Saturday 14th, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

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PAGE An umpireʼs burden

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Raymond MORDI, Deputy Political Editor

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HIS is not the best of times for the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega. The INEC chairman, whose tenure ends in June, is walking a tightrope in his bid to strike a balance in dealing with various stakeholders who have one thing or the other to complain about this year’s general elections.

The professor of Political Science is fighting the battle of his life to maintain his integrity, which he has built over the years, as a dogged fighter and a defender of peoples’ rights.

Different theories are flying around as to why the elections, earlier stated for today and February 28, were postponed and what the next shocker might be. It took last Wednesday’s Presidential Chat to douse the speculation that the next scene in the plot was to replace Jega, to pave the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to win the March 28 presidential election.

The President assured Nigerians that he is not planning to replace Jega before the expiration of his tenure.

Nevertheless, the INEC chairman was believed to be under pressure to throw in the towel prior to the recent Council of State meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja. Similarly, it has gone viral on the social media that the alternate plan is to stop Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, from contesting the presidential election with Jonathan through the courts.

In spite of President Jonathan’s assurances, a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over this year’s general elections as far as many Nigerians are concerned. The unfolding scenario has been dubbed another June 12 in the making. For instance, Emma Agu, a United States-based Nigerian, believes the PDPcontrolled Federal Government is abusing the autonomy granted to the electoral commission. He said: “Having watched this entire clip, all I could see ahead is quagmire! I saw it played out in the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu June 12 saga.

In that case, election was held; it was very clear that late Chief M.K.O Abiola, who had the momentum, was going to win that election. Nwosu was stopped right in the middle of announcing the result of that election. What happened after that infamous decision by Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda became history!

“Now, President Goodluck Jonathan is mute, attending churches as usual and acting as if this whole decision never came from him. He is the President and Commander –in-Chief of the Armed Forces; at the end of the day, the buck stops right at his table. Only a fool would say this decision to postpone the election was not done to stop Buhari’s momentum. There is a ticking bomb that the president must detonate wisely. I don’t even see him being pragmatic enough to handle the crisis that will erupt if this election is not handled properly, going forward. The world is watching!”

Before INEC shifted the polls, Jega had been under the government’s spotlight. It was Chief Edwin Clark, who is regarded as President Jonathan’s ‘godfather’ and one of his closest allies, that first accused the electoral boss of conniving with the APC against the ruling PDP ahead of the polls. Clark, a First Republic politician, had called for his resignation some weeks ago. Apart from Clark, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, and lately, the Director of Media and Publicity for the President Goodluck Jonathan campaign team, Femi Fani-Kayode, had also accused Jega of acting the script of the APC, saying he lacks the moral right to conduct the polls.

In a statement last Thursday, Olisa Metuh, alleged that “The party (PDP) had received overwhelming evidence from citizens in APC states following its earlier alarm that non-indigenes who form the bulk of PDP supporters in Lagos were being denied their PVCs”. PDP further alleged that besides Lagos, the same practice was also being perpetrated in other APC-controlled states, including Kano.

However, the APC swiftly debunked those allegations. Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement, punched big holes into PDP’s claims that INEC was working in tandem with APC. He said: ''It is shameful that those who should be working hard to promote peaceful elections as scheduled are the same ones doing everything possible to trigger violence. Those who should ordinarily be seen as elder statesmen have degenerated to dangerous partisans and shameless promoters of a narrow, parochial interest, at the expense of the national interest. ''Who does not know that wherever President Goodluck Jonathan's interest lies, therein you will find Chief Edwin Clark, whether or not it is in the national interest?

Who does not know that the anarchic call by Chief Clark and his cohorts are being made at the behest of a frenzied presidency?

The party also pointed to what it called the irresponsible and divisive statement by PDP’s spokesman, Olisa Metuh, as another indication that those working hard to sink the elections have not given up, wondering why Metuh will make such an incendiary statement that the APC and INEC are working hand in hand to disenfranchise the supporters of the PDP by making sure they do not get PVCs, without a shred of evidence beyond sheer emotions. ''People like Metuh speak just because they could, not because what they say adds any value to democratic governance. Nigerians are undoubtedly confounded that the spokesman of a ruling party will be fanning the embers of ethnic discord at such a sensitive time like this.

There must be a limit to desperation,'' APC said, urging Nigerians to repudiate those who will stop at nothing to bring the nation crashing down instead of losing power through the ballot box.

Jega’s appointment came with much fanfare.

He was hailed as the activist and unionist who would come to level the electoral playing field.

Indeed, after the 2011 elections, there was groundswell of approval, both in Nigeria and abroad, which suggested that the people’s votes have started to count.

The INEC boss soon came under intense pressure and arm-twisting by the government, all which climaxed in the eventual postponement of the elections to March 28 and April 11. Although President Jonathan claimed in the media chat that he was never consulted over the postponement, observers could not reconcile that claim by the Commanderin-Chief with events preceding the postponement, which suggested that the INEC boss was literally forced to act by the service chiefs’ warning that they could not guarantee security during the elections owing to their impending offensive against Boko Haram.

In his reaction, Buhari expressed disappointment and frustration over the postponement, saying that INEC has been “severely compromised”. The APC presidential candidate, however, called for calm and restraint, urging Nigerians not to

From shanties to palatial ‘homes’: Lagos IDPs celebrate freedom from mosquitoes, rats — Pages 18, 19 & 20

take the law into their hands. He noted that the electoral commission had been under severe pressure from the government, and called for non-interference in the activities of the commission.

“This postponement, which comes on the heels of the bogey of the National Security Adviser that half of the registered voters were being disenfranchised, was exposed as a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral process. The PDP administration has now engineered a postponement using the threat that security will not be guaranteed across the length and breadth of Nigeria because of military engagement in some states in the North-East. It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure. Thus, the independence of INEC has been gravely compromised.”

The APC is not amused by the unfolding scenario. The party believes that the postponement is intended to slow down the momentum which Gen. Buhari’s campaign was believed to be generating.

According to this theory, the additional six weeks will allow Jonathan to catch his breath and re-strategise to regain lost grounds. If the allegation is anything to go by, it may end up as a futile exercise because it could make the APC candidate even more popular.

There is no guarantee that the insurgency would end before March 28. Even if it does, it might reinforce the theory that the war in the North-East was a creation of the PDP to discredit opponents of the Jonathanled administration. Besides, majority of the people appear to have made up their minds who to vote for.

The development is a slap on the face of Nigerians. It has been described as a national embarrassment. INEC had released the timetable more than a year ago and a lot of preparations had been put in by all stakeholders towards ensuring a hitch-free exercise. Up till the last moment, officials of the commission had been consistently assuring Nigerians that they were ready for the elections.

The commission maintained that it had put in all the necessary measures to tackle logistics problems relating to the distribution of PVCs, the situation in the North East and internally-displaced persons.

Professor Jega is the 11th indigenous electoral body chairman and the first northerner to fill that position. The first post-independence election held in 1964 was conducted by Eyo Ita Esua from Cross River State. Then Michael Ani, also from Cross River State, headed the then Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) that conducted the 1979 election, after which he stepped down, allowing Justice Victor OvieWhiskey from Delta State to conduct the 1983 elections.

Then, Professor Humphrey Nwosu from Anambra State, conducted the annulled June 12, 1993. At the return of civilian rule in 1999, Justice Ephraim Akpata from Edo State conducted the election that ushered in President Obasanjo into office in 1999. Unfortunately, Justice Akpata died in office in 2000 and he was replaced by Dr. Abel Gubadia from Edo State, who conducted the 2003 general elections. When Gubadia’s tenure ended in 2005, Professor Maurice Iwu from Imo State succeeded him and conducted the 2007 elections that brought in the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

When Iwu’s tenure expired in 2010, Prof. Jega was appointed

by President Jonathan to succeed him.

Our plans for Lovers’ Day • Obey, Fernandez’s wife, Ituah Ighodalo, Ita-Giwa, other celebrities — Pages 29, 30 & 31

THE NATION, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2015

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PDP governors in fresh plot to stop Buhari Continued from Page 1 The governors, it was further learnt, may also ask the IGP to revisit the PTF report .

Buhari headed the PTF, an intervention agency set up by the regime of late Head of State General Sani Abacha . Former President Olusegun Obasanjo later investigated the agency, but found nothing against Buhari. Last month, Obasanjo gave the APC candidate a clean bill while running the PTF. Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the af-

fected governors were uncomfortable that legal advice had pointed to likely loss of all cases against Buhari’s eligibility.

It was learnt that the affected governors had a session in Abuja on Thursday night on how to “stop Buhari” at all cost.

They were said to be disappointed that “presumption of innocence” is heavily in favour of Buhari.

A reliable source said: “Some PDP governors and some forces against Buhari have received in-depth legal advice, indicating that all the suits against

Buhari are mere academic exercises.

“These governors, who met in Abuja on Thursday, have become frustrated. They are looking for any shred of evidence to level criminal charges against Buhari.

“They have realized that without concrete facts and evidence, they cannot get any fiat to prosecute Buhari and stop him from contesting.”

Another source said: “The governors and some forces are plotting to cook up frivolous allegations which they will

present in a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to enable the police investigate Buhari.

“You can see that these forces are working on Plan B to disqualify Buhari to scuttle the rescheduled general elections.

“They know that there is no way they can disqualify Buhari without creating crisis nationwide.”

As at press time, it was gathered that no petition has been submitted to the police.

A police source said: “If there are issues against Buhari,

we have to subject these to thorough investigation which cannot be conducted overnight.

“And investigation of any kind takes time.”

But a reliable source in the APC said going by legal precedents, those behind eligibility suits against Buhari are wasting their time.

The source said: “Whatever plot they are planning, we will rise to the challenge. It is just unfortunate that they want to win election through the backdoor.

“They are just afraid of going to the poll with Buhari. We know that since they postponed the elections, they must be working on some mischief.

“Going by the security siege on APC leaders and telephone bugging, they are building up a new plot.

“If you look at Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution, Buhari is eminently qualified to contest the presidential election.”

Section 131 says: “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty (40) years; (c )he is a member of a political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its

equivalent.

“In Section 318, School Certificate or equivalent means (a) a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or (b) education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or “(c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent and (i) service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for a minimum of 10 years; and “(ii) attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totalling up to a minimum of one year, and “(iii) the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English Language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC); and “(d) Any other qualification acceptable by the INEC.” PDP governors in the north are uncomfortable with Buhari in the race. Their fear is that they may not realise their second term or senatorial ambition with the general in the race.

Tinubu’s supporters to military: ‘this is not Sambisa Forest’

•From left: Son of the late Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao and Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Hon. Faruq Alao; Aare Alasa of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi; another son of Arisekola, Mr. Luqman Alao and Elder Wole Oyelese at the remembrance prayer for the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland at his residence in Ibadan ...yesterday PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Boko Haram: FG raises panel to probe alleged sale of IDPs’ children T HE Federal Government yesterday said it had raised a panel to probe the alleged trafficking and outright sale of some children of the Internally Displaced Persons in the North-East.

The government said it was disturbed that hundreds of children were being trafficked to some countries as a result of Boko Haram insurgency.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), who issued a statement in Abuja, said the government was determined to prevent acts that will further traumatise its citizens.

The statement said:

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation "Government's attention has been drawn to an article published by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), alleging that hundreds of Nigerian children are being trafficked from some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps set up to cater for people displaced as a result of the insurgency in the Northeast Geo-Political Zone.

"The Federal Government views these allegations with serious concern as it places a high premium on the welfare

and well-being of her citizens.

"Consequently, an InterMinisterial Committee comprising of relevant agencies and security personnel has been set up to, among other things, investigate the matter with a view to holding accountable all those found culpable in these nefarious acts and recommend appropriate measures to forestall future occurrence.

"Government has also taken steps to strengthen security around all registered IDP Camps. As an interim measure, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in

Persons (NAPTIP) has been directed to conduct enlightenment campaigns for caregivers in the camps.

"Government is determined to prevent acts that will further traumatise its citizens who have found themselves in these camps due to circumstances beyond their control.

"May I restate unequivocally, government's commitment to the task of providing protection and assistance to victims of armed conflicts and internal strife and its resolve to provide adequate security of lives and property of her citizenry?"

Alleged N15b fraud: EFCC arrests Nyako’s son

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HE Economic and Finan cial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it had arrested Abdul-Aziz Nyako, one of the sons of exGovernor Murtala Nyako, for alleged N15billion fraud.

The agency said though it arrested Abdul-Aziz in Gombe, the suspect had been flown to Abuja.

The arrest of Abdul-Aziz was contained in a statement last night in Abuja by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

The statement said: “Barely two weeks after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, and his son, Abdul-Aziz, wanted, operatives of the anti- graft agency, yesterday arrested the younger Nyako in Gombe, Gombe State. “ He was immediately flown to Abuja where he is currently being grilled by a crack team of

•It’s politically motivated, says ex- Adamawa gov’s aide Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation detectives who had been working on the Adamawa investigation for several months.

“Abdul-Aziz, who was declared wanted by the EFCC in the case of stealing, abuse of office and money laundering, is currently telling investigators all he knows about illicit funds traced to companies where he has interest.”

The statement gave insights into some allegations against Abdul-Aziz which were being investigated.

The EFCC said: “Specifically, he will have to explain how over N15billion funds belonging to Adamawa State was laundered into the accounts of five companies owned by him- Blue Opal Nigeria limited, Crust Energy Nigeria Limited, Blue Ribbon

Multilinks Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Blue Ribbon Bureau De Change.

“The funds were funnelled into the accounts of the companies from Adamawa State accounts domiciled in a new generation bank by the account officer who incidentally is the manager and an in-law to Nyako.

“The manager claimed he transferred the funds through verbal instruction from the former governor for purposes which are not stated.

“Investigations revealed that from 2007 to 2011 within Nyako’s tenure in office, before he was impeached in 2014, he had directed that all of the state owned accounts domiciled in various banks be transferred to the new generation bank .

“Abdul-Aziz’s company, Blue Opal, is said to own,

among other investments in Nigeria, an estate in Abuja, while his father’s account officer owns several properties and investments scattered around Abuja, Yola and Kano.

“Former governor Nyako is still on the run.”

But a former aide to Nyako, who spoke in confidence, said: “The arrest of Abdul-Aziz was politically motivated because the PDP is finding it difficult to win the coming general elections in Adamawa State.

“The PDP is afraid of the formidable structure of exGovernor Nyako because it is payback time to the party by the people of the state.

“The PDP has effected reconciliation within its ranks, but many are still threatening protest votes. This is why they are using the EFCC to persecute known opponents of the PDP in the state.”

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UPPORTERS of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Asiwaju Bola Tinubu,are not amused by the recent deployment of soldiers close to his Bourdillon Road,Ikoyi residence.

For four days this week,the armed soldiers laid siege to the area in what the APC called part of the plan by the Presidency to intimidate leaders of the party in the run-up to the rescheduled elections.

Although the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division,Major General Tunmi Dibi, said the military deployment was ‘routine’ and part of a joint measure to secure Lagos,Tinubu’s supporters responded in a unique way yesterday with a message for whom it may concern.

They hung two giant banners across Tinubu’s fence with the inscription: “Wrong Posting. This is not Sambisa Forest.”

Sambisa Forest in Borno State is believed to be the hideout of Boko Haram fighters where over 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok last year by the sect were first taken to.

Several of the group’s training camps are also located therein.

Jonathan advised to eschew rigging

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social critic and activist, Pastor (Dr) Moses Iloh, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to eschew rigging in the coming presidential election.

In a statement marking his 85th birthday yesterday, the General Overseer, Soul Winning Chapel, urged the president to debunk through his actions the allegation that he wants to use the election postponement to perfect the strategy for massive rigging, sensing that the pendulum of electoral victory swings against him.

“It is necessary to warn the president against any temptation to use the postponement as a strategy to perfect the arrangement to use the army and police for massive rigging of the election,”said the founder of the Eclectic Network, a socio -political pressure group.

Dr. Iloh, a veteran labour leader who clocked 85 yesterday, was a Zikist and member of the NCNC and the Northern Elements Progressive Union led by Mallam Aminu Kano of blessed memory.

He was also a First XI member of the Plateau Highlanders in the 50s.

As a pioneer member of the Red Cross in Nigeria, Pastor Iloh had the historic role of lowering the British flag and foisting the Nigerian Red Cross flag for the first time during the hand-over transition from British Red Cross to Nigerian Red Cross at the Independence celebration in 1960.

Just close to his birthday, Iloh, a national executive member of the CAN and PFN, was honoured by the Bible Society of Nigeria with an award for service to God and humanity.

President’s advisers condemned

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PDP chieftain, Engineer Funto Savage, has described President Goodluck Jonathan as a good man who is surrounded by bad advisers and associates.

He, therefore, advised the president to warn his associates to change their war-mongering posture which is capable of breaking up the nation.

Engineer Savage, who declined comment on who will win the presidential election between Buhari and Jonathan, stated categorically that the PDP will win the gubernatorial election in Lagos state with equally impressive showings in the polls for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.

“The disagreement within the party doesn’t matter. It’s one of those things in a democracy. The beauty of it all is that at the end of it all, every hands are already on the deck for the PDP to have a landslide polls in Lagos State “, Engineer Savage further said.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2015

Eid-El-Maulud

APC greets Nigerians on Valentine's Day •Be prepared to celebrate your freedom from PDP’s yoke, says party

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•Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (second left), addressing the press on the lawless acts of FERMA agents at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja yesterday. With him are Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba (second right), his transport counterpart, Mr. Kayode Opeifa (left), and Managing Director, Lagos State Advertising and Signage Agency (LASAA), Mr. George Noah).

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) is wishing Nigerians a happy Valentine's Day, as they join the rest of the world to mark the Day today.

The party urges them to prepare to "celebrate their imminent liberation from the PDP-imposed yoke" under which they have laboured for many years.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in a statement in Lagos yesterday that "but for the insistence of the PDP and the Jonathan administration that the suffering of Nigerians must be prolonged for another six weeks,

Lagos may sue FG over illegal placement of political adverts

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HE Lagos State govern ment has formally com plained to President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged confusion instigated on Lagos roads by a 'faceless' Federal Task Force.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, in a letter to the President, alleged that the recent deployment of personnel of the task force on Lagos roads created chaos all over.

The deployment,according to him, was done without regard to the existing laws in the state.

Also in dispute are the use of national colours on road kerbs and illegal placements of political adverts - all done without recourse to the law.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr.Ade Ipaye, who briefed reporters yesterday on the development said that last Thursday, unknown men in black uniform, under the aegis of the Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme/ Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (SUREP/FERMA) task force, forcefully took over traffic con-

•Fashola writes Jonathan over SURE-P/FERMA task force saga Miriam EKENE-OKORO

trol at the old toll gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

With them were four armed policemen.

He said the men proceeded to intimidate officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to vacate the axis.

He said: "We have made a series of complaints in the past and on one of such occasions when police personnel were attacked (by the task force), the police made some arrests and since then, we are yet to see a stoppage to this unlawful act.

"These men (Federal Task Force) have no terms and conditions known to us, whether they are paramilitary force created by statute; whether they have a code of conduct or regulation that guides what they can do; whether they can arrest, de-

tain and seize vehicles, among others, that are regulated by the law."

Continuing, he said: "The law that guides this group is totally unknown and they pose a serious risk to the people of Lagos. That is why we are particularly concerned.

"We want to urge a re-consideration by all the agencies concerned, and to stress the importance of maintaining law and order no matter what else is going on in the public. We, therefore, call on the FRSC, the Corp Marshal and the Minister of Transport and Works to call

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Dr Kuku said was “to enable it embrace different generations who could play dominant roles which would consolidate the ivy league image of the institution variously described as the university of first choice”.

