathan would always do or say something that would compel one to return to him.

Without doubt, we would continue to talk about the Jonathan administration for some time. But then, after this piece, I intend to have a deserved break on the former president because, by last Friday, old things were supposed to have passed away and all things had become new. I hope Dr Jonathan would let me be.

One was compelled to return to the former president because of his speech last Wednesday at the valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council in Abuja, where he again expressed his morbid fear for probe. And that if the Muhammadu Buhari administration must probe his government, then, it must be ready to probe his predecessors too. “I believe that anybody calling for probe must ensure that these probes are extended beyond the Jonathan-led administration. Otherwise, to me, it will be witch-hunting … How do you allocate oil fields, marginal wells and all that?

Do we follow our laws? All these should be probed …” the former president told his audience in his vintage, even if infantile fashion. Dr Jonathan also told his cabinet members that they had performed well and that those criticising them were merely doing so for political purposes. Obviously the former president must be putting performance on its head. But there is nothing wrong with this; after all, the lizard that falls from a wall too acknowledges the ‘feat’ it has performed by nodding its head!

Of course, Dr Jonathan got the usual applause from his ministers. That was the way they kept deceiving themselves until they sent themselves packing from Aso Rock Villa. They kept applauding ministers who reeled out statistics which had no bearing with what was on ground. It was the same statistics that pushed the Jonathan government into the dustbin of history on March 28.

Anyway, while the former president is entitled to his opinion on these matters, unfortunately, his opinion, especially on the vexed issue of probe does not carry any weight.

It is not for him to say whether probe is necessary or unnecessary, or the period it should cover. That is the prerogative of the new government. In the first place, if he was comfy with corruption and saw nothing wrong in probing those he succeeded, that was his business. In the same vein, it is late in the day for him to start talking about “improper allocation of oil fields”. If he knew there were any such things, why did he not do something about them in his more than five years as president?

That he did not do anything about the issues he is now raising less than 48 hours to his exit from power shows the pride of place that corruption occupied in his time. And this is globally acknowledged. He did not leave anyone in doubt that he was quite comfortable with persons of questionable character who walked in and out of Aso Rock while he was the landlord there. He even crowned the infamy by referring to the massive looting of the country’s treasury as ‘stealing’. That was his position on, and predisposition to, corruption (and he is perfectly entitled to it),

Buhari: Four matters arising

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•Jonathan

even though it explains why the country is in the mess he left it in. But it would be preposterous to recommend that failed paradigm to the incoming government. Dr Jonathan on his own accord made ‘transformation’ his government’s mantra; Buhari could decide to make anti-corruption (probe) his. So, there would be nothing unusual about that.

So, rather than keep blackmailing the new government not to probe his government, the former president should advise his ministers and other aides that had stolen public funds to return at least a substantial part of it. That would be much more like it, rather than this cheap popularity or victimhood that Dr Jonathan is seeking. Negotiation can only begin when what is returned is proportionate to what was stolen.

The former president may be right that corruption did not start with his government.

But what he feigns ignorance of is that it assumed an unusual dimension in his time. Indeed, the Jonathan government ‘liberalised’ corruption, as it were! If I must remind him, even General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida whose regime was notorious for being highly corrupt, said they were ‘angels’ compared with what happened in the Jonathan years. For once in recent times, Babangida appeared to be talking sense. Perhaps it was even the impression in Babangida’s time that the country’s economy was resilient (as it did not collapse despite the massive assault on it) that propelled the mindboggling looting of the treasury in recent years. Unfortunately, we have now seen that it is when stealing has not reached a crescendo that an economy would not collapse.

In Dr Jonathan’s time, looters stole too much for the owners to notice. That is why we have unending fuel queues; states and even the Federal Government are leaving backlog of salaries unpaid, etc. as legacies of the Jonathan government. We are in crisis not just because oil prices fell; it is more due to the government’s cluelessness about how to husband the country’s resources, and the unprecedented looting of public funds.

So, Dr Jonathan should stop romanticising probe. Indeed, the way he had been talking about probe, one begins to wonder if it is not a question of the guilty being afraid. But, the earlier the former president realised that whatever the Buhari government decides to make its priority is its prerogative, the better.

Dr Jonathan’s government behaved like the biblical rich man who throughout his lifetime

‘Rather than keep blackmailing the new government not to probe his government, the former president should advise his ministers and other aides that had stolen public funds to return at least a substantial part of it. That would be much more like it, rather than this cheap popularity or victimhood that Dr Jonathan is seeking. Negotiation can only begin when what is returned is proportionate to what was stolen.’

did not know Christ only to get to hell to bear the consequence of his choice. If former President Jonathan was blind to issues of corruption in his time, it was not because he did not have enough warnings about its prevalence in his government; he had a surfeit of it. Indeed, in my January 12, 2014 write-up titled “2014: agenda for Jonathan, fight corruption and other things shall be added unto you”, I had admonished the government to deal squarely with corruption and every other thing would be added unto it. That admonition, like many others at the time, was like the lone voice in the wilderness. Yet, if we are not having electricity today, it is because of corruption.

If people are dishonest about fuel subsidy, (for which reason the ordinary people were to be punished by removing subsidy when what they needed to remove was corruption) it is because the government condoned corruption. Indeed, that we are importing fuel at all is the product of corruption. In essence, corruption is at the root of why this country is not working today.

So, Dr Jonathan has no reason now to be crying wolf under the mere suspicion that the new government could decide to ask questions about how his government spent public funds. It is true the new government does not have to devote all its energy to probes, the truth is that we cannot make progress if we allow those who had absconded with public funds to enjoy the ill-gotten wealth. Moreover, like adults that we are, when we stumble, we have to look back to know why. Perhaps Dr Jonathan would have succeeded if he did just that.

He decided his government’s mantra; he cannot dictate his predecessor’s. If he chose to embrace corruption, it was not for lack of knowledge of its prevalence but because he did not think it necessary to fight it. As they say, anyone who caused rain to fall should not be surprised if the rain is accompanied by thunderstorm. So, if Dr Jonathan gladly and willingly embraced corruption, he should also gladly embrace its consequence (if any). His appeals to ethnic and primordial sentiments did not take him far before. It would not take him far now, either.

Nigeria is one of the few places where a president or public official, rather than say ‘I have nothing to hide, probe me’; would be saying ‘if you want to probe me, you must be ready to probe my predecessors.

Otherwise, to probe me would tantamount to witch-hunt’. But President Buhari should not be deterred by that blackmail. If he wants to probe, he should go ahead, allegation of witch-hunt or wizard-hunt notwithstanding.

CHIBOK GIRLS: STILL ON MY MIND

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari started on a good note after his swearing in on Friday with his well thought out inaugural speech. Here is my take on four of the major issues he raised in the address.

I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody Considering the divisive nature of the presidential campaign and the animosity generated by the outcome, especially the part of supporters, President Buhari needs to assure Nigerians that he would serve as President for all Nigerians and not the candidate of any party.

Much as he cannot completely ignore his party and those who played major roles in his election, the interest of the country has to be more paramount in taking decisions and implementing his policies. Those who did not vote for him as he rightly noted contributed to making our democratic culture truly competitive, strong and definitive and should not be denied whatever they are entitled to.

He should not allow himself to become prisoner of any group; political, religious and ethnic in the discharge of his duties. Those who think they own him will not be dissuaded by this statement; it is left to him to prove that he is a man of his own conviction based on the national interest of the country.

We can fix our problems The problems confronting the country at this point in our history are indeed enormous but not insurmountable if the new government has the political will to do what is needed.

Issues of insecurity, corruption, power shortage, unemployment and many more require urgent attention which Buhari has promised to tackle headlong. The problems are the outcome of years of maladministration which requires the right policy direction to fix them.

Nigerians are expectant of a major change in the administration of the country through the fixing of the problems. President Buhari and his team cannot afford not to live up to the expectations of the people.

We have both human and material resources which should be appropriately deployed. The right and capable persons should be given appointments instead of appointments based on political considerations only.

I am ready to listen to grievances of my fellow Nigerians If there is any section of the country that should feel a sense of personal loss in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan, it is the Niger Delta where he hails from. There were initial fears that the militants from the area who are worried about the end of the amnesty programme in December may return to the creeks and engage in ‘economic sabotage’ like they have done in the past.

Promising to listen to their grievances and invest heavily in on-going projects and programmes areas is a good way to indicate that he has not taken them for granted and would be open to suggestions on how to address the problems in the area.

We cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing Chibok girls and other hostages The battle against Boko Haram is far from being over despite the recent successes recorded by the Nigerian military forces. For all we know they may have retreated to launch back in a more devastating way. What is needed is that they are totally subdued like Buhari stated with the rescue of the girls and other hostages. Being a soldier himself, Buhari should know better on how to fight this kind of war.

If relocating the command and control centre of the military onslaught to Maiduguri will ensure total victory so be it.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

COMMENT

Our season of forgiveness?

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — John 1:9 “Allah pardon you! Why did you excuse them until it was clear to you which of them were telling the truth and until you knew the liars?” – Surat At-Tawba, 43 “But if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and puts things right, Allah will turn towards him” – Surat Al-Maida, 39

I

F a politically literate person were visiting Nigeria for the first time in the last three or more weeks, he or she would have thought that the country was under the decree of a Truth and Reconciliation commission. In truth, what has been going since General Buhari (now President Buhari won the 2015 presidential election) is that many of the country’s political office holders from the president down to governors have been asking for forgiveness from fellow Nigerians for whatever they did or did not do while in office. And the calls for forgiveness were made without anyone plucking the courage to identify anything that each of them believed he had done wrong.

From their pedigrees, each of those calling for forgiveness for themselves or groups they identify with emotionally appears to be Muslim or Christian. As the quotations overleaf indicate, each of the two major globe-wide religions insists that truth about mistakes made must precede plea for forgiveness. In Catholicism in particular, nobody asks for forgiveness until he or she has given full disclosure in a confession ritual of what he or she had done wrong.

The worry about the avalanche of calls for forgiveness by departing political office holders is that none of them has been able to put a finger on what wrong decisions must have been made. Some of the political leaders in their valedictory ceremonies even felt emboldened to leave blueprints to be implemented for those succeeding them, regardless of the fact that their regime was replaced on account of its governance style.

The trail of demand for forgiveness was blazed by the outgoing President himself.

He and his wife pleaded with Nigerians to pardon them for whatever they must have done in the discharge of their official duties to offend anyone. As if it was not good enough that President Jonathan had graciously accepted electoral defeat and, in the process, according to General Buhari

changed the course of Nigeria’s history, the outgoing president expressed fear of being ‘persecuted’ along with his aides and pleaded that should anyone desire to probe his administration, that person should not forget such other leaders as Yakubu Gowon, ShehuShagari, Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, AbdusalamAbubakar, and Olusegun Obasanjo. This was an indirect way of saying that if all these former leaders had been forgiven so far for whatever they did or failed to do, his plea for forgiveness has no reason to fall on deaf ears, as opening the Pandora box would be too risky for the country’s stability.

Even the outgoing Vice President,Namadi Sambo, did not want to be left out of the ceremony of asking for forgiveness from citizens. He and his wife also spoke passionately about how they believed that they must have offended some people in the way they performed their duties. Similarly at the state level, many governors do not want to be left out of the ritual of calling for forgiveness. For example, the outgoing governor of Benue State is the most vocal of such governors. In his own case, Gabriel Suswan was specific about those whose forgiveness he needs. It is his civil servants and the lapse he has acknowledged is his inability to pay the state’s civil servants their salaries for months. And his reason for this is the nationwide economic challenges facing Nigeria as a whole. Despite this challenge, he was able to donate some vehicles for his successor, to ease transportation during the period of transition. Some would wonder why Suswan would need to apologize for problems beyond his control. But Governor EmmanuelUduaghan of Delta State is the most specific about who needs to forgive him. He is calling on the accountant-general of his state not to abandon him on the eve of his departure from office and not to fail to tell him whatever lapse he (Uduaghan) might have made, a more subtle way to ask

for forgiveness.

While in the context of Nigeria, calls by outgoing political office holders for forgiveness and understanding at the end of their tenure is not totally unexpected. It should be expected that those looking forward to come back to power in 2019 would need to be in good terms with most of their supporters on their way to what they see as going on sabbatical from political office. Correspondingly, those who do not share the optimism of their party leaders about 2019 may need to talk right while they wait for the next job or contract. It is the call for forgiveness for Boko Haram by senior political, cultural, judicial, and military leaders that sounds rather unusual.

Many powerful leaders from the North and a few from the Southwest who attended a conference organized by Professor Ibrahim Gambari’s Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development (SCDDD) rose from a conference in Abuja with a communique that called on the new President to grant general amnesty to the men who had killed thousands of innocent Nigerians in churches, mosques, markets, and motor parks. It is hard to miss the voices at the conference: the country’s leading international diplomat, Gambari, former Chief Justice of the federation, Mohammed Uwais, one-time secretary to the federal government under President UmaruYar’Adua, BabaganaKingibe, the outgoing National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, retired MajorGeneral Ishola Williams, and many other individuals with name recognition in the country.

All of these are known patriots. It is thus hard to ignore whatever they say in respect of an organization that had almost torn the country apart. No doubt, the call of these gentlemen for forgiveness is different from those of those vacating power in that the call from SCDDD sounds altruistic.

However, it is amazing that such calls are

coming at a time when nobody seems to be sure what the motive and agenda of the faces behind Boko Haram are. It is also not clear how much study or research those pleading for immediate amnesty for Boko Haram members have conducted on the terrorist group and its activities. Most Nigerians need to know if Boko Haram members have qualified in their killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians for the status of political criminals.

There was a time President Jonathan used to harp on the fact that Boko Haram was designed to make him fail as president by making the country ungovernable for him.

Not many people believed him. Many thought he was looking for excuses for not wanting to leave office. Others countered by saying that Boko Haram came about because of decades of underdevelopment in the North.

Is Boko Haram now being considered by the SCDDD as being similar to Niger Delta militants who carried guns in order to press home their demands for economic justice or what they call their own share of petroleum money? Is the Savannah Centre convinced that underdevelopment in the North had created a sufficient condition for what Dr. Junaid Mohammed rightly called crime against humanity? Is it not a little hasty to ask the new president to grant wholesale pardon to an organization that had pushed Nigeria into hiring mercenaries from South Africa and begging other countries to fund neighboring countries to assist Nigeria to fight? Is a terrorist group that has publicly affiliated with ISIS one to be given unsolicited amnesty?

Just like departing political office holders asking for personal forgiveness, so would organizations like the Savannah Centre need to engage in truth finding before pleading for acts of forgiveness. It is always better when full disclosure necessitates or justifies forgiveness than when pardon is offered before the causes and effects of wrongdoing are identified.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

COMMENT

15

Unpaid salaries Federal and state governments owing public sector workers should find means of meeting this obligation

A

T the last count, 18 state governments are said to owe their workers their monthly wages. This was confirmed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) last week as it encouraged the state chapters of the beleaguered workers’ body to lead the public servants in protesting the development. It is unfortunate that at a time when the economic situation in the country is biting very hard, governments have shown that they are incapable of fulfilling such a basic obligation, thus subjecting workers and their dependants to untold hardship. When a government is unable to pay wages, it is an indication that all other responsibilities are on hold.

The failure is not limited to the state governments. Frighteningly, the Federal Government has consistently in the past few months failed in paying staff salaries as and when due, an indication that the inability of the states to pay is a symptom of a deep-rooted national economic malaise that could only be tackled concertedly by all the stakeholders.

The striking characteristics of a state include having a defined territory and population. The citizenry should thus be made happy and assured that in addition to warding off external aggression, the state is committed to guaranteeing its welfare and thus excite hope of a better and more prosperous future. Lately, the Nigerian state has failed in this regard and it is a major challenge that the Buhari administration will have to confront.

The states where workers are crying for succour are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kogi, Katsina, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers and Zamfara. They owe their workers more than three months each, thus condemning them to poverty and misery. The public servants have continued to tell tales of woes.

Many already have problems with landlords

“I

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

•Deputy Editor Olayinka Oyegbile

•Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye

•Associate Editor Sam Egburonu

•General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

On occasions, money was moved out of the country as the state governments wastefully claimed to be touring the world to woo foreign investors.

It behoves the new government at the federal level to recognise that what has hit the states is partly induced by the ineptitude and corruption at the centre and cannot thus be left to them. It must be duly acknowledged as an emergency calling for concerted attention. Since some states are not that affected, but nonetheless confronted by other challenges, we recommend that the Federal Government should introduce a package of loans for the affected states. Such loans must be paid back to the Federation Account as soon as the situation improves.

The Federal Government, too, has a duty to lead by example by ensuring that fiscal discipline is introduced and transparency becomes the watchword in the management of the common patrimony. Complaints by state governments about under-declaration of revenue must be immediately looked into and a report released.

Only competent and frugal managers should be appointed to run the NNPC and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, among others.

This is not an era for the business as usual approach to governance. It is also a time to commence the march towards fiscal federalism.

Too much resources and powers are concentrated at the federal level, thus making the concept of federalism a huge joke in the country. The mobilisation and application of funds should largely devolve to the federating units.

Concentration of resources in the hands and control of a few could only breed leakages, inefficiency and corruption. To boost the health of the national economy, this must stop.

In the same vein, the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the state governments should work together towards reviewing the laws that prevent state governments from harnessing the resources in their domain.

LETTER

W

HEN Prince Abubakar Audu governed Kogi State between the years 1991 and 2003, he left an enduring legacy in all facets of human endeavour and other critical infrastructure which are seen in the entire Kogi State, especially Lokoja, the state capital.

Ex-Gov. Audu’s administration was not without its short comings that still trail his ordinate ambition to return back to Lugard House.

When Prince Audu came WANT a better job. I am tired of receiving paltry sum as salary.

Look at people that I am even older than, they have made it yet I am still a pauper. I am totally fed up with this job. It is as if I am not a graduate. I wonder when it will be my time.” These were the words of a young graduate who was unable to secure a befitting job. He exploded when he was spitting his vituperation on fate for being unkind to him.I suppose these are just his words, rather the words of countless of us who want better things in life; more of almost everything. We tend to complain of not getting the type of job or lifestyle we want.

At times we become weary of our quagmires because we want more.

I have had series of discussion with people and most times, when I inquire on what

who have threatened to throw them out; others are unable to give family members due medical attention, while yet others have their children and wards attending private schools drop out.

Governments exist to wipe away tears, not induce it.

We are conscious of the explanation that the states have been badly affected by the indiscipline in the management of federal resources and the vicious withholding of statutory allocation from the federal purse to the federating units. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) responsible for sale and revenue accruing from oil has over the past year refused to duly render account for crude oil lifted and sold in the international market. The situation was worsened by the plunge in the price of the commodity. Since budget calculations were based on projections quite different from what we have today, state finances have been hit by the attendant crisis.

We, however, know that corruption is not only a vice at the centre, but at the state level, too. When the going was good, many failed to plan for the lean days and are now paying the price. As the past government frittered national resources away, so did the state governments. In many, cost of governance kept ballooning without attention to the defective structure of the economy.

Governors were often seen moving about within and outside the country with large contingents.

Audu should forget Lugard House back for a second term in 2003, it’s glaring to the people of Kogi State that magic wand he displayed in his first tenure which benefited the entire people of Kogi State had waned.

The present situation affecting the state could be traced they do for a living, what I hear is ‘I am managing, ‘we are surviving’ and the host of other nauseating phrases. This suggests that many are uncontended with their lives; what they do for a living or what they are getting out of life.

Well, it is not a crime to feel that way.Iused to have a colleague and all what he complained about is his job; the pay is small, it is too stressful. He wants to live in a better apartment, own a car, among other good things. At times I just have to change the topic of discussion whenever he startedreeling the litany of wanting more.

Everybody, including this writer wants more. We all want better health, more wealth, more assets, more influence, more knowledge, and so on. In fact, to some extent, we are all Oliver Twist. A peep into the

its full potential of giant developmental progress that the state is lacking currently.

Kogi State is being ruled by a section of this state and there is total clamour for power to be moved to another section of the state, hence the last election which

was conducted in a transparent and credible way has rekindled the hope of other parts of the state.

The people of Kogi State are yearning for change, to ensure that their state that has not seen physical, economic, social development for the past eight

You can have more

being an optimist. An optimist is one that seesopportunity in every difficulty while a pessimist is one that sees difficulty in every opportunity. The route to greatness is never devoid of hurdles.

Do not be afraid of taking risk. As Ben Carson would say “the biggest risk is not taking risk at all.” He believes that the world belongs to risk takers not risk evaders. A pastor said something that got my mind racing while addressing young graduates. That one interesting thing about the youths is that if we fail in a venture, we can always start all over again. It is no surprise that the Bible posits that the glory of the youths is in their strength.

That is to say we are resilient. So if we are truly resilient, why should we be scared of trying something new?

Remember, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the

back to the previous tenure when he held sway as the chief executive of the state.

The people of Kogi State look up to electing a vibrant, youthful and energetic and corrupt-free candidate that will ensure Kogi State realises all

lives of our politicians lends credence to this. After amassing illgotten wealth, they are never satisfied. So, it is no surprise that Economics believe that “human wants are insatiable”. It is not an anomaly to want more or desire better income but one thing that is unsavory about most people thatwant more is that they do little or nothing to have more. They only bemoan their plight instead of thinking of how to salvage their pitiable condition.

It is one thing to complain and it is another to take decisive action. Those of us that want more seldom take time to find out why we are where we are;what it takes place to have more. According to Brian Tracy, to have more, you need to be more. The law of motion states

that “for every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction”.

That is to say you get what you gave. You cannot have a different result if you continue doing the same thing in the same manner.

Life itself is give and take.

Even the Bible recognizes this when it says that “you reap what you saw”. This applies to other aspects of our lives.

Whatever you are not comfortable with, do something new about it rather than wallowing in self-pity and degradation as it will only compound your problems. This may account for Nigeria’s dire state as we continue to recycle our leaders.

In other words, be solution oriented other than problem oriented. See every problem as a challenge or opportunity by

years, would see a new dawn as the people of Kogi State will use their PVCs with the aid of card readers to ensure transparent leaders assume the leadership of the state in the next political dispensation.

We call on Prince Abubakar Audu to remain a statesman, a leader that would groom young and visionary candidate that would be a source of pride to him and the state in general.

Bala Nayashi No 1 Yashi Areas, Lokoja light bulb tried 999 times before getting it right and when he was asked why he had failed up to 999 times, he said he didn’t fail, arguing that he only tried different ways of doing it right. Back home, the president-elect, General Buhari,didn’t find it easy as it was his fourth time (after changing tactics) that fetched him what he wanted.

As you desire more today, I implore you to be more by adding value to yourself or by changing the way you do things as not doing something new is tantamount to being comfortable with the status quo. Don’t forget, he that takes the same route all the time will continue to be seeing the same people. You can have more of whatever you want if only you can be more.

By Emmanuel Onoja, Ibadan

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16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

COMMENT

Congratulations, Mr. President, but just where are you going to start from?

At your first coming, you ruled by decrees; you cannot do that now, much as you will be tempted. You must now find ways of persuading people about the rightness of your action and how beneficial it will be for them to swallow the bitter pill you are about to shove down their throat

I

DON'T know if you have noticed this trend but these days, there seems to be a great deal of emphasis on the dancing put up by brides and grooms at wedding receptions. It is such a serious competition between bride and groom that no one is in any doubt that some rehearsals have gone into it. Just imagine this scenario; while preparations are on, the young ones are busy practicing their dancing steps!

A friend confided that once, when she attended a wedding, she found herself watching the bride's exhilarated dancing and she could not help shed tears for her. My friend said she cried because she was sure that the couple had no idea of the bitter experiences waiting for them in the new marriage. Rather an extreme view, don't you think?

Nevertheless, one cannot help but be distrustful of the euphoria greeting the coming of the new leader of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari. Nearly every corner you go to now, there are cheering notes in the air and congratulatory songs on the lips on account of THE RETURN OF GMB, a man we all turned down in 2011, as the 5th president of Nigeria.

I guess many things are responsible for this euphoria. They say if one does not try two things, he/she cannot really tell which is better. I think that is the philosophy behind all competitions: sports, cooking, marriage, etc. It is useless for a man to stand atop a hill, thump his chest and declare that he is the best husband the

I

T was clear by Sunday February 8, 2015 that the build up to the execution of attempts to silence Nigerians had heightened, perhaps the executioners were unaware of the mortgaging effect on the individual and collective future of not just the immediate environment and circumstances, but the people, the movement and the country.

The obvious resolve to ensure the Nigeria Labour Congress is disorganised became evident from the pre-National Delegates Conference's National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday February 8, 2015 at the headquarters of the NLC, culminating in the 11th National Delegates Conference of the congress from February 9 to 11, 2015 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, and the rescheduled conclusion of the conference that successfully ended with the election of new leaders in the early hours of Saturday March 14, 2015 at the Eagle Square, Abuja. Some postconference incidents have, however, brought out the hitherto unthinkable exposĂŠ about people no one ever thought would prefer to sink in opportunism.

If anyone was in doubt that there were serious attempts to destroy the only organisation left to speak and act in the interest of the Nigerian people, that Sunday meeting of the preDelegates Conference NEC made this clear. There were lots of debates and, clearly, the trend defined what eventually happened, first on Thursday February 12, 2015 and late in the night of Friday, March 13, 2015 when ill health was feigned and the "sick" preferred to be taken to the arena where votes were being collated rather than enter an ambulance to the hospital.

Before now, vibrant mass organisations have been destroyed by opportunists who converge in the crowd of patriots who are committed to the struggles of our people.

A major victim and perhaps the first in contemporary history is the students' movement, which has been totally

world has ever seen. I think he would need to pit his skills against other husbands who would be miffed enough to challenge him. Ditto for a woman, or indeed, a president.