He urged the over 150,000 strong alumni members from home and abroad to find time to visit the world – class environment provided by the multi-story ultra modern edifice facilities at the Alumni Jubilee Building overlooking the Lagos Lagoon on the main campus of the university.

According to the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tunde Awobiyi, Alumni Building will house the Hall of Fame which will serve as a pavilion for immortalizing and honouring distinguished members, groups, individuals and institutions of noteworthy contributions to the association. He disclosed that the building, completed in partnership with the Guarantee Trust Bank, offers state of the art banking services adding “it is also being packaged by the association to host an e-library, seminar rooms, befitting sit-out zones for students, functions hall, multipurpose lounge and well equipped and staffed administrative offices.”

ercise is aimed to show federal might and intimidate the people of Lagos State.

They must call FERMA to order. If we want to begin the use of green-white, then let us institutionalise it and begin to use it nationally. It should not be reserved only for Lagos" Managing Director of the Lagos State Advertisement Agency (LASAA), George Noah, said that the agency would soon head to the courts to challenge the indiscriminate placement of political advertisements without regard for established rules and norms.

Kubwa checkpoint shootings: Nobody died — Police

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HE Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Anjuguri Manzah, has reacted to the attack on the police post at Arab Road in the Kubwa area of Abuja.

The PRO, who confirmed

UNILAG alumni plan hostel for students HE University of Lagos Na tional Alumni Association has announced plans to collaborate with the management of the institution to build the 28,000 hostel demands from students now currently taking care of only 8,500.

This was one of the fallout from the Annual General Meeting of the association held at the Senate Chambers of the institution on Sunday. The association’s President, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, in his address to the gathering, urged “individuals, corporate organizations and friends of the university to assist in this direction whenever we call on you”.

Dr Kuku who announced that “henceforth, recognition awards shall only be given by the national body”, adding that “criteria for the two award categories of Distinguished and Merit Award/ Achievers shall be forwarded to all state branches for nominations as at when due”.

The AGM, which observed a moment of silence in honour of deceased alumni, including Dr (Mrs) Stella Adadevoh, IGI’s Chief Remi Olowude and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gbenga Ashiru, also approved some amendments to the association’s constitution which

FERMA to order on the paintings, while the Federal Government ensures that the illegal task force group is removed from Lagos."

On the painting of road kerbs in the green-white-green national colours,Trasportation Commissioner Kayode Opeifa also at the briefing said this is contrary to the international best practices and national highway code of white and black colours for visibility by road users.

His words: "Best practice requires two contrasting colours of white and black or yellow and black. We believe the ex-

the Valentine's Day, which is a global celebration of love and affection, would have also marked the celebration of freedom from the PDP servitude by all Nigerians."

The party, however, said that "those who orchestrated a needless postponement of the elections have only won a Pyrrhic victory as the delay will only further sweeten the joys of victory over the oppressors of the Nigerian people, over those who have looted the country's treasury dry and left broken bones and gnashing of teeth in their wake. ''Saturday, February 14 would have been a day of double celebration, of Valentine's Day and of the liberation of the long-suffering people of Nigeria from the burden imposed on them by a clueless, incompetent and purposeless PDP federal government. ''While they could not change Valentine's Day from February 14, they have temporarily delayed the celebration of freedom by their orchestrated six-week postponement of the elections. Nigerians should see this as a temporary setback. They should continue to maintain their unwavering enthusiasm for change by getting their PVCs ready to vote out the yoke masters. ''Nigerians must continue to insist that the elections be held as rescheduled and in line with constitutional provisions.''

The National Secretary, Mr. Tunde Fadahunsi, had earlier in his report announced that in order to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure effective coordination and harnessing of resources, the relationship between the Office of Advancement and the alumni association had been streamlined.

Faith YAHAYA, Abuja

that there was an attack on the post, claimed that nobody died.

Manzah, who described the incident as unfortunate, noted that only two police officers sustained injuries from the attack and they are currently in the hospital.

He said: "Truly, an unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of this morning (yesterday) that involved our men and unidentified gunmen and in the process of the attack, two of our men sustained some levels of injury as a result of their response to the attack and they have been taken to the hospital.

"Investigation is, however, ongoing to track down the attackers. We cannot

ascertain the number of those who were attacked but we will surely get them", he said.

‘NCP, a party of patriots’

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OMRADE Musbau Ishola Agbodemu, a National Con science Party (NCP) candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly election, has called on the electorate to vote massively for him at the coming election.

The politician, who is to represent the Mainland Constituency, described his party as the only credible party with an array of patriots and citizens who are sincerely devoted to the interest and wellbeing of the downtrodden.

“Over the years, as a social and community activist, I have been in the vanguard of the defence of the rights and interests of the good people of the Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State where I was born, brought up and have been living till now.

“This duty I have discharged with absolute dedication and devotion”, said the NCP candidate who advised the electorate to avoid the deceptive game plan of parties which bribe them with money only to enslave them for the next four years.

•From right: Director, Office of Advancement, University of Lagos, Mrs Mercy Enuoyibo; National Publicity Secretary, Unilag Alumni Association, Mr Tunde Awobiyi; an ex-NNPC chief, Mr Moba Ajelabi and the Registrar of the university, Dr. (Mrs) Taiwo Ipaye, at the Annual General Meeting of the alumni recently.

THE NATION

NEWS 5

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

Buhari once ordered me to dismiss 48 errant cadets in NDA, 32 of them Muslims –Gen. Paul Tarfa

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ORMER Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), General Paul Tarfa has said that the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has never been a religious bigot, but a man committed to discipline.

He added that it is foolish for anyone to say that Buhari does not have school certificate.

Tarfa said in Abuja that most Nigerians who joined the army during the Nigerianisation of the Nigerian Army in the 1960s obtained their school certificates after becoming officers.

“I had the same Principal with General Buhari in person of Mr. West,” he said Tarfa, who has lived a quiet life since he retired from the army, said: “I stand up here to say a few words about General Buhari because I am one of those who know him most.

“We met in 1963 as cadets and we shared one thingdiscipline, punctuality and purposefulness.

“Like him, I heard erroneously that I am a fanatical Christian. I don’t know if I am, but I am a Christian to the letter.

“I remember that Buhari used to say that following the tenets of Islam does not make one a fanatic.

“If I read my bible before I sleep, does it make me a fanatical Christian?

“In addition to what has been said, I want to say that in 1984 when he was the head of state, I was posted to the Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps in Lagos from the Command and Staff Col-

Tony AKOWE, Abuja lege in Jaji. The Nigeria Defence Academy was on its way to becoming a degree awarding institution. I was in Lagos for only three months and there was a reshufflement and I was asked to go back to Kaduna.

“I reported to him that I had just come here and so, let me stay here. He said no, in the first place, your posting to the Ordinance Corps is wrong. I want you to go to the Defence Academy because I want our future officers to take after your character. So, I took my wife and family and returned to Kaduna.

“On my first week in the academy, I blew what we called the tattoo. Tattoo means blowing horn at 12 midnight or after to make sure you catch those who are not in their dormitory.

“Before then, Gen. Buhari had heard that our cadets were sleeping in surrounding villages. Some were going to Zaria to come back early in the morning, looking sleepy and not concentrating.

“When we blew the tattoo, everybody had to come out, even if you were sick and you had to be carried to the parade ground. When we counted, there were about 48 cadets absent that night.

They were in the villages with prostitutes.

“I was with Prof. Ukpabi, who was then the Academy Provost. I said the number was too much for me to dismiss even though they were supposed to be dismissed.

“Out of the 48 errant cadets, about 32 were from the North, and out of these 32,

Botched election: NLC meets Wednesday to fix new date

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HE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is to meet Wednesday, February 18 to decide on a new date for the NLC election that was stalemated on Thursday in Abuja.

The NLC General Secretary, Dr Peter OzoEson, said yesterday in a statement that the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the congress met a few hours after the disruption of the 11th National Delegates Conference voting process by some aggrieved members.

He said: “As painful as this unfortunate disruption is, we are determined to work with all those concerned and the organs and friends of the congress to find a way to resolve the impasse.

“This is without the current leadership exceeding the constitutionally mandated time limit of four years.”

Shedding light on what triggered the disruption, Ozo-Eson said that on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 12, at 8:45 a.m., a printing

error was spotted in a few ballot papers by way of duplication of names.

The error,he said, affected four candidates two of whom were from opposing camps.

“As regrettable as this error by the credential committee was, its degree was insignificant and could have been resolved amicably by way of vote invalidation,” he said.

“This was not to be so, as some delegates who held the view that the entire process might have been corrupted, reacted sharply which led to the suspension of the voting process.”

the majority were from the far North. In other words, they were Muslim cadets.

“I flew to Lagos and met General Buhari and told him, ‘this is what you said we should do, bug look at the number.’

“Even though majority of them were Muslims, he said,’ dismiss them all.’ I told him that the number was too much and that if I did that, our Muslim brothers in Kaduna would kill me. He said, ‘They won’t. If these people become officers, they will not be good for us. There was no such thing as this during our time. We will not have half-baked officers, whether they are Christians or Muslims. If they are not

good, it does not matter. So, dismiss them all.’

“When I came back, Prof, Ukpabi and I decided to dismiss the very bad ones and keep the good ones. That was how we restored discipline in the academy.

“What I am trying to say is this. where is the fanaticism here. He didn’t say because they were Muslims, we should leave them.

“This has been the character of General Buhari. If it is right, it is right.

“I am not trying to praise him, but to bring out the qualities in this man. A vote for General Buhari is a vote for change.

“People are thinking whether it is a do or die. To

him, it is Nigeria first and not Buhari first. So, I believe a vote for Buhari is a vote for change; change for good.”

On Buhari’s educational qualification, he said: “Buhari’s principal was my principal. From their school, the principal, Mr. West was sent to our school.

“In those days when Nigeria was Nigerianising its military, many of the officers that you see today did not even have their school certificates until long after.

“When we were invited to go to Kaduna, we were given qualifying examination in English, Mathematics and General Knowledge, even before we took the

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (second left), Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ismail Olalekan Alli (left), the Chief Imam of The Polytechnic, Ibadan Central Mosque, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeyemi (second right) and the Chairman of the institution's Muslim Community, Mallam Isiaq Salam during the Jumat prayers at the institution... yesterday

Five killed in first Boko Haram attack on Chad

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OKO Haram terrorists yesterday carried out their first attack inside Chad, killing five people.

The early morning strike on Ngouboua village and military camp on the shores of Lake Chad left four civilians and one soldier dead.

Much of the village was torched before the jihadists were pushed back, a security source said.

The attackers struck after crossing the lake from Baga, Nigeria to Ngouboua in large canoes.

Two-thirds of Ngouboua, where around 7,000 Nigerian refugees have sought refuge

from the jihadists attacks, was torched in the onslaught.

Chadian military aircraft carried out airstrikes against the militants, destroying their vessels, the security source added.

Similar cross-border raids and suicide bombings in the Republic of Niger town of Diffa this week by Boko Haram have forced thousands of Nigeriens to flee their homes.

Attacks in Niger are deepening a humanitarian crisis in the remote border zone which is struggling to feed some 150,000 people who have run to escape the violence.

About 7,000 arrived this

week in Zinder, Niger’s second biggest town some 450 km west of Diffa.

Niger’s military said its forces had killed 260 Boko Haram militants and had arrested others in fighting since February 6. A suspected local leader of the group was arrested and several weapons including rocket launchers seized from his home.

The International Rescue Committee, which supplied the population estimates, has teams working around Diffa and Zinder. Matias Meier, country director, said some families in Zinder, one of the poorest regions in Niger, were having to host

Condemnation trails harassment of APC leaders

A

cross section of Nigerians yesterday deplored the harassment of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by security agencies ahead of the March/April elections.

The party’s national chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun; the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Director-General of the Buhari Presidential Campaign organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former

school certificate exam.

Some did not even wait to take their school certificates because vacancies were already waiting for them.

“It was after that qualifying exam that we were recruited into the army. By the time some had their school certificates, they had become officers.

“For example, Gen. Babangida never saw his school certificate until when he was head of state. I got my school certificate long after I became an officer.

“But there was officer cadet qualifying examination.

About 240 of us sat for that exam in Kaduna”.

Plot to rig Imo election uncovered

Bolaji OGUNDELE,Warri; Nicholas KALU, Calabar; Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna; Damisi OJO, Akure Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva and former Kwara State governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, are among the leaders under surveillance.

Their phones are allegedly bugged.

Reacting to the development yesterday, individuals and groups across the coun-

try expressed disappointment at what they saw as moves to silence the opposition while Niger Delta militants who have been openly threatening national security are left untouched.

The Executive Director of the Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged (CENTREP), Oghenejabor Ikimi, called the harassment a manifestation of dictatorship by the ruling party.

“I state without mincing

words that this is a reminder of the dark era of military rule in Nigeria, and a pointer to the desperation by the Presidency and the ruling party to intimidate and subdue members of the main opposition party and other opposition voices ahead of the postponed general elections.

“It is dictatorial and undemocratic. I think we are dangerously moving towards the dark old days of military •Continoued on Page 6

20 people, while other displaced were sleeping in the stadium.

“Everyone wants to get as far from Boko Haram as possible,” the politician said, asking not to be named.

The IRC’s Meier said: “Those who went on the trucks are the lucky ones. Bus tickets are sold out until the end of next week. Many are just walking or going by bicycle.”

A tout at Diffa’s bus station said hundreds of mini-busses, coaches and trucks had ferried people out of the town. The cost of a seat in any vehicle travelling to Zinder had nearly tripled to 15,000 CFA francs ($26), he said.

Niger’s army, backed by Chadian forces deployed to the country, has fought several battles sparked by raids in the Diffa region by militants this week.

“We have taken the steps necessary to guarantee the peace and security of the population. We call on people not to panic,” said Colonel Moustapha Michel Ledru, spokesman for Niger’s armed forces.

A state of emergency has been declared in Diffa region.

6

THE NATION

NEWS

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday it had uncovered a plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the forthcoming elections in Imo State in favour of the PDP. The APC claimed that the voters’ register circulating in certain parts of the state had been doctored.

Raising the alarm, the Chairman of Rochas Campaign Council in Oru East Local Government Area, Chief Romanus Egbuladike, said the reason for the discrepancies in the register was obvious.

He cited a polling booth (004) in Awo-Omamma Ward 3 of Oru East Local

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

APC raises alarm over alleged plot to rig polls in Imo Okodili NDIDI, Owerri Government Area – where, according to him, the voters’ register contains only 34 names “as against the actual number of registered voters, which was over 700 in 2011.”

This alone, Egbuladike said, has disenfranchised almost 600 people who have already collected their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

He said: “The number of registered voters in my polling unit, Umudara Ocha Hall, is above 700 and as we speak, over 500 voters have collected their PVCs. But what we have in the voters’ register released by INEC for the 2015 elections

•‘Voters’ register doctored to favour PDP’ing the question about the showed that only 32 voters were registered in the polling unit.”

Egbuladike also alleged that Omuma Ward, where Senator Hope Uzodinma of the PDP comes from, was allocated 11,630 voters out of the 20,297 registered voters in the Council Area.

“The plot to undermine the election in Oru-East and other LGAs across the state is glaringly clear. For instance, out of the 10 wards that make up the LGA, Omuma Ward, where the Senator comes from, has more registered voters than

the remaining nine wards,” he said.

“While his polling Unit 010, Ozuh Hall was allocated 3431 voters, other units suspected to be APC strongholds were allocated between 2 and 30 voters and in other places, just one voter.”

He gave a breakdown of the level of distortion in the voters’ register as follows: Awo Ward (2): 1,488 voters as against over 4000 registered voters; Awo Ward (1): 1,846 as against 6,000 registered voters; Awo Ward (4): 845 as against 4,000 voters; Omuma Ward (Uzodinma’s

Ward): 11,630 as against 9,000 registered voters.

Continuing, Egbuladike said: “Our worry is that the election in the state is already compromised if nothing is done to correct this anomaly. We have visited the state office of INEC to register our complaints and the register they have in their database is different from the one issued in Abuja, which is likely going to be used for the elections.

“Another irregularity in the voters’ register is that it was printed on Sunday, January 11 at about 4.30 am, rais-

authenticity of the register.

We are also calling on the national leadership of the APC to verify the voters’ registers in all the states to ensure that they reflect the actual figure of registered voters before the elections” When contacted, the INEC Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Emmanuela Opara, said she was not aware of any voters’ register.

She said: “I cannot respond to the issue because I don’t have such register before me. I cannot respond on what I don’t know about.”

Condemnation trails harassment of APC leaders •Continoued from Page 5 juntas where might was always right and rule by force prevailed while the rule of law was made to prostrate.

“The federal government must halt these sinister acts of its security agencies on members of the opposition forthwith as same do not speak well about its human rights record.”

The South South chapter of the Buhari Legacy Foundation (BLF) berated the security agencies for failing to bring those threatening to set Nigeria on fire should President Jonathan lose his re-election bid to book.

Regional coordinator of the BLF, Francis Okporoko, said in Udu, Delta State yesterday that militants threatening war in the event that President Jonathan loses his re-election bid to keep shut.

He said: “We have continued to hear in the media recently words from people who claim to be Niger Delta militants, threatening the corporate existence of this country; people like Tompolo, Dokubo-Asari and the rest.

We want to make it clear that they don’t represent the Niger Delta people. They should speak for themselves. “ I think it’s unfortunate for anyone to come out to say Nigeria will break if Jonathan loses or Buhari wins. On the contrary, if Jonathan loses election, this country will not break, and if Buhari wins, this country will be better.

“We were all part of that struggle, but today, some of the ex-militants are living in affluence, living off the fruits of our commonwealth.

“If you look at the Urhobo people today, we have been marginalised for a very long time, but we have not threatened the corporate existence of this country.

“It is those who are enjoying the largesse of this country, those who are getting contracts worth billions of naira that are now the ones threatening the rest of us.”

Also condemning the harassment of the APC leaders,r Akure lawyer and rights activist, Charles Titiloye, said it is an further demonstration of the desperation of the ruling PDP to intimidate the APC. “It signals the beginning of despotic and misuse of security apparatus to terrorise the opposition in the forth coming general election in Nigeria.

“This is an indication that the PDP is not interested in

any peace accord but will resort to any means to retain power irrespective of the democratic yearnings of Nigerians for change.”

An APC leader in Ondo State, Senator Olorunnimbe Farukanmi, said the military siege “is uncalled for even under democratic setting. After 16 years of civil rule, it is worrisome that this situation is happening.

“My appeal to APC supporters and Nigerians as a whole is that they should shun violence. Don’t return violence for violence with the PDP administration which is on its way out.”

President of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Mandate (SNPM), Mr Augustine Chibudum, a socio-political organisation comprising Concerned South-South Movement (CSSM), South

•Continoued on Page 60

•The All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (fourth left) paid a solidarity visit to the new Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) President General, Chief Tuesday Onoge (fifth left). With them is APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor (third left) and other chieftans of UPU at Onoge's residence in Ekpan, Warri, Delta State.

NHRC condemns move to discredit Jega, INEC

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HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday deplored what it called attempts by some individuals and political parties to discredit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the build up to the coming elections.

NHRC Chairman Chidi Odinkalu, speaking against the backdrop of the recent call by Chief Edwin Clark-led Southern Nigerian Peoples Assembly for the sack and arrest of Jega, noted that the legitimacy of the electoral process requires that every Nigerian believes and respects the capacity of the commission to deliver credible elections.

"Let's stop tarnishing INEC. The political parties, citizens, social media people should stop it. Tarnishing INEC can guarantee electoral violence,” Odinkalu said at the launch of the NHRC's report and advisory on election violence.

The 80-page report captured incidents of election violence during electoral campaigns.

He added: "There are few Nigerians who will accept INEC Chairmanship and bring the level of integrity he (Jega) has brought to the job.

"He (Jega) is a human being.

He is not perfect. But, you know what? He has a wife, he's got children, he's got grandchildren, he's got students who went through him and he is a decent man.

"He is not a thief; he is not a rogue. He wants to do the best work he can and we've got to

•Commission says INEC chair is decent Eric IKHILAE, Abuja support him. And we don't support him alone, we should support his team.

The NHRC said about 58 Nigerians have been killed in pre-election violence in 22 states of the federation in the last 60 days.

Twenty-two of the deaths oc-

curred in 11 incidents in Lagos State, followed by Kaduna with nine deaths in three incidents and Gombe with five deaths in three incidents.

There were six incidents in Rivers State, including the detonation of explosives and attacks on courts.

Odinkalu, who decried the increasing violence said that

the majority of young Nigerians, who will decide the outcome of elections lack memories of violence in the nation's post-independence struggle.

He said Nigeria is capable of conducting violence-free elections and announced plan by the commission to invite President Goodluck Jonathan, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of

the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu'azu, and his APC counterpart, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to jointly record a message denouncing violence and urging Nigerians to shun electoral violence.

He said the message would be disseminated through all known platforms of mass communication.

Supreme Court nullifies Plateau traditional ruler’s appointment 30 years after

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HE Supreme Court yesterday nullified the appointment of a traditional ruler in Plateau State, Nde Goyang Kayili of Somji, Kabwir District, Pankshin Local Government Area, 30 years after he ascended the throne.

Delivering the lead judgment in an appeal brought

by Kayili’s counsel against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Jos Division, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi held that the appeal lacked merit and dismissed it.

The apex court’s fivemember panel also held that the main appeal and crossappeals were devoid of merit and dismissed them but declined to award costs to either party.

According to the court the Court of Appeal was right to have decided that the Somji

Stool was rotational between the two royal houses of Neha and Ne’es.

It affirmed the Court of Appeal’s judgment that it was Neha’s exclusive right and turn to occupy the stool since the death of Nde Boyi Goshit from Ne’es family on Sept. 5, 1984.

Justice Ogunbiyi said:“The Court of Appeal was on a sound footing and could not be faulted when it preferred the evidence of the plaintiffs on this issue as against the evidence of the defendant.

“In the result and with all issues resolved against the appellant, the totality of the appeal is lacking in merit and on the totality of the appeal and cross-appeal, both are dismissed with no order as to costs.

“Having proved that they

belong to the Somji Ruling House, whose stool is rotational, and that it is now the turn of their Ruling House, it is therefore, their exclusive right to occupy the stool.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the plaintiffs, Esly Yilbuk and two others, now deceased, had instituted the suit in 1987, challenging Kayili’s appointment on behalf of the Neha Ruling House.

The plaintiffs had joined Plateau Attorney-General and Pankshin Local Government as co-defendants in the suit.

Mr Jim Gotom, the plaintiffs’ counsel, had sought the following reliefs, among others: a declaration that the purported election,selection

or appointment and installation of Kayili by the Pankshin Local Government and confirmation by the state government was null and void;and a declaration that the plaintiffs and Neha family was the only house or has right to aspire to Somji stool.

The plaintiffs also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from parading himself as the ruler of Somji ,and restraining government from recognising the defendant’s appointment or validating same.

The trial court had held that the plaintiffs’ claim to the throne had not been proved and dismissed same, following which they proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Jos Division.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

COMMENTARY

7

‘Failure of logistics, weapons and morale‘ I

write with relief that the INEC booby trap of an election slated for today has been sprung harmlessly without catching any prey as planned and expected by the electoral body. INEC has blamed the security chiefs for the postponement, but in stressing that and ignoring its own state of unpreparedness, it has behaved like the proverbial ostrich with its head buried in the sand. For that excuse INEC should hang its head in shame and like a chastened dog hide its tail between its hind legs, for letting Nigeria so badly down by planning to hold an election when and where over 20m Nigerians were yet to have their voters cards. It was a recipe, tailor made for post election disputes on legitimacy and fair representation - the very essence of having elections in any democracy. Again I am happy that those that INEC could have disenfranchised with callous impunity and indifference while lying to the world, now have a fresh opportunity and time to make INEC face its responsibility squarely and allow them to vote in the rescheduled voting dates of March 28 and April 11. Let me state again that the onus is on INEC to prove this time around that it can conduct a credible free and fair election in 2015 , given the way it has bungled wittingly or not the first attempt which led to the postponement.

I got the title of today’s piece from a BBC interview this week of a Nigerian soldier in the war front against Boko Haram. At first I was sceptical about the motive of BBC thinking as usual they were trying to put down the Nigerian Army in its fight against Boko Haram, which is the usual past time nowadays of foreign media including CNN on this insurgency.

If that was their goal, this time they were disappointed. The Nigerian soldier bared his mind without losing his gallantry, his professionalism and especially his patriotism. Unidentified and unnamed, he spoke in clear baritone in spattering English.

He shocked by revealing that 200 soldiers sent as reinforcement to his unit refused to show up and are facing court martial for this. He said Boko Haram has better and more modern weapons than them and are more in number. That where they could muster about 500, Boko Haram had 3000 men ready. Asked if he thought the Nigerian Army could defeat Boko Haram, he answered positively and unhesitatingly and stated boldly and proudly.‘ Yes, I am a soldier‘ and my heart went to him for the pride with which he said it. He then went to say that the Nigerian soldiers fighting don’t know what the problem of the Army was because in his English – ‘ Logistics fail, Weapons fail, and Morale fail ‘ - and at that I was almost in tears but then I decided to make his pungent and moving lamentation, the topic of my essay today.

It is necessary for me to say here and now that I admire the spirit and confidence of that Nigerian sol-

dier a lot because of his pride in his profession and his confidence that Boko Haram could be defeated provided the Nigerian soldiers have the enabling environment in terms of logistic, weapons and morale. I leave it to the Army to consider this important information from one of its ranks and to treat the suggestion as a field information to improve its battle readiness to combat and hopefully defeat the Boko Haram insurgency. As for me I want to apply the words he used which really hooked me, to look at some issues today namely the nature of politics in the postponed elections, the attitude of the US and EU to the postponement and the withdrawal of US military personnel on Ebola from Liberia on the orders of President Barak Obama because of the spread of the disease amongst the Americans posted there. In effect then I am looking at these issues in terms of the candid but true lamentation of my Nigerian soldier friend though unknown hero - Logistics fail, Weapons fail, Morale fail!

Starting with the attitude of the two parties, it is apparent that each has accused the other of abetting INEC for the postponement but it is the PDP that has gone out of its way to show figures to prove it while APC candidate retired General Muhammadu Buhari called the postponement a coup. While the postponement frenzy was playing itself out, the US and EU asked the contestants to sign an agreement on no post election violence which they did. The US Consul was even shown in the news media posing with the APC and PDP gubernatorial candidates signing the non violence pact in Lagos. To me, both on the part of the parties as well as these foreign sympathisers the cart was definitely put before the horse. The interest in post election violence was overshadowing the readiness of INEC for the February 14 election which all parties both local and foreign in the post election violence jitters, conveniently ignored.

Now with the postponement and the overrated state of INEC’s position and posture for the Valentine Day’s elections I think they now know better and would be more circumspect in taking INEC for its word next time around.

Again I say to them like my soldier friend lamented to BBC – logistics fail, weapons fail, morale fail!

With regard to the attitude of the US and EU to the postponement I want to express both my disappointment and sympathy in that they mistook it as a ploy to sabotage democracy simply out of their ignorance of Nigerian poli-

tics. They simply did not seem to have gathered relevant and correct information on the issue of INEC’s readiness and if they did they did not take it seriously and that is an anormally that they would not have ignored in their own environment, which is a real pity. I will like them to remember Blairism, the Doctrine of the International Community formulated in 1999 when Tony Blair UK Prime Minister and former US President Bill Clinton invaded Kosovo without a UN resolution successfully to stop Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic from slaughtering Muslims in Kosovo.

The doctrine was based on the policy of making the world healthier, safer and richer by interfering in national disputes or problems and nipping them in the bud before they become global calamities but in the process planting democracy and capitalism in the affected nations.

The rationale was that genocides create refugees which affect regional stability as in Syria and Iraq. Corruption causes global financial melt down which affect the world economy negatively and Nigeria is a beehive of corruption. Pandemics too can easily spread like contagions across global borders and air space just like Ebola has gotten to the US and the US is withdrawing its troops in defiance of the Kosovo Doctrine which happens to be the foreign policy of the Democratic Party in the US headed by President Barak Obama.

US Secretary of State John Kerry’s hurried visit to Nigeria in retrospect was in the spirit of the Doctrine of the International Community but it was a journey based on misinformation and the subtle threat not to postpone could have done more harm than good to Nigeria’s democracy if it was heeded. Although some have criticised the Doctrine as dictatorial and that nations should be allowed to evolve their pattern of governance without US interference or imposition of democracy and capitalism, the policy itself can be helpful to some nations in deep trouble provided the US and its allies read the situation right and not as roundly wrongly as they did on Nigeria’s postponement of its Valentine Day’s election.

Lastly the fact that the US is withdrawing its troops from Liberia again shows how short sighted US African foreign policy is. The US has the technology and can do the research to annihilate Ebola but it is behaving like a global big cat that would eat fish from a pond without getting its paws wet.

Anyway it will not be the first time the US will abandon Liberia its only colony in Africa to its fate. It did so when Sergeant Samuel Doe took over and civil war crippled the country till ECOMOG troops led by Nigeria brought sanity to Liberia. Now ebola has seized Liberia and the US which initially hurried to help has bolted. Nigeria meanwhile has conquered ebola but is embroiled in controlling the Boko Haram insurgency and cannot help Liberia again. Surely the spirit of the International Community is facing serious challenges in our part of the world for now and some respite would be most welcome.

Aare Arisekola, with the multitude behind you T

ODAY, the world celebrates Lovers Day (Saint Valentine’s Day) and we, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao’s people (family, staff, business partners, friends, admirers, beneficiaries) all over the world also celebrate his posthumous 70th birthday, having been born at Adigun Village of Ibadanland, Ona Ara LGA of Oyo State on February 14, 1945. Little wonder Aare was lovable.

In his lifetime, moreso upon his installation as the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland in 1980, the late businessman and philanthropist downplayed the social aspects of births, deaths and birthdays. Rather, his main focus was on the religious plane of such anniversaries – that is prayers, charity and supplications for forgiveness of sins. Understandably, because of his octopus connections viz relationships, business and culture, Aare, his best known title, could not but partake or sponsor (social) ceremonies. And they were many.

While we respect Aare’s standpoint on celebrations as explained above, one cannot allow this remarkable day to pass unsung. May Allah (SWT) continue to show his mercy in Aljannah Fridaous to the late Vice-President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Aare of Ibadanland and recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award.

Amen.

From his humble birth, beginning, struggles (he used to describe those periods of his life as ‘Baranda’ time i.e buying and selling Gamalin products with quickwits), rise to national and world fame, and peaceful death, Aare was a great lesson in divine favour. Without the slightest intention to commit blasphemy or heresy, Aare successfully accomplished the terrestial mission chosen for him by Allah (SWT). The Valentine’s Day coincidence given by me earlier in this piece connoting today as spectacular is added testimony to Alhaji Aare AbdulAzeez Akanmu Arisekola Alao (A7) as a special being. Number 7, as numerology teaches, is a special number loaded with favourable meanings.

Aare was, apart from being special and favoured, also sweet, kind, humble, jovial, loyal, patriotic and open. He had an open heart as were his hands, and the gates of his palatial homes here and abroad. All a beneficiary - human, corporate bodies, governments, strangers and relations needed to do to enjoy Aare’s acclaimed charity was just to ask for his favour.

Rather than turn away seekers of succor empty-handed at moments when cash was yet to arrive from his many sources,

•Late Arisekola Oloye ‘Lekan ALABI Aare, would placate the seekers thus, “Won ti ‘deal’ pelu mi loni, jowo pada wa ni ojo…. (translation: “Beneficiaries have drained my purse today, please come on……) He would thereafter promise succor to the seekers, (rich, poor, famous, old, young, strangers etc) on a chozen day or hour without fail. Such was his large heartedness.

By the way, the title of this piece is an “offshoot” of the exclamation of Helen Baskin Liston, mother of a former world heavyweight boxing champion, the late Charles, alias Sonny Liston – the Big Bear of USA when her son suddenly died on 30th December, 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Jolted by Sonny’s death, she exclaimed. “Sonny, with all the friends you had in Las Vegas, why did you die?” Ditto to Aare. One, like all his admirers, exclaimed: “With the multitude behind you, Aare, why must you die now”? In Yorubaland, if an influential, kind and popular person takes ill, his/her well-wishers will pray for quick recovery and admonish him/her to think of the multitude behind him/her. But, as true believers, we cannot query God. Everyone was taken by surprise by Aare’s sudden exit.

Little wonder, therefore, a deluge of genuine heartfelt condolences flowed from clerics, presidents, governors, royals,

ministers, public and private officers and the masses, particularly plebians Aare’s beloved constituents – when he died in his sleep in his London (UK) home on Wednesday, 18th June, 2014. He was buried in his Oluwo (Ibadan) home on Friday, 20th June, 2014 after an open-air Fidau at the ’Lekan Salami Sport Complex, Ibadan, Oyo State. I have had the privilege of going through the manuscript of a forthcoming book of tributes on Aare, as the writer of the book’s foreword, and I can say that I am yet to read or hear of any private citizen who attracted the volume of sincere condolences from the broad spectrum of the society as Aare (A7) did. He was a true man of the people.

I have stated publicly before that I, and Aare’s very close aburo (younger sister) Ambassador Ibironke Vaughan Adefope, former Nigeria’s High Commsisioner to Zambia & Malawi, regarded Aare’s Oluwo (Ibadan) home as a “University of Life”. Aare was our beloved “ViceChancellor”. For those whose genuine attraction to and attendance at Oluwo were not based or influenced by pecuniary, political or social gains, our “VC” and the “Uni of Life” designations fitted Aare and his home perfectly. Of course, Aare was a strong rallying point for religion, tradition, culture, commerce, with politics coming a distant last.

What subject, personality or event under the sun was Aare not an authority on? None. If a topic appeared unknown (and this was rare) to Aare, he would plead that we allow him search his, “forest bedroom” (because of the cluster of documents, books and hardware), to fish the answer(s) vide documents – precolonial, independence and post civil war eras.

On the next day/ date of appointment given by him, our beloved “VC” would start reeling out names, places, dates etc of events that happened centuries ago wherever in the world.

He was a genius. The gifts of history, culture and tradition, especially our (Aare & I) flow in the area of music – Baba l’Egba’s genre of Sakara music particularly, remain golden to me. Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade’s factors to us are too well-known for recall here.

True, no human being is perfect. Aare had his foibles like us all. Many times, however, blurred views, hearsay or outright spite paint otherwise quiet, hardworking and kindhearted patriots as villains. For commercial, political or other social reasons, a great number of such innocent beings hire publicists, image-makers and lobbyists derisively called ‘spin-doc• Continued on page 8

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

COMMENTARY

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And the President explains…

ITHOUT doubt, last Wednesday’s Presidential Media Chat was one of the best outings of President Goodluck Jonathan in recent times. His past attempts at wowing the audience in a question and answer session, no matter how short, had been anything but inspiring. Oftentimes, through the television and radio sets in the living rooms of expectant citizens, he had vicariously dragged them through the torture of his uninspiring whining. The problem, I hazard a guess, lies more with his eternal predilection for dancing around crucial issues and belittling weighty matters instead of justifying his action with convincing analogies. That is where Wednesday’s episode was different.

This time, those who package him, taking a cue from his perpetual bumbling, commendably did well in asking the President to address the issues and imbue his answers with some substance.

Did he ‘kill it” during that session? Well, I would not say he did.

However, did he make a better job of what had become a drab, uninspiring two-hour media interaction with the Nigerian President? Yes, he did. At least, we can now pin him down on some knotty issues that had been begging for answers since his first misadventure on the programme aired live on the network of the Nigerian Television Authority.

So, what did Jonathan say that was remarkably different from what he had said in the past? Quite a lot if you asked me. It was apparent that Jonathan needed to make clarifications on certain statements credited to him, which the rival All Progressives Congress has been using to haunt him as the campaign for the presidential seat gets hotter. There could not have been a better platform to ventilate those thoughts than a nationwide live programme hosted by the President himself. Therefore, we should not begrudge the organisers of that ‘special programme’ if they had carefully picked members of the panel. Let’s face it, wouldn’t it have been tantamount to committing political suicide if the panel was made up of persons that would insist on asking questions without the timely ‘cuts’ of the moderator and the obvious restrictions placed on the flow of questions. Aside that, Jonathan actually said certain things that adequately compensated for the psychological torture some of us suffered, watching him struggling through a web of astounding paradoxes.

First, there was that discomfiting ‘truth’ he exposed about the hurriedly postponed February 14 presidential election, which raises more questions than answers. But for that programme, the nation would not have known that Jonathan was never consulted by both the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security services before a seeming ‘unilateral’ postponement of election by six weeks due to what the INEC Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, called ‘security concerns in the North East’. Of course, most Nigerians were aware, even before the official announcement of the postponement, that the rampaging activities of the Boko Haram insurgents had reached such a scary scale that a fair conduct of an election in that troubled region requires extra-ordinary security measures. And that was exactly what the security chiefs had promised to provide before they changed the tune in the middle of a fascinating dance. What shocks us as a people really is the revelation by the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces that his office was never briefed before his security chiefs wrote a letter to Jega that they would not be able to guarantee the safety of the over 700,000 personnel that would have taken part in the election! Now, with due respect to the President, that is a classic case of someone being economical with the truth. Some

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 say it comes pretty close to lying through the teeth.

Listen to him: “If the security services say there has to be an adjustment within this period, ordinarily there should not be an issue. I see election as a tournament. I do not see any big deal. I was not consulted and I don’t need to be consulted.”

Going by his declaration, is Jonathan telling us that the security apparatchiks just met at an officers’ mess in Abuja for a binge after which they drafted a letter to INEC on the need to change the dates for a general election without as much as seeking an approval from their Commander-in-Chief? Is that how it works now? Is Jonathan also denying any knowledge of the curious kite flown by his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in Chatham House, London where he called for a shift in the election timetable due to the poor distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards? So the President never placed any significant value to the call made by his political godfather, Chief Edwin Clark, that Jega should resign on allegations that he was conniving with the opposition party to oust Jonathan out of the presidential seat through the February 14 election? Could it mean that none of the appointed security chiefs thought it wise to brief the President that an additional six weeks’ battle with the insurgents would make peaceful election possible in the North East? If that is not a treasonable offence, then President Jonathan would have to organise another media parley to explain to the Nigerian citizens what constitutes treason apart from the alleged pelting of his convoy by “young ignorant people!.” Oh, come on Mr. President, you are the Chief Security Officer of the country for crying out loud and it is un-presidential for you to tell us that those that enjoy the privileges of that office at your pleasure neither informed you of that critical decision nor do they ever need to inform you.

Seriously, does Jonathan expect the nation to believe him? Has he belittled the position of Commander-in-Chief to the point of being ignored on such serious, sensitive matter?