I am sorry, dear reader, that I could not join you at Abuja to cheer in the new president. Even if I could, I suspect that I would not have been a good compliment of that cheering crowd. The surveillance camera might have caught me standing in one corner bawling out, like my friend, in great pity for the man. You see, I would have convinced myself that this man does not quite know what he is letting himself in for. How on earth is he going to fix Nigeria?

Indeed, where will he start from?

As we said here last week, the economic pot of the country has been scraped burnt right down to the bottom, either by accident or design.

The only reason that Nigeria still appears to be standing is that the government is the major employer of labour; the private sector has since been consigned to the back burner.

Therefore, the government can afford to borrow from internal and external sources to pay salaries, something the private sector cannot do. This thus means that we as a nation are living beyond our means.

On account of the fact that the private sector has been disabled and most of the work force loaded onto the government, it means that there is no real productivity on which the economy can rest on in the country.

This is the result of the country's

tolerance of the years of the locusts, when we all watched on as the devourers, who began to drift in from the Obasanjo era and swarmed in large droves in the Jonathan era, gorge themselves into stupors. The economy is now bedraggled, tottering around in tatters, and looking for real-time, real-life productivity, not playing-to-thegallery claims of productivity.

Would the new president start from there?

Perhaps, he will start from the rather intractable energy problem which has allowed some unconscionable individuals to grip the nation's throat. I hear all kinds of things now. I hear there is a conspiracy between generator makers and retailers and gas vandals to keep the nation in perpetual darkness. This means that should the new president turn his attention to the energy sector, he would have to break this vice ring. God help him. I am also waiting to say God bless him should he succeed.

Or, would he start from the oily problem we have on our hands? The country desperately needs to recover from the slump in oil prices, and at the same time reexamine our consumption of the stuff, and how it is we are not putting our money where our mouth is; i.e., we are importing what we are consuming.

I think he wants to examine our refinery records and just who it is that has been planted to throw spanners into the machines as soon

as they get going to make those refineries stop working. It's sabotage; I say it is sir, and the new president might want to take up arms against the foes there. But he would need ten heads to do that because nine of them will be cut off and hopefully, they'll run out of steam before the tenth is completely off.

Then there is the problem of the voracious appetite of the national assembly. The upper level of the country has been used to living beyond the means of the country. I think they think it is their divine duty or something. This will not do; it cannot stand. How this will be achieved is the job of The Persuaders.

You never heard of them? Oh my!

It's that group of people who go around with special briefcases. They will politely tell these people that less than 0.000000000000000000001 per cent of the country's population cannot keep eating up 25 per cent of the gross income in the name of lawmaking. For the sake of our national health, The Persuaders must be brought in to work their mathematical magic of deductions and inductions and wisdom based on convincing evidences. By the time they are through, we won't have this problem again. Oh yes, it can be done.

Now that the oil business is not as lucrative as before, we must look our empty treasury squarely in the eye and deal with it.

Congratulations, Mr. President.

I am happy for you for one reason: you achieved your ambition to

return in triumph a second time to govern this troublesome country. I am sure there is no need to tell you that the Nigeria of your first coming is nothing like the Nigeria of this your second coming. Things are different. For one thing, literacy is slightly higher. This means that there are now more people who can read, write and give stupid comments on things they are completely ignorant about.

At your first coming, you ruled by decrees; you cannot do that now, much as you will be tempted I'm sure.

You must now find ways of persuading people about the rightness of your action and how beneficial it will be for them to swallow the bitter pill you are about to shove down their throat. This means you have to talk, smile at, laugh and cry with the people, especially when they are hurting, like now.

More importantly, as president of the country, you must realise you are the father, mother, brother, sister, uncle and aunt of the nation made up of tall and short members, black and light-skinned, Christians, Muslims, animists, fire, stone and sun worshippers, traders, soldiers, teachers, children, adults, thieves, rogues, robbers, murderers, and all sundry things. You must learn how to treat all equally, fairly and justly.

I assure you that your coming is not accidental; it is ordained. This means you will be held responsible. Good luck. No, that's gone now; all the best.

Comrades or opportunists?

By Denja Yaqub annihilated by a combination of state attack and ideological contradictions.

Other mass organisations like the Campaign for Democracy, which was a major rallying centre for serious prodemocracy activists who fought military dictatorship until the advent of civil rule, has been dismembered, leaving just a little of its work on the shoulders of a few who believe its legacies must not be dimmed within the public space. We had the Women In Nigeria (WIN), a leading voice in gender equity struggles in Nigeria, now laid to rest as a result of contractions and opportunistic drives.

Despite all these, the NLC has sustained the struggle alongside what is left of progressive civil society groups, but there have been attempts to destroy the NLC, either consciously or unconsciously. Some of these people have offered themselves as ready agents on a mission to destroy what remains the only voice left, not just for Nigerian workers but the Nigerian people.

Although this is not the first time an attempt has been made to destroy the NLC, it is the first time the attempt lacked any ideological motif. The first attempt in 1988 by a group led by Takai Shamang, who incidentally was of the National Union of Electricity Workers, was a struggle between the Progressives and Democrats in the labour movement. While the former was Marxist-inclined, the later was obviously in support of the status quo Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and other neo-liberal interests.

That attempt led to the intervention of the Babangida regime in the affairs of the labour movement by the sacking the NLC leadership under Comrade Ali Chiroma.

Trade unions remain the only organisations anywhere in the world with the best traditions of effective internal democracy. There are several issues on which members disagree, but through internal democratic structures, these issues would be debated and a common resolution would be agreed on, in the interest of the unity and strength of the movement. Anything different from this would mean either that an external factor has propelled discord, with the ultimate intention of destroying the movement or that the actors want selfinterests attended to against the collective interests of workers and the people.

That some Comrades decided to step out of the Congress to announce themselves as leaders of the Congress after losing at the constitutional National Delegates Conference of the NLC exposed them as opportunists who have allowed themselves to play onto the wrong side of history and thereby rubbished their commitment to the movement. Unfortunately, these are not comrades that anyone would wish away. They have evidently committed themselves to the growth of the movement. But, the path they have taken is clearly self-centred, antiworkers and unconsciously on the side of anti-people policies and agents.

They have simply offered themselves voluntarily to the service of antipeople elements who will celebrate the silence of their opponents, if they succeeded in destroying the NLC. The NLC, the largest labour centre in Africa, is faced with several more serious challenges, locally and internationally, than for any conscious comrade to offer himself as a driver of unnecessary discord, arising from a conference that was conducted in an atmosphere of

transparency, fairness and undisputable credibility. All the three key actors who stepped aside after losing the election know everything in the NLC constitution and other extant rules and procedures.

Being the highest decisionmaking organ, the National Delegates Conference in Session gave everyone the opportunity to speak and move motions on any contentious issue(s).

Each of them did. Each of them agreed on procedures on all aspects of the conference.

So, one would wonder why ballots were destroyed on Thursday, 12th February even when they could easily have raised objections and sought correction of whatever was wrong.

They were not interested in toeing this path because of their determination to ensure the conference didn't hold.

Even before the conference, there were strange campaigns under ethnic banners, which is clearly anti-worker, as workers can't find the role of ethnicity in their working lives or in the struggle for better conditions of service. The campaigns merely exposed the sponsors as befuddled elements with limited understanding of the working class - a non-ethnic class of exploited and oppressed people whose ethnic origins cannot be held accountable for their socio economic conditions.

The crisis of development in Africa; the negative effects of globalisation; job losses; political turmoil; severe economic crises; mass poverty; decline in human values etc., are enough worries for trade unions, and the quest to hold offices shouldn't be the excuse for abandoning the collective struggle against these crises.

It is significant that the attempt to destroy the NLC came soon after the second largest labour centre in Africa,

the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) allowed its tripartite alliance with the ruling party, the African National Congress as well as the South African Communist Party to deflate its strength, committing more time to all sorts of internal wrangling than forging cross-border coalitions against attacks on our peoples by global anti-people economic policies blindly adopted by our visionless governments.

Today, the biggest trade Union in South Africa, affiliated to COSATU, the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA), has left COSATU. The General Secretary of COSATU, Comrade Zwelinzima Vavi has been edged out of office for upholding his critical views on the Jacob Zuma led government's antipeople economic policies. And now, the South African labour movement has been weakened. Its fighting spirit reduced.

Perhaps, our comrades should reflect on the future of our continent when the two main labour centres in Africa are under attack, which may have been state-sponsored in collaboration with multinational neoliberal interests.

The NLC remains united, strengthened by the success of its 11th Delegates Conference which produced the Ayuba Wabba leadership, with a record of proworker commitments and capabilities to fight for the general interest of the entire Nigerian people. And Nigerian workers will never allow their labour centre destroyed by opportunistic individuals who derive joy in mortgaging workers' interests. •Denja Yaqub is an Assistant Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

COMMENT

17

(118) May 29, 2015: Scattered, cautiously optimistic reflections on an historic turning point I

T is May 29, 2015. This is the first time since I began writing this column that the subject and the title of the column coincide exactly with the date of the actual writing of the column.

The column will of course not appear in print and online until two days later on Sunday, May 31.

But for me it is a massively consequential and symbolic fact that on the very day that I am writing about it, a great historical turning point is taking place in our country’s history.

Physically, I am far away from home but in spirit and imagination, every part of my being is at home. I confess that I am deliberately giving myself over to the sense and spirit of euphoria that the vast majority of Nigerians at home and abroad will be feeling today. Indeed, I will permit myself to celebrate the occasion, sorry that where I am, I will be celebrating alone. If I were in Nigeria today, I would of course not be enjoying the occasion, the historic moment alone. I would be doing so with a small group of friends and comrades who, like me, know only too well that though we have cause to celebrate, we should do fully aware that our celebration, our optimism ought to be cautious. But again I must confess: although the caution is there, it is the celebration, the thankfulness that is the stronger aspect of what I am feeling today, even if one part of me suspects that our cause for celebration may turn out rather short-lived. This brings to my mind, an old sardonic onesentence joke that Kole Omotoso used to occasionally tell when were undergraduates at the University of Ibadan: “Today, let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow, we may diet!”…

And indeed, many Nigerians will be celebrating today with the crushing weight of present injustices and insecure and uncertain futures on their minds.

Hundreds of thousands of workers across the length and breadth of the land have not been paid their salaries and wages for months. With the sharp decline in the generation and distribution of electricity in already vastly inadequate national, regional and local power grids, many factories and enterprises are folding up. For these reasons, joblessness which was already very high has worsened immeasurably. The new Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, has stated that the outgoing Jonathan administration left a totally ruined economy for the new administration to deal with. And he is right, so right indeed that if Nigeria were a company, it would have had to declare bankruptcy and be put into receivership. In effect, if this is the case, then the outgoing administration not only left

•Swearing in of the new president in Abuja

behind a ruined economy, it also left a ruined, broken country of millions of souls in the grip of a totally preventable immensity of hardship and suffering. Fela’s bitterly sardonic question comes to mind here: Are we a people forever doomed to be ‘shuffering’ and ‘shmiling’?

For most Nigerians and perhaps the rest of the world, the case for celebration today even in the midst of the pervasiveness of hardship and suffering in the country is very strong. This rests on the unspoken philosophical premise that hardship and suffering in human life and experience tragically have no limits; when you think you have seen the worst, the abyss in suffering and hardship, other cases emerge as if from the black holes of the universe to tell you that “you aint seen nothing yet”, as the Americans put it. Translated into concrete terms pertinent to the subject of these reflections, this means that as bad and terrible as life was for most Nigerians in the last years of the PDP/Jonathan rule, things would have been far worse if at the end of the recent elections in our country the world saw yet another African national electoral exercise slide into a savage, fragmenting civil war and the collapse of all institutions of orderly and cohesive governance.

I accept this rationale for our celebrations today, May 29, 2015.

And I add that we ought to celebrate some new and almost unprecedented things that follow logically from it. Of these, two things, two principles which, though distinct are inseparable, are in my opinion, fundamental.

One: The principle is now made clear that Nigerians can kick their

rulers out of office and elect another set of rulers who can also, if they misrule and despoil the nation, be kicked out of office. Two: Only on the basis of true and not bogus electoral pluralities that reflect the nation’s ethnic, regional and religious diversity can such exercises of effective and consequential electoral choice be realized and consummated. This is the fundamental rationale of all the bourgeois-liberal democracies of the world and of modern political history: if one set of rulers are barawos, you can throw the bums out of office and choose another set, on and on and on until the right group comes into power and does what is right and just by the entire citizenry.

Obviously, Muhammadu Buhari is the man of the moment.

The cheering, salaaming phrase of his most ardent of supporters, North and South, during the electioneering campaigns was “Sai Buhari!” I first tried to count the number of times that I encountered this phrase on twitter accounts on the internet during the electoral season and gave up when I saw that many Nigerian youths, including many in the diaspora, had embraced the phrase as a victory slogan. “Sai Buhari”! The phrase intrigues me almost endlessly. The overconcentration of power and authority in the current presidential order in our country is almost without equal among the liberal democracies of the world. In this column and in other sites and locations of critical political commentary, I have long opposed this over-concentration of power in the Nigerian presidency. I now raise that critique again, prompted this time

by this phrase, “Sai Buhari!” “All Hail, Buhari!”

I once again ask that constitutional and institutional constraints be placed on the overconcentration of power in the Nigerian presidency. It would surprise and delight me no end if the initiative for this comes from Buhari himself. But I doubt that it can and will. It is very rare in the history of human political institutions for rulers to trim down the scope of their power and authority to govern. And let us not forget that though he has now asked that the title, “General” be dropped from all public and private references to him, Buhari was once a military dictator. I may be wrong, but I think he will be nothing like what he was when he was an absolute military ruler.

But all the same, the move to curb his power and authority as President will not come from him.

Neither will it come from the politicians of both the new ruling party and the opposition parties.

This is because almost without exception, all our politicians and political parties live and feed on the patrimonial order that vast concentration of power and authority in the presidency and the state governorships makes possible. Thus, the move to cut down the powers of our rulers, starting from the Presidency, must start from us, the people.

As we celebrate in moderation and with cautious optimism today, May 29, 2015, let us reflect on the fact that the task of pulling the economy and the country out of the almost bottomless pit of hardship and suffering into which the PDP era has plunged them will demand sacrifices, huge and protean sacrifices. This is

indeed the thought that most troubles me in these reflections.

Let me explain what I mean by this observation.

First of all, I do not think that most Nigerians recognize the sheer scale of the sacrifices that need to be made to turn the country and the economy around.

Wastefulness and squandermania reside not only among the political and economic elites; they have percolated into the ranks of the masses of our people. There is little appreciation of the fact that the wealth of the nation, when not socially reproduced through the expansion of value-added economic production, is close to the poverty of the nation and all its peoples, the rich and the poor, the elites and the masses. I mean, what is the value of “wealth” for any and all the citizens of a country in which the most elementary amenities of modern life are grossly inadequate, both in supply and in quality?

The most important point of these reflections is my deeply troubling regret that our peoples and the organizations that stand in solidarity with their hardships and sufferings do not emphasize strongly enough that the sacrifices that have to be made at this historic turning point of our country’s political affairs should come primarily from the rulers.

How validly can you ask a people who have been doing nothing else but make compelled sacrifices to their rulers’ endless greed to get ready to make yet more sacrifices? Indeed, what moral authority, what spiritual capital do politicians and political parties in our country have for them to call our peoples to make sacrifices?

I make this point especially in the context of the cultural and symbolic significance of the value of sacrifice and sacrificial themes in all our religious and metaphysical traditions, both the traditional religions and the Abrahamic traditions of Islam and Christianity. In these traditions, our peoples are perpetually called upon to make offerings, to make sacrifices in order to obtain divine or providential grace and favour.

Well, for once and in the real world of this new and historic turning point, let us ask the new rulers what sacrifices THEY will make first before asking the people to get ready to tighten their belts.

For believe me, if they haven’t already started to do so, they will sooner or later be asking YOU to get ready to make sacrifices.

And so today I celebrate - in moderation and with cautious optimism. And I ask: this time around, who will be doing the sacrificing? Who will be the “sacrificer”; who will be the “sacrificed”?

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

COMMENT

Jos: A beautiful city in retreat Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together— Rev. Jesse Jackson

I

FIND Jos, the enchanting and at the same breath beguiling city of my birth, simply irresistible, enthralling and alluring. It is to me like a beautiful lady in whose company I find solace and comfort. This is why, despite its recent fate of being ‘bound to violence’, I still find it worthwhile at any slight opportunity to visit and commune with and suck in its captivating beauty.

Therefore, when I got a short breather recently from the hectic life of staring and working endlessly at my computer screen, I hopped on the next available opportunity to run to the saner atmosphere of Jos. The lure of its weather, lovely and accommodating residents coupled with the varieties of fruits and vegetables that are garden fresh and succulent are enough attraction that can lure one like moth to light.

I had planned to utilize the few days I had to embark on a brisk tour of the city and see for myself the so much talked about improvement and massive rebuilding of the capital city which former governor Jonah Jang had done.

There is no doubt that he had perhaps affected the growth and development of the city more than any other governor before him. But that is where it ends. He is also on record as the most divisive governor that had ever presided over the affairs of the state.

Religious and ethnic crises didn’t start with his tenure, but he weighed in more on one side of the divide more than the other. A true leader should not be seen supporting either openly or covertly any side.

There is no way one can deny that the former governor had impacted greatly on the development and urban renewal of Jos, but one thing that is glaring is that the massive renewal are

T

HERE comes a time when people who desire to leave their footprints in the sands of history must sit down to reflect on how far they have come in life, how they got to where they are, where they intend to get to, and how they plan to get there. It is during this stock-taking that pitfalls are discovered, when attitudes, actions, and behaviours that can abort the dream are laid bare.

Decisions are then reached on what attitudes, actions, and behaviours to be retained, the ones that need adjustment, and those to be classified as NEVER AGAIN. As the nation transits from one administration to another, it is good that we take a pause and do a little stock-taking after fifty-five years of independence and unbroken sixteen years of civilian administration, and ask ourselves some soul-searching questions and undertake a honest selfappraisal. We must look back as a nation to where we started and how we got here, decide where we want to be and plan how we will get there. We must ask ourselves if this is where we should be after fifty-years of independence and if we are satisfied with where we are.

If we are where we should be after fifty-five years of independence, the question then is if we want to remain here forever. If we are not where we should be, where did we get it wrong, where did we derail, where did we fail, or did we even start right now? This is where self-appraisal and evaluation come in. We must ask ourselves what attitudes, actions, and behaviours are of benefit to us, the ones we need to adjust or modify, the ones we need to uphold and continue, and the ones must classify as NEVER AGAIN! As a people, we have our weaknesses and shortcomings that are common with every human species, but the immediate past administration exposed some base instincts that most do not know are inherent in us. We

By Olayinka Oyegbile sectional and concentrated in only one section of the city. For instance, Terminus, which is the main central business district and the economic artery of the city, has become a vast refuse dump due to neglect and the atmosphere has become so poisoned that I wondered why an epidemic has not broken out in the city. Why should any responsible government leave its main business artery to suffer such a fate?

What has happened to the state’s mantra of ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ when heaps of dirt with offensive pungent odours has taken over the major streets of the state capital?

Although I arrived at a time when civil servants in the state have declared a trade dispute with the government in protest of its failure to pay them in the last six months or so, the question is why no interim measure was taken to save the city from an epidemic? The former governor, I was told decided not to say anything nor enter into any negotiation with the Labour unions thereby passing the buck to the incoming government. Would this have been the case if the governor’s ‘anointed’ candidate had carried the day at the poll?

In Plateau State, the citizens perhaps against the run of expectations, for the first time in a long while decided to turn their back on their former party of preference. They voted for change. The ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of ‘Baba’ or ‘Da’ Jang was shocked. The party apparatchik before the election had believed it was a walk over. How they arrived at this conclusion still rankles.

The politics of the state was simply that of “Baba ya che”, the Hausa word for

•Jos Terminus overtaken by dirt

“Baba said”. It was a government of everything, or almost everything Baba says becomes the norm and no one seems to have anything contrary.

However, with the change of baton at the state this weekend it is expected that things would begin to change. The new governor, Simon Lalong is not new to the politics of the state and he has the benefit of coming from the other part of the state that is not beholden to any of the interests that held his predecessor captive. He has a lot to learn from the mistakes of his predecessor who saw his tenure has a time to ‘recoup’ the perceived ‘loss’ of his people and serve as their liberator. What he failed to realize was that in a state like Plateau, no single ethnic group has the number

to elect an individual or keep him in power. Or even if this were possible, as soon as the election is over you become the governor of all and not a section.

Governor Lalong himself knows this and should not hesitate to take bold steps to redress the wrongs that had been perpetrated by Jang. The state is too ethnically diverse to be beholden to one and concentrate developments in just one quarter of the vast city.

Under the past administration, Jos was a city under siege. It was a city that has become divided and seems to have lost its steam to bubble and attract adventures. Night and social lives which were the city’s strongest points have retreated into oblivion and fear, people no longer enjoy the confidence to move

Never again!!!

By Simon Oladapo

simply descended to the level we never thought we could get and became an object of scorn to the civilized world. Standards were not only lowered, they were eventually wiped out. We became a nation that had no standards. All that we had hitherto held sacrosanct were thoroughly desecrated and the word “sacrilege” made no meaning to us. If this nation is to make any progress and be an object of pride to the citizens, we must do a soul-searching on some issues, look ourselves in the eyes, and say NEVER AGAIN! Never again should mediocrity be made a template of governance.

Nigerians are among the most brilliant, intelligent, and resourceful people in the world. Why then should charlatans and mediocre be the ones “gifted” the responsibility of leadership? Why should Nigeria be led by men and women to whom failure is not an anathema? Why should Nigeria be led by men and women who cannot distinguish between failure and success? Never again should public officials and officers see and carry themselves as the lords of the manor. People in leadership positions, elected and appointed, must render service to the citizens, not as a favour but as a duty.

Never again should we have in government men and women who celebrate locomotive train as achievement in the twenty-first century. With such men and women in leadership positions, the country will be permanently resident in the past. Never again should we have in leadership positions men and women who celebrate the sinking of borehole when the rest of humanity is planning on going to the moon to spend

holidays. Never again should public funds be used to breed and sustain executive thugs and other dregs of humanity. Never again should those who derive their livelihood from sycophancy be given any reception or welcomed anywhere close to the corridor of power. They are cancerous to the society and serve no useful purpose. Never again should men and women who compete with the Devil for the trophy of lies be the spokespersons of government, Nigerians must be abreast per time of information concerning their country.

This new administration should look for and engage the very best that Nigeria has to offer, they abound everywhere.

Never again should impunity be turned to a tool of administering the state. Agents of state, no matter the position they occupy, must also subject themselves to the laws of the land.

Never again should the country be run as an enlarged version of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, when leaders are law-abiding, the followers are left with no other choice but to follow.

Anarchy begins when some see themselves and begin to act as though they are above the law. Never again should the looting of the nation’s treasury be turned into a bazaar where every officer of the state is in competition to out-steal the other. If corruption in the last administration is thoroughly investigated, I have no doubt that Abacha’s administration will smell like roses. Let it be clear to the uninitiated that Buhari did not contest against Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he contested against one of the most entrenched corrupt systems the world has ever known. News has it that some military officers are richer than some politicians, proceeds from

several trillions of naira in defence budgets over the years. This administration must replace the gate to the nation’s treasury that was completely unhinged.

Never again should the military and other agents of state be shamelessly deployed for partisan purposes. The military, besides serving as a national institution that symbolizes sovereignty, is also a symbol of unity and strength of the nation. Deploying them for partisan purposes de-robes them of the garment of confidence and honour that the people have willingly and gladly clothe them with. A nation that loses confidence in its military is just a step away from disintegration and loss of sovereignty. This administration must move decisively to restore the honour of the military and repair its image in the eyes of the citizens.

Never again should people have access to power except by the express permission of the citizens through legitimate votes. Until political leaders know that they are answerable to the electorate, there’s no guarantee that they will genuinely serve the people and deliver on their electoral promises.

The last election process was commendable, but it is still a work in progress, we’re not yet at the destination. This administration must see to it that electoral officers found to have abused public trust are not only dismissed, they must be brought before the law to answer for their misdeeds. The most fundamental dividend of democracy is the power and ability of the people to decide who their leaders should be.

Never again should religion be employed as a tool to gain political advantage. This administration has a duty and responsibility to take

without restrictions because there are some parts of the city that if you wore a certain kind of clothe you feel unsafe and under threat. How can a city grow under an atmosphere where suspicion is the first condition for survival? This tide must change and the new governor already has his tasks well cut out for him. His biggest is to find out how to rebuild the confidence of the populace and make them work for peace. But the leadership has to inspire the people and let them know that co-existence and peace among all people and religions are the ingredients and engine of development of any society, anything other than this is a fluke.

This is the time to rebuild Plateau, farewell Jang, welcome Lalong. concrete and deliberate steps to steer this nation away from the path of religious politics. People should be considered for leadership positions not on account of their religion, but on account of their character, integrity, and competence. The most despicable people are those who use religion to manipulate people to gain political advantage. This administration must ensure that every Nigerian is free to practice whatever religion they subscribe to in any part of the country without fear of molestation, intimidation, or persecution. This administration must be deliberate in its resolve not to be clothed with the toga of religion.

Never again should we have a First Lady who will be remembered more for her nuisance value instead of whatever quality she added to the presidency. Never again should we have a First Lady who appropriated presidential powers and in the process presented our president as the one who wears the bra. The president should know that some of the votes he garnered are gifts from the former First Lady. Some decent Nigerians were simply tired of having her around even though they would have voted for her husband. It is important that our First Lady know her limits because how she comports herself in the public will give us an idea of who she is at home as a housewife.

The slogan of the ruling party is “Change.” We sincerely hope to see positive change in the way we think, act, and behave. Change in the way the country is run, change in how leaders see and carry themselves, change in the way the citizens are treated, change in the direction the nation is heading, and change in our belief system. In the final analysis, the people clamouring for “change” are simply saying “NEVER AGAIN” Oladapo wrote in from Ogbomoso, Oyo State

LIFE

SUNDAY

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

•Continued on page 20

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

20 SUNDAY LIFE

•Continued from 19

•Bamisele

•Ironsi

•A note sent by Miss Anonymous

•Continued on page 21

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE 21

•Ubani

Ms Ocheme Elizabeth Ane runs an NGO, Whiteworld Foundation, born out of her love for young girls. She especially takes delight in talking to young girls, seeking out their peculiar problems and challenges, and working out solutions with them.

“He took the baby home and hours later the baby began to cry profusely. When I got home, the baby was still crying and I wondered what was wrong. When I finally took off her diapers so I could bathe her, I noticed she was bleeding in her private part.”

•Ocheme

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

22 SUNDAY LIFE

•Patience Ogolo with her team •Crystal Chigbu with daughter, Beulah

As a way of commemorating this year's Children's Day celebration, Yetunde Oladeinde draws attention to the plight of children with disabilities, while also calling for special considerations for them.

A

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE

23

Give us power, jobs, food and security – Nigerians tell President Muhammadu Buhari

As President Muhammadu Buhari mounted the saddle of leadership, Nigerians have been speaking of their expectations. Amongst other things, they are demanding for transparency, responsibility in governance, guaranteed power supply, security and food security. Taiwo Abiodun reports

Politicians should declare assets and cut allowances - Kofi Atiemo–Gyan, Ghanaian

The president should avoid sycophants - Bishop Zachaeus Ayinla Adebayo

We need power supply - Sangodokun John, Engineer

Shut down illegal Universities - Olujide Olugbenga Tububo, Publisher

Restore peace among Christians and Moslems - Chief Olusegun Idowu Oladosu

W

e want peace. We don’t want political killings anymore. We want peace among the religious followers .We want the Moslems, the Christians and traditional worshipers to be at peace with one another .We want Boko Haram sponsors to be fished out. We want all the religious leaders to maintain peace, for religion is a powerful weapon.”

Government should provide jobs - Akintunde Akinbayo, newspaper vendor

We need good roads - Sunday Aregbe, commercial driver, auto mechanic

We want money in circulation - Bola Olajide, caterer

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

24 SUNDAY LIFE

Alhaji Monsor Olowosago makes a good definition of a determined entrepreneur. The publisher of Oriwu Sun, Nigeria's leading community newspaper, is amongst other things a committed community leader and public commentator. In this interview with Dare Odufowokan, he tells the story of the challenges of running the nation's first community media outfit for thirty unbroken years.

•Olowosago

Burdened by the various abuses children face, Mrs. Nomthi Odukoya, has taken up the challenge to be a voice for kids and offer them skills for safety, productivity and positive childhood.

Sunday Oguntola Reports

Odukoya: Providing safe environments for kids

•L-R: Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Nollywood Actor, Femi Jacob, Book Presenter and former DG Nigerian Tourism Development Commission Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, Mrs Nomthi Odukoya , Ms. Amarachi Ubani of Channel TV and Hon. Desmond Elliot

30

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

ETCETERA

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

Significant features •The cynic’s guide to Nigeria

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

The writer launches a geographical excursion to spark collective query of national ideals in the new dispensation.

LOCATION: Nigeria is a ‘potential giant’ of a country located in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea between Republic of Benin and Cameroon.

It shares porous land borders with Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east and Niger in the north. It borders fast-disappearing Lake Chad to the northeast and its eroded coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the south; between the devil and the deep blue sea, if you like.

Topography: Nigeria has five major geographic regions: a low coastal zone featuring armed robbers, kidnappers, militants and ex-militants along the Gulf of Guinea; hills and low plateaus north of the coastal zone marked by religious fundamentalists and fierce militia; the regularly flooded Niger-Benue river valley ravaged by tribal wars; a broad stepped plateau stretching to the northern border all but colonised by deadly mercenaries; and a mountainous zone along the eastern border increasingly famed as a terrorist sanctuary with its ‘world-famous’ Zambisa Forest approaching mythical status no thanks to a defused military. Other significant geographical features include the ‘Adamawa badlands’, ‘Maim-billa Plateau’, ‘Jos Killing Fields’, ‘Obudu Mudslide Plateau’ and ‘Human Pyramids of Kano’.

Principal rivers: Nigeria has two principal river systems: the Niger-Benue and the Chad. In definitive form, the largely untapped Rivers Niger and Benue course through scenic country including confluence town, Lokoja, and oil-contaminated Niger Delta communities to empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The other river system involves various rivers that merge into the Yobe River which flows along the border with Niger and empties into Lake Chad whose waters are reputed to sustain Nigeria-bound terrorists.

Climate: Nigeria is situated in the Tropics, where the intellectual climate becomes thin and infinitely corrupt higher up. Naturally arid in the north, tropical in the centre, and equatorial in the south, the climate is virtually polluted by petro-dollars (via oil subsidy scam, pension fraud and missing funds) dispensed by the government and coveted by political thugs. The climate also has a tendency to spread and produce copious rain of cudgels, blows and bullets during local government, gubernatorial and presidential elections.

Natural resources: Valuable resources of natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead and zinc fetch Nigeria crucial foreign exchange.

Also ‘exported’: indigenous managerial and health expertise, looted funds, internet scam and fake drugs, all of which ensure that Nigeria’s reputation as custodian of the tenth largest reserves of oil and seventh largest natural gas reserves in the world never translates into greatness. An abundance of arable land is hardly relevant as speculators and miscreants dominate the business of property development while farmers groan in neglect and honest workers pursue dreams of house ownership in futility. Nearly everything, from capital goods to consumables, is imported to depletion of the country’s foreign exchange reserve and hope of a greater future.

Environmental issues: A continuous lack of leadership vision propels a waste management crisis of air, water and soil pollution as oil spillage, natural gas flaring and automobile and generating set emissions invite environmental calamity of prehistoric proportions. As ominous: open incineration and dumping of refuse beside deforestation through logging, bush burning and overgrazing by livestock.

Time Zone: Officially, Nigeria subscribes to Nigeria Standard Time, which is Greenwich Mean Time plus one hour. Unofficially, the laggardly approach to appointments and service delivery called ‘African Time’ rules.

It can mean anything from an hour’s delay to days, months and years of waiting for the conclusion of straightforward processes.

QUOTE I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.

—Abraham Lincoln

Jokes Humour

The Prize A WOMAN calls a clinic and says she hasn’t been able to sleep because her dog snores too loudly. The doctor tells her to tie a ribbon around his balls and he would stop.

The woman goes to her bedroom and sees her dog lying on the floor snoring.

She gets a silver ribbon and ties it around his scrotum. The dog stops snoring. The woman goes to sleep.

After a while, her husband comes home drunk. He lies in bed and falls asleep. He starts to snore loudly, so the woman gets a gold ribbon and ties it around his scrotum.

The next morning the woman gets up and goes to work. The man wakes up and sees the gold ribbon on him. Then he looks down at the dog and sees the silver ribbon around him.

The guy says to the dog, ‘’I don’t know what we did last night Rover, but we got first and second place!’’

The Contest THREE handsome male dogs are walking down the street when they see a beautiful, enticing, female dog. The three dogs fall all

over themselves in an effort to be the one to reach her first, but end up arriving in front of her at the same time. They are speechless before her beauty, slobbering on themselves and hoping for just a glance from her in return.

Aware of her charms and her obvious effect on the three suitors, she decides to be kind and says, “The first one who can use the words “liver” and “cheese” together in an imaginative, intelligent sentence can go out with me.”

The first, a sturdy, muscular black dog, speaks up quickly and says, “I love liver and cheese.”

“Oh, how childish,” said the female dog. “That shows no imagination or intelligence whatsoever.”

She turned to the second one, a tall, shiny brown dog, “How well can you do?”

“Ummmm … I hate liver and cheese,” he said.

“My, my,” said the female dog. “I guess it’s hopeless. That’s just as dumb as the black dog’s sentence.”

She then turns to the white dog and says, “How about you, little guy?”

The small white dog stands tall, gives her a sly wink and turns to his black and brown companions to say, “Liver alone. Cheese mine!”

•Adapted from the Internet

Writer ’s Fountain Dealing with the pain of writing: Some of the best writers the world arts may find, the loss of a loved one can inspire an has ever seen ended up committing suicide. In fact, enduring piece of work.

But suppose a writer, by a cruel twist of fate, is the list of writers who have taken their own lives reads like a who’s who of the literary world. And not genetically predisposed to clinical depression for those who have battled severe depression, the or some other mental illness? Suppose his parents had ‘blown’ his chances of a tragic childhood by list is even longer.

But do writers have to suffer to pursue their art? being kind and nurturing and, even more Must they grapple with hardship, tragedy and inner unreasonably, not dying when he was very young? demons to write stories that reach out and touch the Suppose that alcohol and other mind-altering soul? Can they be happy and well adjusted as well substances held no great attraction to him? What as being successful writers? Or can they, indeed, tap chance would he have then of becoming a successful writer? unhappiness or tragedy as a resource?

Perhaps a very good chance. Because, we may Everyone suffers from depression at some point in life. As writers and many involved in the creative think, the actual act of writing provides all the trauma that a writer needs. Combine erratic hours or social Human notes: isolation with lack of exercise and natural sunlight, •Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue print is self-doubt, financial worries and the feeling that different. success is in someone else’s hands and the typical •Adults have, on average, two gallons of air in stress facing writers are enough to turn even the the space between their skin and their cloths. most cheerful wordsmith into a miserable one.

•Laid end-to-end, the arteries, capillaries and So does the enormity of writing a book veins would stretch for about 60,000 miles in the sometimes threaten the writer’s sanity? How does average child and would be about 100,000 miles the writer push through to the other side, to where in an adult - enough to wrap around the world literary light and refurbished enthusiasm await? Or nearly four times. how does he cope with those dark moments?

•Any month that starts on a Sunday will have a The ambitious writer would take a number steps Friday the 13th. to clear the clutter in his mind and resume work.

H

PAGE 31

MAY 31, 2015

• Secondus

• Metuh

PDP's NWC remnants battle for survival

• Chikwe

• Oladipo

Pages 32 & 32

32

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

POLITICS

PDP's NWC remnants battle fo • Secondus

• Chikwe

As more chieftains and stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mount pressure on the remnants of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) to resign their appointments like the former chairman, Adamu Muazu and the former Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, in this report wonder how long they will hold on

S

INCE the results of the March 28, 2015 Presidential and National Assembly elections confirmed the defeat of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party and its leaders, especially its members of the National Working Committee, have been engaged in a grim battle for survival.

Besides losing governorship elections in the conventional APC states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Imo, PDP also lost in its traditional states like Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Bauchi and Jigawa, among others and from June 4, when the new National Assembly would be inaugurated, the party, which has ruled the country in the last 16 years, will become the leading opposition party in the Senate with only 49 senators since APC now has 60 members in the upper House.

The blame game that trailed this electoral Holocaust has torn PDP apart, leaving the leaders, especially the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) fighting for their survival. The first official that received the blame for the failure of the party, and whose immediate resignation was widely sought was the party's National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu.

The fire to chase out Muazu was first lighted when PDP governors, led by the then Chairman of the PDP Governors'

Forum and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, and members of the Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO) openly pointed accusing finger at him for the party's failure.

For example, both Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and the PDPPCO spokesperson, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode, plainly called for the sack of PDP's NWC, identifying him and other members of the NWC as directly responsible for the party's "disastrous" outing in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Accusing PDP's NWC of 'betraying' Jonathan, Fani-Kayode, the PDPPCO's Director of Media and Publicity, said: "We must throw out the bad eggs in the NWC and prepare for a long-drawn war of attrition with the new incoming government. In order to survive over the next four years as a party, we must make the necessary changes at the top, otherwise we will be utterly decimated."

Other organised groups that started the battle to sack PDP's NWC include a group identified as PDP National Renaissance Movement. Its Coordinator, Dr. Ayakeme Whisky, was quoted then as saying, that "in order to effectively rebuild and reposition the party as a credible opposition with intent to win back power in 2019 at the centre, there is urgent need for immediate injection of fresh minds,

• Oladipo

fresh ideas, fresh vision and fresh strategies at all levels of the party."

As would be expected, Muazu did not bow to the pressure to quit without putting up a fight. His first reaction was to blame the presidency for sidelining the party's National Working Committee, alleging that the election funding and administration were concentrated on the Presidential Campaign Organisation.

For two tension-socked weeks the battle for the ouster of Muazu raged before he eventually bowed to pressure and tendered his resignation. Citing "failing health" he eventually submitted his letter of resignation to his deputy, Prince Uche Secondus.

PDP National Secretary, Professor Adewale Oladipo, while addressing journalists at the end of the 399th meeting of the NWC, said, "The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at its 399th meeting today, Wednesday, May 20, 2015 received and accepted the voluntary resignation of the National Chairman of our great party, Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu.

"Consequently, in line with the provisions of sections 45 (2) of the PDP constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, acts in

place of the National Chairman pending a replacement from the North-East zone".

Our investigation shows that though the current tenure of the North-East, which Muazu occupied, is scheduled to end by March next year, some elements in the PDP, who want nothing less than total removal of the current PDP NWC, are not willing to wait that long.

But defendants of the current NWC are quick to point out that Article 47(6) of PDP's Constitution as amended in 2012 says: "Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from, pending the conduct of election to fill the vacancy."

While the debate over the fate of the remnants of PDP's NWC remained hot, other unexpected developments have popped up to complicate the crisis within the former ruling party.

For example, few hours after Muazu's resignation, news filtered in that the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, has also resigned.

Some commentators said Anenih's exit, was aimed at making way for former

Consequently, in line with the provisions of sections 45 (2) of the PDP constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, acts in place of the National Chairman pending a replacement from the North-East zone

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

POLITICS

33

The remaking of Ogun State B

le for survival • Metuh

President Goodluck Jonathan to step in and take effective leadership of the party.

Aside counter reports that Jonathan rejected the BoT offer, there are indications that some powerful elements in the party are convinced that until all the members of the NWC leave the scene, the party cannot make any head way in its new role as the leading opposition party.

As a result, the remnants of the party's NWC have been fighting desperately to retain their jobs even as more prominent PDP chieftains insist they must all go.

One of the latest chieftains that have joined in the call for their exit is the former National Chairman of the party, PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor. He told newsmen in Umuahia that all the NWC members should take the path of honour by bowing out of the committee.

Describing the resignation of the National Chairman and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu and Chief Tony Aninih, respectively, as a welcome development, he said, "I feel happy about their resignation because I feel they did so in the interest of the party.

"So, I feel it is better for all the committee members to voluntarily resign if they love the party and want it to survive.''

He also advised the committee to accept responsibility for the "party's woeful performance in the 2015 general elections" and the failure to deliver Goodluck Jonathan for a second tenure in office as president.

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, in his reaction to the calls insisted that he and other remaining members of the party's National Working Committee would not resign.

Following the criticisms and calls for their resignation, Secondus had led the remnants of the party's NWC members to a closed-door meeting with outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan, late last week, shortly after Muazu and Anenih's resignations.

Speaking to newsmen at the Presidential Villa after the crucial meeting, Secondus said, "You know that call is not right, it is unconstitutional, because the chairman did that voluntarily and the BoT Chairman also did that voluntarily.

"Some of the others have tenure. At the end of our tenure, if we are re-elected, fine; if not, fine. That is the right thing to do. There is no reason for us to resign because we have worked hard."

Apart from Secondus, who has emerged as the Acting National Chairman, other members of the PDP National Working Committee who have reportedly refused to cut short their tenure because of the electoral misfortunes of the party include, Prof.

Adewale Oladipo, the National Secretary; Hon. Chief Onwe Solomon Onwe, the Deputy National Secretary; Victor Kwon, the National Legal Adviser; Elder Bolaji Anani, the National Financial Secretary; Chief (Mrs.) Kema Chikwe, the National Woman Leader; Chief Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary; Alhaji Bala Buhari, the National Treasurer; Alhaji Adewale Adeyanju, the National Auditor; Alhaji Abdullahi Hussaini Maibasira, the National Youth Leader and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, the National Organising Secretary.

It remains to be seen how far they would hold on to the mounting pressure.

EFORE May 29, 2011, Ogun State was nowhere in the comity of developed states in this country. In spite of its pride in having indigenes who are holding sway in both political and economic circles, it remained at the lower rung of the ladder as far as 21st century development parameter were concerned.

The Gateway state which was established on 3rd February, 1976, was at that time in dire need of urgent solution to its insecurity challenge, collapse of educational sector, outright economic doldrums, youths unrest and unemployment, among others.

Hence, the reason for the choice of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who on taking the oath of office clearly spelt out the five cardinal programmes of his administration, tagged, "Mission to Rebuild Ogun," which borders around effective, qualitative and affordable education, efficient health care delivery service, affordable housing and urban development, agricultural industrialization and rural development as well as employment generation.

Senator Amosun-led administration without delay invested hugely in security and addressed infrastructural deficit in order to rid the state of miscreants who were sold out to violence as well as re-define the landscape of the state. These resulted in the peace and tranquility being enjoyed today which had successively won Ogun the most secured state in the last four years.

The infrastructural revolution is characterised by expansion of existing roads into six lanes and construction of new ones in both urban and rural areas across the three senatorial districts.

The passion to redefine the landscape of the state informed the decision of the government to embark on the construction of flyovers, thereby breaking the jinx of not having any of

• Amosun

By Femi Onasanya such constructed by the state government since its creation.

His administration in four years has over 18 flyovers to show in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Sagamu, SangoAkute-Ojodu-Abiodun road, Ilaro township road, Ijebu-Igbo, among others, as part of its ways of transforming the state into a mega city.

However, numerous eminent Nigerians, including late Prof. Dora Akunyili, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Aminu Tambuwal and even the sons of the soil, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Ernest Sonekan and General Oladipupo Diya, among others, pulled their weight behind the strides of Amosun-led government, describing it as "turning the state into a huge construction site" in the manner it engaged in "politics of development".

The two editions of world class investors' forum organised by the present administration in March 2012 and May 2014 in Abeokuta have been good platforms to showcase business potentials in the state across all sectors.

The fruits of these efforts did not wait too long to yield as it is on record that between 2011 and 2015,over 80 mega companies, including the US largest investment in Africa, Procter and Gambler, have opened businesses in Ogun, thereby making it the most industrialised state in the country.

Even the immediate President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, affirmed that he had visited Ogun, not for fanfare but for commissioning of multi-million dollars companies more than any state in the country. While commending Governor Amosun "for making this part of the nation attractive to investors," he said, "soonest, no resident of Ogun would be without job."

However, one of Amosun's populist policies and programmes that •Contd. on page 38

34

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

POLITICS

Hon. Kosoko Dele represented Badagry Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives where he served as the Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology. In this interview with Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, Kosoko, who is a State Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke on the change APC government under the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari will bring to Nigeria and why Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) deserves to have a stake in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's cabinet in Lagos. Excerpts ECTION has come and gone and your party is forming a new government. Do you think the change, which was their mantra, will translate to positive change?

I have no doubt in my mind on what General Muhammadu Buhari said he will do. He is a man of few words but full of action and with brains behind the All Progressive Congress (APC) project, Nigeria will rise again. Right from the formation of the APC, we wanted a change, and I am grateful to Nigerians that they really understood the trends and ensured there was a change. By the grace of God, we will keep to that spirit of change. APC will not fail Nigerians.

What do you see as the challenge before Buhari, that is, which areas do you think he should focus immediately?

You remember that in his campaign, he emphasized three major areas security, anti-corruption and economy.

These are the areas that British Prime Minister, Tony Blair also talked about when he visited him recently. I think these are priority areas.

As a Nigerian, aside these areas, can you give us other areas he should add in his priority list.

Well, he should also add education, health and unemployment. But in all, I think I can identify four major issues. The issue of security also translates to the economy. Where you have security, definitely you expect development. That also goes for employment. When security is not there, you can't talk about developing the economy and employment.

So, the other aspect is power. If you don't have stable power, your economy cannot grow. Unemployment cannot also reduce.

And the issue of education is also key. All these critical areas can be tackled by leadership by example. When leaders are not corrupt, definitely too, the subordinates will not be. Government must try to ensure that we reduce corruption to the barest minimum. In the health sector, if we have the health facilities, what is the point of travelling as far as India looking for treatment? We will also look at the infrastructure. When you don't have infrastructure, movements of goods will reduce.

Given the economic realities, the new government may not be able to tackle all of these problems at the same time. But I think the story of Nigeria will change for good with this government in the saddle.

Nobody will invest in an atmosphere that is not conducive. On the issue of power, we must have stable power. We are talking about productivity, to engage people to work for 24hours. It will only boost our economy. Then, we talk about unemployment. They will fight corruption head-on. When you look at any leadership, you can't steal without the collaboration of others. Nobody can steal alone in government. Stealing is a process

Ambode will work with the best brains -Kosoko Dele

L

• Kosoko

that involves a lot of people. Definitely, there is an initiator, but you can't steal alone. Even armed robbers don't steal alone. You plan and then execute. I have identified more than five critical areas that he, Buhari, should be able to tackle. I am sure if he can look at these areas within six months, there is going to be positive changes. There are some other things like the issue of water, issue of roads - that will also come. But what is more important is for Nigerians to be able to have square meals a day.

Let us take two issues, Boko Haram and power. The outgoing President tried to tackle these two problems. How do you think Buhari should do it differently?

The issue of Boko Haram is not alone.

What about kidnapping, what about armed robbery? Boko Haram, some people say is a religious issue. No. They have their own hidden agenda. But Buhari said he is going to review the operation of Boko Haram. They are human beings. They stay within us. And it happens in a particular area. The issue of Boko Haram is just one. The Niger Delta militants which the administration of Yar'Adua rehabilitated, they are also militant groups too. When you kidnap someone, it has the same gravity. Somebody who kidnaps, can kill. Now, the militants are there, armed robbers are there. All these issues must be tackled.

If we have a conducive environment, investors will come. But a situation where there is serious security challenge in the land, nobody will come and invest. We have been on this issue of power for 15 years.

Where there is a problem, there must be a solution. We have a lot of sabotage on this issue. People who import generators to this country, except that issue is tackled, the issue will continue. It also goes to petroleum marketers. The alternative thing is to buy fuel where you don't have power.

Your business cannot flourish when you are spending 80 percent of your income on these expenses. Most of the companies are relocating to where there is stable power. If there is power, unemployment will be a thing of the past because people will believe on productivity, people will believe on commercial businesses, not to resume by 8 o'clock and close by 5 o'clock.

Another problem is that the recurrent in this country has taken 80 percent of the total budget. So with the remaining 20 percent, what do you expect on infrastructure?

You see them having 42 ministers surrounded by their aides and personal staff.

It is uncalled for. Look at the percentage of wages in the recurrent, it is too much. No country expends 70 to 80 percent of its budget on recurrent and expect miracle or development, no. The remaining 30 percent cannot take care of infrastructure; it cannot take care of security and other sectors.

You said for the past fifteen years we have been on this issue of power and have been unable to get it right. Do you think somebody somewhere is playing politics with power?

Yes, but we have professionals who can find solution to the problem. We have technical partners. If it is the megawatts that

On Ambode, we expect that the best brains will work with him. Actually, Tinubu has laid the foundation. Like in Olorunda LCDA, it is the will of God that we were able to win two Houses of Assembly, otherwise we could have lost out completely to the opposition party. That is why we are saying that Olorunda specifically deserves to have a stake in the cabinet formed by Ambode. We deserve commissionership because we delivered well

are reducing, what is the cause? Can't we find the solution in the last 15 years? Is it building additional power stations to supplement the existing ones? In as much as we allow all these indigenous or big companies to import generators to this country, we will still continue to find ourselves in this problem.

What do you think Buhari should do to stop this fuel scarcity once and for all?

I think there will be handover note.

We are reading in the papers that they are indebted to the marketers to the tune of about N200billion. Look at those people involved in the fuel subsidy fraud.

What is the punishment meted out to them? They have just been on trial. We are not sincere. We thank God that we are witnessing government changeover. If not, something drastic would have happened. We may just wake up one morning and discover that the country has collapsed.

Is it true that your party, APC, is overwhelmed by its current position, considering the situation in the National Assembly leadership where they seem unable to come out with something tangible on the way forward?

Politics is dynamic. Politics is something that you study, you project and you don't give up. It is a game. How did APC come about taking over the government today? It is hard work. We will study; we will look at the mood of the people before we conclude. We are watching. We have learnt lessons from the fall of the PDP. We don't want such a thing to happen to us. We will handle the issue of the National Assembly leadership. By the time we come up with the candidate who will become the Senate President and Speaker of the House, Nigerians will know that we know what to do. We are on top of the game.

Let us look at Lagos State where you come from. What are some of your random thoughts of what you expect Ambode to do?

Let me divert a little bit. Lagos State has 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs. Why we voted overwhelmingly for Buhari is to make sure he addresses the injustices done to some states. Now Lagos State with their population has 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs while Kano has 44 local governments, although both states have equal number of representation in the House of Representatives. But then, we are talking about local government which is nearer to the people. It is the only platform through which people can get to the government easily. We want that issue to be addressed and Lagos State will be one of the states that will present this case to the National Assembly. We are not saying only Lagos State. There are other states too. That is why I have been advocating for the creation of more local governments instead of states. The issue of local government must be the first thing Lagos State will present to the National Assembly. Also, the constitution should be amended so that the term of office for the lawmakers will not exceed two terms.

Since the governor is not allowed to contest for third term, we should not allow legislators to contest for as long as they want.

On Ambode, we expect that the best brains will work with him. Actually, Tinubu has laid the foundation. Like in Olorunda LCDA, it is the will of God that we were able to win two Houses of Assembly, otherwise we could have lost out completely to the opposition party.

That is why we are saying that Olorunda specifically deserves to have a stake in the cabinet formed by Ambode. We deserve commissionership because we delivered well.

There was this call that your state chairman should resign?