Moving on, Jonathan also tried to justify an earlier presidential gaffe in which he says stealing is not corruption. I confess that he probably spent a greater part of the one-and-a-half-hour interview lecturing Nigerians on the remarkable differences between a plain thief and a corrupt person. At a point, he even alluded to the fact that Nigerians, especially those from the South West, seem to have a pathological hatred for thieves while they would gladly embrace a corrosively corrupt Nigerian. Ha! His explanations notwithstanding, it would have been better if the President had apologised for failing to communicate effectively the message when he first made that statement. It was too grave a mistake to

make and he waited far too long for the shocking declaration to go viral in the public space before he mustered the will to dribble his way through a maze of confounding explanations. Having made the necessary corrections however, Nigerians would love to see when the Jonathan Presidency would move from the prosecution and conviction of the petty thieves it celebrates daily to tackling the extreme damage inflicted on the economy by the bigger, industrial-size ‘oles’ in and around the seat of power. They would want him to stop deodorising corruption with sweetscented fragrance by pardoning the few convicted pilferers who could not wriggle through the long arm of the law. Whether he calls it stealing or corruption, a thief is a thief and he deserves his days at the gallows. That is what has been essentially missing in his lame fight against corruption!

Thankfully, Nigerians should be glad that they could hold their President to certain promises that he vowed to fulfil. Although, Jonathan had set quite a number of unrealistic targets before, we should believe him when he said the elections would go on as rescheduled because, by March 28, the security situations in the North East would be good enough for the conduct of election.

After all, he remains the C-In-C and he should know the gravity of such a promise. We should also believe him when he suggested that it would be practically impossible to “recover” all the hundreds of girls abducted in Chibok by the Boko Haram insurgents.

That would be asking too much from a government which is still busy strategizing on a rescue plan 305 days into an abduction that has drawn the attention of the world to our special way of doing things! Even the anguished parents of the girls know that a 100 per cent rescue of the school girls would be tantamount to building a mountain of hope on a foundation built on the despicable spittle of hopelessness.

It is also interesting listening to the President dissociating his office from those preaching hate messages and dragging the name of the INEC Chairman into disrepute. He said over 80 per cent of persons making such ‘stupid’ comments are not known to his campaign office. To my mind, that is a very bold and patriotic comment and the President must be commended for dissociating himself from this band of noisemakers on a national television programme. However, what we wouldn’t know is whether a large chunk of that ‘unknown” 80 per cent includes the likes of the Director-General of Peoples Democratic Party’s Campaign Organisation, Dr Ahmadu Ali, who called on Jega to resign; the spokesperson of the PDP who accused Jega of conniving with the APC to rig the election; the campaign organisation’s Director of Communications, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who continues to insist on Jega’s resignation, and; notable personalities in the President’s camp like Chief Edwin Clark, Senator Femi Okunrounmu and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who are equally pushing for Jega’s sack!

Could it be possible that the notable warlords from the creeks who are beating ethnic war drums are ‘unknown’ to Jonathan even when one of then in received thunderous ovation at the President’s campaign rally in Yenagoa? Anyway, why should we bother about the silly gloating when the President has explained that such “stupid things belong to the garbage world” in a year when he has vowed that the May 29, 2015 handover date remains sacrosanct? Why? Anyway, that is what you get in a garbage in, garbage out system!

Aare Arisekola, with the multitude behind you • Continued from page 7 tors’ to launder their image, while others shrug off their shoulders and move on with life. Aare belonged to the latter. He did not nurse malice even against known haters.

On the social plane, I count myself lucky to have had the opportunities of very close observations/contacts with Aare, the late Chief Afolabi Majekodunmi alias “King of Boys” and the late Basorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, alias “MKO”. The three gentlemen cherished tradition, were deep, sociable, rich, humorous, generous and natty. That is why today, with due modesty, one can say “Eran ki la o je ri?”

(Which category of meat have we not consumed before?) when it comes to matters of class and opulence of social parties – cocktails, state dinners, O wa mbe, luncheons, mention them. The social circuit during my six-year tenure as press secretary to four former governors of old Oyo State (1983 1989) was the icing on the cake.

A well-rounded tribute to Aare is better done in a book form or documentary. Nevertheless, I shall take a bite at my past published tribute to Aare titled “Aare Arisekola, this is your life” as a drop-point for this piece.

Born on February 14, 1945 to the late Pa Abdul Raheem Olaniyan Alao and the late Alhaja Olatutu Alao at Adigun Village of Ibadan, in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, young AbdulAzeez attended St. Luke’s Primary School, Adigun and ICC Primary School, Igosun, Ibadan where he persistently topped his class until he obtained the Grade ‘A’ Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1960, the year he came to the city from his village. Till he died, he kept referring to himself as an “Omooko” i.e Villageboy. He, thereafter, successfully passed the entrance examinations into the prestigious Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Lagelu Grammar School Ibadan, but could not take up his admission in either school due to the poor financial position of his parents. A scholarship opportunity was not allowed by fate to be utilized by him either.

Nonetheless, the determined AbdulAzeez studied Western, Arabic and Quranic education privately, and comfortably transacted business with the brightest and best in the corporate world.

Young AbdulAzeez first joined his uncle, the late Alhaji Karimu Olasupo Jenrola at the popular old Gbagi Market in

Ibadan as an apprentice trader. After successfully understudying his uncle, he started the sale of Gammalin 20 products vide the incorporation of his Azeez Arisekola Trading Company in 1961 with a loan of 310 pounds given to him by Mr. Olaniyi Owodunni. The Western Regional Manager of Imperial Chemical Industry (ICI) of England, Mr. P.K. Hampel, discovered in the young AbdulAzeez, great business acumen, a fantastic impetus for hard work, integrity and creativity and therefore appointed him a dealer of their products in the now-defunct Western Region of Nigeria. From there, the future business magnate took off, combining charity as a hobby.

Within a year, he received a commission of 1,000pounds from ICI and an all-expenses paid trip to the company’s headquarters in the United Kingdom. An astute young man, he purchased a Peugeot pick-up van at the cost of 400 pounds and by 1970, he built his first house at the age of 25 years. In 1972, he registered his motor company, Lister Motors, becoming the star dealer for the Japanese brand, Datsun. It was during that era that Aare’s fame as a philanthropist soared as he donated cars to institutions and individuals like one donates loaves of bread. He also had a fair share of social life and became the toast of parties and juju bands. But all the social circuit stuff stopped in 1980, when he became the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

His business interests included automobile, oil and gas, banking and insurance, food and beverage, farming and animal husbandry, real estate, publishing, transportation and food processing.

From his league of friends, staff and admirers, Aare was a detribalized man as his love for Nigeria was great. His avowed love was based on a popular saying of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) that: “The love of one’s nation is part of faith”.

He had amongst the staff of his business conglomerate, all ethnic tribes of the federation as well as foreigners. Knowing the importance of education, Aare gave scholarships to indigent students both at primary and tertiary levels within and outside Nigeria. He established a scholarship scheme for that purpose in honour of his father, Pa AbdulRaheem Alao. In appreciation of his love for his place of birth, Ibadan, he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Aare of Ibadanland in 2006 by the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba

Yinusa Bankole Oladoja Ogundipe, Arapasowu I. He performed his first holy pilgrimage to Mecca in 1971, and was turbaned the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland on July 14, 1980. Being a celebrated Muslim leader, he established the AbdulAzeez Arisekola Mosque on Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. He founded the Grand Council for Islamic Affairs (GCIA) in Nigeria in 1996 to complement Islamic propagation efforts just as he set up the Alasalatu Ibaadu-Rahman Society for the spiritual advancement of the womenfolk. He was patron and foremost financier of more than 100 Muslim organizations in Nigeria and abroad. From 1980 when he became the Aare Musulumi of Ibadanland he extended annual Hajj scholarships to hundreds of Muslim faithful just as he sponsored Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem annually too.

Aare was one of the privileged few honoured by the Chief Imam of Mecca to send delegates for the annual ceremonial washing of the Holy Ka’bah. He was also invited to the annual Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs International Convention in Cairo, Egypt.

Aare was on record as the one who mobilized support for the settlement of the internal rift amongst the members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke-Seni, Ibadan and ensured the settlement of their rift out of court. The said church eventually conferred on him the title ‘The Defender of Faith’ in recognition of his love for religious peace and harmony.

He was married and blessed with children who are successful professionals at home and abroad or currently in higher institutions of learning. The training he gave them makes them excel intellectually and morally. A blessing which he always ascribed to God. Can one complete a piece such as this on Aare without a mention of his passion for oka (amala) and ooyo (ewedu)! He once had his favourite menu packed from home while on a transatlantic business trip to China.

Today, we celebrate the 70th posthumous birthday of a legend. May Allah (SWT) continue to show His mercy in Aljannah Fridaous to our dear Aare, a man of the people. If one may ask again, “Aare Arisekola, with the multitude behind you, why must you go”? But Allah (SWT) knows best.

•Oloye Lekan Alabi is the Aare Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadanland

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EN months after the abduction of 276 girls from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram insurgents, the fate of the girls continues to attract global attention.

The thorny issue came to the fore again midweek during the monthly Presidential Chat when President Goodluck Jonathan was asked what his administration was doing to rescue the girls.

Asked if he believes all the girls would be rescued

Grace OBIKE, Abuja alive, President Jonathan cleared his throat and said: "About 200 girls were kidnapped over a period and you want the President to tell you they will be rescued alive. Of course, we will recover them alive. I'm not God, but as President, I'm more hopeful now than before of maximum cooperation we are getting from other countries. “I believe that in the next few weeks, the story will be better. We are working with our

neighbours, we will comb the whole area. I am more hopeful now than before. It's unfortunate that people play politics with the issue of the Chibok girls. It's not like that elsewhere. In other countries, political boundaries collapse in the face of terror attacks, not so in Nigeria."

Since their kidnap on April 14, 2014, the country has been thrown into a frenzy of protests, with several groups joining forces to pressurise the Continued on Page 14

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

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Pictures 1-3: Scenes from the daily sit-out by the #BringBackOurGirls group in Abuja

Continued from Page 13

Federal Government to take concrete steps aimed at rescuing the girls.

Today, the #Bring back our girls (#BBOG), the blog created by the groups advocating the rescue of the girls, has become a household statement among Nigerians and international celebrities like Alicia Keys and American First Lady, Michelle Obama and teenage Nobel prize winner, Malala, among several others.

With the first anniversary of the abduction barely two months away, and with no sign of the terrorist activities of the Boko Haram ending any time soon, Nigerians are beginning to get frustrated with the seeming half-hearted effort of the Federal Government.

While the nation continues to seek answers to the mysterious and shocking kidnap, the government, in its usual dismissive attitude, continues to behave in a manner that shows that it wishes that the abduction, like many other atrocities

committed by Boko Haram, would soon be forgotten and swept under the carpet.

However, despite the lukewarm approach by the government, Nigerians have continued with the battle to ensure that the girls are rescued and brought home alive.

With the claims by the insurgents that the girls have been married off, the hopes of rescuing all the girls continue to dim.

Others have also expressed the fears that most of the girls may be pregnant or

become nursing mothers.

It will be recalled that barely 15 days after the abduction, more than 300 women, supported by some men, marched to the gates of the National Assembly, where they were addressed by the Senate President, David Mark.

The Senate President said: "We are all in pains over the abduction. In fact, most of the senators and members of the House of Representative were in tears when the

issue was brought up on the floor for discussion. We promise to keep you updated on what is being done, either daily or even hourly, if you want."

Unfortunately, like most promises made to Nigerians by politicians, neither Senator David Mark nor any representative of the government has updated Nigerians on the efforts being made to rescue the girls, either weekly or even monthly. And even after it realised that the problem of the girls was not something to be swept under the carpet, the government tried to change its approach.

Suddenly, faceless groups, claiming to be speaking for the girls, sprang up.

Their efforts were geared towards countering the efforts of the #BBOG to draw global attention to the plight of the missing girls and their grieving families.

Nigerians were left speechless when, 85 days after the abduction, and the 70th day of the sit-out by the members of

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

#BBOG, the Deputy Director of the Department of State Security, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, in an attempt to discredit the group, which at the time had become a thorn in the flesh of the government, referred to the group as a franchise.

The group’s leaders, Hadiza Usman and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, hoping to set the records straight, did not waste time to send out a press statement two days later.

According to the statement, "This is a dangerous and unprecedented attack, because as is well known in security circles, the term 'franchise' is used to refer to inter-related terrorist cells. It is clear from these comments that the security agencies are setting up the movement for a crackdown based on trumped up accusations.

"Far from seeking to undermine the efforts of the security agencies, we seek to enhance it and make it more robust and effective. Our concerns about the lack of results so far, 87 days after these girls have been abducted, are aimed at motivating the security agencies to more effective action."

Few days after the exchanges, exactly 100 days after the abduction and no result, child activist, Malala Yousafzai, challenged President Jonathan to fulfill his responsibilities as the leader of the country. The young girl asked the president to meet with the missing girls’ families.

Soon after the meeting, the president

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met the distraught parents. But the meeting failed to yield any positive result, as the hungry parents were left to fight o v e r t h e ‘monetary gift’ b y t h e president.

By the 130th day, the Chairman of the Abuja C h i b o k community, H o s e a Tsambido, lamented the uncertain fate of the girls. She said the parents had lost their voice crying for their missing daughters. He also said the people were tired of being killed and maimed on a daily basis by the insurgents. The parents, he said, were ready to lead the attack on the insurgents, not minding losing their daughters, because of the claim by President Jonathan that security forces were unable to storm the Sambisa Forest, the known

stronghold of the insurgents, because of the fear of harming the girls in the process.

"The parents are saying that it is better for them to bring the girls back, even if it means as corpses, so that they will bury them properly.

They can take care of Boko Haram so that they will not spread to other parts of the country to continue their menace."

Exactly 180 days after the abduction, a member of the advocacy, Aisha Yusufu, in an interview to mark the 164 days of the sit out, confirmed that though it is difficult leaving the comfort of her home to call for the girls to be rescued, she always remembers that, "I am fighting for the me that I was 23 years ago, who had nothing and just wanted to be educated so that I

will make my life different. That is what is driving me today, because I know that if I give up on this fight, I am going to give up on the me that I am today."

On the 16th of October, the Federal Government announced a ceasefire deal that got so many Nigerians excited. But no sooner was the announcement made than it became clear no such deal was ever reached with the Boko Haram. One of the parents of the girls, who saw through the lies, Ayuba Alamson, told The Nation that, "the ceasefire deal was for 2015 electioneering campaign and not the Chibok girls."

But 10 months on without any hope of bringing the girls back, Hosea Tsambido, like most Nigerians, expressed serious doubt over the president’s promise that the girls would be home before the general elections in six weeks time.

"I have mixed feelings right now.

Firstly, for 10 months, they could not rescue the girls. I doubt if the rescue will take place within the next 30 days. I'm afraid it may not happen.

“All the girls care about is to be reunited with their parents. Unfortunately, they are mixing the Chibok girls issue with their political issues. This is very bad; they should treat the two issues differently. It is sad to see the issue of the girls being mixed with politics.”

Also speaking on the Presidential Media Chat, a member of the group, Aisha Yusufu, while speaking with The Nation, said: "When the President was asked about the Chibok girls, he did not deem it fit to sympathise or empathise with the parents whose daughters had been missing for 303 days. Unfortunately, that was an opportunity for him to reach out to the parents to reassure them personally, but the President is not taking this personal. He needs to take it personal.

These are children that are missing. I'm sure that if they were his biological daughters, he will not treat the issue of the Chibok girls like this.

“When he was asked about the girls, it was as if it was an irritating question to him. You heard what he said, 'Yea, I will not give you a specific date so that you won't hold me to my words,' I mean, that he is not taking it personal. Honestly, he should have reached out to the Chibok parents during the media chat. These are parents that have been crying for their missing children at that time for 303 days.“

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PaininCrossRivercommunityoverdemolitionofhouses ‘ ,

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Nicholas KALU, Calabar

Pictures 1 to 3, some of the demolished buildings

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Succour for widows

From left: Prof. Kolawole Roheem; Erelu Mojisola Adams, President OASIS Women Organisation; Prof Sophie Oluwole and one of the beneficiaries

Innocent DURU

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By Ovwe Medeme

By Mercy Michael

By Mercy Michael

•Gbelee

Actress decry genital mutilation

By Mercy Michael

•Funmi Fiberesima

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

Continue from page 21

•Dayo Ogunyemi,

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Law runs in the family of 80-year-old Oluwole Solanke. Apart from being a lawyer, five of his children are also legal practitioners. The man, who has been in law practicing for 44 years even with his failing eye-sight, reveals his secrets to GBENGA ADERANTI. He also talks about his passion, women, corruption and the life in London, how he won a case that dragged for 23 years, one and half months ago. Excerpts:

A

t what point did you decide to become a lawyer?

I had always been called a lawyer from school because I enjoyed debating a lot.

After your secondary school, did you go for higher schools certificate (HSC) like your contemporaries did during that time?

I didn’t go for HSC. I went to London in 1971.

What was your experience like in the United Kingdom?

Normally, the average Nigerian finds it strange at first when he gets to London because the circumstances are far different. The means of communication, English, which we speak here is not quite clear to them over there, even though I was priced with speaking good English before I went to London. When I got there, they wouldn’t understand you easily. You had to repeat what you say several times before they could understand you.

You eventually get adapted to their lifestyle.

The English man is a bit reserved. Although he is not annoyed with you, he wouldn’t smile at you or talk to you unless you initiate talking, probably because we are black. It is even better now than then. Now, I understand that so many high posts are being occupied by blacks. In those days, it would be strange to find an African speaking on the radio or television. Today, I understand that there are so many of them on the radio and television.

I like England because it is a country that is streamlined. If you’re not a lazy man, you will know where to go whenever you need anything because there, they don’t expect you to come and knock at anybody’s door for any help.

If you are sick, you know where to go. If you need money, you know where to go. If anybody robs you or disturbs you, you know where to go. That is their lifestyle over there.

Our culture is far different from their culture. We make a lot of mistakes by copying them. Because they were our masters, we believe that anything they do is the best for us. It is not so. The most striking example is the case of man marrying man and woman marrying woman. It can’t conform to our culture.

There it is a question of fundamental human rights or something; you do what you like with yourself, your life is what you make of it.

I remember that on my last visit to London to see my children in 1995, in the middle of the road, we saw a man who was walking with his hands.

All the English people were running away from him so that he would not fall on them. You see, they were looking at him trying to see whether something was going to happen to him. But nothing happened to him. Eventually, he jumped down and felt normal.

It is just like when they saw a Nigerian wearing agbada or aso oke in London. They would look at you curiously, look at the style of the dress, and it is strange to them.

They have not seen a thing like that. So, you too are part of them. If you mix with them, you will know their feel-

Two tough land tussles I tackled for 23 yrs, by 80-yrold lawyer Solanke •Pa Solanke

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 mother and the man had to go and borlose our age-long land, land which we row the money to build the house. They feel belongs to our family. It is always were newly married, the woman put to hotly contested in court and I’m used to bed and the woman was complaining it. Almost all my 45 years in practice and she took her husband to court that have been on land matters, probably 90 the man was not taking good care of per cent. As I said, the last one I’m still her; he was doing this and that. The on is the most challenging. I do not see court had to tell the man to leave the why the defendants will be holding on house for the woman; the house which to what they know is wrong. I don’t tell he paid for. It was normal over there, the lies when I practise law, I stick to the man and woman buy a house together. truth and I will be adamant that this It can never happen here that a thing is true. Adamant in the court will ask a man to vasense that the way I practise cate a flat for his wife. not that I will be rude to This is part of their the judge. culture, they won’t I’m never rude in mind we would court in all my legal mind . practice, but I stick There are so to what is the many examples truth. Some deof such things, fendants go by if you bring the way of cheathuman rights ing, engaging in to family life, false pretence, you want to defrauding so destroy that as to get that family. land. I will Though there never allow that are so many my own client, aspects of defendant or human rights claimant to do but it was the that. I believe that culture of Engwhatever you do lishman that was with a clean mind introduced into and you will win, human rights. you will be happy Here in Nigeria, the and sleep well. Personhusband is expected to ally, I will not cheat be•Pa Solanke do everything, to pay for cause I will not be happy everything, but even if I win, I canover there, if you not cheat, I will not get a white girl do it. I win almost friend today in all my cases, even London, if you though my clients take her to a film tell me that it is alshow tomorrow ways too long in and you paid for court. Land matit, she won’t allow ters are always too you to pay for the long in court in next one, she will Nigeria today. The pay from her last two which I pocket. She will rewon about two fuse that you will months ago were pay; that is their 23 years in the culture, our culcourt; some of the tures are different. parties were dead When are you before we finished going to stop the two cases. going to court?