I have not seen the relevant section that after the election, the leadership who do not perform should resign. There is no section in our constitution. The issue that Ajomale should resign is uncalled for.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

POLITICS

35

Senate Presidency: How the contest may be won, lost

• Lawan

• Akume

The race for the Senate President's seat in the 8th Senate has been hot in the past month, since after the March National Assembly election.

Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports on the latest permutations few days before the inauguration of the next senate

B

ARRING last minute changes in the various alliances currently subsisting in the ranks of Senatorselect ahead of the election of the next leadership of the 8th session of the National Assembly, there are indications of how the contest for the Senate Presidency could be won and lost.

The Nation learnt that the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the next senate to select Senator Ahmed Lawan, a senator representing Yobe-Central, as the party's consensus candidate for senate presidency, may be the major deciding factor in who emerges as the leader of the next senate.

Consequently, the aspirations of other contenders, including senators Bukola Saraki from Kwara State and George Akume from Benue State, may remain unfulfilled at the end of voting by the legislators. However, Akume, according to reports, may emerge as the Deputy Senate President following his alleged adoption for that position by the APC caucus.

The Nation learnt that although Saraki and his supporters are still kicking against the decision of the party caucus to adopt the Lawan/Akume ticket, the party's leadership may have thrown its weight behind the senators' choice, citing the need to allow the lawmakers a free hand in deciding who leads them, as its reason.

Speaking on the development, a national officer of the party from Lagos State said the party is in agreement with the decision of the caucus. We are in a democracy and we are talking about distinguished senators elected by the people. We are of the opinion that they must have the biggest say in their own

affairs. The caucus has decided and the party is in support of the decision."

On the objection by some senators loyal to Senator Saraki, the party chieftain said it is not unlikely that the matters will be resolved before the election proper.

According to him, the party is urging all stakeholders to ensure that the unity of the party is upheld at all times.

"The objection by some senators is expected in a democracy. There was a contest and the majority took a decision. The minority of course will have their say. But once the majority decision is taken, the process of getting others to comply with the decision will commence.

That is the stage we are in now and I want to tell you that before the inauguration of 8th Assembly, all issues surrounding the matter will be resolved. APC will not go into the process divided. We are optimistic that the senators are capable of resolving the matter amicably," he added.

Announcing the choices of Lawan and Akume for Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively, Barnabas Gemade, serving senator and senator-elect from Benue State, said a large majority of the senators elected on the platform of the APC are solidly behind the choices.

"We, the Senate Unity Forum, comprising senators-elect from various zones of Nigeria, have met, held extensive discussions and resolved to support Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate President and Senator George Akume as Deputy Senate President of the 8th Senate."

Explaining that the decision was taken after very serious consideration of both party and national interest, Gemade said Lawan emerged as the consensus candidate of the party caucus after hours of deliberations amongst senators. "Kindly take this to be

• Saraki

our collective decision in the best interest of our party, APC, and our dear nation, Nigeria," he said.

It would be recalled that the APC had stated that it would opt for merit, instead of zoning in the selection of a consensus candidate for Senate President. Both the National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and former National Chairman, Bisi Akande, separately stated that the party would favour merit above zoning.

Thus, while the Saraki camp is insisting on zoning as the leading factor in the selection of the leadership of the senate, the APC caucus said it is determined to ensure that merit is not sacrificed on the altar of zoning. "We cannot afford to ignore the stability and competence we stand to benefit from the Lawan/Akume leadership of the next senate," our source said.

And to ensure the success of the adopted candidates, the various geo-political caucuses of the senate have been activated to get their senators to back the decision.

According to sources, Senators Robert Ajayi from Ondo State is coordinating the Lawan/ Akume campaign in the South-West; Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim from Yobe-State is in charge of the North-East; Senator Barnabas Gemade is for North -Central while Abu Ibrahim holds forth in the North-West.

Speaking on the activities of the caucus and his assurance that their choices will emerge as leaders of the senate, Senator Ahmad said, "the members of the Unity Forum, comprising of senators from the North-East, North-Central, North-West and South-West reached a resolution to support the Senator Lawan Ahmad and Senator George Akume ticket for the Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively.

This collaboration is encompassing and accommodating of all the tendencies within the party in the overall interest of the party and Nigeria."

"What we are trying to do is to make things easy for the party by putting the interest of Nigeria first. In the light of the above, we wish to state expressly that the

effort to convince more senators to participate in the consensus building within our party is ongoing. We recognise the discretion of each senator to vote any candidate."

Speaking further on how the leadership of the senate will emerge, Gemade said, "We affirm the supremacy of the party while the interest of the country must be paramount. We cannot blame anyone for personal ambition but such ambition cannot be superior to the stability, credibility and cohesiveness of the National Assembly.

Thus, we subscribe to the notion that we must work with and within our party, APC to resolve any contentious issue. The alliance forged by Senators Lawan and Akume alongside other members offers the APC the best window of opportunity to resolve the issue of the Senate Presidency and take to a higher standard from the legacy left by the 7th Senate of the Federal Republic."

The Nation also learnt that the Lawan candidacy has received the support of majority PDP senators, especially from the northern geo-political zones and the west.

But most PDP senators from the SouthSouth and the South-East are said to be non-committal on the matter.

"Even majority of the PDP senators from the northern geo-political zones and the west are supportive of the Lawan candidacy. But the same cannot be said of those from the South-South and South-East.

With the current situation, should Saraki decide to go all the way, it is unlikely he will garner much votes.

Except the permutations change suddenly, either by consensus or outright election, it appears Lawan is the most likely to emerge as the Senate President of the 8th Assembly. And all things being equal too, Akume will be elected as the Deputy Senate President at the end of proceedings," our source, a Senator -elect from Ogun State, said.

36

• Buhari

2015: APC, PDP in qu

All Progressives Congress (APC), the merger party which was recently hounded by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally taken over as the new ruling party in Abuja. Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, traces the journey to the current role reversal

O

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

POLITICS

NE fateful day in February, 2013, Nigeria's four biggest opposition political parties announced their readiness to merge and contest the 2015 elections as one mega party, against President Goodluck Jonathan's (People's Democratic Party). Not many Nigerians read any serious meaning to that announcement that is today remembered as the first step in the political transformation of Africa's largest economy.

Back then, parties said "we have resolved to merge forthwith and become the All Progressives Congress (APC) and offer to our beleaguered people a recipe for peace and prosperity," according to a statement handed to reporters on that fateful day. "At no time in our national life has radical change become more urgent," it added.

The two biggest parties in the merger were the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), whose governors control most of the country's southwestern states, including Lagos, the commercial capital, and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by the north's biggest opposition figure and now President-elect, former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.

Happening in a country that is almost evenly divided between a mainly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, as the merger arrangement progress with major gains recorded in a matter of days, many local and international analysts spoke of a significant change in the politics of the Nigeria should the merger succeed.

That was when the people of the country, politicians and non-politicians alike, started paying attention to the merger talks. Three years earlier, Buhari had lost to Jonathan in the 2011 presidential election, garnering the most northern votes. Jonathan is the third PDP president since 1999, when the country returned to civil rule.

• Jonathan

• Oyegun

The initial lackadaisical reaction by the populace to the announced merger was because previous attempts by Nigerian opposition parties to form coalitions have failed.

Giving one of the first hint of optimism, Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Abuja-based Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, had said "I get the sense that there is a serious push toward a united big political party and I think that the merger will happen," on the day the APC was announced.

The alliance also includes the northern All Nigeria People's Party and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, based in the country's South-East. At least 10 governors from four opposition parties met on February 5 to back the alliance, two days before successful merger was announced on February 7th, 2013.

"We are extremely concerned about the state of the nation and we put our heads together in the interest of our people to deliberate on what can be done to rescue our country," the governors had said in a statement e-mailed by the office of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.

APC as the miracle 'baby' Today, following its unexpected victory in the much anticipated general elections of March and April 2015, the APC has become something close to a miraculous baby on the political scene in Nigeria. While many pundits predicted some successes for the new party prior to the election, very few people saw the huge success it recorded across the country, coming.

Consequently, the party has not only replaced the defeated PDP as the ruling party at the national level, it has also taken over its majority in both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives. In addition, many states hitherto ruled by the PDP on Friday, May 29, 2015, fall into the hands of the APC as the new governing party.

APC's Muhammadu Buhari won the presidential election by almost 2.6 million votes. The party's victory was so much that Jonathan; the sitting president then, conceded defeat on 31 March, hours before the final result was announced.

This was the first time in Nigeria's political history that an opposition political party unseated a governing party in a general election and one in which power will transfer peacefully from one political party to another. Though it fell shy of winning a super-majority to override the ability of the opposition PDP to block legislations, the APC denied PDP legislators a return as principal officers of the National

Assembly by winning a simple majority in the federal legislative elections.

Giving insights into the victory of the APC at the polls, a chieftain of PPDP, Chief Francis Fadahunsi, said the new party benefitted immensely from the leadership crisis that engulfed the ruling party prior to the general election. He also lampooned Jonathan for turning himself to President of Ijaws at a point "rather than President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria".

Fadahunsi, who lost the race for Osun-East Senatorial seat to the APC's Senator Babajide Omoworare, alleged that at a point, Jonathan was cornering all positions in the party to his kinsmen to the detriment of other regions in the country.

"Right from the beginning of this administration, the President turned himself to President of the Ijaw rather than that of Nigeria.

"President Goodluck Jonathan sees himself as the president of Ijaw rather than that of Nigeria. All available positions are occupied by his people. During the time of Obasanjo and Yar'Adua administrations, positions were spread across the country, but in Jonathan era all are meant for his kinsmen. He is told about the lopsidedness, but believes he could manage it, but see where he has landed the party," he regretted.

Human rights activist and National Coordinator of Rights Monitoring Group (RMG), Olufemi Aduwo, said the APC won the general elections because Nigerians wanted a

Consequently, the party has not only replaced the defeated PDP as the ruling party at the national level, it has also taken over its majority in both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives. In addition, many states hitherto ruled by the PDP on Friday, May 29, 2015, fall into the hands of the APC as the new governing party

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

POLITICS

37

n queer role reversal • Tinubu

• Mu'azu

• Secondus

change. "It is not because the APC is better than the PDP. Nigerians don't want to be taken for granted. For instance in Ondo State, when Governor Segun Mimiko returned to the PDP, he met some people who had been building the party when he left.

It was a suicide mission for the party to have allowed Mimiko to come back and take 100 percent control of the party. If you have a party that is disciplined and the leaders can read between the lines, the position of leadership could have been shared between Mimiko and other members of the party who have labored over the years.

Also in the days of former National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamaga Tukur, he disallowed the governors to handle the affairs of the party at the state levels, but when Mu'azu came, the governors were able to hijack the structure at the state level and were imposing or disallowing some to contest.

Everybody knows that when Tukur left, there was a lot of dislocation in PDP. Five governors left a party at a go and nothing was done about that. A former president, who is on the board of trustees, also left and nothing was done to bring him back. It was a big blow but people around Jonathan thought it was not. If you go to the north and you mention Obasanjo before any governor, they are not comfortable; they see him as a semi God and call him Baba," he said.

But the giant killing feat of the new party was not without initial hiccups. In March 2013, it was reported that two other associations, namely African Peoples Congress and All Patriotic Citizens, also applied for INEC registration, adopting APC as an acronym as well, a development interpreted by many observers to be a move to thwart the successful coalition of the opposition parties, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

So serious was the threat posed to the survival of the new party by these two other associations that it was reported in April 2013 that the party was considering changing its name to the All Progressive Congress of Nigeria (APCN) to avoid further complications.

Also, the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance denied being a part of the merger and warned the authorities against giving approval to the new party. In spite of insistence by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, an APGA governor at the time, that he and his faction of the party are part of the merger, the leadership of the party insisted that it would not merge with any association.

The party eventually received approval from the nation's electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) on 31 July 2013 to become a political party and the electoral umpire subsequently withdrew the operating licenses of the three predecessor parties (the ACN, CPC and ANPP).

A peep into the records showed that the resolution that agreed upon by the merging parties was signed by Tom Ikimi, the who represented the ACN; Senator Annie Okonkwo on behalf of the APGA; former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the Chairman of ANPP's Merger Committee; and Garba Shehu, the Chairman of CPC's Merger Committee. Ironically, less than 2 years before the party's historic victory in the 2015 elections, Messrs Annie Okonkwo, Tom Ikimi and Ibrahim Shekarau resigned from the party and joined the PDP. In November 2013, five serving Governors from the governing PDP defected to the APC. The governors who defected to the APC were Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State.

Also, 49 PDP House of Representatives members joined the ranks of 137 legislators in the APC as a result of the prior merger of the smaller opposition parties. This initially gave the APC a slim majority of 186 legislators in the Lower House out of a total of 360 legislators.

It had been previously reported that governors Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State were also set to defect to the APC; however, both ended up remaining with the People's Democratic Party. As part of APC's giant killing feats in the 2015 elections, Governor Aliyu, who ran as a senatorial candidate of PDP for the Niger State East Senatorial District, lost in a landslide to the APC's David Umaru.

PDP, a 'giant' on its kneels Today, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which was founded in August 1998 by members of numerous groups and organisations, including the groups known as G-18 and G-34, and went ahead to rule the country at the centre for 16 years, is preparing to resume its new role as the main opposition party.

This followed its poor performance at the last general election where it lost not just the presidential but majority of parliamentary seats and governorship positions, even in parts of the country hitherto considered its strongholds.

Consequently, the ruling party has experienced a mass exodus of its chieftains and members into the winning APC.

While political analysts are saying the party's loss at the general election is responsible for the moves by the defectors, those leaving PDP are citing the unending crises in the party as their reasons.

Starting from Wednesday, April 8, 2015, about a week after Jonathan's presidential loss, the outgoing ruling party suffered the loss of several of its top members, who mass-defected to the incoming ruling party, the APC. In Adamawa State, the immediate past political adviser to Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, who initiated the Jonathan re-election campaign led the pack of defectors.

Also jumping ship alongside Gulak were two serving senators, Ahmed Hassan Barata and Mohammed Bello Tukur representing Adamawa South and Central respectively.

Also in the team of defectors were a former Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, former Minister of Health, Dr. Idi Hong, among several others.

About eight serving state and federal legislators in the state also joined the throng of politicians seeking refuge in the APC. In Ondo State, the PDP's immediate past National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke, and his two wives joined the APC alongside a member of the House of Representatives representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

Former Commissioners in the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu administration namely Princes Oladunni Odu, Ayo Ifayefunmi, Olajide Ajana and former Senator Gbenga Ogunniya, amongst other notable PDP chieftains, also led their numerous supporters into the incoming ruling party. A former Head of Service, Alaba Isijola and a former member of the House of Representatives, Abayomi Sheba, among others, were also among the defectors.

Similarly in Oyo State, PDP lost key members which included a member of the House of Representatives, Afeez Jimoh, a former member of the House of Representatives, Folake Olunloyo-Osinowo, Tayo Sarumi, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, PDP governorship aspirant, Chief (Mrs.) Ayoka Lawani, Mr. Waheed Adeleke, former Chairman, Iseyin Local Government, as well as other party leaders.

The defection tales didn't end in these states as stories from Bayelsa, Kaduna, Ogun, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and many more revealed more defections from the embattled PDP into the APC. •Contd. on page 39

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

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Gbajabiamila is pride of Surulere H

on. Femi Gbajabiamila, who happens to be

representing Surulere Constituency, seems favoured to clinch the House of Representatives speakership, what is your take on that?

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is not only a favoured candidate within our party, the APC, but he is also favoured by the people. We have many candidates in the party but he comes as the choice of the people of Nigeria, simply because of his performance in the house, which he has been for 12 years. He has made himself relevant in the house and over the years has garnered experience and goodwill of his colleagues and so has the advantage over others to clinch the speakership seat. In addition, with the kind of support he is getting from the party, it is evident that he looks good getting it.

As a stakeholder in Surulere politics and as the immediate past chairman of the local government council, how do you feel about Hon Gbajabiamila's candidacy?

It speaks well of the state, which is Lagos State and of my Senatorial District, which is my district. It speaks well of the local government as well as my own ward. We are in the same ward, where we both voted during the last election and so it is a giant stride and pride of the ward and local government to have him as our leader and one of our own in the high position of Speaker of the Federal House of Representative.

It is a big plus for us and we are indeed looking forward to it. It is indeed, also a good thing for the whole of the South-West.

During the last election, what role did you play to ensure that Gbajabiamila secured your ward and the council in spite of the huge opposition, knowing that you are the immediate past chairman of the LG? Of course, I have been involved in so many elections and we know the rudiment of elections. Some leaders and I called for stakeholders' meeting at the instance of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to work for the success of Hon.

With over 20 years experience in grassroots politics, ex-football international and immediate past chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon Tajudeen Ajide, believes the emergence of Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in the race for the position of Speaker of the House of Assembly, is a big plus for the South-West, Lagos State and Surulere Constituency. He also speaks on other salient political issues in this interview conducted by Taiwo Alimi

• Ajide

Gbajabiamila and the party as a whole. The meeting was well attended by party leaders and members. In addition, we have had the opportunity to create many good things in the life of our people and made impact in their lives. It is easy for us to talk to them that, this is where we are going. True, there is a lot of awareness in Nigerian electorates now; still many of them do not know the role of our leaders

in Abuja. They know those of us on ground here, so we have to sensitize them on the impact of our leaders in Abuja and how it is important to have him back and the importance of continuity. This was what we told them during the third term and why we need to have him do a fourth term.

Let's take for instance, the last election; I have to mount my polling booth, where Hon. Gbajabiamila and I voted. First, I must make sure I

delivered that polling booth, which I did. Two, I must make sure that all the polling booths within my street and the area were delivered to ensure that he wins. Without winning here, it would be impossible for him to go for the speakership of the house.

Therefore, the primary job was for us to deliver our home and ensure that our leader; Gbajabiamila, wins the election. Moreover, we thank God that we did.

He was there to vote with his family and I voted there too. In that same ward, we have a high number of non-indigenes in that council, especially Igbos; we had to do extra job and mobilisation to deliver.

However, because of the relationship we have with our people at all levels, we were able to win the constituency for him.

It is also instructive to note that we lost some wards and the other constituencies; Itire Ikate and Coker Aguda LCDAs at that election and there were lessons to be learnt and that is why we need to work harder next time and get closer to the artisans and the CDAs and the CDCs, which is the community development association as the voice of the people.

What areas do you think Gbajabiamila needs to work on to enable him emerge as the Speaker of the House of Representative?

Gbajabiamila is an experienced person and he has been there now for 12 years. I am sure he is conversant with the terrain and with the support of the party; it would not be too difficult to get the support of our friends from all over the country.

This is also the second time that the Speaker will be coming from the South-West after Hon. Dimeji Bankole and Lagosians will be glad

PDP's NWC remnants battle for survival •Contd. from page 33 particularly touches residents is the novel regime in the acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy, popularly referred to as C of O. Through this new C of O initiative, home and land owners in Ogun State have gotten what could be described as a 'relieve package.'

Through the initiative, the state government has reduced land title fees from N430, 000 to N100, 000. Prior to this new regime, a building approval cost N275,000; survey plan was N60,000, stamp duty was N45,000 and the C of O was N50,000. However, with the new land title regime, tagged Homeowner's Charter, building plan approval now costs N20,000; survey plan N20,000, stamp duty N20,000 and C of O N35,000.

Notwithstanding, one of the major heart-warming feats

of the present administration is the report of the World Bank, Doing Business in Nigeria 2014, which rated Ogun, out of 35 states and FCT, as one of the 5 states "that made the biggest strides towards the national frontier of good practices." The biennial report, released on 31st September, 2014, puts Ogun in the exclusive club of the top reforming states in Nigeria.

The same World Bank, in 2008 and 2010 reports, ranked Ogun State as one of the lowest overall performers among the 36 states in Nigeria in terms of ease of doing business. In other words, Ogun State was by then not conducive to business.

The report observed that in Ogun State, "The construction permitting system was radically overhauled, with the state government authorities decentralising the approval system and a new committee monitoring delays. Building

permit applications and payments can now be made simultaneously in district offices.

Private professionals issue environmental-impact assessments in accordance with the conditions and templates set out in a framework agreement.

The certificate of completion is issued on the spot, immediately following the final inspection."

The restoration of glorious old days of the education sector which is on the front burner of the rebuilding mission was kick started with the introduction of free and qualitative education at both primary and secondary school levels and reduction of tertiary institutions school fees by over 61% .

The government unified examination which is conducted every term in all public schools has helped to raise the bar of education in the state as well as to restore confidence in the system. Interestingly, the rate of

students seeking admission into government owned schools has skyrocketed significantly compared to years before 2011.

Apart from construction and rehabilitation of schools to make the learning environment conducive, the icing on the cake in this sector is the construction of model schools in all local government areas, out of which 15 are already completed and ready for use. This innovation, according to the governor is targeted at the best brains regardless of their financial status. And it would further enhance the academic standard in the Gateway State.

The sterling performance of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in the last four years across all strata, without mincing words, made his victory at the polls not to come as a surprise. It was a deserved victory."One good turn", they say, "deserves another."Hence, he stated in his acceptance speech

the speakership will be coming to Lagos State for the first time.

However, there are some areas that I think he should also look into.

Politics is a complex game; he has to speak to all parties involved. He cannot afford to leave any area out of his discussion. People you think are your friends would even be working against you. Therefore, he needs to have a wider scope of lobby.

There is a formula that you believe cannot go wrong during an election, tell us about it?

I am a politician but to be honest, we politicians are not even up to 20 percent of voters, meaning there are about 80 percent electorates that you have to win over. My advice is that we must look at the grassroots-those that are voting. We have the formal and informal sectors, who are the highest number of people who are voting. On my street, we have many of our people from the Northern part of the country; we have food vendors, we have vulcanizers and we have mechanics, taxi drivers, fruit sellers, and other artisans in different fields and these are the people that would vote. They also form the majority of electorates that come out to vote in this country, so you have to carry them along. Isolating these set of people is dangerous to any politician because you are denying yourself of their massive votes. That is the winning formula that doesn't go wrong.

Your party, APC, is coming into power how would you advise President Muhammadu Buhari on the great job ahead?

First, he should pray for God's guidance. That is the most important thing. He should also pray that those who will work with him should have the heart of God and the commitment to the will of the people. He should be mindful of the rot in our system and look for ways to be fair to all.

Justice is vital in a country like ours and that is the only way to build sound people with sound doctrine. He should not forget that it is people that build a country and not otherwise.

to consolidate on the success of the first term is noteworthy.

It would not be a surprise if the light rail project becomes functional in no time. No one would see the Cargo Airport in Iperu area of the state coming to reality as a rude shock. The Olokola Free Trade Zone which would drastically give a quantum leap to our state's economy would not be an incredible feat if it comes to fruition and the completion of ongoing projects in all the nooks and cranies of the state would not be a shocking revelation. These assurances are owing to the fact that residents of the Gateway State voted for continuity which can only be achieved in Senator Ibikunle Amosun who once again took the oath of office on 29th May,2015. –Femi Onasanya wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

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39

2015: APC, PDP in queer role reversal •Contd. from page 37 Immediate past National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, attributed the defeat his party suffered in the general election to lack of adherence to internal democracy.

But, he was quick to add that the party will stabilise and pull surprises soon. Tukur, who spoke to The Nation on phone, said the party is critically studying the outcome of the last general elections.

He said due to the imminent repercussions inherent in disrespecting internal democracy, he had been advocating for its entrenchment in the party for a long time regretting that the failure to heed his advice led to the unsavoury defeat the party suffered in the last elections.

"We have been preaching election not selection, internal democracy not imposition.

Anywhere it was done, it will leave a bitter pill in the mouth," Tukur noted.

Another PDP chieftain, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, the DirectorGeneral of the Jonathan Goodluck Campaign Organisation during the 2011 presidential elections, who is also a two-time Senate Leader and presently, Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, blamed the campaign organisation for the party's loss.

"From my personal view, based on what I coincidentally watched on NTA and AIT televisions, the Jonathan Goodluck campaign was centered on personality accusations where the Presidentelect has been personally targeted.

PDP campaign office turned the campaign into a theatre of personality accusations of what happened 30 years ago which should not be so.

What is important in any electioneering campaign is to tell people what you have done for them in the last four years and what you intend to do for them if you are re-elected. This is my idea about campaign but I don't believe in ridiculing my opponent," he said.

In the 1999 elections, the first following the country's return to civil rule, the PDP won a majority of seats in the legislature and former Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, was elected president.

The party also claimed a vast majority of the states into its kitty.

In the 2003 elections, the party maintained a legislative majority and Obasanjo was reelected president. Based on the party's policy of zoning, in 2007, the PDP's candidate was Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, a Muslim and then governor of the northern state of Katsina. The vice presidential candidate was Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian and the governor of the southern state of Bayelsa. Yar'Adua was declared the winner of the 2007 presidential election, although international observers strongly condemned the election as being marred by voting irregularities and fraud.

In 2010 power shifted unexpectedly to Jonathan, who assumed the role of Acting President in February after Yar'Adua fell ill; he was sworn in to the presidency, following Yar'Adua's death in May.

Jonathan was victorious in the country's 2011 presidential election, which was deemed largely free and fair by international observers.

As the 2015 elections drew closer, the longtime ruling party found itself in a weaker position: infighting had resulted in several members leaving the party; Jonathan's administration was under fire for not doing enough to combat corruption or to eliminate the threat from the deadly Islamic insurgency led by Boko Haram in the northeastern parts of the country; and many Nigerians felt that general living conditions had not improved.

Buhari eventually defeated Jonathan, signaling an end to the PDP's grip on the presidency, which it had held since 1999. The party also lost its majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives to the APC in the legislative elections.

Bounce back dream But the embattled party is very optimistic that it would soon bounce back. Amidst heated allegations and counter allegations amongst its leading officials, the PDP says it is going through a restructuring process aimed at re-invigorating the party to return to its winning ways as soon as possible. But observers of the politics of the defeated ruling party think otherwise.

The uncertainties rocking the PDP took a new turn with the resignation of its chairman, Ahmed Adamu Muazu. The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Tony Anenih, also threw in the towel and as sources said the move was to allow outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan to succeed him.

Both Anenih and Muazu, alongside some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have been under relentless pressure from members to resign, following the party's dismal performance at the polls.

Reports hinted that following an exhaustive meeting presided over by Jonathan in the

• Mohammed

Presidential Villa among key leaders of the party; the two leaders agreed to throw in the towel for the emergence of fresh leadership in the party.

Muazu, who was in the ?United Kingdom for treatment over an undisclosed ailment, sent in his resignation letter, addressed to the Deputy National Chairman, Uche Secondus.

Light at the end of the tunnel The developments notwithstanding, some party chieftains have said there is light at the end of the tunnel for the troubled PDP. "We lost quite a lot, not only the presidency but almost everything in the elections. We have no option than to go back to the drawing board. We have to feel the way the opposition felt over 16 years.

"We must learn from our mistakes so that one day we will come up strongly and win all elections again. People should know that there is nothing permanent in politics. The victory of APC is also not permanent; one day, it will be the turn of another party in power not necessarily APC or PDP. I say so because Nigeria is not matured enough to maintain two party systems talk less of having PDP or APC in power for many years," Tafida assured.

Happening at a time when the APC, the hitherto "hounded" political organisation, that suffered untold hardships ranging from legal and illegal attempts to deny its registration, to the arrest, detention and prosecution of its leaders, as well as outright impeachment of its governors and deputy governors in some states of the federation, has taken full charge of the administration of the entire country and erstwhile PDP strongholds like Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Adamawa, Niger amongst others, not a few observers of the drastic change in the power equation of Africa's most populous country are awed by the reversal of roles between the new ruling party and its troubled predecessor.

BUHARI…so much unlike his predecessors T HIS indeed, is a turning point in the history of this 54-year old nation. For the first time we have a leader who came to office fully prepared and really contesting for the position. In this respect, he is very much unlike all his predecessors.

How> The first leader was the late Alhaji Abubakar TafawaBalewa. He had been holding the position before independence in unelected capacity. It was known to all that the strings were in Kaduna where the late Sir Ahmadu Bello held court as Premier of the Northern Region and leader of the Northern Peoples Congress. It was thus clear that the Prime Minister both in 1957 when he first assumed the office under British suzerainty, and after independence, was an agent of a principal located elsewhere.

When issues got so tough, people knew it was the Northern Premier who had the last say. Not the Prime Minister. He died in January 1966 not quite fully showing the stuff he was made of.

Then, after thirteen years of military rule, the civilians had the opportunity of staging a comeback.

Those who offered their services to pilot affairs included Chief Obafemi Awolowo who founded the Unity Party of Nigeria, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim who established the Nigerian Peoples Party as a national political party but was soon shoved aside when the more charismatic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe stepped on the dais. Waziri then added Great to the NPP and became the standard bearer.

Mallam Aminu Kano found his bearing a little later after he had been disappointed by the National Party of Nigeria. He thus came up with the Peoples Redemption Party. He was the leader and flag bearer. Then, in addition to Zik who took over the NPP, there was the National Party of Nigeria that metamorphosed from the National Movement formed during the Constituent Assembly. The party had no single leader but men like the late Chief J.S. Tarka, Chief Tony Enahoro, Alhaji Maitama Sule, the late Makaman BIda and Dr. Olusola Saraki were very prominent in the ranks. Then came the crucial moment of choosing the first President and Chief Executive.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari who had succeeded Chief Awolowo as Finance Minister in the Gowon cabinet and was a junior member of the Balewa administration was goaded into contesting in the party primary. The man had a modest ambition of going to the Senate, but the powers that be felt more comfortable having him as leader of the country. Reluctantly, the man agreed. It was the bane of a country that floundered under his leadership.

Again, partly owing to Shagari's lackluster leadership, the military could only tolerate the Second Republic for four years. In

December 1983, another military government head by General Muhamadu Buhari was installed.

The first real attempt by a civilian who nursed the ambition to lead Nigeria and had a manifesto he believed sold to the people was in 1993 when the late Chief Moshood Abiola made an attempt. He fought all the way.

Came up with the Farewell to Poverty package and was elected in his own right. But, alas, he was prevented from assuming the office. He died in prison instead of the palace.

And, in 1999, it was time again for the military to step down. The military and civilian wings of the national ruling class settled for General Olusegun Obasanjo who was in prison at the time. He was brought out, polished and packaged for the position. He was prostrate at the time and in no position to contend for power. He lacked all the resources requiredeconomic, moral, political, structural and the confidence. But, he was elected nonetheless. He later made attempts to assert himself in office. the inorganic nature of the resultant administration put the strain on governance and the state bore the brunt.

At the behest of Obasanjo, Alhaji Unaru Yar'Adua who was already planning to take a rest from politics and take more interest in his health was prodded up and the General's successor in 2007.

He had hardly settled in office when his health gave way, succumbing eventually to the cold intervention of death. And, another reluctant President, Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him. The office was apparently too high for him to manage.

Now, the man of history has taken over. The first time General Buhari took interest in running the nation as a civilian elected leader was in 2003 when he had to confront his former boss in the military, Obasanjo, at the poll. He lost. The same happened in 2007 and 2011 when those more favoured by the establishment effortlessly triumphed.

The fourth time, he is singing a new song. Buhari has shown doggedness. He fought every inch and must have been prepared through the years. He did not win because the establishment wanted him. He was always in the opposition and refused to blink when all appeared to have conspired against him. General Buhari is the new occupant of Aso Villa. It is a new reality…a new experience.

So, what do we expect? A man who had taken time to study the country and is familiar with what should be done. One who has been wizened by age and has the clout and will to do what is needed to fix the country. We want to see a President who is an ally of the people.

May God help him all the way.

POLITICS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

OULD you relate your growing experience as a child vis-Ă -vis the girlchild education barrier in Northern Nigeria?

Growing up in Northern Nigeria was not different from growing up in Southern Nigeria in those days (70's). I grew up in Kaduna and attended Capital School Kaduna. Then, it was a boarding primary school. We had children from all over Nigeria attending the school. There was no discrimination between Christians and Muslims or North and South. Kaduna was the old capital of the Northern Region so all tribes were represented. The Southerners also felt at home in Kaduna because it was a cosmopolitan town with no cultural restrictions. Growing up in Kaduna as a child was very enjoyable. The British Colonialists had not entirely left by then, so we had tea parties with the diplomats as well as robust relationship with the white community. So a lot of interaction took place between Northerners, Southerners and the white community. The weather was also very nice because it was not too hot neither was it too cold. Though, during the harmattan season, it gets rather cold and during the raining season, there was a lot of rain.

There were no religious conflicts because both Muslims and Christians lived together.

There was a lot of respect for each other's religion. During the Sallah period, the Christians would celebrate with us and during the Christmas period, and other Christian festivals, we celebrated with them. So infectious was the unity that it could be likened to the old National Anthem which says "Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand". Therefore, because of the indifferent nature of the town, Kaduna was one of the best places to grow up in those days because, one was brought up under an environment where high moral values were inculcated into the children ; where there was love and respect for one another, where religious leaders preached love and unity of purpose. That was the kind of environment under which I grew up. In terms of education of the girl-child, the Northern Nigerian environment had its fair share of the traditional African belief concerning the place of a woman in the society; that a man's education should take priority over that of the girl-child.

However, a few of us were privileged to have parents who were enlightened enough to appreciate the fact that every child in the home should be allowed to acquire western education in addition to Islamic education.

What kind of influence did your parents make on your person?

My parents had a great influence on me certainly because my mother who is a disciplinarian made sure we adhered strictly to our religion and culture.

Though we eventually went abroad to study, she made sure we could speak our language (Kanuri) very well and would only communicate with us anywhere in our mother tongue. She also made sure we were home sewing, at least at weekends in England. That was her little way of empowering us with a skill for living. She also made sure we knew how to cook because I could remember she would ask the cook not to come on weekends so that we would go into the kitchen, clean and cook.

My father who was a business man and politician then made sure we imbibed our culture and tradition first before sending us abroad. He always say to us that 'as a girl, education is our best weapon', with that in hand we can conquer the world. He wanted us to be independent hence he gave us the best education no matter what it took.

I must say my parents did have a strong influence on me because they didn't differentiate between us whether one is a boy or a girl, because they gave us all equal opportunities and did not favour one over the other.

What was your biggest motivation for politics?

My motivation and journey into politics is an offshoot and still remains a continuation of my father's vision and life philosophy which is essentially rooted in the service of God Almighty and humanity. It all began in 1998 whilst I was on normal visits to various communities in Yobe, my state, to attend to the sick, the poor and needy with Medicare, food items and clothing. Then, people would come to me for a representation of their interests at various levels - community, local government, state, etc. But at that time, I did represent them in personal, non-governmental capacities. Then came 2004, when out of the people's pressure, the government of Yobe State under the stewardship of the then Governor, now Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim appointed me as Commissioner for Transport and Energy.

Thereafter, the pressure for me to represent my people at the federal level became so huge that

at all levels, all these we will achieve through legislative process and advocacy.

Your support for internally displaced people in Yobe State who are victims of an insurgence riddled North Eastern Nigeria is also seen as a major reason for your ascension to that position, how will your role as Number 2 in the lower House end the problem of Boko Haram in North East?

This is a subject matter to which I and my family have been committing our resources to, because we cannot even have peace of the mind when our people are displaced and scattered from their homes due to insecurity. As Deputy Speaker, I shall intensify effort in seeing that NEMA (National Emergency Management Authority) carries out its duties promptly, honestly and efficiently; that the House of Representatives carry out effective oversight functions on the federal government especially on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and determine whether the resources allocated for their comfort get to the IDPs. We shall also ensure that our security agencies are better motivated to guaranteeing adequate protection of our people. But essentially, the problem of Boko Haram, I believe, will come to an end the day we have an effective leadership as I believe we will have under General Buhari. Secondly, if we as leaders - state and federal- implement policies that will send many to school, create jobs and employment, then Boko Haram will naturally come to its end.

Do you think the North East where you hail from is ready to tackle the crisis of girlchild education which is a blight in that part of Nigeria?

Yes, I do, because until the advent of Boko Haram, awareness for the education of the girlchild in the North East had grown tremendously. But with a misguided ideology hiding behind religion, education of the girlchild in the North East was adversely affected.

But as I said, with effective leadership, insecurity will be drastically reduced, families will return to their homes and every child including the girl-child will go back to school. Additionally, we shall ensure that donor funds for the training and security of the girl-child in the North East will be judiciously utilized.

What is your assessment of the performance of the legislature particularly the House of Representatives in the last 16 years?

I would say that the Legislature has done quite well given the circumstance. But first, we must remember that it is the only arm that is not yet firmly rooted, that is still growing in the Nigerian polity. Unlike the other two arms - Executive and Judiciary, it is the only arm that gets suspended during the military interventions. Notwithstanding, the National Assembly has performed creditably well. It had played significant roles in passing into law bills that have assisted in reforming our economy, from a controlled system to a free market system. It has helped more in exposing corruption and deficiencies in governance and bringing about public awareness in activities of government. Admittedly, the National Assembly is yet to perform to the best expectation of Nigerians as there are still a lot of rooms for improvement. But with time and benefit of legislative practice and better understanding of Nigerians on the role of the legislature, the National Assembly will meet national expectation.

Do you subscribe to granting financial autonomy to the legislature?

That is necessary. Sometimes, it is not necessarily the absence of funds that hampers legislative assignments; it is largely due to bureaucratic bottlenecks arising from release of funds from one arm to the other. Again, financial autonomy will insulate the legislature from acting on whims and caprices of any other arm and guarantee its optimum performance.

And contrary to fears, autonomy will engender greater responsibility in funds management because, with the coming of strong institutions as envisaged, nobody will be bigger than the EFCC or ICPC. Every public officer will know that these are consequences that will come with every untoward behaviour. For this reason, I will subscribe to granting of financial autonomy to the legislature.

In what areas do you think the legislature must improve on to make the 8th Assembly more efficient?

We must take our oversight functions more seriously. If this is done there will be little or no room for non-performance by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). If we take our oversight functions seriously, corruption will be prevented from taking place or detected timely. And when the relevant MDA know that corruption will definitely be exposed, it will work hard to make sure that the people get value for their money. That is one area that if I find myself in leadership position, I will always ensure that the House gives full vent to.

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'Why I want to be deputy speaker' Hon. Khadijah Abba Bukar Ibrahim comes from a background of a rich political heritage. Daughter of late Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, a famous Second Republic politician and founder of the Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP), the female lawmaker is also married to former Yobe State Governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, a Senator. A B.Sc. holder in Business Studies and Sociology from the University of Surrey, England with additional certificate from Padworth College, Reading, UK. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim is one of those strongly favoured to emerge as the Deputy-Speaker of the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives. In this interview with Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo, she speaks on her background, her deputy speakership ambition and other issues.

• Ibrahim I had to vie for this seat and, here we are now. So my motivation and journey into politics began as, and remains, a journey of service to the people.

Your life seems to have been politically wired, you hail from a family of a political icon and today, you are equally married to a politician, how did that came by?

My family knew my husband way back when he was in the University. He was a friend and colleague to one of my senior brothers. During the time I wanted to venture into politics, I consulted him as the then Governor of Yobe State.

He advised me to assimilate myself with the demands and challenges of the people so that they would know me and get used to me first. That I did for a long while and that led to my appointment as Commissioner which gave me an opportunity to get closer to the people at the grass root and the choice was left to them. My constituents actually met my husband and told him they wanted me to represent them. So I can actually tell you that Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim as well as being my husband actually paved the way for me to enter the political arena.

Can you recall your worst experience in politics?

The politics associated with the emergency of Boko Haram and its adverse effect on my people.

The sad memory hunts me till this moment and it is not what I will like to remember or even talk about.

So, how do you face the challenge of running a home as a politician and women leader in your zone?

The challenges are enormous but not insurmountable. First, unknown to many people, the bar is sometimes raised whenever a woman is involved. How do I mean? Anywhere you see a woman is adjudged as "capable," that woman must have performed better than normal. Whereas an average performance is enough for her male counterpart to be taken as "suitable." Secondly, you are confronted with effective management of the home and state/national assignment. Thirdly, most political affairs - meetings, scheming - in fact, real politicking, are usually night / evening affairs. So in the case of a nursing womanpolitician, you can imagine what level of resilience that is required of her. But as I usually advice the younger generation of women, try to acquire

sufficient education first, by going to school and obtaining knowledge, which I did. With that, a woman can effectively maximize her home, office management and make the best out of both.

What would you consider as your greatest achievement in politics?

I am still in politics, so, there is still room for more achievements. But I can say my greatest achievement thus far is that I have not disappointed those who insisted that "Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim's daughter should represent us." I have given them voice in the National Assembly, executed numerous projects - electricity, provision of water, healthcare, schools/education, etc to them at my own expense. In fact, literally speaking I have shared whatever I earned here (National Assembly) with them. Besides, I have attracted federal government resources and numerous federal projects to their benefit.

Your name has equally been mentioned in relation to several legislative achievements in the House, do you think this is reason why you are being touted for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House?

With all modesty, my name is not and cannot be new in terms of legislative practice and attainments in the House. Besides some bills and several motions I have advanced for the betterment of the Nigerian society, I have served as Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Rural Development (2007-2008), Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications (2008 2010) and presently, Chairman, House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization and thus far without blemish. Many hold that there is no way one could have discharged the duties of these offices without acquiring experience and building confidence.

What is going to be your major objective if you emerge as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives?

If, by the grace of God, my party and my colleagues, I emerge as the Deputy Speaker, one's major objective will be to assist the President navigate our nation out of the current economic quagmire. Of course, it should not be taken for granted that I will be of immense assistance to the First Lady in realizing her vision for the Nigeria girl-child education and emancipation of women

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

Qualities members want in a Speaker -Faruk Hon. Abdulahi Umar Faruk is member-elect (APC) Birnin Kebbi/ Kalgo/ Bunza Federal Constituency from the North-West state of Kebbi.

As a ranking member, he has been chairman of various committees in the House, including National Intelligence, Urban Development and Customs and Excise respectively. In this chat with Victor Oluwasegun, he speaks on the struggle for Speakership position for the 8th House, zoning and other issues. Excerpts:

• Faruk

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HAT do you think of the series of endorsements by caucuses for the race of the principal officer's positions for the 8th House?

While politicking, every candidate will go out and seek support from members-elect. I think the only surest way of knowing that this particular member-elect is with you hundred percent is for him to endorse you.

There have also been denials of endorsement by members of caucuses, is this healthy?

I think members-elect are very honourable. Even the constitution refers to members as honourable. Everybody who really knows what parliament and the position of Speaker is all about can't toy with it. Once you meet all the criteria for a leader, and this particular candidate we are about to endorse has them, then I don't think tomorrow for any particular reason you will deny it.

Unless if by mistake your name is written without your permission, then that person has a right to deny it. But I think any honourable member who has endorsed a candidate will not come and deny it.

It was reported that the party may organise primaries for candidates in the senate; we don't know if that will be extended to the House. What do you think of that?

The party actually has the right to moderate and guide its followers, because the party is an interested institution in what happens in the National Assembly. After all nobody came here to the National Assembly on independent candidature. We are sponsored by our political parties. Our victory is the party's victory. So, the party has to protect its victory in the National Assembly. A party must have interest in guarding and protecting its victory in the National Assembly.

The party has taken such a long time to come up with where it is zoning which position. Do you think this is healthy?

And what's your position on zoning?

Personally, I don't think the delay is healthy because it has created a

vacuum and most loyal party members are looking up to their own party for direction. And to me, there is even supposed to be a retreat by the party for its members to rub minds and discuss.

Because most of the members are returning members and they know the qualities of the candidates so far that have emerged. I think at the last count, they are five that are contesting, and they are not from a particular zone but various zones. So, the party has to be united, focused on its activities in the National Assembly. Mind you, it is a multi-party democracy, there are other parties too.

Although PDP has been beaten electorally by my party, the APC, they may spring surprises; that is why APC cannot afford not to show interest in who becomes the Senate President or Speaker.

They need to take it seriously and specifically call the members, have retreat and if necessary have primaries amongst them in-house as a party before presenting a candidate.

Do you agree there should be zoning?

Of course! Any student of history of the political development in Nigeria would believe and agree that zoning is very necessary. Mind you, Nigeria is a heterogenous country, multi- ethnic, multi- religious, and man in his nature is self- centered; that is the nature of man.

So, how do you control such excesses of man, not to talk of even a politician? It is when you have rules and guidelines. And that is what zoning is all about. It is to specifically consider those very critical requirements in terms of politics to assuage the entire country that yes, this section is involved in the scheme of things, and then this section also is involved. There are various conditions, so the party has to find a way of saying okay, this section because of the performance of that party in glorifying my victory; we are giving them this particular position to bring and this section we are giving them this position to bring. And that is the only way the party can protect itself. Because any zone that actually have total faith in a particular party, say APC, and gave it about 90 percent vote return, and that party did not

reciprocate by rewarding it with a deserving position, next election is coming, four years is just around the corner, and then they can turn against the party. That is why the party must protect itself. And for APC, if you can follow, based on the electoral fortunes of the 2015 general election, North-West, South-West, North-East and North- Central actually tried very well for the party and in fact, APC won convincingly in those places.

Will APC now forget and take the leadership to those places that did not perform like the South-East and the SouthSouth? That is not possible. So, definitely, APC must have a guide like a zoning formula where they will say okay, for this zone, having done so well for us, we are zoning this particular position to it.

As a parliamentarian, what do you think should be the qualities of the Speaker of the 8th House?

Mind you, before I give you the qualities, we are talking of Nigeria, the most populous Black Country on earth; the largest democracy in Africa, the mother of about 16 countries called ECOWAS. So, the way we choose her leader cannot be a child's play. And we definitely have to bring our best that can represent us well and we have external positivity in him that he is representing Nigeria. That is why we have to consider first the cognate experience of the particular candidate.

The party actually has the right to moderate and guide its followers, because the party is an interested institution in what happens in the National Assembly

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How much would you say you are comfortable with him to represent me?

It is because of what he has done? What you have displayed. So, that cognate experience in legislative manners must be there. Now we are talking of the Speakership which is the highest administrative level in the body of principal officers. Now if you have somebody we had a stint in the body of principal officers who has served there, who knows what is there, who knows how to carry members along. Because APC should not just choose or allow a particular candidate to be there who would be thrown out tomorrow. But they have to put somebody there who has the requisite experience, not only of legislative matters but who has the administration at the principal officers' level. Since this is an institution of coequals, everybody has been elected by their people on the same equal pedestal; it's just that the Speaker is the first amongst equals. It takes somebody who has the accessibility aura as a quality, that members can walk up to and he would have that patience to discuss with members. Any person who has high- handedness cannot qualify to be a Speaker. We need somebody who is cool headed, who is amiable, approachable and has the experience in the body of principal officers, to me, that's okay.

A contender has promised new members-elect 75 percent of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions. What do you think?

Before we even talk about the feasibility of that, what do you call that? Do me, I Do you. That is corruption. This is an era of change; this is the era of APC. Nigerian people did not come out to chase PDP if not for one reason. That reason is actually the promise APC made for doing things differently, positively and transparently, and doing things better than what PDP did. And part of this is fighting corruption. So, if a particular member is bringing carrot to make members vote for him, he has disqualified himself, that is corruption.

The body language of APC as a party seems to be saying there is no zoning‌ We are in the 21 century and the kind of archaic political thinking doesn't have place in the APC of today.

APC represents change, our mantra is change. The reason that people are against that word zoning is because of the way PDP mismanaged everything.

PDP's kind of zoning is imposition. A zoning formula ought to be seen as an unbiased, systematic and strategic guide from a wise political party to its loyal members for the devolution of leadership positions to reflect the sequential critical requirement of geopolitical equity, party performance in the zones, merits and unbiased political consideration. Zoning is what is done to bring about equity in a heterogenous country like Nigeria. It brings about a sense of belonging and involvement across the zones. It is very apt and desirable. I don't want you to see zoning like a PDP zoning. Zoning is about respecting the ethnic groups, and it is not only good but constitutional. The provision of Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, particularly section 14, subsection 3 states the composition of the government of the country. We can't wish away what we are. We see ourselves as Christians and Muslims, southerners and northerners. It is a reality. You have to take care of that thought. I think zoning it is; if APC wants to maintain its electoral gains and go beyond four years, the leadership must accept and should ensure there is zoning of the leadership posts in the National Assembly to ensure that all zones are assuaged and satisfied.

Now, if you were to support someone amongst the contenders for the position of Speaker, do you have any preference?

I have given you the criteria, go and check those criteria and you will get the next Speaker of the House.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

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Jang's ultimate undoing f the history of Plateau State is to be written, the name of the former governor, Joseph Jonah Jang, would no doubt not be omitted among those to be listed as one of the modernizers of the state. However, he would also not be forgotten as the most divisive governor of the state. When he came in as governor in 2007, many thought he had the pedigree having been military governor of the defunct Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba) and later Benue State. Also, as a military man, many expected that as a former member of one of the country's most uniting institution his reign as a civilian governor would unite the traumatized state.

But on Friday, what Jang left behind was a more divided state than he met it. Any visitor to Jos, the state capital today would not need to be a seer to see this writ large. Jang behaved as if he was not the governor of a state but a section of it.

Projects executed and awarded were all skewed more to one side, leaving out the other. The commendation he could have gotten has been eroded by crass cronyism and hatred of a section of the residents of the Jos metropolis. He has so divided the city along ethnic and religious lines that the new governor, Simon Lalong, must display Solomonic wisdom to walk the minefield ahead.

Many wonder why a man, who could have been dubbed 'Fashola of the North-Central', on account of projects executed under his watch, reduced his eight year tenure to his clannish view of leadership.

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Ajimobi strikes deal with Akala?

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HE dictum that there are no permanent friends but interests in politics is presently playing out in Oyo State, with unconfirmed reports claiming that the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is on the verge of striking a pact with Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala, his erstwhile political foe and predecessor. While details of the deal remain a closely guarded secret, it may however not be unconnected to the governor's plan to build a broadbased support in the state thereby pulling the rug off the feet of his kinsman, ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who has never hidden his desperation to see Ajimobi out of the Agodi Government House.

• Ajimobi and Akala

Edo 2016: Aspirants begin underground campaign

Bagudu under pressure to probe Dakingari

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HE frosty relationship between new Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and his predecessor, Saidu Dakingari, may further worsen in the coming weeks, sources have revealed. The governor, who fell out with Dakingari prior to the governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before jumping ship to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on which platform he won the governorship election, is reportedly under pressure to probe the immediate past administration in the state. It is, however, not yet certain if the new governor has bowed to the pressure.

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ESPITE Governor Adams Oshiomhole's admonition to those interested in taking over from him next year to tarry awhile so as not to create unnecessary distraction to his administration, feelers have emerged that the governor's order has only been observed in breach. Some of the aspirants, it was gathered, have set up discreet campaign structures in all the local governments in the state in readiness for the commencement of next year's governorship race.

• Oshiomhole

• Bagudu

Why Fayose met APC lawmakers

Risqua Mohammed may dump PDP

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ARRING any last minute change of plan, Risqua Abba Mohammed, the Kano State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections may dump the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC), sources disclosed to Ripples. Some chieftains of the ruling APC in Kano State are said to have convinced Mohammed, who is the son of late former military Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, on the imperative of joining the winning party in the state. The businessman-turned politician, sources added, is yet to give his word on whether to leave PDP at this point in time, citing his principled stand of having being a PDP member since its inception in 1998.

• Dakingari

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t is no longer news that Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, recently met with All Progressives Congress lawmakers of the state House of Assembly in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Sources disclosed that the meeting, which was allegedly at

• Fayose and Omirin

the initiative of the governor, was aimed at achieving two things: buy time until the tenure of the current assembly ends this week and possibly stave off any likely stunt the APC lawmakers may pull in the light of Friday's take-over of the central government by the APC.