People have alI was in court ways complained about one and a that the SANship half months ago. has been corHow do you rupted, how still manage to would you react to read law books? this?

That is why I About 15 years have had to be emago, I was told to ploying lawyers to apply for this thing support me whenbut at that time, it ever I went to was so adulterated, court. I don’t think it was so partisan.

I would be able to Lawyers who go again. knew they were But you still not good enough argue cases? got it. Why should The whole thing you be a SAN by is still on my head, force? And things although when it are like that in comes to reading Nigeria, you spend in court where money to get what compulsory, then I you want. We call have a lawyer who it corruption in accompanies me to Nigeria, it is read with the perbribery, you bribe mission of the your way through court but I don’t many things in think that is good Nigeria, which I enough. I think hate. I hate it so I’m old enough to much, I hate withdraw from bribery, I don’t aslegal practice. sociate myself once I notice there is That means anytime from now, you going to be bribery. But it is so in almost will stop going to court? in everything you do; today in this In fact, I have started giving away all country, it is bribery all through, it my cases to other lawyers. stinks in our polity, it is too bad.

Tell me the most challenging case At the time you were in London, it you ever handled was a common thing for Nigerians to All cases are very interesting to me. I marry white women; did you attempt do land matters. The most challenging is to do this? the one which I’m still on at the moYou see, over there, the girls are outment. You see, when it comes to land spoken, even though they are at times matters in Nigeria, especially in the succumb to their culture. They are South West of Nigeria, we can’t afford to rather introvert rather than extrovert but

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ings and you won’t be annoyed with whatever they do.

But when it comes to education, over there, it is open to all. It is up to you to take advantage. There is no end to learning. I remember that I attended one party and one of the women invited was about 85 years old and it was also near her own birthday. So, when somebody said it was going to be her birthday and she was going to be 85 years old, she said she was not going to be 85 years old but 85 years young. Well, she didn’t feel old. It is their culture.

The interesting thing I want to point out is that the old woman said she was going to start a course in one of the polytechnics, and she was going to do Cooking or something like that. But in Nigeria, we believe that reading is meant for young people. I myself, at 80 plus, wanted to register for a course in the University of Lagos last year to read a portion of agriculture: animal husbandry. But I can’t read now even though I love farming.

Did you suffer any form of discrimination while you were in London?

That is only normal. As I was saying before, the Englishman is very different from us. I remember that during one holiday period, those days students used to do holiday jobs, I went to do a holiday job and I was placed on a counter. That counter was for women. I can’t forget that experience. That was where I learnt the bra styles. When the women came and they were touching the bra, I was expected to advise them on what to do. They had taught me what to say and what to do.

So they felt very odd that it was a man, a black man, that was directing them on what to do. They didn’t quite like it and I reported them to the management. The management said if I didn’t mind, they could remove me from there and put me elsewhere. That was discrimination of a sort. Not only that; in some cases, they won’t like to sit next to you. You will notice it but what can you do? They believe we are blacks; we are not as sophisticated as they are.

How many of your children are lawyers?

Five of them.

You said white people believe so much in human rights...

When we talk about human rights, we must put it along side culture. Culture in London is different from culture in Nigeria, especially when it comes to marriage life. In London, women are placed on higher pedestal than men.

You can’t talk to woman anyhow; you can talk to a man anyhow. If you talk to a woman anyhow, she will take objection and you will accord them some privileges in London and which the man will not mind because it is their culture.

You pet women, a man does not need petting, that is everywhere in the world.

Let me give you a common example, if you go to a party, you expect the women to sit first before a man, even if her boss is there, even if her father is there, you expect ladies to sit first before the men but in Nigeria, that culture is unacceptable, your boss cannot be standing and because you are a lady you take the chair first. Fela, the musician, said: ‘I never tell you finish, ladies want to take the best meat before anybody; they want to take the first seat, they want to take the first meat.’’

You see, that is the Englishman’s culture, not here; here, you are expected to assist your husband not to boss your husband. They are more or less bossing their husbands there. Here, it is not so.

In Africa it is not so, here we almost follow biblical tenets. Here, a woman is a helper to the man, that is what our culture says. You can’t be my helper and be my boss in family life but over there, the woman is almost the boss. If she said she doesn’t want something in the family, the husband is unlikely do it, not only that, even in the law court.

I remember 1968 or so, there was a judgment in the law court, in which a husband was told to leave the house for a nursing mother because the nursing

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Personally, I will not cheat because I will not be happy even if I win, I cannot cheat, I will not do it. I win almost all my cases, even though my clients tell me that it is always too long in court. Land matters are always too long in court in Nigeria today. The last two which I won about two months ago were 23 years in the court; some of the parties were dead before we finished the two cases

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generally, if a girl loves you, he will tell you by herself that she loves you or indirectly so. What I’m trying to say is that over there, some whites do love the black boys or black men much more they do love their white because we practise romance far better than white men. So, they love us, especially this time, there are more extrovert type among them to show that they like us.

Some still pretend, it is their nature.

So you didn’t attempt to marry a white woman?

No, I didn’t. I was married before I went to London.

The rate of corruption today is scandalous compared to your growing up years, what could accounted for this?

Well, corruption has been in Nigeria all along but in the last few years, it has eaten into all the fabrics of Nigerian society, especially with regards to politics, even in social life and marriage life, everything.It is difficult to enter into any association with anybody and not find out that there is corruption in that society, it is difficult. I will like to say that the judiciary should be exempted from corruption but we cannot be absolutely exempted. We are a bit sanitised these days, it shows from the judgment. When a judgment is wrong, everybody will know.

I remember one judgment being criticised in the last few months. One judgment of a judge in Abuja which gave opportunity for a man to pay small money for embezzling several millions, the man was convicted, the judge allowed the man to pay fine instead of going to prison. People criticised that. It is not difficult to see if the judiciary is going wrong, but when they are doing right, people will not see it, they take it for granted that we are expected to do right but when there is small wrong, everybody holds on to it. Judiciary is doing well, I must be frank.

You said you wanted to go into farming, why so much interest in farming?

My grandparents were farmers. My father was a teacher but he was also a farmer; he took me to his farm and I got deeply interested in farming. Several of my children love farming, even though they are lawyers, I have others who are not lawyers.

What is that thing that whenever you remember it makes you sad and another one that makes you happy whenever you remember?

I’m happy that God has created me the way he has created me because I feel so happy about it all. I’m always content with whatever I get. I’m not a womaniser, yes I like women, a man must like women; I’m not uxorious. By the grace of God, I have children, I have grand children, and my children are doing very well. I feel so happy about that.

What will make me unhappy? I’ve not thought about that but what could make me unhappy is that I’m going blind because of eye illness. I could have loved it if I can find anywhere in the world where glaucoma can be treated. I will pay. I’ve been to everywhere for treatment, I’ve had to undergo three or four operations on the eyes but now, I seem to be losing it finally. I wouldn’t say it makes me said, it appears to be hereditary but I’m happy by the fact that it is coming at this age, if it had happened some 20 or 30 years ago, what would I have done?

But now, people tell me that I should not bother about it again because of my age. I’ve done what I can do in this life by the grace of God. I wasn’t aiming to be a president, I wasn’t aiming to be a minister, my children are doing their best to be ministers as well but I’m not interested.

What was your growing up like?

I grew up in Lagos partly. I’m an Owu man. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s father’s elder sister was my mother’s elder sister . What I’m saying in essence is that Obasanjo was backed as a little child by my mother; so, we are very close. Our villages are very close.

They are in Ibogun, we are in Abalabi, all of Owu people are close.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

•Fernandez and wife

Our plans for

Valentine’s Day –Obey, Fernandez’s wife, Ituah Ighodalo, Ita‐Giwa, other celebrities Stories on pages 30 & 31 •Ighodalo and wife

•D-One and wife

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

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I want us to love our neighbours as ourselves. Let us try to be peaceful, especially at this election period. Let us take out the person we love the most and spend some lovable time together.

Though I will be too busy for Valentine’s Day celebration but I will still ensure that I spend the day in my house with those I work with and love –Tee Mac Omatseli

I am looking forward to a nice outing with my friends. We are going to go to a jazz hang-out somewhere to have a nice time together. I am looking forward to also receiving flowers from my friends, and also chocolate. I can assure you that I will definitely enjoy my Valentine Day –Florence Ita- Giwa

Lovers’ Day: T's that time of the year again; the season of love, Valentine’s or Lovers’ Day when the true essence of love is celebrated.

Many couples choose different ways and activities to mark the day with the exchange of gifts, the most popular manner of sharing love among friends, lovers and family.

In the mood of the season, The Nation went to town to sample the views of Nigerians (celebrities as well as ordinary people) on the season and how they plan to spend the day.

For Baroness Halima Fernandez, the wife of multi-millionaire businessman, Antonio Deinde Fernandez, Valentine’s Day remains special as a day to share and savour the joy of being in love.

Asked how she will spend the day, the Baroness, who lives a jet-set lifestyle, shuttling between some of the most beautiful cities in the world, she stated: “My husband always decides what we do on Valentine’s Day. He only lets me know a day before. I’m hoping he will take me to the winter carnival in Venice (Italy) as it is the most romantic place on earth.

"Last Valentine’s Day, we went to the mountains, the Ardennes (Belgium) for a

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n Patience SADUWA, Paul UKPABIO and Rukayat JIMOH n

couple of days. The one I will always remember was spent in Madeira. But then, with my husband, every day is Valentine. He is a wonderful husband.

“For me, Valentine’s Day is all about affection, appreciation of love; it shouldn’t just be between a man and a woman or only for those in a relationship. It should be extended to one's friends, family members, neighbours, country men and women and the entire humanity.”

To Chief Florence Ita- Giwa, politician and businesswoman, this year's Valentine’s Day should be an opportunity for Nigerians to 'love ourselves more.' "We should stop all sorts of violence to women and children. It is an opportunity for us to show more love, love each other more, and remain united but most importantly, stop violence against women and children," she enjoined.

Continuing, she added: "I am presently in Calabar, but I am moving to Lagos because I want to be with my friends there since elections are no longer holding on Valentine’s Day. You know, most of us did not have plans for that particular day because we were expecting voting to take place. So, now that elections have been postponed so that more people can get their PVCs, we now have time to celebrate the Valentine Day properly. ‘’I am looking forward to a nice outing with my friends. We are going to go to a jazz hang-out somewhere to have a nice time together. I am looking forward to also receiving flowers from my friends, also chocolate. I can The present time is such that we should not just celebrate alone, but and assure you that I will also pray about ourselves and the country and as much as possible, definitely enjoy my Day." spread love within ourselves and also with the less privileged. It will Valentine On his plans for the be a day for me to wallow in the love of God and hoping that as par- day, maverick musician self-styled 'Area Faents, we will also show love to our children and to others. There is so and ther' of bike riders, much hate in the world today, so it is important for us to spread more Charles Oputa aka Charlie Boy, said: "I will be love now even to people who are showing us hate –Grace Egbagbe celebrating the day here

in Abuja. I know that Valentine’s Day is symbolic, but Lady Di and I do our Valentine Day every day! And we have been doing it all these 38 years! We will spend the day meditating about the state of the nation. ‘’You ask whether I will be giving her a special gift this Valentine’s Day? Well, how about the gift I gave her yesterday? I am always giving her gifts. And she gives me gifts too. But you know, we can’t exactly celebrate it like the younger people will do. But on a special note, I’ll call the family together and they will meditate with me. Sincerely, every day in my house is Valentine’s Day; it could be a medium scale celebration or upper scale celebration."

"Valentine’s Day is a special Day," declared Chief Ebenezer Obey, juju music maestro and gospel artiste. "So, it is a day to celebrate.

However, every day of my life is special too because God has made every day to be special for me. It is a day to share love with family, friends and neighbours. I will be taking time out to celebrate. That day happens to fall on my late friend’s, Alhaji Arisekola’s birthday. If he was alive, he would have celebrated his 70th birthday. Notwithstanding, I am going to be at his house to celebrate with his family and take part in the prayers. It will be a special day and I will enjoy myself."

Another celebrity, who wants to celebrate the day with friends and family, is former NTA big babe and socialite, Barrister Grace Egbagbe. As she stated when asked on her plans for the day, "I am going to spend the day with people I love, my two children and friends that have been with me through thick and thin. I will be spending the day in Lagos, in a quiet corner. The present time is such that we should not just celebrate alone, but also pray about ourselves and the country and as much as possible, spread love within ourselves and also with the less privileged. It will be a day for me to wallow in the love of God and hoping that as parents, we will also show love to our children and to others.

There is so much hate in the world today, so

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

It is a day to share love with family, friends and neighbours. I will be taking time out to celebrate. That day happens to fall on my late friend’s, Alhaji Arisekola’s birthday. If he was alive, he would have celebrated his 70th birthday. Notwithstanding, I am going to be at his house to celebrate with his family and take part in the prayers. It will be a special day and I will enjoy myself –Ebenezer Obey

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I will be celebrating the Valentine’s Day in Abuja with the children in my charity foundation called House of Empress Foundation. We will be giving out prizes and gifts to those of them that have done well in their training. We have been training some people in vocations such as catering, fashion, barbing and all that –Empress Njamah

My husband always decides what we do on Valentine’s Day. He only lets me know a day before. I’m hoping he will take me to the winter carnival in Venice (Italy) as it is the most romantic place on earth. Last Valentine’s Day, we went to the mountains, the Ardennes (Belgium) for a couple of days. The one I will always remember was spent in Madeira –Fernandez’s wife

Celebrities unfurl plans We will be spending the day together The Valentine's Day falls at home. You know, my husband just re- on my mother’s 10th memoturned from the Grammys in the US. So, rial anniversary: I will be it is a time for us and our children, spending the day quietly Nicole, Brian and Ashley, to be together with my family in the famand spend quality time together too.

There is no clearcut programme of how ily house in Ibadan, where we will be spending the day yet, but we are going to be celebratperhaps, in the evening, we could go out ing her life in the mood of to a nice cosy restaurant somewhere in thanksgiving town, to give ourselves a memorable –Pastor Ituah Ighodalo treat –D-One’s wife it is important for us to spread more love now even to people who are showing us hate."

A time to share, promote peace For Empress Njamah, Nollywood actress, Valentine’s Day is a time of sharing and showing love to others.

"I will be celebrating the Valentine’s Day in Abuja with the children in my charity foundation called House of Empress Foundation. We will be giving out prizes and gifts to those of them that have done well in their training. We have been training some people in vocations such as catering, fashion, barbing and all that. So, we are giving out

sewing machines, clippers, and so on to help them start some kind of business. ‘’And for the less-privileged too, we will be giving out wheel chairs. So that is how we will be rolling on Valentine’s Day. You ask what Valentine’s Day means to me?

Well, it means putting a smile on people’s faces. It is not every day that we have opportunity to do this, so when it comes around like this, it is an opportunity to make somebody smile."

Tee Mac Omatseli, musician, has a message for his fans and others: "I want us to love our neighbours as ourselves. Let us try to be peaceful, especially at this election pe-

riod. Let us take out the person we love the most and spend some lovable time together.

Though I will be too busy for Valentine’s Day celebration but I will still ensure that I spend the day in my house with those I work with and love. When I grew up as a youth, there was no such thing as Valentine's Day. It is an invention of recent times, but I celebrate with loved ones every day! Reserving celebration for that particular day alone is a commercial thing. Let us make every day in our lives, a celebration day," he stated.

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, top City Accountant/Head Pastor, Trinity House, is also of the belief that the day is for sharing and caring for others.

"This is the season of love, a season of sharing and caring. This Valentine’s Day is a day of joy for everyone, especially for Nigerians. It is my hope that we should all rise above the present fray of political competition and know that Nigeria is bigger than all of us. We should love one another and be peaceful in the land," he advised.

He added: "The Valentine's Day falls on my mother’s 10th year memorial anniversary: I will be spending the day quietly with my family in the family house in Ibadan, where we are going to be celebrating her life in the mood of thanksgiving."

For Caroline Adeneye, wife of music promoter/TV presenter, D-One, her valentine’s plans are quite simple. Hear her: "We will be spending the day together at home. You know, my husband just returned from the Grammys in the US. So, it is a time for us and our children, Nicole, Brian and Ashley, to be together and spend quality time together too. There is no clearcut programme of how we will be spending the day yet, but perhaps, in the evening, we could go out to a nice cosy restaurant somewhere in town, to give ourselves a memorable treat."

As for Mark Okoh, a bachelor and businessman, his plans for the day depends on his pocket. "You know, things are a bit tight now money wise. Business is dull and there is no money. All the same, I plan to get a nice gift for my girlfriend. It's a way of appeasing

her as I offended her last week and she has been angry with me. So, I hope to settle the misunderstanding with her this period," he said.

To Mrs Jumoke Thomas, housewife and mother of two, the day is just like any other day. "I'm a nurse and will be on duty that day. Besides, my husband has travelled to our hometown for some family issues and won't be back for some time. So, I'll be alone with my kids. When I close from work, I will prepare something nice and we will eat and relax at home," she disclosed.

On his plans for the day, Mr Mafidon Monday, a civil servant, noted: "I'm not married, so I will be visiting my parents and hang out with friends. Also, I will show some love to the less-privileged ones by donating some gift items to them. It's going to be a wonderful day. That day, I will call those that have offended me and ensure I reconcile with anyone I've wronged. The most important thing is to stay out of trouble."

"I have plans for Valentine but I don't have money to actualise those plans such as taking friends and family out to a nice place to enjoy themselves, buying them gifts. Also, one desire of mine for the day is this: I wish the missing Chibok girls are found. I hope they are shown love amd mercy wherever they have been taken," stated Azeez Bello, a civil servant.

Titilayo, a teacher, says on her plans for val: "It will be great since the election has been postponed. I will visit places like the museum as it’s been a while I have visited.

I'm also expecting gifts from my loved ones and also go to church to pray for my family and Nigeria for a violence-free election."

An accountant, Chika John, who described Valentine as a festival of love, hopes to mark the day with family and friends. "I'll be celebrating val with my family and friends. I will make it a date with my girl friend and possibly propose to her. If I have the courage to do it and she says yes to me, it will be my best valentine on earth," he enthused.

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Weep not for my father, says daughter as cream of clergy bid ex-Chevron chief final farewell HE solemn atmosphere at Foursquare Gospel Church, Ikoyi Zonal Headquarters Lagos, few Fridays ago, spoke volumes about the just departed. The farewell/funeral service for Late Deacon Abayomi Adetola Ayanbanjo was well under way as early as 10 am, and though the Ikoyi neighbourhood and the adjoining streets were prepared to witness an august crowd this particular day, the size of the crowd was unprecedented.

At the farewell service was the cream of gospel ministers of the Foursquare Gospel Church Organisation within and outside the country, and other christian organisations. Among them was the General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev Felix Meduoye; Director of National Home Mission, Rev Yomi Oyinlola; the Northern Region Coordinator, Rev Isaac Komolafe; Rev Regina M. Kehinde from USA; Provost, Life Theological Seminary, Rev Cletus C. Orgu; Rev (Mrs) V. M. A. Oniwe; Rev (Mrs) Kofoworola Alli; Rev (Mrs) Sarah Adetoye Oyeleye; District Overseer, Uyo District, Rev Victor Akpan; Rev James Nda Jacob; Rev Mrs Lola Olakulehin and Rev (Mrs) Taiwo Oyinlola, among others.

During his lifetime, Late Deacon Abayomi Adetola Ayanbanjo who breathed his last on Sunday January 25, 2015, worked with Chevron and voluntarily retired in 2005 to manage his private business. He was the Geographic Information System Technologist; he was previously the team leader for Manual Computer Drafting in the Drafting Unit of the oil giant. He was the husband of Rev Mrs Kafilat, who is a Director at the National Christians Education and Lecturer at the LIFE Theological Seminary.

Late Deacon Ayanbanjo's family were fully involved in the funeral activities. His daughter, Barrister Solape, expressed her deepest love for her departed father, in a special number, she rendered- ‘Ijoba Orun lere Onigbagbo’, as she read the autobiography of her father. Omolara Ayanbanjo took the first reading from the book, 1st Thessa-

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•From right: Busayo Ayanbanjo, son; Barrister Solape Ayanbanjo, daughter; Rev (Mrs) Kafilat Ayanbanjo, widow; Mrs Omolara Ayanbanjo, daughter-inlaw; Seun Ayanbanjo; Ogheneteme, daughter-in-law; and Segun Ayanbajo

From left: National Headquarters Resident Minister, Foursquare Church, Rev Zachaeus Olaniyan; Rev George Akin Aderemi and former National Secretaryof the church, Rev Joseph Lamidi

•From left: Pastor Gabriel Fakunle, Rev Igbekoyi Francis, Rev O. Roland Okereke, Rev Obialor Henry and Rev David Oluwashina

•From left: Rev (Mrs) V. M. A. Oniwe, Rev (Mrs) Kofoworola Alli and Rev (Mrs) Sarah Adetoye Oyeleye

•From left: Rev Adagogo Jaja, Pastor John Adesanyan and Pastor S. A. Oyebanji

n Paul UKPABIO and Biodun ADEYEWA n

lonians 4:13-18, while Mr Senu Ayanbanjo took the second reading from the book of 1st Corinthians 15:12-26, Revelation 7:9-17.

Solape, after reading her father’s autobiography, said in view of the influence of her father and the numerous people he had helped, there was tendency to really mourn him. But she enjoined the congregation not to weep for but celebrate her father ‘’because he was born on a sunny day and died on a Sunday. His was a fulfilled life.’’

The widow, Rev Kafilat Ayanbanjo, who wore white lace with navy blue headgear, paid tribute to her husband. Her words: “My one true love, so tender, so caring, yet firm and forthright. Even in your sternness, there was so much sweetness. You gave me strength, you were my succour. You brought out the best in me and also unveiled the star in me. Though you have gone, but the heritage you’ve left for us, lives on. A heritage of Godly and united family; of knowledge and hard work, of value and dignity, of honesty and discipline! The heritage of pride in everything we do, it’s a priceless heritage."

The General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev Felix Meduoye, gave words of encouragement to the family and friends of the departed. Said he: "I encourage the family and congregation to take solace in the Lord, because Christians don’t die, but sleep and therefore, there is hope of resurrection in Christ. He charged them to always live for God." The Northern Region Coordinator, Rev Isaac Komolafe, prayed for the members of the family, while Rev Regina M. Kehinde from USA, eulogised the deceased: “He was a very simple, generous, dedicated and committed Christian; he was a man to be emulated in the service of God and humanity. He was an Usher and a helper of destiny to many, including myself; there was no day and no duty he ever complained of, or shied away from."

Afterwards, a fanfare led the deceased to his final resting place at Ikoyi Cemetary.

•District Overseer, Uyo District, Rev Victor Akpan (left), and Provost, Life Theological Seminary, Rev Cletus C. Orgu

•General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel in Nigeria, Rev Felix Meduoye with National Secretary, Rev Ikechukwu Ugbaja

•Rev and Rev (Mrs) Dapo Alonge

From left: Ifako District Overseer, Paul Fadayini, Elder and Deaconess Kehinde Ayeni

•Pall bearers in procession. Inset: The late Abayomi Ayanbanjo

•Mr Ayanbanjo Seun (middle) and Mrs Omolara Ayanbanjo

•Rev Mrs Margaret Esi

PHOTOS: Biodun ADEYEWA

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Gen. Olu Bajowa buries mother-in-law in style

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Bishop Idahosa clocks

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I was baptised into politics as a youth corps member in Dodan Barracks • APC chieftain Ideh relives 33-yr-old political career

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Dr. Alex Tosan Ideh was one of OW would you describe your experience as the Alternate Secretary of the the brains behind the hugely sucnational convention of the All cessful convention of the All Progressives Congress regarded by many observers as very successful?

Progressives Congress from Being the Secretary of the National which Gen. Muhammadu Buhari Convention was a very interesting and challengassignment. There were moments of exciteemerged as the presidential candi- ing ment as well as sober times. As a former date of the party. He served as the National Treasurer of the Action Congress of Nigeria, I was already used to dealing with Alternate Secretary of the issues relating to party organisation at the Convention Committee as well as national level. This time around, however, the experience was a little bit different because of the Chairman of the Subthe magnitude of the party and the seriousness the assignment at hand.

Committee on Accreditation. In ofWere there things the committee did during this online chat with Deputy the convention which you wish had been done Editor, VINCENT AKANMODE, differently?

In retrospect, I would say yes. Because of the the Itsekiri leader, who had previ- importance attached to the presidential primaries and knowing that Nigerians at home and ously served as the National abroad were waiting with baited breath for the outcome of the Treasurer of the defunct Action we had to ensure Congress of Nigeria (ACN), lets exercise, that the whole process was out his suspicions about the sin- not only transparent but also seen to be so. cerity of President Goodluck For this reason, we Jonathan on the rescheduled elec- introduced a quasielectronic method of tions. In the interview, which pre-accreditation.

We tried to do a held before Wednesday night’s pre-convention data presidential media chat, Ideh also capture of delegates in their various speaks about his 33-year-old states i.e. photo capcareer as a politician which began ture with thumbprint, was to be with his baptism into politics as a which uploaded into a central processing unit youth corps member in Dodan that would be used to Barracks while Alhaji Shehu screen delegates on Shagari held sway as President. state-by-state basis as they arrived at the conExcerpts: vention ground. Like the

‘

I went into partisan politics quite early in life. About 33 years ago, precisely. I was baptised into the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1982. Earlier on, I had served as a youth corps member in the State House at Dodan Barracks (Lagos) in 1981.

Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, the Personal Physician to then President Shehu Shagari, was my boss.

That was the exposure

‘

Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) palaver that is plaguing Prof.

•Dr. Tosan Ideh

Jega's INEC, however, we underestimated the inefficiency of our IT capabilities and the challenges of improper data storage.

As the chairman of the sub-committee on accreditation, I thought we would be able to give each delegate a tag customised with their names and state of origin. Unfortunately, we were only able to do that for about 70 per cent of the delegates. We thus had to go back to the old method of blank tags. I really felt bad about that because that caused some confusion and delayed our accreditation programme.

In retrospect, I should have just heeded the advice of some members of our committee who felt I was being over-ambitious about data capturing. Other than that, we had a great convention. And I really must congratulate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, Governor Rochas Okorocha and Chief Nda Isaiah for the maturity they displayed and the support they have continued to give our presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

How did you receive the news of the postponement of the general elections earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28?

I really was not that surprised. I had made my position on this postponement known and I believe many Nigerian newspapers, including your own, carried my views some 24 hours before the INEC chairman addressed the nation.

A lot of people felt the decision was taken to favour the designs of the President and the ruling party. Do you also believe so?

Of course I believed so, and I still do. I see this as an attempt to weaken Gen Buhari's and the

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

39 saw it again recently in the ‘third term’ agenda carefully scripted by Obasanjo regime. But in all these, what was the outcome? The various architects failed woefully in their designs!

Jonathan will also fail. More so because most Nigerians perceive him as a man who has not only failed to deliver on his promises, but one who lacks the will to fight corruption and the capacity to protect the territorial integrity of this great country.

The President

•Dr. Tosan Ideh

APC’s financial support base. This is a mind game; a game of wits. Do you know how many financiers would be considering whether they should continue to fund the opposition to this government, feeling that the election might not hold after all?

Compared to Buhari, Jonathan had been having a fledgling lacklustre campaign. Going by the response of Nigerians to the issues raised by our party and our flag bearer, and the comments even by the international community, it was clear the PDP was heading for a suffocating defeat. Jonathan needed to slow us down. He needed a breather.

What do you think are the implications of the postponement for your party?

The implications for us are what I said earlier.

But we are not stupid in APC. The brain bank of APC is made up of people who have been in opposition trenches for a long time. They are tested and trusted people who have mastered the art of political guerilla warfare.

Conventional methods of ambushing us like President Jonathan is doing now will not work.

Some people are already expressing fears that we might have returned to the path of the events that culminated in the June 12 crisis and that the elections may not even hold. Do you also nurse that fear?

You see, easing out an incumbent President in a developing country such as ours can be a tricky and thorny affair. We saw it in the June 12 crisis contrived by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. We

has said that part of the reasons for the postponement was to enable the military to settle the Boko Haram crisis. How tenable do you think this is?

And if at the end of six weeks Boko Haram is not defeated, what happens? This President wants to contrive a constitutional crisis on this country. Have you cared to watch his body language? My take is that he does not want to hand over to Gen. Buhari, but that is beyond him. Nigerians are to decide that, not him.

What do you think could happen if the elec-

‘

The brain bank of APC is made up of people who have been in opposition trenches for a long time. They are tested and trusted people who have mastered the art of political guerilla warfare.

Conventional methods of ambushing us like President Jonathan is doing now will not work

‘

tions are postponed again?

I shudder to think of it. That would be flaming the incendiary device which he has created. I just hope it does not get to that.

There are fears in some quarters that the government could use the postponement period to hunt down members of the opposition parties, particularly the APC. Do you see that possibility?

For a desperate man like Jonathan is today, he might do just that, which will be quite unfortunate. What with the laying of siege to the home of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But it will backfire.

As an Itsekiri leader, how much support does your party enjoy from your kinsmen, considering that the governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, belongs to the PDP and is also an Itsekiri?

You must separate Governor Uduaghan's membership of the PDP from the general disposition of Itsekiri people one way or the other in this coming presidential election.

Firstly, he was arm-twisted by the Jonathan government to drop an Itsekiri chairmanship candidate for one of Jonathan's kinsmen in the October 2014 local government election, which he himself conducted.

Secondly, his much publicised ambition to go to the Senate was thrown out in favour of another Jonathan’s kinsman. Uduaghan is the wrong example in gauging the Itsekiri support for Gen. Buhari and the APC. What do you think are the chances of the APC in the state in the forthcoming elections?

Our chances are very bright.

We would be counted as part of those to give victory to our party.

At what point did you decide to go into partisan politics?

I went into partisan politics quite early in life.

About 33 years ago, precisely. I was baptised into the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1982. Earlier on, I had served as a youth corps member in the State House at Dodan Barracks (Lagos) in 1981. Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, the Personal Physician to then President Shehu Shagari, was my boss. That was the exposure.

I ran for the House of Assmbly in the defunct Bendel State in 1983 and lost. But the then Governor of Bendel State, Dr. S.O. Ogbemudia, appointed me into the State Executive Council.

Again, in 1999, I ran for the National Assembly and lost, but I was twice appointed a commissioner in Delta State. Between all these, I had served on several boards and parastatals both at state and federal levels. I was at a time elected State Chairman of the UNCP and, more recently, the National Treasurer of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

What else do you do apart from politics?

I am a medical doctor and owner of a thriving medical practice in Benin City where I live. But I am also a business man with vast interests in oil and gas, minning and shipping. Of course, I am a family man. My wife is an ophthalmologist. I have children and grand children who have attended top class universities like the London School of Economics and Imperial College. Two of them graduated with First Class degrees. I am a happy and fulfilled man with a passion to serve my people.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

42

People queuing up for their PVCs

IDH MEDICAL DIRECTOR

GOVERNOR UDUAGHAN

PRESIDENCY

From left: Former VC, UNILAG, Prof Ibidapo Obe; the celebrant's spouse, Dr. Michael Obafunso th Peters; his wife, the celebrant, Olusola; the VC's wife, Mrs. Olusola Ibadapo Obe, at Mrs. Peters 70 birthday in Lagos.

From left: HRM, the Owa of Oke Oro, Ekitiland, Oba Afolabi Babade with the CEO, Unity Hospitals Group Ltd, Sir Chief Deinde Williams at the event.

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

45

SPANISH LA LIGA..SPANISH LA LIGA...SPANISH LA LIGA....

ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A...

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY14, 2015

49

with

From my mailbox:

Email: bineharriet@gmail.com

Sexual intimacy in marriage

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

50

of fun-loving city ladies Co-ordinated by Patience Saduwa 08023201831 (sms only) psaduwa@yahoo.com

Finding Rosie (1)

,

Escapades

I told him about the party and said he could join us when he was done at his relative's place. He was a total stranger to me but I felt inviting him to the party was my little way of expressing appreciation for his help with my car

,

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

51

Wisdom: The winning key (2)

Family

Forum

with Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Tel: 01-7341546-8 Email: counselling@faithoyedepo.org

‘

When a man understands the nature of his wife and works according to that understanding, challenges are less likely to arise in that home

,

FOR

Only Sisters

with Mercy Michael sms or call 07034722111 forsistersonly@yahoo.com

Dealing with ‘monster’ called ex (2)

Continued from last week

A man knows when he's not reciprocating your love, so hanging on is a signal that you don't even love yourself; you have no value for your person and feelings. And take it or leave it that is the way he will treat your relationship with him

‘

‘

52

53

By Professor Dayo Oyekole Ph.D. (Ibadan), NMD, FNCP Tel: 0803-330-3897 Website: www.holisticlifecare.com E-mail: kolemetric@yahoo.com

54

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

NEWS 55

Group faults Jonathan on power to sack Jega

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been faulted on his claim that he possesses the power to sack the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, and other commissioners of the electoral body.

A group, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room), said in Abuja that although the President was empowered under the constitution to nominate people as INEC chairman and commissioners for confirmation by the Senate, he lacked the power to either sack or compel occupants of such offices to proceed on pre-retirement leave.

The President had said during a media chat on Wednesday that having appointed Jega and other INEC commissioners, he possessed the powers to fire them should he feel displeased with their conduct.

The group, comprising lawyers and civil rights activists, cautioned against a further shift in the election time table, noted that any alteration in the schedule of the general election could result in an unprecedented constitutional crisis that may consume the country.

The group appealed to members of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, other stakeholders in the electoral process and the international community to prevail on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that the elections are held as scheduled.

It regretted the impact of the postponement of the elections on the people, noting that since the postponement was announced, “Nigeria has been in a state of suspended animation,” with effects on the economy, politics, the society and the collective state of the people’s emotional and psychological well-being.

The group’s spokesman,

Clement Nwankwo, who addressed a press conference, contended that INEC, not being a civil service institution, is not subject to both the civil service rules and the control of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

He said being a public service institution, created by the Constitution, INEC is not subject to the control or direction of any person or authority in the performance of its responsibilities.

Nwankwo, a lawyer and Executive Director of the Policy and legal Advocacy Centre (a member organisation of the Situation Room) said: “The Constitution (Section 157) is very clear on the appointment of the Chairman and members of INEC. “The President makes the nomination, he sends it to the Senate and the Senate votes to confirm it.

Once a nominee is confirmed by the Senate, the person remains in office until the last date, amounting to five years of his tenure.

“Such a person can only be removed by the Senate, voting on a two-third majority.

Outside of that, the President has absolutely no powers to suspend, to ask a Commissioner or Chairman to proceed on a pre-retirement leave, or to remove them under any circumstance. Any purported removal would be a constitutional violation for which the President could be impeached.

“Apart from the constitutional question, the President, for the integrity of the electoral process, should be quite wary about what he says.

“It is important that the President realises that INEC is a special body because of the special nature of its activities. And the President is now a party in the electoral contest. So, he should be wary about the kind of things he says concerning the umpire in the election in which he is

a participant.

“I am quite surprised that the President would say such things. It raises questions about the understanding, in government circle, about the special role of INEC,” he said.

Nwankwo, who expressed concern over the negative implication of a further shift in election dates, noted that “of all threats, the most critical at this moment, is the crisis of legitimacy.

“Sections 132(2) and 178(2) of the Constitution clearly states that an election shall be held ‘not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.’ As such, elections cannot happen later than April 29 2015.Therefore, the election dates of March 28 and April 11, 2015 cannot be moved,” Nwankwo said.

Section 157(1) of the Constitution states that: “Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, a person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by twothirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.

Sub-section 2 says: “This section applies to the offices of the Chairman and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Federal Character Commission, the Nigeria Police Council, the National Population Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Police Service Commission.”

Election postponement amounts to violation of democratic process, say Nigerian professionals in UK

T

HE Progressives Solidarity Forum (PSF), a group of Nigerian professionals in the United Kingdom, has condemned the postponement of the general election earlier slated for February 14 and 28, 2015.

The group described the postponement as a test of fragile democracy and appealed to all Nigerians, home and abroad to stay calm and be determined in ensuring peace and tranquillity during the period.

“As we appeal to all Nigerians to stay calm in the face of this undemocratic and illperceived act by the Federal Government, we are of a strong opinion that the decision to postpone the election is unhealthy for our democracy,” the group stated.

It condemned the reason given for postponement, adding that “this goes further to confirm that Mr. Goodluck Jonathan can no longer preside over this nation. This in effect has shown beyond doubt that the President has failed in his duties and cannot secure our lives, property and the future

of our nation.

INEC, a supposedly independent body, has maintained all along that they were ready for the election until pressure from the PDP supporters and their agents.

“INEC had four years to prepare for this election, and then our question is what will change in six weeks?

“President Goodluck Jonathan had more than two years to address the deplorable security situation in the Northeast and ceding of 14 local government areas to the control of Boko Haram, he did nothing.

“The President had almost one year to rescue our abducted school girls from Chibok town of Borno State, he showed no leadership. But less than one week to the general election, he used the veil of national security to twist the arms of INEC and his service chiefs into granting him six weeks reprieve to address issues he could not resolve in two years. It remains to be seen what President Jonathan wants to achieve in six weeks,” PSF said.

The group said the solution to the spate of insecurity in the country is change in leadership and governance, which can only be achieved through free and fair election, not a postponement of change. “We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the desired change for the nation and the collective interests of the Nigerian people is not undermined by a few selfcentred individuals.”

PSF expressed its satisfaction with the maturity and dignity demonstrated by the main opposition party (APC) in its acceptance of the veil national security reasons given by INEC, thus living up to its democratic credentials as peace loving and law-abiding party.

The group also praised Nigerians for their patience and resilience in the face of the most provocation and for remaining law abiding despite the spurious nature of the reasons given for the postponement.