Raising a voice for the Nigerian girl With Temilolu Okeowo temilolu@girlsclub.org.ng 07086620576 (sms only) Please visit my blog www.temiloluokeowo.wordpress.com for more inspiring articles. Twitter@temiloluokeowo

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

‘Our theatre should brainwash the world’ E

DMOND Enaibe has certainly come a long way in the theatre firmament of Nigeria. He is one of the most noticeable thespians and theatre arts practitioners in the theatre sector in the last twenty-five years or so. A graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Enaibe is one of the best brains trained by the first generation of Nigerian theatre arts professors and academics.

Today, he has grown to become a producer, a director and an ambassador of theatre of some sort. He was the Teacher Chike in one of the best and most outstanding television soaps shown on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in the 90s. “Yes, I must agree with you that my role as Teacher Chike was the break I needed to break into the theatre scene in Nigeria. It was the first to put me in the proper limelight in my career. But it was not my first role as an actor and as a theatre practitioner. At Ife, I did Madam Tinubu, a play that fashioned out an outstanding model for theatre itself. The play took place at the main bowl of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos in the 1980s,” he said.

Enaibe who is a stickler for thorough professionalism believes that once you are a theatre artiste, you can be the best you can in whatever circumstances you find yourself.

That was why even as a youth corper in Kwara State, he was confident enough to produce some stage dramas that beat the imagination of not only his employers but other youth corpers. “Oh, I was able to do that based on the rigorous training we received in Ife. One of those plays was a programme for the NTA, Ilorin. Yet one of them was a play written by Jimmy Atte and directed by Yusuf.

This was in the early 1980s and it was such a warm feeling doing those things as a young man rearing to go” he said.

As a young man trying to define his life, Enaibe at a point became a secondary school teacher. This was in Ilorin where he taught for four years, before finding his way back to Lagos. “When I came back to Lagos, I was employed as the Art Editor of the defunct Republic Newspaper. I was there for a couple of years before I went in to become the Organizing Secretary of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)” After those years of experiments and experiences in the different fields other than acting, Enaibe decided to retrace his steps.

“At this time,” he said, his face wearing smiles of joy and fulfillment, “I decided to concentrate on my job as an actor. Yes, talking about the Nigeria of the 60s and 70s, there was an evolution. In those days there was one singular outlet to show programmes on TV. That was the NTA. So, that, as it were, limited people’s choices of programmes or even where to produce more for viewers. It was focused on the propaganda of trying to educate and entertain Nigerians. Yet that was not even enough. Years after our graduation, that was the situation and we were limited in terms of avenues to showcase our artistic values.”

He admitted that the NTA had various programmes that were targeted at the people; programmes that really educated the people. To him most of the issues raised by the NTA addressed most of the topical socio-political issues of those years. “It was during this period that After the Storm in which I played the role of Teacher Chike came on. It came after The Village Headmaster which was a thriller and which also held Nigerian TV viewers spellbound for years. After that was Cock Crow at Dawn, then The Adio Family and so on. Those were defining programmes on TV. But today there is a proliferation of TV stations. There are multiple programmes that have also taken viewership away from the central stations.”

Not only that, there are many programmes today competing on the airspace in

Edmond Enaibe became almost a household name when he acted the role of Teacher Chike in the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) soap titled After the Storm. This was in the 1990s and today he has risen to be one of the best directors, producers and actors in the theatre sector in Nigeria. In this chat with Edozie Udeze, Enaibe harps on the need for Nigerian artistes to use the vehicle of plays, films, dramas and scripts to project Nigeria well and rule the world of entertainment in the mold of Hollywood and more. Excerpts…

•Enaibe Nigeria, variety of such programmes have indeed become the spice of nature. As an artiste, Enaibe feels that this epochal phenomenon is good for the sector. It has not only created more avenues for artistes, there is more room for them to display their talents thereby making more money. “Today, we have over forty television stations compared to when we had just one station with a network. There are some programmes that are well-produced today, that can also be didactic. We have good dramas, oh yes, but they do not directly address the issues of the country. There are good drama presentations, fine acting though, with fine technical productions, but they do not address our immediate reality. That is why you do not have the kind of impact the programmes like After the storm and Teacher Chike had on the psyche of the people in the past.”

With the proliferation of TV stations, so to say, it also provided avenues for what Enaibe described as time for tom, dick and harry to begin to produce whatever pleases them. “And they can muster money to go and pay for airtime, anything goes as programme. And that is the direct result of what we have today. But how do we now solve the problem? It is very simple. All we need to do is set standards. Two, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should be able to

give us what and what cannot go on on TV. All over the world standards are set, you have A, B, C and so on productions. Now what quality of production should go on on our networks? This has to be addressed so that we have what is good for the society,” he stressed.

On the other hand, NBC should equally find a way to control most of the international programmes that have invaded Nigerian airspace. “There has to be due process in terms of regulation. But because we have deregulated, we have therefore compromised standard. Although, TV is meant to entertain, it is meant to galvanise people into development. The state of Nollywood today was possible because we saw the frustration we had then and tapped into it to give us stories based in our situation and problem.

They addressed mis-governance, economic kwashiorkor, social quagmire and all the ills that we had in the society. So, people saw a way of not wanting to go out again. They would sit at home to watch films and through them they saw Nigerian problems and other issues troubling the people.”

In the years past, it was possible for thespians to go out to cinemas to watch films and dramas. “Oh yes, we could go to Rainbow in Mushin and still come back without an incident or security problem. You could go to

Pen Cinema, Agege or gigs at Fela’s shrine or at Copacobana and other places. All these have come to affect stage plays today due to the advent of home videos. Yet stage is where you have true theatre; it is where you have real live theatre and feel the pulse of drama.

Theatre is not complete without live and stage plays. And we need to make sure live theatre is brought back to the fore,” he decided.

All these proliferations can however be turned into positive development for Nigeria.

From within, the people can be mobilized and educated to use the positive fallouts of the home video to better the society. “Let me give you a good example,” Enaibe remonstrated.

“The greatest myth of America today as a super world power was the sole creation of Hollywood. You see, as a kid reading comics, I read Tarzan and I foolishly in my childish thinking believed that some Africans lived on trees. I thought there was a jungle in Africa where people jumped from tree to tree.

That is the power of the media and that is what Nollywood has to do to help the Nigerian image a great deal.”

In more ways than one therefore the proliferation can be used to our advantage. Both for the export of culture and for the conviction of people around that Nigeria has something to say to the world, the numerous Nigerian films should begin now to tackle these issues. “Both television and drama series should also address these issues. It is not ordinary that Nigerian movies are seen world-wide. Not ordinary that Nigerian culture is being assimilated world-wide. Only in Zambia of recent one man was contesting in an election and he said he was an Igwe.

The people asked him the meaning of Igwe, and he said it is used to address big and rich people. This was in Zambia. Tell me, is this not cultural assimilation? This can be used into re-orientating our country, our people into something much bigger and better. From there we can move on. All these zenophobic things in South Africa will be a thing of the past, by the time we sit down and believe in ourselves. This can also help to move our country forward.”

Enaibe and most of his generation of artistes, are often of the opinion that for any drama or play to be relevant, it has to address one problem or the other in the society. “This is why we do not believe in doing art for art sake. We do not believe that you should do a play and just do it for the sake of it. Even Shakespeare addressed issues of his time, even he being the greatest artiste and playwright of all times. In Hamlet, in Macbeth and such wonderful plays, he addressed deep human psychological issues about the human mind.”

“Now the likes of Wole Soyinka and Femi Osofisan came with plays that harp on Nigerian problems. What we are saying is that our writers have always written to address societal problems. And this is what theatre is all about. Osofisan uses the epic theatre dimension to mirror Nigerian problems.

Even the younger ones like Segun Adefila have been on the prowl.

“Today most other writers that should be writing for the stage, also write for the screen which is even good for a healthy theatre development. Adefila’s plays do not only open the truth on our faces, but slap it on your face so that you can go home thinking about it.

So, the social issues he and others address are ever alive on stage. Yet, there are others who have not been writing the best for the society.”

Over all, Enaibe’s roles in the TV satire, face-to-face and his role in the Baba Blue Vicks advertisement have put him on a sound footing among his peers and colleagues. These roles have made him a known face wherever he goes. Even within his neighbourhood in Ikorodu, Lagos, everybody knows him. “Oh, I have come to accept that name Baba Blue.

There’s nothing I can do about it,” he said.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY,

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HAT does it take to be a gadfly, that is someone widely recognized and acknowledged as the voice of the people? This was part of what Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the ex-governor of Delta State put across to the audience that had gathered last weekend in Lagos to honour Mr. Sam Omatseye at the public presentation of his latest book. The book, entitled Uduaghan: Sustainable Development, was anchored and edited by Omatseye and Oma Djebah to detail the different stages of development and other series of progress made by the administration of Uduaghan to make Delta State first among equals.

In his opening remark, Uduaghan reiterated the need for people to write books to document remarkable events in the society since that is one of the most plausible ways to remind generations to come about the works of some leaders.

But Uduaghan’s remark that pinched the people and tore at their hearts most was when he described Omatseye, chairman of Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, as a gadfly. Omatseye is someone who has consistently and doggedly risen above fear and intimidation in a society riddled with mediocre and hypocrites and anarchists.

According to the governor, his greatest wish is to join the likes of Omatseye to become ‘professional’ gadfly while out of office. A gadfly, in the strictest sense of the word, is one who often annoys others through his criticisms. It is that writer who dares where others fear to thread and who uses his works to criticize and lampoon others especially those in authority in order to make them do the right thing.

Uduaghan said, “this is what Sam who is my brother and friend has been doing since five years now. We need people like

MAY 31, 2015

‘I want to be a gadfly’

•L-R: Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, former VC, University of Benin, Omatseye and Uduaghan at the occasion

The book Uduaghan: Sustainable Development, anchored and edited by Sam Omatseye was presented to the public last weekend in Lagos.

It details the tenure of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as the governor of Delta State for eight years and how he used the wisdom of Solomon to establish peace and curry for concerted progress and development for the people. Edozie Udeze who attended the event, writes

him to tell us the truth.

People like Sam are rare and are needed in this society to write about the other side which many writers have refused to delve into.

Every Monday morning, at the back of The Nation Newspaper, Sam pours out

his anger, based on the truth and facts which some people do not want to hear about the leader of my political party,” he said.

He went on; “many of my party members would ask me, how do you call this man your friend and brother when he is busy tearing our party leader to pieces? How come Omatseye is about the only writer who sees what we do not see about our party leader?” Although a

bit whimsical in his response, he answered the question himself. ‘Oh yes, his voice should be heard because we need him to tell us what others cannot tell us.’ That is in the spirit of true democracy where a committed writer dissects the society in order to make for the best.

This is why I will love to be a gadfly once my tenure is over in the next few days,” the governor vowed, even as the crowd cheered and applauded.

The book which was meant to celebrate the governor’s 60 th birthday last year could not be presented to the public until now. Ad-

dressing the guests, Omatseye enumerated the reasons why the delay became inevitable. “Some turbulent political developments in the society necessitated our pushing this ceremony forward. We needed to allow those moments of political upheaval and madness to fizzle out so as to have an orderly book presentation. The governor has done well for the people and the state. This was why the compilation of this book became really imperative. We needed to document his laudable legacies and to reach out to people to know what they thought about him as their leader,”

Omatseye said.

He gave a little insight into the genesis of the project. “When it was time for me to begin, I contacted Oma Djebah, a former commissioner for information and now an adviser to the governor on Foreign Affairs to kickstart the project. It was a big task but Djebah was to provide the necessary information from within.. Then we reached out to people from different areas of professional life to contribute articles on the governor and what he has done to elevate the status of the state.”

It was a huge task because in the reckoning of Omatseye, Uduaghan is not the boisterous type who deliberately makes his achievements loud to the people. “Oh, yes, he is not the Akpabio type who has an exteriority that is boisterous. Uduaghan has a lot of doggedness about him and you have to look closely to see it. But to him as a leader, the greatest assets of the state were the people. The Deltans themselves constituted the bulk of what he needed to do to create an euphoria of peace and security in the state. This and more are what this book is talking about. His wife wrote too, but she was even too profound in certain areas.

Even Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor elect who is also a physician was the first to send in his material.”

At the end of the day a book that is rich in all aspects of governance was produced to let the world see the laudable projects of a leader whose love for humanity, whose professional calling as a physician is to save lives, who has indeed become an example for others to follow. This book is not only for scholars, it is for those who believe in true democratic norms in a society where many leaders have lost focus and direction. It is a book that shows that governance is a social contract that must be kept.

And in the end, a leader is answerable to the people who voted him into office.

‘Woman, love thyself’ W

OMEN have been accused of being the major source of their own challenges, especially in the affairs of family, marriage and as individuals.

This, according to Executive Director of Echoes of Women in Africa (ECOWA), a non-governmental organisation, Louisa Ono Eikhomum, hinder them from achieving certain goals in their careers.

She told journalists in Lagos recently at a press conference that women are usually the first to condemn each other and point accusing fingers at each other both at home and in their work environments.

She pointed out that many mother-in-laws make life unpleasant for their daughters-in-law and which has led to broken homes.

Discussing domestic violence which is on the in-

By Udemma Chukwuma

crease, Eikhomum, who said she was once a victim, urged women to be their sisters’ keeper and stop betraying one another. She further urged the society at large to stop using the word ‘House wife’ to address women who work so hard at home to care for their families, instead they should be called “Home Managers.”

While responding to questions from the audience she spoke about the strength of a woman, bondage and weaknesses of womanhood. The Social Director of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists (GFA) of Nigeria and initiator of the discussion, Mr. Gabriel Awusa, said: “Unlike many Nigerian men, I don’t believe and perceive that women’s strength lies in their physical endowment even though I have uncon-

sciously portrayed this in my artworks.

“I don’t hold the view that the male is more superior to the female intellectually, as I depicted in my last solo exhibition titled: Memories of Elizabeth,” Awusa said and jokingly stressed that he knows many men will see him and call him “woman-wrapper” for stating this. He continued: “My experience of the exhibition has awakened in me a curiosity about women,” which is why he is collaborating with Mrs Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce and ECOWAS in order to get a deeper understanding about women sensibilities.

He revealed that the Strength of a Woman; an art exhibition by him and Maja-Pearce which will hold in March, next year will be dedicated to women and their findings from this discussion will be the

•L-R: Eikhomum, Awusa, Maja-Pearce and the publisher of Surulere Now, Mr Adewale MajaPearce at the press briefing

basis of the exhibition.

“When Gabriel Awusa first approach me about doing a two-man exhibition using the theme: the Strength of a Woman; I immediately knew we had to be enlightened about the subject. Having worked

with gender-based NGOs in the past, it was easy to call on ECOWA. We believe that they will be better positioned to update us on current issues concerning gender sensitivity,” said Mrs Maja-Pearce.

She added that gender

sensitivity is not rampant in the visual art sector like in other professions but said female artists still suffer some setbacks, such as sexual harassment from some of their male clients, family life and patronage which the male artists enjoy.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

-- Page 53

'Small businesses remain engine of growth'

BPP's antidote against corruption

Page 58, 59

Counting cost of fuel crisis

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• Ezeh

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•Modibo

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How to reduce aviation fuel price, by Air Peace chairman

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• From left: Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, Mrs. Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, and Mrs. Ifoma Utomi, during the 23rd CVL Leader without title leadership Tribute Colloquium in honour of Mrs. Ajayi- Lycett's 74th birthday anniversary in Lagos recently.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Over $7.5bn lost to weak metrology control

N

IGERIA is said to have lost over $7.5billion to poor metrology control in the last few years, the Chief Executive Officer Nigeria Legal Metrology System in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Yabagi Yusfu Sani has revealed.

He made this disclosure in Abuja at the World Metrology Day, with the theme: 'Measurements and Lights.'

This year World Metrology Day is aligned with the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies proclaimed by the General Assembly of the UN and organised by UNESCO.

Stories from Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Sani who regretted that successive regimes paid scant regard for standardisation of the nation's weights and measurements, suggested that: "In view of the progressively dwindling revenue from oil and gas, strict adherence to the principles and standard of weights and measures practices are fundamental for the growth of any economy as inaccurate measurement system shortchanges economies of revenue due to it."

While making a case for the adoption of a standardised weight measurement, he disclosed

that: "In the course of a typical day, it is surprising how often measurements come into play, whether among many possible examples checking the time, purchasing food or produce, filling up a vehicle with fuel, making phone calls, exporting/importing goods and services like crude oil and gas, petroleum products, agricultural products or undergoing a blood pressure check."

He further urged the incoming government to make concerted efforts aimed at turning the tide in the sector.

"Concrete efforts by the incoming administration in the sector would in practical terms, save Nigeria an

annual operational losses of $25billion or N4.2trillion made up of an estimated $7.5billion per annum attributable to the 10 per cent error margin which is usually occasioned by indirect losses due to measurements not controlled by Legal Metrology, plus the annual crude oil theft of $17.4billion (400,000 barrels per day) as reported by the Nigerian Senate."

Expatiating, he said: "It is therefore incumbent on all government regulatory agencies to assist the incoming administration by allowing full compliance with the implementation of legal metrology system in Nigeria."

Chamber to Buhari: improve the fortunes of SMEs

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HE Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry ABUCCIMA has urged the incoming government to come up with policies that will enable Small Medium Enterprises access the N220b SME fund domicile in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In a statement by the Vice President Media, Abuja Chamber of Commerce Jude Igwe, the SMEs represent roughly 85 per cent of the economy and they have been globally acknowledged as the engine of growth of any economy, Nigeria inclusive and the chamber movements all over the world are mostly

populated by this group.

"We do appreciate the past government's provision of N220b SME fund domiciled with the Central bank which has remained largely undisbursed to beneficiaries due to conditions that are impossible.

"We urge the new government to urgently intervene and review these conditions and come up with terms that would make it easy for the SMEs to access this fund and produce the necessary growth in the economy which is the target for setting up the fund.

"The wellbeing of SMEs is so critical in any economy

that desires growth, generation of employment and production of consumer goods that it should not be ignored for a moment.

Government should therefore endeavour to provide the enabling environment for SMEs to thrive and this should include right fiscal policies, provision of funds and elimination of multiple taxation and provision of the necessary infrastructure.

"The acute shortage of power in Nigeria is the number one area that affects and puts unbearable pressure on all other aspects of the economy including the demands on the petroleum

sector.

"The issue of provision of adequate power for the nation must be urgently addressed so as to bring back to life a lot of industrial and manufacturing concerns that have gone comatose as a result of unsustainable costs of running their operations on generators.

The consequences of this are staring us in the face -low productivity, retrenchment of workers, none employment of job seekers, lack of consumer goods locally and pressure to import finished goods to sustain local demands and general down turn in the economy.

HE chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema has called on the federal government to waive customs import duty on petroleum products, saying it is one of the ways of reducing the landing costs of the product.

Such intervention, he said, is the only form of subsidy that should be given to fuel marketers in order to reduce the price of aviation fuel which currently oscillates between N190 to N200 per litre.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos, Onyema said at the current price of aviation fuel, many airlines are struggling to keep their operations afloat, as the attendant increase in the price of aviation fuel, occasioned by scarcity, is having huge impact on airline operations.

He said the airlines are hugely impacted by the scarcity of the aviation fuel, which has brought about corresponding increase in the cost of running the business.

The airlines boss said government should work out a solution to the incessant strike by fuel marketers, which he said, was a ploy to frustrate government.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the issue of subsidy, which he described as fraudulent and unacceptable.

He said the instability created in the fuel supply chain by the fuel marketers should be urgently addressed by fixing the refineries to make the product available.

Buhari should not succumb and allow this kind of business to stand .he should reject the blackmail from fuel marketers and the entire country will stand by him.

"Government should put measures in place to fix the refineries. The claim of marketers on the landing costs of fuel is bogus. From available information, the landing cost of a litre of fuel is not up to N50."

LASACO delivers largest electronic billboard in West Africa

I

N its quest to redefine outdoor advertising business in the country, Lasaco Properties and Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Lasaco Assurance Group, has invested about N400million to deliver the largest outdoor advertising electronic billboard in the West African sub-region.

The investment was driven

by Lasaco Properties Ltd's passion to ensure businesses and brands are better projected through modern outdoor collaterals to enhance quick connection with target audience thus leading to good market success.

The site which is located on the vantage hilltop at Iyana Oworo area (popularly called 'Oko Cole') of Lagos overlooking Third Mainland Bridge belongs to Media View Ltd, a major player in the outdoor advertising business in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of the board last week, the Group Managing Director, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mr. Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, explained that Lasaco Group is always ready to partner with any organisation on viable projects and businesses that can to add value to the nation's economy, describing the project as a landmark in the

insurance industry.

He stated that Lasaco Group through its property arm, Lasaco Properties Ltd, invested in the project because of its viability and its uniqueness in redefining the concept of advertising in the country.

Explaining further on the motivation to invest in the project, Mr. Ladipo-Ajayi said that unique and strategic location of the site as well as the tract record of the site owner, particularly based on previous and similar dealing which proved fruitful for both parties, boosted the confidence to be committed to the project.

Mr. Ladipo-Ajayi stated that Lasaco Group is "proud to be part of this project, and we are sure that it will be well received by the advertising world including OAAN (Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria) because it is an achievement for them.

This partnership will also give a boost to our line of business which is insurance."

In his remark at the event, the Managing Director of Media View Ltd, Mr. Tunde Adedoyin, commended Lasaco Properties Ltd for its boldness in identifying with the dream of delivering the largest outdoor advertising electronic billboard in West Africa.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

BUSINESS

UEL crisis is not new in this part of the world. But to many Nigerians who have had to endure the bitter pill of the lingering fuel scarcity these past weeks, the hoopla generated by the nonavailability of petroleum products have been rather unprecedented.

From players in the telecoms, publishing, banking, manufacturing, healthcare givers, transportation, aviation sector, other service providers, the pangs of fuel scarcity was painfully felt by all, with many people enduring unending long queues at petrol stations across the country.

Fuel scarcity brouhaha The nation's economy is almost totally reliant on crude revenue but has seen income dwindle since the middle of last year as world oil prices halved.

The Nation gathered that the current fuel scarcity comes as the result of dispute between government and fuel marketers and transporters over unpaid bills of $1 billion. Since October 2014 they were unpaid the difference between real cost of products and fuel price subsidised by outgoing Goodluck Jonathan's government.

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) disclosed that the scarcity of fuel currently being experienced in major cities across the country was as a result of the inability of the federal government to pay outstanding subsidy claims.

MOMAN is responsible for the importation of about 60 percent of petroleum products consumed in the country.

The Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Olawore Obafemi, who disclosed this, attributed the current fuel scarcity to the non-payment of arrears of subsidy claims and rise in cost which has hindered the marketers from importing petrol into the country since February.

To economic analysts, a constellation of factors may have caused the recurrent fuel scarcity being experienced in the country.

One of those who shared this view and very strongly too, is Tonye Cole, Chief Executive, Sahara Group.

According to Cole, the current fuel crisis centred on the new change of government, prospects for removal of fuel subsidies and weakening naira.

Apparently frustrated with the lingering oil crisis in the country, hundreds of people marched round the streets to embark on a mass protest due to fuel scarcity and the power outage across the country.

Field day for black marketers With petrol tanker drivers refusing to lift petrol from depots, the resulting chaos made nearly impossible to buy petrol from licensed filling stations across the country.

Thus, black market sellers sold jerry cans of fuel by the roadside at inflated prices from between N5, 000, N10, 000 for five and ten litres of petrol, sometimes offering a tainted or diluted product that destroyed engines.

Businesses worst hit by fuel scarcity As Nigerians continued to suffer under the current acute fuel scarcity, telecommunication giants like Airtel, MTN and Etisalat were forced to shut down their operations in certain areas across the country.

MTN Nigerian notified its subscribers of a major disruption of its network if the situation continues unabated.

According to Akinwale Goodluck, the company's corporate services executive, MTN's re-

Counting cost of fuel crisis In what many observers have described as Nigeria's worst nightmare in recent times, several businesses caught in the web of the protracted fuel crisis are still counting their losses running into hundreds of millions, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

• Vehicles forming long queues at filling station

serves of diesel is running low and if the company is unable to receive additional supply of the product within the next 24 hours, customers may experience poor services.

The company further assured that it was doing its best to deliver uninterrupted service to its customers, it however apologised in advance for any outages or inconvenience that its customers may suffer.

Etisalat issued a statement, saying its services will be disrupted as a result of the continuous fuel scarcity been experienced in the country. The statement released last Monday notified its customers of a possible disruption of service, adding that management is working to ensure that the current problem is abated on time.

The statement further appealed to affected customers to bear with management of Etisalat over the development.

Relatively, in a text message to its customer, Airtel, another telecommunication network whose service is currently been affected by the fuel scarcity, appealed for understanding on the part of the customers, while assuring them that efforts are on to turn the situation around.

Commercial banks in the country also closed offices. The first to announce the development was Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB. In its announcement, it said that its branches will close at 1pm beginning last Monday across the country until situation normalises.

Like GTB, Union Bank of Nigeria, Sterling Bank and several other banks closed early because of diesel shortages.

Domestic airlines Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Dana Air

were hit by a lack of aviation fuel while international carriers diverted to other West African nations to pick up stocks.

Apart from big businesses, frozen food traders suffered major losses.

For instance, traders at the Ijora-Olopa area of Lagos last Wednesday said they lost various food items worth N10 million, following the lingering national energy crisis.

According to the traders, the persistent electricity outage in the frozen food market is worsened by the scarcity of petrol and diesel, needed to power their power generating plants.

Afusat Popoola, President of the Ajeromi Frozen Food Market Association, said that the lost food items included chicken, turkey, fish, shrimps, gizzard and prawns.

Popoola said that the traders were victims of the logjam between the federal government and the petroleum products marketers over outstanding subsidy payment.

She also said that her members were caught unawares because they never envisage that the nation was going to be thrown into a prolonged crisis.