“We urge Nigerians to remain firm in the quest to bring about change in the direction of our governance,” the group stated.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

THE NATION,

News

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

•One of the vehicles vandalised during the attack

57

•Ojo on hospital bed shortly after the attack

Four abducted as thugs unleash terror in Ekiti communities ...Fayose, others sign peace pact

S

USPECTED political thugs on Thursday unleashed terror in three communities in Ekiti State attacking All Progressives Congress (APC) members and destroying their property.

The communities where the thugs wreaked havoc are Igbemo-Ekiti in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area, Ijan-Ekiti and IluomobaEkiti both in Gbonyin Local Government Area.

The hoodlums attacked the residence of a member of the House of Assembly, Ayodeji Odu and the APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun both in Igbemo. Four APC members were also abducted.

Posters and billboards of APC candidates were vandalized by the hoodlums who were armed with guns and machetes.

In a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Commissioner of Police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, said he got information that some government officials were attacked at Igbemo and that “the command is investigating the incident.”

The thugs were said to have attacked APC members holding a meeting on Thursday in Igbemo before they returned in the early hours of Friday to unleash more deadly attacks.

The violence attacks took place as political parties signed a peace accord brokered by the state police command on Friday.

Olatubosun, in a statement later in the day fingered the PDP-led government as the brains behind the attacks in Igbemo, Ijan and Iluomoba.

He said: “They started their raids from Ijan-Ekiti where they shot sporadically to the air. Residents scampered to safety as thugs went about destroying APC candidates’ billboards and posters.

“After Ijan-Ekiti operation, they headed for Iluomoba-Ekiti where APC ward meeting was disrupted. Billboards and posters of APC candidates, including the chairs and tables were destroyed before moving to other communities in Gbonyin

T

Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado-Ekiti to unleash violence”.

He explained that the thugs returned to Igbemo-Ekiti at night in three Hilux vans backed by policemen shooting and destroying the billboards and posters of APC candidates, including those of a member of Ekiti House of Assembly,Barrister Rotimi Odu. “It was during their night visit that these men in military uniform abducted Chief Peter Akinsola a.k.a Pitoro, the senior brother of the Ward Chairman, Mr. Olusola Bello, Mr. Olujimi Ogunade, and 22year-old, Adefemi Ojo. “Investigation has revealed that the abducted men are illegally detained at Fayose’s task force office along Iyin road Ado Ekiti”.

Olatunbosun listed PDP members seen working with the thugs as Folorunso, Niran, Basiru Ajagbemokeferi, Ropo Akosile, Tosin, alias Tosco (a notorious criminal), Dada Fagbolagun and a Michael Daramola, who allegedly drove the thugs to the town.

Olatubosun added that Ajayi Temisoro was matcheted while a pharmaceutical shop belonging to an APC member, Olujimi Ogunade, was destroyed.

A high Chief in the town, Chief Tunji Agamogo, the Onisara of Igbemo as well as one Ariyo Afao, a brother to Governor Fayose were seen with the thugs encouraging them and pointing to APC members’ houses.

The APC spokesman called on the security agencies to intervene to save the lives of abducted members while also urging the police to be evenhanded in the current violence being unleashed on APC members by PDP thugs.

Meanwhile, Governor Ayo Fayose and leaders of other political parties on Friday signed a peace accord towards ensuring violence-free general

APC chieftain dies at 76

HE death has been announced of a retired teacher and staunch member of the All Progressives’ Congress(APC) in Igboora, Oyo State, Pa Josiah Adebowale Lawoore.

He was aged 76.

He is survived by a wife, children and grand children among whom are Yomi and Opeyemi Olawore of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.

Burial arrangements have been scheduled for May 8 &9 2015.

elections.

The peace pact which was facilitated by the Ekiti Police Command was witnessed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Christopher Dega.

The peace meeting was however shunned by some candidates.

Fayose expressed his disappointment concerning the absence of other candidates at the meeting.

Speaking before he signed the pact, Fayose pledged his commitment to maintenance of law and order and promised not to take vengeance against any political opponent.

Fayose said: “Winning election in politics is an issue we should see as what God ordains and not about what we want to do. For me as a leader, the people in APC are my brothers including those in Labour Party and other parties.

“God has chosen me not to hunt anybody; God has chosen me not to take vengeance. If I hear of any arrest by the Police, I always appeal to the Commissioner of Police to release them, if the alleged offence is not life-threatening.

“Fighting in election, snatching ballot boxes are no longer fashionable. Your connection with the Police won’t save you but your connection with the people. Candidates of all parties should be here; it is not good that we have few people coming here. I will maintain law and order and submit myself to law and order.I will not muzzle anybody because God will do what He will do.

“In politics, we abuse each other; if you abuse me, I will abuse you back and if I cannot abuse you, I will look for somebody to abuse you. That is poli-

•Some of the expended bullets found in Ojo’s living room

tics for you,” he added.

“I, Ayo Fayose, will key into this peace process I will respect this peace process and ensure that this peace process works”.

Dega explained that the peace accord is an attempt to allay fear and send a message to political gladiators to shun violence.

According to him, election should be free of rancour, acrimony, ill-feelings and bad

blood that undermine the credibility of election.

The AIG warned politicians against the use of thugs and play the game of politics in accordance with the rules.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, reminded politicians in the state that elections will come and go but scars left behind by violence sometimes linger forever.

Lakanu said issues highlighted in the peace accord was to ensure peace ful conduct of the 2015 general elections in the state are issues in the electoral laws.

He said the Police and other sister security agencies have resolved to continue to do everything possible to ensure safety of every stakeholder in the electoral process without bias or sentiment.

Council boss inaugurates health centre

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HE Chairman of AdoOdo/Ota Local Government, Ogun State, Hon Rotimi Rahman, has commissioned a new health centre in the Iloye area of the community.

The project was a public-private partnership initiative bankrolled by foremost household products manufacturer, Binatone Nigeria Ltd, in conjunction with the local government.

Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, Hon Rahmon urged residents to make the best use of the health facility by ensuring adequate maintenance of the environ-

ment.

He praised the courage of one of the community leaders, who facilitated the project urging other residents to make selfless contributions towards the development of their community.

Rahmon said: “The Iloye Health Centre that we are officially commissioning today, is not the first of its type that our administration has delivered to the public. The monthly rural health scheme for free medical services has also been inaugurated for the benefit of our rural populace.

With our efforts at bringing

healthcare to the doorsteps of our people, the incidence of maternal and infant mortality rate has been reduced.

“I am happy to tell you that this health centre has been adequately staffed with qualified medical personnel, modern equipment and drugs by the local government. My remarks would be incomplete without recognizing Mr Joseph Babayemi, a management staff of Binatone Nig Ltd, who facilitated the construction of the health facility. I therefore urge residents to make the best use of this facility and ensure its protection from vandals,” he added.

Kwara police raise the alarm on increasing political violence

T

HE Kwara State Police Command has raised the alarm on the spate of political violence and hooliganism in the state.

Addressing candidates of various political parties in Ilorin, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Salihu Garba, said the command had zero tolerance for political thuggery and hooliganism in any form.

He therefore directed that “such acts of criminalities shall not be tolerated in the state before, during and after the electioneering period.”

His words: “As law enforce-

Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin ment institution, we have resolved to use all legally permitted means to prevent any breakdown of law and order and all offenders shall be duly prosecuted as there will be no sacred cow.

“Intelligence gathered by the state command so far reveals a great increase in the rate of political thuggery and hooliganism in the ongoing electioneering period in the state. This has resulted into various forms of attacks on

political opponents; destruction of political opponents’ properties and posters as well as billboards and other allied offences associated with political violence which is alien to the state known for its harmonious nature.

Garba explained that the command was ready to deal with trouble makers and their sponors. “ Facts at our disposal also reveal that while some of those involved in the act of thuggery are locally based, some are imported to the state to unleash terror on innocent

people.

“The command has therefore put in place effective machinery that will deal decisively with the situation by leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that political trouble makers, their agents and sponsors are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law. Meanwhile, leaders of all political parties in the state are warned to monitor and curtail the activities of their members and followers that may engineer any form of breakdown of law and order as a result of spreading unconfirmed rumours.”

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NEWS

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

Dariye’s father regain freedom •Six days after kidnap

S

Yusufu AMINU Idegu, Jos

ENATOR Joshua Dariye, representing Plateau Central zone of Plateau state has eventually rejoined his father Baba Dariye after he was released by his abductors.

Elder Dariye was abducted from his Mushere home town last week by some unknown gunmen who stormed the residence of the octogenarian.

The Senator's father was said to have been found abandoned by his abductors in Quan Pan Local government area of Plateau state.

The discovery of the victim was made possible with the efforts of men of the special task force (STF) on Jos crisis code named 'Operation Safe Haven' Spokesman of the Special Task Force, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha said the men of the force have been on the trail of the kidnappers until the force discovered their route.

"We were able to arrest some of the suspected kidnappers, but we have handed over the 87 year old man to his family for proper medical care while those arrested are in our custody and would be paraded soon.

There was jubilation as soon as the news of the release of Pa Dariye filtered into Bokkos local government area and Jos town.

Governor Jonah Jang and his wife, Talatu had earlier paid sympathy visit to Senator Dariye. Gov Jang was accompanied by the governorship candidate of PDP Senator Gyang Pwajok.

While expressing sadness over the incident, Governor Jang said he is closely monitoring the investigation and regretted why an innocent, elderly man would be subjected to such a traumatic situation.

Idoma youths caution Rep member over litigation

A

Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi

Coalition of Idoma youths in Benue south senatorial zone has cautioned House of Representative member, representing Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadigbo, Hon Hassan Saleh to immediately withdraw the court case he filed against Hon Chris Abah.

Hassan Saleh is currently representing Ado/ Okpokwu / Ogbadigbo in the Lower chamber, but lost the battle for re- election to Chris Abah, whom Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) has already declared unopposed, even before election as he had no challenger in any of the political parties.

However, incumbent Hasseh Saleh filed a case of forgery at the Federal High Court Abuja against Chris Abah, who defeated him during the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) primaries with a wide margin of votes.

Worried by the threat of litigation posed to the candidature of Chris Abah, and the federal constituency, Coalition of Idoma Youths led by the President Hon Thomas Oduh issued a press statement calling on Representative Hassan Saleh to immediately withdraw the court case against Abah for peace to reign.

Fulani attacks: Death toll rises to 38

D

Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi

EAD toll from the attacked communities of Anyiin, Logo local Government area of Benue state by suspected Fulani insurgents has risen to 38 even as security has been beefed up to restore normalcy.

Benue state Governor Gabriel Suswan on Tuesday charged the military and the police drafted to the areas to ensure adequate security protection for the affected communities after the carnage visited on them by the suspected insurgents.

The suspected Fulani insurgents had a week ago attacked and killed no fewer that 20 people on the spot in Chembe, Ifer Mbakpa Tse Mue villages of Logo council while razing several houses.

Governor Suswan while on an assessment visit regretted why the Fulanis were in the habit of killing Benue indigenes without provocation adding that such an act most be investigated by the security agents to find a lasting solution to the matter.

The suspected insurgents had laid siege in the neighboring community even while the governor was on the assessment tour before the military chased them away to the boundaries of Taraba and Nasarawa states.

Suswan appealed to the people of the area to cooperate with security operatives so that they discharge their duties and urged them to remained law abiding.

The Nation observed that women, children and the aged dominates the thousands displaced in the affected communities.

A woman who identified herself simply as Aduer was profusely crying told our reporter that she lost both her husband and her only grown up male child during the attacks.

The Commissioner of Police Hycinth Dagala and his counterpart from the army Col. Abiodun Lagbaja both assured the governor of adequate security protection for the communities in order for them to return home.

The paramount ruler of the area HRH Jimmy Meeme told the governor and the security chiefs that his domain has been under constant attack by the suspected Fulani insurgents and appealed that the situation be put under control for his subjects to go back to their usual farming.

•Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, commissioning MDGs’ blocks of classrooms and toilets on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan at Salvation Army Primary School, Ilase in Lagos... on Thursday

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Bishop, Gumi caution against ethno-religious politics

ISHOP Josiah IdowuFearon of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Kaduna diocese and revered Islamic scholar, Sheihk Ahmad Gumi have appealed to Nigerian youths, particularly those of them resident in Northern Nigeria to stay away from fomenting crisis before, during and after the 2015 general elections, saying that everything must be done to avoid the magnitude of deathS recorded in the 2011 post election violence, in the next election.

The Islamic scholar lamented that, "out of a total of 943 death recorded across the country, Kaduna alone recorded 827 deaths. Also, all the property that was lost was put at N40.6 billion across the country, and Kaduna alone lost N23.3 billion."

They therefore, called on politicians to also avoid playing politics of religion and ethnicity, stating that politics should be based on the ability to provide good governance of the individual contesting, and not necessarily based on his religion or ethnicity.

Bishop Fearon and Sheik Gumi spoke in Kaduna yesterday at the flag off of a community peace club organized

by Arewa Citizens Action for Change (ACAC), a nongovernmental organization, desirous to propagate a violence-free election at the next

•Say 943 lives, N40.6bn lost to 2011 violence Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna polls.

In his remarks, Bishop Idowu-Fearon who was a member of the presidential committee that investigated the 2011 post election violence in affected states across the country noted that out of the total record of 943 persons that were killed in the violence, Kaduna alone took the lion share of 827 lives that were lost to the crisis.

He said the figure was so scary that no state should allow such crisis to repeat itself in the forthcoming general elections.

On his part, Sheikh Gumi who recently floated an election monitoring NGO averred that the animosity being wit-

nessed between the Christians and Muslims is carried out by those who do not understand their religion, just as he stressed that ignorance is what brings about terrorism.

On the essence of the peace club, the ACAC State Coordinator, Yayaha Muhammad Sharif said, “The programme is to spur the full strength of national unity towards eradication of any form of ethno-religious violence, brainstorm on Nigerians’ contributions towards possible elimination of any form of politically motivated violence under the disguise of religious agitations and to continue preaching on one united Nigeria without any racial or religious discrimination, but respect and harmony.

NUC: why we approved Turkish varsity Law programme

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HE National Universities Commission (NUC) has said it approved Law degree programme for the Nigerian Turkish Nile University after the university had met all the requirements specified by the commission.

The Director of Press and Public Relations of NUC, Mallam Ibrahim Yakassai, who disclosed this yesterday in a chat with newsmen, said the NUC monitoring team was satisfied with the facilities put in place for the programme as well as the accompanying aca-

Gbade OGUNWALE, Assistant Editor, Abuja demic staff on ground.

Speaking on the development, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Huseyin Sert, said the approval of the programme would enable the university to churn out manpower that could bridge the gap in the nation’s legal system.

Professor Sert said: "Just as the main intention of the university is to contribute its quota to the Nigerian society by providing more manpower needed in all sectors, it is expected

Eric IKHILAE, Abuja

placed people in Niger, Cameroon and Chad in order to provide much-needed emergency assistance.

"In Niger, fighting had broken out the previous week in the town of Bosso near Lake Chad in the southern region of Diffa, between the Niger national armed forces and insurgents from Nigeria.

"That had been followed by a series of attacks in Diffa town against civilians, including by suicide bombers. Large parts of the population of Diffa were moving farther west; prior to the attacks Diffa had had a population of 50,000, while today the town was virtually empty.

Over 157,000 displaced in Northeastern Nigeria, by UNHCR HE violence in Northeastern Nigeria had caused more than 157,000 people to flee into Niger, Cameroon and Chad since emergency rule was established in that part of the country two years ago, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said yesterday.

It said 100,000 are taking refuge in Niger; 40,000 in Cameroon, while 17,000 are in Chad.

UNHCR's spokesperson, Adrian Edwards, who spoke yesterday during a United Nations' briefing in Geneva, said, a further nearly one million people were estimated to be internally displaced inside

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“We are calling on the Nigerian youth not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs, and we are also appealing to the electoral body (INEC) that they should use all the available machineries within their power to orgainse and conduct the very best, most credible and violence-free election in Nigerian political history.”

Speaking further, Bishop Fearon said: “I want to tell you, in case you don’t know, I served on the presidential committee that investigated 2011 post election violence in the affected State across the country. I want to tell you that of all the states that were affected, Kaduna was more affected, Kaduna recorded the loss of more lives and property.

Nigeria.

Edwards, who noted that the violence was spilling over to countries neighbouring Nigeria, called for urgent humanitarian access to the displaced. The transcript of the briefing was made available to The Nation yesterday by the National Information Officer/ Officer-in-Charge, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Oluseyi Soremekun.

"The situation was becoming increasingly terrifying for refugees, locals and aid workers. UNHCR was calling for urgent humanitarian access to refugees and internally dis-

that Law should also be included.

“We are mainly going to use this multimedia system of delivering our lectures to the teeming population of our students. That is the main innovation and one of the best practices obtainable all over the world".

“Right from the beginning, we are going to start from that perspective. That is why in advance, we are preparing our course materials so that when they come into the multimedia projected lectures, students will get it right”.

To bridge the gap between university tuition and labour market demands, the Vice Chancellor said plans were on ground to ensure that students are taught the practical aspects of the profession, right from the beginning.

According to him, the university's law faculty would begin with about five chambers to get the students exposed to practical aspect of legal practice.

“We want to make it the best Law Faculty in Nigeria. That is the plan we have. We are hopeful that this will contribute immensely to law practice in Nigeria.

“Law is a critical part of every university. We understand that we have a public sister university, University of Abuja, but a lot of parents come to us demanding for Law programme. We already have the requisite proposals on ground to support that structure", the Vice Chancellor stated.

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

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Electioneering: Political parties sign peace pact in Edo

n Osemwengie BEN OGBEMUDIA n OLITICAL parties in in the state were in attenEdo State. On Friday, dance at the event. signed a peace pact, just Earlier, the AIG disclosed as the Commissioner of Po- that the ceremony was in lice, who was recently de- compliance with the directive ployed to the state, Mr. of the Inspector-General of Samuel Damilola Adeboyi, Police (IGP) directive that all has assumed duty in Benin states in the country should City. replicate the Abuja peace acThe Assistant Inspector- cord of January 15, 2015.

General (AIG) of Police in He urged politicians and charge of Zone ‘5’ Mr. Musa their supporters to abide by Daura led other service chiefs the existing electoral laws in Edo State to seal the pact and regulations. for violence-free polls.

AIG Daura further enThe event took place at the joined politicians in Edo State conference hall of Edo Police to accommodate one another, Command, headquarters, saying the police and other Benin City. security agencies are ready to The Deputy Chairman, All provide adequate security for Progressives Congress law-abiding citizens.

(APC), Edo State chapter, He also assured that secuMagaji Usman, signed for the rity personnel would remain APC, while the state chair- apolitical. man of the Peoples DemoShortly before endorsing cratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan the peace pact, Edo APC Orbih signed on behalf of the deputy chairman, Magaji PDP. Usman called on the police However, no representa- and other security agencies to tives of other political parties be alive to their responsibility.

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Polls: Ex-militants group sues for peace n Precious DIKEWOHA, Port Harcourt n group, comprising former militants in the Niger Delta region, has called on the youths in the region to resist any ploy to be used as political thugs by desperate politicians during and after the general elections.

The group, under the aegis of Niger Delta Peoples Democratic Front (NDPDF), said time has come when desperate politicians should stop hiring youths as thugs.

The leader of the group, Mr. Precious Iyoyo, aka Commander Playboy, made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, while educating the youths on the need for violence-free elections.

Playboy called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs, adding that youths of Niger Delta should imbibe the spirit of discipline, humility and respect to the candidates of the various parties.

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Robbers attack bureau de change •Kill security guard in Benin gang of armed robbers struck yesterday in Benin, capital of Edo State, killing a security guard, identified as Abubarkar Shaibu.

The robbers broke into three bureau de change shops along the popular Lagos Street, the commercial nerve of the city.