"The traders were crying when we ordered them to surrender all the decayed food items for destruction last Tuesday.

"The market has a reputation for selling fresh frozen food and we cannot allow any trader to sell bad frozen food under our leadership.

"What we destroyed on Tuesday because of power outages and our inability to purchase petrol and diesel was worth more than N10 million.

"We are appealing to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company

(EKEDC) to always consider the impact of outages on our business and the health of the general public.

"Our business depends on regular supply of electricity," she said.

The market leader said that irregular power supply had forced many traders out of the frozen food business and also made many of them to be indebted to the banks.

Most companies rely on a steady supply of diesel to power generators given the massive shortage of public electricity in the country. Last week, the government said production was just 1,327 megawatts -- a record low.

Miffed by the fuel scarcity, a faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Isa Aremu said that it would direct workers to stay at home if the current fuel scarcity across the country is not addressed.

Aremu, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna that, "If the current scarcity and price robbery of Nigerians continue, NLC will have no choice but compel workers to stay at home.

"Workers certainly cannot fuel themselves to work with their blood. There is a limit to slavery and state marketers' extortion.

"With an outgoing President and incoming one, five past heads of state alive, 36 state governors and hundreds of legislators and scores of ministers, no country on earth parades the highest number of state actors like Nigeria.

"Yet, there is no governance with respect to distribution of basic products like petroleum and kerosene."

According to him, it is time Nigerians stopped agonising in the

hands of cabals holding the nation to ransom for several weeks through deliberate deprivation of petroleum products.

Concerted effort to end fuel scarcity As many people agonised over the losses caused by the recurrent fuel crisis, the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah in what many commentators described as a well-thought gesture issued a statement penultimate Sunday, saying that he was pulling out of the marketers strike due to the hardship it was causing Nigerians and had instructed his trucks to deliver around the country.

Ubah who made good on his promise to supply fuel around the country, also called on other marketers to follow suit and supply product to end the scarcity.

Interestingly, the end of the crisis was reached after the main unions and industrial groups responsible for supplying and distributing the majority of petrol and diesel in Nigeria met the government for talks.

Agreement was reached last Monday to end a crippling fuel crisis, which had left the country at a virtual standstill for days.

Way out of fuel crisis In a statement issued on behalf of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and made available to The Nation, Remi Bello, President of LCCI while lamenting that the country was in dire straits as a result of the fuel scarcity, assured with concerted efforts on the part of all and sundry, especially those saddled with the responsibility of managing the nation's resources, all will be well in the country again.

Most economic and social activities, Bello noted, "have been pa-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

BUSINESS

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BPP's antidote against corruption

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•Okonjo-Iweala

•Ifeanyi-Ubah

HE publication by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in leading national newspapers, showcasing over 270 contracts awarded to several companies in 2014, is a perfect example of exemplary display of transparency and openness in governance. The list which encapsulates contracts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and its release, BPP said, is in compliance with Section 5, Sub-section F of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

The painstaking effort that went into the compilation of the list, indicating the companies' names, implementing agencies, project locations, cost of projects, sources of funds and the respective dates of awards of the contracts, as well as the completion periods, underscore the desire of the agency to bring to the public domain, BPP's stewardship, beyond its being a contract vetting Bureau.

In the preamble to the publication, BPP called on stakeholders and interested citizens to take cognisance of the fact of the approving authority, and more importantly, monitor the execution of the projects and ensure that value for money was achieved.

The BPP went ahead, urging that the same approach be adopted by MDAs, so as to ensure that the projects are executed according to specifications and within the given time limit.

Before now, and until lately when the Federal Ministry of Finance commenced the publication of monthly Federal Allocations to the states as obtained from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in selected newspapers, Nigerians were never in the know, as to what quantum of monies went to the states and Local Government Areas.

The steps taken by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to make public the contracts so far awarded in 2014 is an appropriate strategy to fight corruption, writes Group Business Editor, Simeon Ebulu One of the reasons given by the ministry in publishing these data and apprise the public of the benefit of being acquainted with these figures, is to make a lie of pronouncements by some public officials, especially at the lower segment of the Executive arm of governance, that they were not getting their due from the centre, and two, to give the discerning public the required platform, not only to monitor developments, but also to be able to hold their leaders and representatives, accountable in the management of public funds that they hold in trust of their subjects.

Although the question as to whether the measure adopted by the Finance Ministry has yielded the desired results may not receive astraight-yes answer, the fact that the BPP has taken a cue from it, is an indication that there is some good measure of value to the practice, given that a well-informed public, will no doubt be in a better position to offer advice and criticism, if and when the need arises.

Before now, Nigerians were only used to hearing about awards of huge contracts, most times in lump-sum, without necessarily knowing the completion period, and the contractors involved. Some communities and villages may not even be conscious that contracts of this magnitude have been awarded in their domain. Some will even be amazed about the huge sum allocated to projects in their areas

•Ezeh and LGAs. Part of the beauty and recommendation for this exercise, is that it will help to eliminate contract inflation and over-invoicing. In addition, it will address the practice of abandoned contracts and the incidence of elephant projects that dot the entire nation. Award of frivolous and non-essential contracts will become a thing of the past, as projectbearing communities will now show more than a passing interest in projects domiciled in their areas and LGAs. One other clear positive effect of this measure is that it dovetails into the cry in the land of the need to check corruption and abuse of processes. If contracts, awarded over time are

brought into the purview of public domain, the expected hue and cry against inflated and abandoned contracts will dissuade people from perpetuating, or engaging in acts inimical to the code of Good Corporate Governance and abuse of processes.

The oft-repeated resolve of Muhammadu Buhari, who assumed office two days ago as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to fight corruption, can be better addressed by adopting this option.

The leadership of the Bureau of Public Procurement, as exemplified by the Director-General, Engineer Emeka Ezeh, deserves commendation. His reputation as a stickler to due process and unwavering commitment to transparency in the discharge of his duties, his associates attest, are unrivaled and unassailable.

BPP's demonstration and openness in making public these contract details (to the consternation of some in positions of authority), it is said, is typical of the man at the helm of affairs. Ezeh, over time, has been known as a modest, unassuming and down-to-earth fellow. He is reputed for pitching his tent with the ordinary Nigerian in the suburbs of Abuja, against what his position (if he wanted to flaunt it) demands.

This attitude reflects the character trait of what many Nigerians are yearning for and should be carried onboard the ship of the new government.

Pay-TV: The lies being told about pay-as-you-watch

E

•Aremu

ralysed with an imminent shut down of the entire economy. Yet there is no evidence of active engagement with stakeholders in the petroleum industry to bring an end to the crisis. The government needs to demonstrate accountability to the people."

Peeved by the overt lack of concern by the outgoing government, the LCCI boss warned the country and the economy should not be allowed to continue to drift as if there no one in charge.

In the view of Bello, one better way to rescue the country from the current situation which has taken a toll on the citizens and the economy is to galvanise action aimed at addressing virtually all sectors.

The Lagos Chamber further urged the new administration to immediately deregulate the oil and gas downstream sector, in order to provide an enduring solution to the recurring problem of petroleum product scarcity, corruption inherent in the subsidy regime, the collapse of refineries, lack of investment in the downstream sector, loss of jobs etc.

Government, he said, "needs to get out of the way, so that the sector and the economy as a whole can make progress. "This will pave the way for the restoration of normalcy in the sector and attract private capital, boost investments and create jobs."

VERYBODY wants a bargain.

The desire for bargains is part of our make-up as human beings.

It is exactly what informed the strident calls for the institution of a pay-aswatch (PAYW) TV model in the country. The call, which hasn't yielded the desired result, I understand, is encouraged by the use of the pay-asyou-go (PAYG) model in the telecommunications sector. The telecoms sector also adopted the persecond billing system after an initial reluctance, a development that gives pay-TV subscribers the belief that a harder push for what they want could deliver the kind of thing they got from telecoms companies.

Most pay-TV subscribers are running with the conviction that a payas-you-watch model will free them from monthly contracts and introduce greater flexibility in how they watch television. That conviction is fuelled by purely invented suggestions the model is already in operation in South Africa.

Well, there is no such thing as payas-you-watch TV in South Africa. The internet can help clear this up if doubts still remain. What exists is the monthly contract model like we have in Nigeria and other countries of the world.

Pay-as-you-watch, I have observed, is used, almost always, interchangeably with pay-per-view (PPV). They are not the same and cannot be the same.

PPV, which operates via telephone, the internet or direct interface with a real life customer service person, allows a subscriber to watch some special live events, usually of the highticket variety in sports and entertainment, by paying for such events. This is in addition to paying a regular subscription. One is not a substitute for the other.

What this means is that if pay-perview was available in Nigeria, a subscriber would need to pay his/her monthly subscription to a pay-TV provider and then pay an additional sum-usually considerably bigger -to watch a high-ticket event like the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquaio fight

By Eyitayo Adeogun for which boxing fans in the US paid $100 on top of their regular subscription. That is $100 for a twohour fight.

Back home, those who watched the fight on DStv's SuperSport channel did so at no extra cost. I shudder to think of what the cost would be if we had pay-per-view in Nigeria. Like pay-asyou-watch, pay-per-view also does not exist in South Africa, contrary to popular belief.

Many continue to ask why we not have a pay-as-you-go model for payTV as we have in telecommunications, where subscribers pay for what they use. It is a question worth asking, but it one that ignores the fundamental difference between telecoms and payTV industries. Telecoms service providers, we forget, do not buy content like pay-TV providers. Telcos are not in the business of providing family entertainment and do not buy television content. What they buy is spectrum, for which they make a oneoff payment.

We all know that television companies have to buy content except if they want to fold up. In actuality, they have to keep on buying the type of content that will make their subscribers keep paying. TV content is not bought on one-off basis. Pay-TV providers are thus condemned to dealing with upward reviews in cost when they seek to renew contracts for content.

This shows that the pay-as-yougo model in telecoms is a wrong fit the pay-TV industry. Pay-TV companies are, more or less, agents or vendors. Often, they are not the owners of the content they broadcast.

Content is bought and content owners do not sell to vendors on pay-as-youwatch basis, a state of affairs that makes it a contractual infraction for a pay-TV provider to do otherwise.

Pay-as-you-watch model, if ever adopted, has the potential of hindering rather than helping the subscriber because of its prohibitive cost. We pay about N2,000 to watch a

movie at a cinema. That is just one movie.

What that means is that if a payTV provider charges the same sum for a movie, the cost of access to the movie is not likely to be bearable.

We also must remember that when we pay to watch a movie at the cinema, we do not get a refund if, after 35 minutes, we do not find it exciting.

It is the same for pay-TV companies, which also cannot go back to companies from which they buy content to demand a refund on the basis that subscribers find their content boring. Content purchase is done by contracts.

The technology used in pay-TV broadcast transmits signals in just one direction: to the decoder. It is called downlink. It does not send back to the pay-TV provider. This makes it impossible for the provider to know whether or not a subscriber is watching or what he/she is watching.

What the provider is able to do is to prevent the smart card from accessing signal when subscription has expired.

Pay-as-you-watch, contrary to popular belief, is not the walletfriendly model we assume.

Something close to it operates in the

United Kingdom.

For instance, Now TV, owned by BSkyB makes available seven Sky Sports channels sports channels as well as some entertainment and movie channels on smartphones, games consoles, tablets and similar devices.

A subscriber does not need to have subscribed to Sky to have access to the service, which is exclusively internetbased.

Subscription, which is daily or weekly, depends on the package. The entertainment package costs £6.99 (N2,380) daily, while the movie package costs £9.99 (N3,400) daily. The sports package costs £6.99 (N2,380) daily and £10.99 (N3,740) weekly.

We must consider the cost of data.

In Nigeria, television and broadband do not come in the same package. We also know how smooth or otherwise internet connectivity can be in our country. Whatever we think, we have to be reminded that we cannot ask for a refund from the Internet Service Provider in the event of poor service.

Neither can you demand refund from the TV company when you find the content not to your taste.

•Adeogun, a lecturer, writes from Calabar

•From left: Senior Brand Manager, Noodles & Pasta, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Lanre Da-Silva; Administrator, Little Saint Orphanage Home, Palm Grove, Lagos, Mrs. Oluwaranti Oduyebo; Missionary, Mrs. Ruth George and Assistant Manager, Brand Activation, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mrs. Ebele Oluwalana, during product donation to the Home, in Lagos…recently

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

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A

S a micro-credit company, what are the

avenues available to source for funds?

The company mobilises funds from the following sources including bank loans. The company takes loans from banks and other financial institutions. Such loans are secured by the assets of the company and those of the promoters of the company.

Besides, we rely on members' savings. All micro credit loan beneficiaries in the company are required to save with the company towards creating their own capital. The loan beneficiaries save about 4% of their loan amount every month. Their profit/loss share for the amount they save is based on the minimum balance maintained in the account for the week.

We also rely on the general investors' account including shareholders, and friends and relations of the promoters. This is because the company as an MFI (micro finance institution) is barred by law from taking deposits from the general public.

We also run a special investors account. These are customers who may bring in their funds and specify the type of activities or investments the funds may be used for. The purpose, terms, conditions and mode of investment of these deposits are decided by mutual consent at the time of receiving the deposits.

What is the relationship between your outfit and the Bank of Agriculture, BOA? Bank of Agriculture, BOA has been a very good partner with Hududullah MicroCredit Company. The journey started since 2006.

In the last eight years from 2006 the company has had three collaboration programmes with the Bank of Agriculture.

The collaborations covered six states namely Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara. The first two schemes covered 5000 beneficiaries in the six states while the third was 7500 beneficiaries.

As I was saying, when we applied for a facility from the bank, we did it as a collaboration between the bank and our company we tried to reach the less privileged in the society and they obliged us. That time the bank gave us a facility of N100million for a period of two years. Fortunate enough, within a period of one year we finished paying the loan with the interest and everything there on. We applied for a second time, they approved yet another N100million with the same terms and conditions. We paid that one too within the duration of the loan period including the interest.

The bank felt that we are a good partner who is able to reach the grassroots with our soft loans, and therefore gave us more credit facility in order to get to more clients.

'Small businesses remain engine of growth' Alhaji Hamidu Modibo, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Hududullah Micro-Credit Company Limited, arguably one of the most successful partners of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). In this interview with Sina Fadare he speaks on the prospects and challenges of running a micro-credit scheme for businesses

• Modibo

This was to the tune of N150million so that we can reach out to more people. This also has been paid back. As at now, we're about to negotiate another loan of about N225million, and this is at the point of disbursement now.

Are the beneficiaries of your loans only farmers?

It varies. We are not only restricting ourselves to farmers alone but even those that are into non-agric venture like petty trading we give them loans. The traders, some processing firms, even the agro-allied businessmen who are into agricultural produce also access our loan facilities.

What is the level of loan recovery? Is the default rate high?

Like any other lending business, you don't expect to get back the money hundred percent. But then, because of the supervision structure that we normally put in place, we make recovery of up to eighty to ninety percent and they are always willing to pay because some of them don't even have the resources to boost their businesses and when this type of opportunity comes they normally don't

want to mess it up.

I must be frank to tell you that the lower income earners in our society are more honest than the so-called elites. It is the elite that will collect loan and will not want to pay and they will use the same money to fight you. But the common man on the street, even though occasionally they may prove stubborn, by the time you just threaten them you will see that they will just try to oblige and mobilise and they will pay you. So the rate of the defaulters honestly, is not as much as we envisage or the way people think it will be.

You overlook the collateral aspect because you want to help the people at the grassroots how do you manage the risk involved?

Honestly there is no collateral we do not receive any collateral from them.

And you are so confident that they will pay you?

They have been paying.

The issue is if you go down the ladder we are dealing with unbanked population of Nigeria, it's somebody you are giving as small as between N20, 000 to N40, 000, he does not have any collateral to give you. If you

insist that he must give you collateral then it means you're not going to give him the money.

Initially what we were using was the pressure group. If they are in group, the group is guaranteed to some extent. The group guarantee helps to trace any defaulters.

But in as much as you find that they have business doing and you try to finance them on that business, a little pressure you apply, they will pay except in a situation where you find that they have made a total loss in that case there is nothing you can do.

Indirectly you are playing a middleman role between the BOA and the society. How has been the journey so far?

Honestly, the journey has been excellent. BOA has done a lot for me over the years. I have been doing business with them. They have really improved my business and even to the people we are lending to and the multiplier effect of what they have done to Hududullah is very much because you will see even the number of people, the beneficiaries of such loans you will find that each single person whether it is a woman or a man that you give he may

have like five-six people under him that he is taking care of. So the multiplier effect, if you look at it, it runs to thousands of people that you are supporting. Honestly, I think it's been so well. The journey has been fantastic and excellent.

What are the challenges so far?

The challenges we have faced of recent was this insecurity we experience in the country that has lead to a lot of lost on our own part as a company because in the last two years if I tell you we have lost over N200million you will not believe it, because we have been forced to close about five or six of our offices particularly in the north east.

It reached a point where you have an investment like in Maiduguri for instance as at the time this thing started we had an investment of almost N48million and you will just be sitting down here your staff will just send you resignation letter that he has resigned another staff will just send you tomorrow another resignation letter.

Even if you try to recruit another person they he will not want to go to Maiduguri he will tell you that he will

not go.

At the end of the day the whole money that we distributed to people there, nobody to even link up and at the end of the day that is how that money was lost a lot of them died some has been displaced so because of that we have closed the office in Maiduguri, Biu, Potiskum, Mubi, Damaturu. These five offices we lost over N200million, so that has been a serious challenge. Because of the security challenge we did a little of modification of our operations before now all our client use to come to our office and in a day you will have like two hundred to three hundred client that are coming to either renew or take a new loan. Then there used to be a crowd, but now we don't see them anymore the problem we started envisaging was that we don't know who and who is coming where you have crowded people, they can infiltrate and you may hear bomb blast there and as a result a lot of people will die you will lose and so we decided to fine tune our business.

We now made it that it is we that will go to customers in their places of business rather than asking all of them to come to our offices that has forced us to do that and that itself is not without a cost because since it is you to go now the numbers are too large and in fact the personnel to do it and the cost implication is huge. The security agencies are careful not to see a lot of crowd gathering at a place for so long, anything could happen and the blame will come to you, so we had to stop that aspect of our operation and modify it and change it.

Now that the Bank of Agriculture is having epayment or green card are you looking to the possibility of synchronising with them so that it will make your operation more cashless?

Honestly I would have loved to do that but there is a serious challenge you know human beings are always very difficult to deal with. At the moment every aspect of my business is now on line deal, from the disbursement I give them through their bank account, their payment is through my own bank account and so on and so forth but initially I restricted them to only one of my bank account and when I did that I was having a lot of challenges so I was forced to open about six bank accounts now that I'm using.

I will face another challenge if I should restrict them to only one account like BOA to deposit there, they will tell you they cannot leave their business to go and deposit money in a particular bank, so they find it easy to deposit money in any bank close to them and when I did that I find out that in every deposit they made was in First Bank because you find First Bank in every market you go to so it is easier for them to walk into any of the bank and deposit.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

68 CHANGE OF NAME YISA I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARTHA YISA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MARTHA AMINA SABA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONU

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME ASOGBON

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Morenikeji Asogbon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adenike Morenikeji Fagbemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ELISHA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onu, Ngozi Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojobo, Blessing Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa and general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ndaglaya Elisha, now wish to be known and addressed as Ndaglaya Dogara Joshua. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SHODIPO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaleye Afolashade Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olaleye Afolashade Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Shodipo, Silifat Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebambo, Silifat Modupe.

All former documents remain valid.

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OLALEYE

LAWANI

ABEGUNDE

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Abegunde, Olayemi Olushola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orimolade, Olayemi Olushola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Kehinde Precious Lawani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kehinde Lawani Isibor. All former documents remain valid.

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OKAFOR

ABEGUNDE

I formerly known and addressed as Abegunde, Jones Amaechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Orimolade, Jones Amaechi. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

USMAN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Usman Hafsat Lami, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lawrence - Labaran. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FATAI I formerly known and addressed as MISS FATAI BUKOLA RIHANAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. TAIWO- FATAI BUKOLA RIHANAT. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo and general public should please take note.

RAJI

I formerly known and addressed as Raji Adebiyi Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Raji Adebiyi Oluwadamilola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SITA

I formerly known and addressed as Sita Ada Wynn now wish to be known and addressed as Sita Ada Madu-Wynn. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University, NYSC, US Consulate(Lagos/Abuja) and general public should please take note.

AIDELOJE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor, Amarachukwu Chibuzor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okwara Amarachukwu Chibuzor. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aideloje Edeiloku Edith now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ilo Edith Edeiloku Ajoke. All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I Asco Akpan Udoh and Engr. Udoh Akpan Sunday (Noble) refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Engr. Udoh Akpan Sunday (Noble). All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

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ARO

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IGWE

INEGBE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IGWE GRACE ELOZONA now wish to be addressed and known as MRS. OKONKWO GRACE ELOZONA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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ENOMA

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ITIEIMA

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University of Uyo and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME ABIOLA

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LAWAL I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal, Kafilat Folashade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abimbola, Kafilat Folashade.

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DAVIS

I formerly known and addressed as Davis Emman Chukwuma Femi, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Davids Emmanuel Chukwuma Femi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OBANUBI

NDUKWE

KOKHOL

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinomso Ndukwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christiana C. Chukwuemeka. All former documents remain valid.

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OLAOGUN

I formerly known and addressed as Olaogun, Bukola Olapeju, now wish to be known and addressed as Diti Olubukola Olapeju. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWAORIE

SHINKUR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Michelle Muopra Shinkur, now which to be known and addressed as Mrs. Michelle Muopra Semnoe. All former documents remain valid.

University of Jos and general public should please take note.

LAWAL

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EBO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebo Amarachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoyeagu, Amarachukwu. All former documenmts remain valid.

Gpublic should please take note.

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SHITU

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

FOREIGN

69

A new beginning for a long-standing partnership N

IGER State lived up to its acronym, “Power State” last week. Virtually all the three arms of government were involved in a display of power in the state.

Even the highly revered traditional institution and retired military generals were all active participants. The security agencies, except the military, lost their status as impartial umpire and got enmeshed in the power show.

The week began peacefully, full of promises. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adamu Usman, did not have an inkling of the imminent turbulence when he summoned members to an executive session at the Press Centre of the assembly complex to discuss sundry matters, especially as it affects their welfare.

Usman, who had enjoyed unalloyed support of his colleagues, was shocked to his marrow, when he along with three other principal officers, was given till 12 mid-night to ensure that the executive arm release their outstanding allowances, the assembly overhead and imprest being owed since January, all amounting to about N1 billion and to equally secure commitment on when their severance allowance will be paid.

The tone and body language of the legislators at the executive session, according to a source at the meeting, were unambiguous.

The legislators, who were yet to get over their defeat at the April 11 polls, blamed their electoral misfortune on the non-release of their allowances to enable them have adequate funds to pursue their ambition.

A majority of the members who were in attendance at the executive asked the Speaker and other principal officers to get the governor to meet their demands and feed them back at plenary session later, a decision the Speaker vowed would not be. For Usman, there was no justification for the plenary session.

It was reliably gathered that the Speaker sought and got executive permit to flood the house on Tuesday with armed policemen, agents of the Department of State Security, DSS, and civil defence, all in a bid to stop the sitting for fear of the inevitable: his impeachment.

As early as 6:30am, a detachment of over 200 armed security agents with twelve Hilux vans were drafted and stationed around the assembly. The security men stamped their power on and cordoned off the main road leading to the assembly, forming vehicular and human barrier at the gate of the assembly.

The power show of the police, DSS and civil defence impacted pains on commuters.

Their action led to a traffic gridlock as

By Philip Hammond vehicular movement on the ever-busy Minna-Suleja Road and adjacent linkages were brought to a crawl.

The Clerk of the house, Mohammed Kagara, became the first casualty of the police power show.

His arrival early at work was truncated at the gate of the house.

He was politely told to go back. Even the production of his staff I.D card and disclosure of his status as the chief custodian of the assembly fell on deaf ears.

By 9:28am, twelve law makers, led by Hon. Yusuf Kure, had a taste of the power •Hammond show. A police officer told them they could not drive their cars into the assembly.

Not deterred by the setback, the law makers decided to walk the 250-metre distance to the gate, only to meet a tougher power show. The House of Assembly Station Officer, Mr. Aaron Sunday, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, denied knowing the law makers. As a matter of fact, Sunday told the law makers he had orders not to allow anybody into the complex.

After a fierce exchange between the police and the law makers, the security agents caved and allowed the law makers, staff and journalists into the complex.

Their access to the complex left them with the reality of the absence of the Sergeant-at-arms and the Mace-in-the house symbol of authority.

The Clerks appearance and later the Sergeant-atarms gave hope to the law makers who were spoiling for war.

No sooner the house settled for business, 19 out of 25 members exercised their powers and impeached the Speaker, Adamu Usman, deputy speaker, Hon. Abdulraham Bala Gambo, Majority leader, Hon. Haruna Labaran and Chief Whip, Hon. Abdullahi Lawal.

The house also elected the proverbial “rejected stone”, Rt. Hon. Isah Kawu, as the 7th Speaker in the last eight years. Kawu was first

elected and removed a week after in a “palace coup” allegedly bankrolled by the executive, only for the impeached Speaker, Usman, to run to the judiciary to stop his colleagues from sacking him. He got his prayers answered, but the court order granting him an interim injunction restraining his colleagues from impeaching him by the state Chief Judge, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, got to the house about 10 minutes after sitting.

Even when the police became wild and openly released tear gas to disperse the law makers, their resolve to stick to the impeachment remained unrelenting.

Moves by Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu to put his executive power to test were deployed. He summoned the new principal officers for a meeting by Wednesday, with the hope of using his oratory prowess to beat the law makers to revert their decision. The law makers stood their ground, at least for once in eight years. They told the governor blatantly that his intervention was belated. The legislators also said further parley with the governor may not hold until security men who are still stationed at the complex are asked to leave.

Aliyu was stunned by the unrelenting spirit of the members. It dawned on him that with the realisation of the enormity of the power the legislators have and their resolve to exercise it, he may be the next in the line for impeachment.

He was gripped with fear and thus ran to the court.

Unlike the impeached Speaker, Aliyu succeeded. He got Justice Idris Evuti of Minna High Court to impose the power of the bench to restrain the law makers from initiating his (Aliyu) impeachment. The judge fixed hearing of the motion for May 27th, a day to the end of Aliyu’s tenure.

The judicial option by the governor fell flat on his earlier position that he was never a target for sack by the law makers. He boastfully told who ever cared to listen that the face-off was internal and had nothing to do with him. He said

Syria: At least 71 killed in 'barrel bomb' strike in Aleppo B

OMBS drops by the Syrian government helicopters have killed at least 71 people in the northern province of Aleppo.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "at least 71 civilians

• President Bashar al-Assad

were killed, and dozens were wounded, when regime helicopters dropped barrel bombs on the city of Al-Bab and in AlShaar in east Aleppo city".

Al-Bab lies about 40km (25 miles) northeast

of Aleppo city and is controlled by the extremist Islamic State (Isis) group. IS also confirmed the attack in a statement posted on Twitter.

An AFP correspondent at the scene reported seeing the bodies of victims were laid out on the streets of the neighbourhood.

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights chief Rami Abdel Rahman said the bombs on Aleppo city struck the rebel-held eastern neighbourhood of AlShaar, killing 12 people including eight members of a single family.

The casualties were all men, with the number of fatalities expected to rise due to the severity of their injuries, with a further 18 people still missing.

"People often gather on Saturday mornings at the Al-Hail market in Al-Bab, which is why the number of dead was so high," said Rahman. "This is one of the biggest massacres that

regime planes have committed since the beginning of 2015," said the Syrian Revolution General Commission activist group.

Syria's government has denied using barrel bombs - made of oil drums, gas cylinders or water tanks packed with explosives and scrap metal.

President Bashar alAssad refused to accept his troops used barrel bombs. In a BBC interview he said the allegation was a "childish story" he said: "There are no barrel bombs.

We don't have barrels."

On Friday night in Tadamon, at least six regime loyalist forces were killed and 10 wounded in an explosion on Friday (29 May), said the Observatory.

The neighbourhood has seen an influx of refugees from nearby Yarmuk, after IS militants overran the Palestinian camp in April.

that he was not to be impeached because of the cordial relationship with the legislators.

Hear him: “The impeachment speculation on me is false and should be treated as such. I have worked with the lawmakers, establishing and sustaining robust partnership to deliver dividend of democracy to people of the state since 2007.

“I am not the target for impeachment in the crisis that erupted in the Assembly on Tuesday, which led to the sacking of the House’s principal officers, including the Speaker Adamu Usman.

“Those parading themselves as new leadership led my Hon. Isah Kawu met with me to explain their action and pledged their continuous support.

“Let me debunk speculation over the alleged impeachment threat against me. The speculation is sponsored by mischief and should be discarded for what it is. I have enjoyed robust relationship with the House and that has not changed.

“The action of the House is internal and the decision to change leadership has no other ulterior motive than the change of leadership which they have allegedly done. Let me therefore call on my supporters within and outside the country to remain calm.”

But one of his aides justified the legal option as only being pro-active. “The governor cannot sleep with a fire on his roof. The action is just to protect him from any unholy action by the legislators. If they can remove their Speaker, nobody can be spared,” the aide stated.

Efforts to engage the royal influence on the law makers also failed in the on-going show of power in the “Power State”. On Thursday, an attempt to make a first traditional ruler and a retired military general to trouble shoot the power show also hit the rock.

The show of power that has engulfed the state in the last six days may drag on till the end of this administration. The impeached speaker wants to continue to hold sway in the Alhassan Jikantoro House of Assembly, Kawu is not ready to relinquish the mandate this time around, while Governor Aliyu will do everything not to be humiliated out of office as the first governor to be impeached in the state.

The only reprieve the people of the state have is that virtually all the dramatis personae will be off the political scene by May 29.

• Hammond is British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

70

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015

Beware, fake tomatoe paste in circulation

O

VER the years, a lot of people have erroneously believed that tomatoe paste and puree are just beautifully blended and packaged 'tomatoe'.

Don't be deceived, most of the so-called canned tomatoe out there are mostly starch, additives, colourants and a little percentage of the real tomatoe!

That much was revealed by Dr. Gloria N Elemo, the Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi [FIIRO].

The scientist made this disclosure during the working visit of members of the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme [WAAPP-IB] to FIIRO. "In my course of work, I have stumbled upon evidences that canned/packaged tomatoe paste and puree is not all about tomatoe. I'm aware that edible starch is allowed in the manufacturing of so many things for instance tablets, but when the inclusion exceeds the authorised limits, it becomes an issue."

Watching the reactions of people around looking askance, it was clear not many people knew about this.

A commentator said: "When you go through the information printed on a packaged/canned tomatoe paste, most manufacturers state that tomatoe concentrate is 28 per cent. Ingredients are listed as tomatoe and salt. Nobody informs you that part of that 28 per cent which they are claiming to be tomatoe concentrate is edible starch which can be in form of corn starch, etcetera.

Additives and of course colorants also make up the 28 per cent."

Speaking with our correspondent, Mrs. Ogochukwu N. Mainasara, Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] explained that manufacturers are allowed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria [SON] to add 5 per cent edible starch in order for the tomatoe to bind together.

"But many of these manufacturers abuse it by adding as much as 15 per cent starch to

•Elemo

increase the volume and extend the shelf life."

It is however instructive to note that most of the tomatoe paste or puree consumed in the country is not manufactured here, most are imported in drums, wooden cages and cans from Italy, US, India and mainly China. They are subsequently diluted and canned or packaged by various companies here.

In an interview with another Government Scientist at FIIRO, who incidentally is heading a committee which has the mandate to come up with ways of preserving and utilising the tomatoe harvested in the northern part of Nigeria, he lamented that " between 2009 and 2010, that a total of 105,000 metric tons of tomatoe paste valued at over N116 billion was imported into the country to bridge the deficit gap between supply and demand."

The foreign manufacturers, he lamented, "add up to 50 per cent starch and bring down to Nigeria for dilution and repackaged locally under different brand."

Nigeria is a significant con-

sumer of tomatoe paste hence it forms a key destination market for especially Chinese tomatoe paste.

Fresh tomatoes are grown in many towns especially in the northern part of the country, but lack of infrastructure results in high post harvest losses hence consumers have adapted to the convenience offered by tomatoe paste.

NAFDAC has on several occasions expressed concern on tomatoe paste adulteration.

Investigation conducted by NAFDAC on tomatoe paste in Nigerian market revealed that 91.1 per cent of the brands failed to meet the required standard with virtually all the brands from China being culprits.

Reacting to the news, the Association of Agricultural Products and Equipment Manufacturers in Nigeria called on the federal government to ban all retail tomatoe paste packs from the country.

The Association, called on the government to impound all the substandard products with immediate effect, just as it stressed the need for importers found culpable to be prosecuted accordingly.

While commending the officials of NAFDAC and SON for alerting the nation to the unwholesome imports, "we urge them to be extra vigilant to stop further imports of the commodity," stated the Association.

To many analysts, it is indeed worrisome that such dangerous cargoes are able to get into the country undetected, noting that the problem with the products ought to have been discovered during their testing and registration by the regulatory agencies.

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•Tomatoe paste

Stanbic IBTC bags CAC compliance award 2015

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TANBIC IBTC Bank Plc at the weekend received the Most Extensive Compliance Award, the star prize for its corporate leadership, sustainability programmes and corporate social responsibility, efforts at the maiden Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC Corporate Citizens Awards in Abuja.

Access Bank and Zenith Bank Plc each won awards in the More Extensive Compliance category while the United Bank for Africa Plc., Asha Microfinance Bank Limited and Lafarge Africa Plc re-

Hidden facts about your mobile phone

ceived the Extensive Compliance awards respectively.

The Above Basic Compliance category winners are the Leadway Assurance Limited and Nigerian Breweries Plc while the Basic Compliance award was won by the Yobe Investment & Securities Limited.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga noted that the purpose of the award is to promote the culture of good statutory compliance in Nigeria by recognising and honouring corporate citizens who have distinguished

themselves in the conduct of their businesses.

He said, "Such corporate citizens must have complied with all statutory requirements and best practices of corporate governance. The guiding principle for the award is to create a conducive and enabling environment for business growth, ensure greater efficiency, openness and transparency in business.

The overall commitment is to change the focus in doing business in Nigeria with a view to stimulating the growth of domestic economy.”

HERE are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies…your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.

Check out the things that you can do with it First: The emergency number worldwide for mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even If the keypad is locked. Try it out.

Second: Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry?

This may come in handy someday. If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their mobile phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone

from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object.

You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk…)

Editor's note: it works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a mobile phone!

Third: H i d d e n Battery P o w e r ; Imagine y o u r mobile battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.

Fourth: How to disable a stolen mobile phone? To check your mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06# A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique

to your handset… write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.

You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

Fifth: ATM PIN Number reversal. Good to know if you should ever be forced by a robber to withdraw money from an ATM Machine, you can notify the police by entering your PIN # in reverse. For example, if your pin number is 1234, then you would enter 4321.

The ATM system recognizes that your PIN number is backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machines. The machine will still give you the money you requested, but unknown to the robber, the police will be immediately dispatched to the location.

Source: GLO Publication

THE NATION ON SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015

SPORT EXTRA FIFA U-20 Results New Zealand 0-0 Ukraine USA 2-1 Myanmar Argentina 2-2 Panama Ghana 1- 1 Australia

Arsenal retains FA Cup trophy

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...become first team to win trophy 12 times

as the winningest coach in the FA Cup with six titles, surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson in the process.

Theo Walcott was started

by Wenger after his hat-trick last week, and the speedy Englishman did not disappoint Le Prof, scoring the first goal of the game.

Alexis Sanchez and

Mertesacker broadened the gap after the break, giving the Gunners total control of the game. When the game was coming to its end, Olivier Giroud scored the final goal of the tournament, starting celebrations for the North London side.

Arsenal won its 12th title in 19 FA Cup final

appearances, thus beoming the most winning team in the FA Cup. On the other hand, Aston Villa wil try next year to end their drought, since they won their last Cup back in 1957.

After their great performance, fans and experts had their say about this new piece of silverware added to the team's trophy case. Here are the best tweets regarding Arsenal's victory.

FIFA U-20 World Cup

Manu: It's World Cup or nothing

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OACH Manu Garba has restated the resolve of the Flying Eagles to make history by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The Flying Eagles have been beaten finalists at the 1989 and 2005 tournaments and have qualified for this competition without a break for the past 10 years.

Nwosu, Disu grace St Paul's school sports

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x-internationals Henry Nwosu, Yisa Sofoluwe and Tajudeen Disu were the star attractions at the Annual Inter-House sports of St Paul's Catholic Primary School in Ebute Metta.

The former Super Eagles legends, who are ambassadors of the Greater Tomorrow Children's Foundation, founded by 1984 AFCON silver medal winner, Paul Okoku were on hand to watch the pupils run and shine for glory at the school's premises located near Costain Bus Stop.

The school has been in existence since 1902 and has produced great sports stars like Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, Godwin Odiye and Okoku, amongst other leading professionals

dotting the length and breadth of the world.

On a day that Pink House won the competition, Nwosu, Sofoluwe and Disu rocked with the pupils in a carnival-like atmosphere, reminding one of the great gays when the bestrode the pitch with their mesmerizing runs and eye-catching defensive tackles.

And it was certainly an eye-full for the spectators as Pink House joined the stars of yesterday to win the competition.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Head Teacher of St Paul's school, Mrs Grace Jalekun thanked the Greater Tomorrow Children's Foundation for contributing to the success of the competition.

Keshi tips Flying Eagles against Brazil

Arsenal players celebrate with bottles of champagne after winning the 12th FA Cup of the club's history

HE Gunners scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half to secure their second FA Cup trophy in a row.

The FA Cup will not have a new owner. Arsenal dominated most of the game to defeat Aston Villa 4-0, in order to become the most winning side in the tournament's history.

Furthermore, Arsene Wenger ties George Ramsey

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On Monday, the African champions begin their campaign in New Zealand when they take on five-time champions Brazil at the 11,000-capacity Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth.

Kick-off time is 1pm local time, which is 2am Nigerian time on Monday. ”It is either the cup or nothing else for Nigeria,”

declared Manu, who led the New Zealand with half of that championship-winning squad. country to win a record fourth U17 World Cup two years ago and he is back in New Zealand with half of that championship-winning squad.

“There is a lot of pressure but we do not allow it to affect us because once we

put yourself under pressure, you are most likely to make a lot of mistakes.

“For us, we do not know the word pressure. We do our best and just pray for mother luck.

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UPER Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi has enthused that the Flying Eagles can start their 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign on a winning note against Brazil with a tenacity of purpose.

He said he has confident in the ability of the coach Manu Garba-led side to face the rest of the world, adding that they must have strong self belief and confidence to upstage the Junior Selecaos.

Nigeria and Brazil clash would clash in the early hours of Monday in a Group E encounter at Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth.

“The chance of the Flying Eagles in New Zealand is like any other team out there and they just have to have the self belief that they can do very well,” began Keshi who incidentally captained the Flying Eagles in his heyday told The Nation on Sunday. “These are boys who have been together for about three years right from their days in the national Unnder-17 team.”

He continued: “I’m not afraid

From MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN, Abuja that the team is going to play against Brazil. Brazil is just a name and we saw how Germany beat them right on their home ground during the 2014 World Cup “They (Flying Eagles) just have to get the confidence and concentrate to subdue Brazil. There should not be any big deal in saying ‘we are playing against Brazil. I think they would do it and I pray that they come out victorious.”

Meanwhile, Keshi said he would be glad to welcome any outstanding member of the Flying Eagles to the national team once the championship in New Zealand is over. There have been clarion calls from the press and public for players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Musa Muhammed amongst others to be given their full international caps but the 1994 African Cup of Nationswinning captain is keeping his fingers crossed.

Foundation donates sports equipment to Ogun schools

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N line with its objective coupled with efforts to develop sports at grassroots level, Hoffnung Sports Foundation (HSF) has donated sports equipment to schools across Ogun State.

H S F i s a N o n Governmental Organization (NGO) founded by former table tennis star, Dapo Akiode and it aims at promoting values-driven sporting programmes with focus on building and enriching Schools, communities and the lives of individuals by providing a safe, welcoming and

rewarding environment for all participants, at all levels of indoor sports.

According to Project Coordinator, Ikepo Adebayo, the lucky schools are Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, Leverage College, Ijemo Titun High School, Folarin Dailey School, Ifeoluwa College and Abeokuta Grammar School in Abeokuta. Among the equipment donated includes badminton rackets, tennis rackets and balls.

For the founder of HSF, Germany-based Akiode, the equipment presented to the schools were donated to the

foundation by one of its partners - Victor International GmbH, which has been supporting the body since 2013.

“HSF is poised to bringing grassroots (school) sports, which is the hope to sports development anywhere. It is the hard way and the only way. We want to encourage students to embrace sports as a way of reducing vices among them. We will continue to contribute our quota and hope that other well-meaning bodies will assist the government to develop sports in schools,” Akiode said.

Peter Utaka excited with brace

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xperienced former Super Eagles star Peter Utaka has started his goal rush in the Japanese league after scoring twice as Shimizu S-Pulse beat Kawasaki Frontale 5-2 victory on Saturday.

The former Beijing Gouan striker scores his fifth goal as

his club still struggling at the bottom table.

“This is what I always like to do for my team, scoring goals and leading them to victory, I am really happy for the victory and I think we can push for more victories. I believe we can do more. We

have been fantastic in our last two games and winning another league game is really important to us.”

“This is a young talented team, and my experience is obviously needed and I think that is counting for now and I am really happy with the team's performance.”

Eagles stars condole with Emenike

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UPER Eagles stars Babatunde Michael, Juwon Oshaniwa and Peter Utaka have sent messages of condolence to Emmanuel Emenike over the death of his father, Felix Emenike Ndukwu.

Peter Utaka who score

brace in his team victory at the weekend sound sober when he heard the news about Emenike's father death.

“Oh my God, his parents have been so wonderful to him, I can't imagine his mood right now. Well, it is a

glorious exit and we thank God for everything. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Utaka said.

Oshaniwa said; “This life is very short, am sure he must have been preaparing to see the man, it will be shock news for him and I pray that God consoles him and his family.

QUOTABLE A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office, I shall go after them. These fears are groundless.

There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.”

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 9, NO. 3232

President Muhammadu Buhari assuring anxious politicians that he will not be using his office to settle old scores

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S far as speeches go, President Muhammadu Buhari’s inaugural speech was not his most creative or inspiring. And even though quite remarkably he delivered it much better than he had done in recent years, and addressed many salient and troubling national issues, it hardly proceeded beyond the serious ordinary, a businesslike speech from a man and politician more obsessed with reflecting reality than climbing the esoteric heights of rhetoric. He seemed to serve notice, by the barely 2,000word speech, that his government would emphasise substance over the meretricious.

In his first coming as a military head of state, when his elocution was much more endearing than it is now, when the invincibility of youth pushed him to brinkmanship and great daring, he felt the encumbrances of age and military rule less than his cautious, slower and more reflective inaugural speech exuded.

In 1984-85, his style led many to believe he was an inflexible ruler, disdainful of consensus. But his speech last Friday, minus the influence of his 72 years age, gave the wholesome impression he was misunderstood or misread during his first tour. He learns, he builds consensus, and he is not a reed unwisely refusing to bend before the wind, especially when that wind has nothing to do with the great and noble elements of life, such as principles and other political virtues. President Buhari says he has changed. This is not the whole picture. What has changed about the man, as his speech conjured, is not the essential Buhari, to wit, his fidelity to honesty, his wholesome embrace of truth, his quaint philosophy of family, and his fanatical admiration for values and virtues that ennoble and differentiate a person. What has changed is his understanding, not his person, of some of politics’ and life’s eternal verities in accordance with global standards and shifting mores.

During electioneering, he had been compelled by the electorate to admit his wife into the campaign trail. For so ascetic a man as the former army general, voters were pleasantly surprised to discover he had not only a beautiful wife, but also a beautiful family. By compelling him, voters humanised him rather than limited or diminished him, and they even raised him to an unusual if inadvertent aesthete of culture and fashion, and a purveyor of grace and goodness. But he was, and apparently still is, also a traditional man, with a distinct and decent streak of religiosity. And despite his accomplishments in military and politics, he is still at bottom a shy man. As he alighted from his vehicle at the inauguration ground, he went many brisk paces ahead of his wife, as if he felt the discomfort of many faces harshly focused on how this intensely private man would relate with his wife in public. When he was gently admonished by former president Olusegun Obasanjo to go round the VIP Box to acknowledge the presence of the many dignitaries who graced the occasion, he imperceptibly restrained his wife from following him as he made his way up the stand.

President Buhari has come a long way, both in maturity of view and in social graces.

He is no longer the starry-eyed military officer of some 30 years ago, nor will 21st century Nigeria with its feral social media and intrepid orthodox media allow him the privacy he covets. He has managed to secure a beautiful wife and family; the world will scrutinise how he relates with them. Without doubt, it seems obvious that even in this awkward area of his life, he will also learn and mature much faster than anyone will give him credit. They may not be able to get him to kiss his wife in public, for that will be the day, but they will get him to match his brisk pace with her dainty pace. And his daughters, who have shown independent and admirable personalities of their own, will be hard to restrain in living their now very public lives, especially considering how well in the past they had comported themselves.

Like sportsmen and musicians, politicians and especially leaders are in fact leading celebrities. But it was not just as celebrity that the crowd that thronged Eagle Square on

Buhari’s businesslike speech

•Buhari Friday wanted to assess President Buhari. Yes they would have loved the president, the vice president and their wives and children not to be too far apart, and they would have loved, after the president took his oath, to have the first and second families stand together on the platform where they were sworn in. For, attending inauguration, wherever it is done, is the perfect symbolism and embodiment of politics as entertainment. But much more, the crowd also wanted to hear the president speak, and for that speech to grab them with all the literary and psychological ornaments of fine words, great statements, fiery promises or threats as the case may be, and any other thing deemed efficacious in arresting and entertaining the crowd.

In his perfectly synchronised but sedate speech, President Buhari neither inflamed the crowd nor alarmed the elite. Probably the most alarming thing he said was his poetic declaration

•Jonathan that he belonged to everybody and to nobody. It was the perfect statement indeed for everybody who feared that the president could be a hostage to one religion or ethnic group or the other.

Perhaps it also assured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and any other political party fretting in dark and obscure corners, that the president could be less schizoid about other parties. And probably the most stirring part of his speech was when he remarked about Nigeria’s founding fathers in the opening paragraphs, and assured that the people would not regret voting him into office. He also reminded his audience of their proud heritage, of the empires that had dignified their parts of the country.

Other than these few inspiring statements and assurances, there was little else in the speech but normal reiteration of promises made during electioneering. He would tackle Boko Haram by relocating Army headquarters to Maiduguri.

But former president Jonathan did that too, if a little unsuccessfully. He would take more than a passing interest in what is happening in the other tiers of government, especially the local government. Perhaps he can; but he will navigate testy legal and political grounds to do that successfully. He will continue to support the amnesty programme, which he reminded the country would end in December, and will redirect efforts to developing the blighted oil rivers.

Well said, and an indication of his comprehension of the weaknesses of the programme.

It is difficult not to go away with the impression that President Buhari deliberately refused to inflame or alarm the people with his tempered speech. He had made greater speeches and statements before, even during electioneering. He was never as tedious as his predecessor, nor as burdensome and ponderous as Chief Obasanjo. In fact his austere phrases, not to say the overall terseness of his speeches, have their own invaluable appeal. Last Friday, his speech was businesslike, to the point, achieved brevity and conciseness, and conformed to the image of a leader whose bona fides Nigerians have grown to appreciate and trust. It will be a rare thing indeed that President Buhari can be tutored to write or deliver better speeches than he has done so far.

What will not be in doubt is that he will act with far better acuity and purpose than he has spoken. The reasons are his inimitable intuition, hard work, honesty of purpose, and patriotism. He will respect democratic values, as he has promised, but he will nonetheless hit malfeasance and sloppiness as hard as he has become accustomed to. He may lack depth in certain areas of modern economics, but he will make up for that with his indisputable eclecticism, and reliance on trusted and brilliant aides. He talked of immense goodwill following Nigerians and himself to Friday’s presidential inauguration. It is hard not to get the feeling that time and the elements appear to be combining to favour him and the country he is trying to salvage.

Star-studded federal and state governments

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ITH the principled and determined President Muhammadu Buhari elected in March and sworn in last Friday, there is hope that the problems confronting Nigeria would meet more than their match. The president will be assisted by his second-in-command, Yemi Osinbajo, a law professor with enormous experience in government. Their expected synergy is anticipated to give hope for sound and deeprooted democratic practices and institutions, which are sorely needed in Africa, in addition to a research-oriented and knowledge-driven party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), giving the system the needed push. If the president manages, as expected, to assemble a great and brilliant team, governance, democracy and development will benefit from the unquantifiable spinoffs of a successful election.

More than the great expectations at the federal level, the outcome of the polls in the states and the quality and vibrancy of the men thrown up by the elections give even greater hope of a much brighter tomorrow and firmer democratic practices. Nigerians will be busy paying attention to the men and women turning things around at the federal level. But they will be even busier watching and engaging the men and women turning things around in the states, for it is not only the President Buhari government that is believed to be star-studded. Unlike the last four years when just a few states made deep impression on the public, many more state governments are expected to shine bright and strong. They deserve serious attention.

Lagos will sustain and consolidate its great developmental strides, considering how fortunate the state has been in voting the same party into office thrice. The general benefits of continuity, not to say the continuing

implementation of a developmental master plan, will ensure the new state government will hit the ground running, as indeed the last governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola did. Ogun and Oyo are also enjoying the good fortune of continuity, as the two governors have been awarded a second term in office. Ogun in particular has dreamt great dreams. It is expected to get the chance to execute lofty projects that will make the state compete with Lagos.

Adamawa may not have elected the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nuhu Ribadu, former boss of EFCC, a man widely considered a moderniser, but the state will nonetheless cause a stir nationally with Governor Bindow Jibrilla.

Even more telling, the solid democrat and brilliant young barrister, Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker, House of Representatives, will cause more than a stir. He will bring Sokoto State squarely to the national domain, where he, more than his state, belongs. He will get a lot of attention, partly because his leadership skills will make him dare mighty things. Consider also the case of Kaduna State where the activist and impatient builder and moderniser, Nasir el-Rufai, will be holding court. If he can manage to put a lid on his fiery temper and bridle his tongue, he is expected to do wonders.

Then there is also Rochas Okorocha of Imo, who despite his sometimes casual resort to flights of fancy, has carved a niche for

himself as a builder.

Because of his ambition to climb higher to the national level after governorship service, he is expected to use his second term for great legacy projects, as someone who has a reputation for challenging himself, and using himself as a benchmark.

Katsina’s Aminu Masari will very likely draw a lot of attention.

As Speaker of the House of Representatives, he showed grit and principles in the face of executive interferences. His understanding of democracy and his preparedness to sacrifice everything for it will make him one leader to watch, not only in his state, but also nationally before too long.

The states, it is turning out, will be an incubus for future national leaders and developmental giants. They give hope that democracy will be well nurtured and protected, and the economy and the people well nourished. If anything, the quality of men in the states suggests that democracy may be here to stay. With a federal government shining brightly, and states showing off their lustre, it seems indeed very promising that Nigeria may be preparing to take its place as a continental leader after all.

Published by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025, Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 08034505516 Marketing: 4520939, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Telephone: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790.

Website: www.thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: FESTUS ERIYE