The body of late Abubarkar was found in the morning when the shop owners resumed for business activities.

Late Abubarkar was stabbed in the stomach, while his colleague Haruna Zakari, was stabbed on the leg, and was found in shackles.

It will be recalled that last year, three teenagers who slept in a shop along Lagos Street were beheaded.

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n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n Owners of the shops refused comment on the matter, but the body of late Abubarkar was later taken away for burial according to Islamic rites.

Chairman of Hausa Community in the state, Alhaji Badamasi Salihu, said the killing of security guards in the area was a common phenomenon.

He lamented that those who beheaded the three teenagers were yet to be arrested, and appealed for more protection from security agencies.

Spokesman for the police in the state, DSP Joseph Edogiawerie, confirmed the killing, and said investigation has commenced into the matter.

No PVCs for 49,515 persons in Edo over multiple registrations •Politicians trying to influence corps members –REC n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n DO State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Mike Igini, yesterday, said 49,515 persons who engaged in multiple registrations in the state would not be issued Permanent Voter Cards.

Barr. Igini, who disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting, said 3,675 Card Readers have been deployed to the state for the conduct of the general elections.

The state REC said the commission has distributed 1,087,203 PVCs, representing 64 percent of a total of 1,700,000 registered voters in the state.

He noted that 449,431 cards were yet to be collected, adding that the commission would engage the services of 15,571 adhoc staff in the 2,627 voting units across the state.

Igini announced that the distribution of PVC to those who registered in November 2014 would commence today, and expressed concern that politicians were making efforts to infiltrate the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with a view to influencing the conduct of the elections.

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•From Left: Mrs. Nkechi Chukwura, Chairman Ndokwa East Local Government Area; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Ebifa Ijoma, at the official commissioning of the newly-constructed Aboh road.

PHOTO: Bripin Enarusai

We'll recapture Adamawa, Yobe, Borno before elections, says Jonathan P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured the international community that the military will recapture major areas currently under the control of the Islamic Boko Haram in the North East before the new dates for the 2015 general elections.

He gave the assurance during the annual Presidential cocktail for members of the diplomatic corps in Aso Rock, Abuja.

According to him Nigeria will recaptured 100 per cent all the areas under Adamawa and Yobe states.

For Borno State, he said that the government will also try to reclaim it 100 per cent before the election or at worst reclaim at least 70 per cent of the state from the insurgents.

He thanked the diplomats for their countries' support to Nigeria on the insurgency in the North East and the improving bilateral trade with their countries.

He said: "So the adjustments, yes the Boko Haram issues are there and definitely more states though for now three states are in the enclave of Boko Haram, whereby conducting elections maybe difficult.

"This period will give them the opportunity to clean up the three states. If at all they cannot clean up the three states at least two states will be recovered completely and more local governments even from the remaining state, so that elections could be conducted even in Borno State."

"Even if we don't take over all the territories in Borno State, definitely in Adamawa and Yobe states, we will take over completely and even Borno State, the headquarters of Boko Haram, even if we don't take over completely, at least 70 per cent of that state will be free for elections to be conducted. Because democracy can only be meaningful if people are allowed to select who rules them."

He added: "We recognise the real threats terrorism poses to our nation's development and national security.

The Boko Haram insurgency has today become the biggest manifestation of terrorism not only in our country Nigeria, it has become a regional problem.

The activities of Boko Haram has shown that no single country can effectively tackle terrorism and insurgency alone.

"For effective and successful containment of this challenge, it is through regional and international collaboration and cooperation. We are therefore forging collaboration with all our immedi-

n Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja n

ate neighbours, sub-regional allies and even partners beyond the region to deal with this mortal challenge to our security and development."

He said that just like Nigeria dealt with the threat of Ebola, it is determined to decisively deal with insurgency and thereby securing the nation.

He said: "We are already beginning to turn the trend. Let me reassure you very clearly that we will surely win the war against Boko Haram. We are moving faster now. In n the next few weeks the whole world will know that we are totally committed and that we are in position to save our people.

"We are now in position to tackle the Boko Haram and especially with the position taken by the AU. Our neigbouring countries - Chad, Cameroon, Niger are also keying in. Before this time, Boko Haram would create problems in Nigeria and sometimes go to northern Cameroon to hide. At times, they would create problem in Cameroon and move into Nigeria.

"It was always difficult for Nigerian security personnel to move into Cameroon because there was no intentional agreement or binding force. But now the barriers had been handled and so we will move faster and in the next few weeks you will witness significant changes.

"You can't talk about wiping terror because it operates differently. But when you talk of holding territories, we are more committed than ever before because of the level we have reached and the cooperation we are getting from neighbouring countries in terms of taking these territories back, so that these internally displaced persons can be relocated into their communities."

On the election, he said: "The next issue that is very important now is the issues of elections. Of course, you are aware of the colourful campaigns, especially campaigns that are led by the key political parties: the PDP and the APC. "There is so much of tensions, especially when elections (dates) were readjusted. Initially the international community thought that readjusting the elections would automatically means shifting the date for inaugurating the new president.

"We insisted that for one, INEC adjusted the dates in 2011, the adjustments is within the constitutional provision that in Nigeria, elections have to be conducted not less than 30

days to the inauguration of the president and not more than 150 days of the inauguration.

"Unfortunately this illicited some kind of controversy. Ordinarily, people suppose not to bother. But for one reason or the other, it illicited some kind of debates and some people started even doubting whether this administration is even ready to go on with these elections or whether another president will be inaugurated on May 29th.

"So let me use this platform to clarify this issue, that the adjustments are within the constitution and not just the electoral law. Elections will be conducted as scheduled by the electoral body, March 28th and April 11th. On 29th of May this year, the President will be inaugurated. You should convey this to your country. " On the frequently asked question of whether the military will wipe out insurgency in six weeks, he said: "The security people are not saying that they will wipe out Boko Haram before elections will be conducted. But there are Boko Haram related security issues and there were other security issues that were noticed during the period of campaigns which if we don't prepare properly and modify, the security architecture we normally use for elections, the country may go up in flames.

"In a situation where you have maybe 30 per cent of people having voters card to vote, that is some kind of security threat. As at the time INEC was to conduct the elections, in fact when we had the Council of State meeting, a state like Lagos, Lagos is the most important state in this country, though the seat of government is in Abuja but Lagos controls 52 per cent of our economy. So it is a key state.

“So as important as Lagos is, only 38 per cent of those who registered to vote got their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs). And that points to some kind of dangerous signal which we must avoid."

"So when they say security issues, it was not limited to Boko Haram, and the security people didn't say they must wipe pout Boko Haram before the elections will be conducted. Even in 2011, there was Boko Haram and elections were conducted.

“So we will surely conduct elections as scheduled, I promise you. So communicate this to your home country as scheduled and on the 29th of May inauguration will take place to bring in the next president of this country."

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NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

Imo Govt House invasion: Monarchs demand apology ...say Minister desecrated the land T •Allegation false –Minister’s aide RADITIONAL rulers in Imo State, yesterday, demanded an unreserved apology from the Minister of State for Education, Professor Viola Onwuliri, for mobilizing widows across the state to invade the Imo State Government House, carrying a mock coffin.

The monarchs observed that the action of the minister, which has been widely condemned, amounted to a desecration of the traditions and

n Okodili NDIDI, Owerri n customs of the people, which they said will not be tolerated by the traditional institution.

Briefing newsmen at the Traditional Rulers’ Parliament, the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri, stated that the activities

and utterances of the minister concerning issues in the state are unbecoming of a woman of her position.

According to him, “we are still mourning the death of her husband, Professor Celestine Onwuliri, who was a worthy son of the state. But since after his death, Viola has gone wild, going about the

place making trouble and getting involved in matters that do not concern her.

“She is not the only female minister in the country. She should borrow a leaf from other women who have not used their position to incite crisis in their states. She has the right to join any political party and work for any candidate of her choice, but she must not desecrate the land.

“We have resolved that she should tender an unreserved

apology to Imo people for ridiculing the custom of the people. She has the rights to do her politics, but she must not desecrate the laws of the land.”

However, when contacted, the Media Assistant to the Minister, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruem, described the allegation as blackmail from the Government House. He said it was conceived to tarnish the image of the minister.

Ngige condemns attack on Obiano, Umeh

n Nwanosike ONU, Awka n HE senator representing Anambra Central zone, Senator Chris Ngige, has condemned the attack on the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, in Agulu community, describing it as barbaric.

Governor Obiano and Chief Victor Umeh, the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Anambra central zone, were allegedly attacked last Sunday by unknown hoodlums at the Agulu town hall during the governor’s visit to the area.

Following the alleged attack, supporters of the two leaders have laid the blame at the door step of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But speaking yesterday in Awka, Ngige denied the allegation, saying he or his party had no hand in the attack.

The former governor, who spoke through his Media Assistant, Mr. Arinze Igboeli, said, "Yesterday, I was inundated with calls by journalists asking that we respond to the allegations making the rounds on the Internet and in some dailies that the APC was behind the stoning of Chief Victor Umeh at a rally in Agulu.

“I wish to state that at no point in time did any supporter of the APC in Anambra State attack Chief Victor Umeh at a rally. It is barbaric and definitely not in our character.

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•From right: Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime; Deputy Governor, Rev. Ifeanyi Nwoye; wife of the PDP guber candidate, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; PDP guber candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, addressing crowd, while the running mate, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, and the Chairman of the state PDP campaign organisation, Barr. C. O. C. Egumgbe watch, at a campaign rally, at Obollo-Afor...yesterday.

Anxiety over Oba of Benin HE Benin Traditional Council (BTC) last night dismissed rumored death of the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin.

The rumored death of the revered monarch went viral on the internet yesterday.

Secretary to the BTC, Frank Irabor, told newsmen that the rumoured death of the Benin

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•He is alive, says palace n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n monarch has been rife for the past few months and lacked substance.

Irabor explained that the BTC would issue a formal statement if such a development did occur, noting that the rumour started because

of the inability of President Jonathan to see the monarch when he visited the palace during a campaign rally in the ancient city.

According to him, "If there is anything like that, there is usually a statement from the palace or from the Benin Tra-

Condemnation trails harassment of APC leaders Continued from Page 6 West Business League (SWBL), South East Peoples Agenda (SEPA) and Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) said the federal government should stop manifesting dictatorial tendencies.

“This is democracy and we want to warn the PDP that if anything happens to Tinubu and other APC leaders, we are going to hold them responsible.

“Tinubu is a man that has come out to defend democracy since 1999 as governor of Lagos State, as the national leader of the ACN and now the APC. He has been going around suing for peace, non-violence and free and fair elections.

“This is a democratic and true opposition, so we don’t see any reason why the government should send any military men to him.”

He reminded those who see President Jonathan as a sectional leader that he is indeed “the president of the whole country.” “ So if the man loses the election, he should go back to his Otueke home. He was not born president.

They should not see this country

as their personal property because it belongs to each and every one of us.

“If the people want change, it is up to them. Let them go to the polls. If the people vote for Jonathan, so be it. If the people vote him out he also has to accept the outcome of the election.”

The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of All Progressives Congress,Mr. Hilliard Eta called the military siege shocking.

He said: “ we will not be intimidated. Most of the people put under surveillance are people who have reconciled themselves to the life of service. “This is just a continuation of the militarization of the democratic process that has become a recurring decimal in the way the Jonathan Presidency conducts its affairs.

“But we know that it has no place in democracy and decent society. So a few days down the line, less that 120 days from now, decent people will take over the reign of power in Nigeria and Nigerians would have their affairs conducted decently. That is the only thing we can do and hope for.”

The All Progressive Congress Volunteers (APC-V) group believes that democracy is going into extinction under the PDP government .

Its Chairman, Mr. Olusegun Bamigbose ,said the harassment of APC leaders by security operatives are manifestations of the threat to democracy constituted by the PDP. Bamigbose, while addressing journalists in Kaduna cited threat by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) zone 2, Joseph Mbu to arrest erring state governors during the forthcoming election.

This,he said ,is a a indication that the former Rivers State Commissioner of Police, does not understand the 1999 constitution.

He said it is unfortunate that the ruling party is trying to bastardize and vandalise democracy in the country.

He said: “one is not trying to sound alarmist but the present realities on ground show that democracy is in serious danger of collapse and extinction in Nigeria.

We cannot afford to keep quiet and watch our democracy ruined.”

ditional Council.

"The fact that he has not been coming out, even when the President came last week does not mean that there is anything like that�."

Checks show that there are traditional ways of announcing the passing of a Benin King and it is usually done by the Esogban of Benin Kingdom.

Imo community endorses Okorocha for second term n Okodili NDIDI, Owerri n HE re-election bid of Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, brightened yesterday, with his endorsement by the Mbieri Ancient Kingdom in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, one of the largest political blocs in the state.

The kingdom also affirmed its support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Mohammadu Buhari and other APC candidates.

Declaring the support at the Mbieri Youth Association Hall in Orie Mbieri, during a general meeting of Mbieri Development Union, the umbrella body of Mbieri people, the President General of the body, Dr. Jeremiah Mgbeahuru, said the decision by the state governor to adopt a son of the kingdom, the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumerem, as his running mate for the governorship election, was a mark of honour.

He recalled that all efforts by illustrious sons of Mbieri to get involved in the decision-making in the state in the past had failed.

He stated that the Kingdom has been left to rot despite its electoral value before the emergence of Governor Okorocha.

Mgbeahuru reminded the assembly that all infrastructures in the Kingdom, including roads, schools and hospitals among other critical infrastructure, were allowed to decay by previous administrations.

Justifying the position of the union, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo said that Madumere has attracted massive developmental projects to Mbieri and should be supported to do more.

He also commended the governor for his giant strides in all facets of the economy, especially the free education programme and road construction among others.

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Imoke commissions science, ICT labs, roads ROSS River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, yesterday commissioned a science, ICT laboratory and library blocks and road network in the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Akpabuyo.

The projects were part of the state government’s policy to reposition education in the state.

The Nigerian Navy Secondary is one of the 66 secondary schools captured under the state government comprehensive renovation and reconstruction exercise across the state.

The laboratory houses Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and computer laboratories , while the road network is meant to address the hardship students, staff encountered within the school during rainy seasons.

The governor, who was received by the Commandant of the school, Navy Commander Eleazu Uriri Regina Rex, following a guard of honor mounted by a detachment of the students in naval uniform, said emphasis should not be placed so much on the physical structures but its content because of its impact on human

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capacity development.

He commended staff and students of the school for its academic excellence in national examinations, which he described as impressive based on its quality, adding that, ”Education is basic and nothing can be compared to it because it prepares you for the future.”

The commandant of the school, Navy Commander Regina Rex, commended the state government for extending its development programme to the school despite the fact that it is a federal institution. She said the provision of the facilities will go a long way contributing greatly to the academic excellence which the school is noted for nationally.

Earlier, the governor, who was accompanied by the state PDP campaign council, inspected the on-going work at the second phase of the 400 housing unit for the state civil/public servants in Akpabuyo, where the site engineer of the construction firm, Remi Opakunle informed him that the project will be completed in March and commissioned in April.

THE NATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

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SPORT EXTRA

Eagles to play Bolivia in Uyo on March 26 T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon have confirmed that the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, will tackle the Senior National Team of Bolivia in a grade A international friendly in Uyo on Thursday, March 26.

“We have had to work at a

pace to seal agreement for this match, after the Brazilian Football Federation opted out at the last hour.

“However, we believe that the Bolivia team will give the Super Eagles a good match, as we continue to work on a second match for the Eagles for either March 29,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick said on Fri-

day.

The game at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, rated as one of the most magnificent sporting infrastructure on the African continent, will be the first for the Super Eagles this year as they countenance the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later in the year.

“The NFF is committed to ensuring that the Super Eagles are occupied on every FIFA window, with quality games,” Amaju added.

The NFF is working assiduously to get the Eagles to play a top –ranked African team away on 29th March, as a result of the Presidential elections taking place on 28th March.

Garba happy to face Black Satellites

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• Super Eagles celebrate Ahmed Musa’s goal against Argentina during the 2014 World Cup

Amuneke predicts tough test against Niger

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OLDEN Eaglets' Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has predicted a tough test for his wards when they open their 11th African U-17 Championship account against Niger at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) in Niamey on Sunday.

The former Barcelona star believes a win against the host would set a good omen as Nigeria push for the trophy yet again.

Golden Eaglets nearly won the championship the last time in Morocco but lost to Cote d'Ivoire in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout, after a pulsating 1-1 draw.

"The first game is very important and we want to win irrespective of the fact that we are meeting Niger," said Amuneke who scored a brace in the 2-1 win over Zambia at 1994 African Cup of Nations Final Match.

"Of course, we know it is never going to be an easy match because both teams would like to win. " He said he was not oblivious about the huge test of playing against the host in front of a partisan crowd, adding his wards must gird their loins:"We have told the players in clear terms that we want nothing but victory against Niger," he said." It's never going to be easy but we must be tactically and psychologically sound for this match."

Golden Eaglets', who are drawn in Group A, would subsequently play Guinea and Zambia on February 18 and 22 respectively but Amuneke further stated that the focus of the team is Sunday's match against Niger: "Mentally, we must be prepared for the home team but if we win, it will put us on course for other matches."

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets have started their build up towards Sunday's opening fixture against Niger with impressive sessions at the practice pitch of Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) on Friday.

All the 21 players featured in the Morning session with players put under their paces in fitness exercises; passing drill; marking amongst others.

Amuneke psyched the players on the stiff test to expect on Sunday as the team fine tunes all the rough edges:"We need to psychologically prepare ourselves in all circumstances because in football, you can never neglect the inconveniences,"he said. "Our idea is that we want to win though we don't know what the match can bring, we must be able to resolve the issue."

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

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EAD Coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon, has called to camp a total of 36 players in preparation for the 11th All-Africa Games qualifiers, 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers and the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

The players, made up of 10 foreign-based and 26 home girls, are to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, 22nd February with their training kits, international passports and birth cerificates.

Among those listed are goalkeepers Ibubeleye Whyte and Precious Dede, defenders Onome Ebi, Faith Ikidi and Ngozi Ebere, midfielders Halimat Ayinde, Cecilia Nku and Osarenoma Igbinovia and strikers Asisat Oshoala, Uchechi Sunday and Desire Oparanozie.

Okon calls 36 to camp The Falcons have an All-Africa Games qualifier away to Mali on March 22, with the return leg in Nigeria three weeks later, before they clash with the same Malian

side in May in a 2016 Olympic Games qualifying fixture. The 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals take place in Canada 6th June – 5th July, 2015.

LYING Eagles’ coach, Manu Garba is excited about the two friendlies they will play against the Black Satellites of Ghana in preparation for the 2015 Africa Youth Championship.

The Nigerian U-20’s tackle their Ghanaian counterparts first on Saturday, before engaging the Ghanaians in the second game next Wednesday.

And Manu, whose team has been in imperious form, says it is a good test for his lads as the Africa Youth Championship approaches.

“It is a very good test for us really and I am excited about it. It follows the Super 6 tournament which we won, which I think is good for us. We are preparing for a very important competition and these games will help give us the competitive edge that we need.

“The Ghanaians are also preparing for the Africa Youth Championship and it is also a good test for them,” he told sl10.ng.

The Flying Eagles are in group A of the competition, with hosts Senegal, Congo and Ivory Coast, while the Black Satellites are in group B, with South Africa, Mali and Zambia.

Manu also feels playing Ghana might help them understand what to expect from their group opponents.

“Ghana are close to Ivory Coast and they share a border, so their style may not be too different. Senegal and Congo are also there and hopefully we will understand their styles with these games against Ghana.”

Ideye sets tone for Baggies full recovery

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ITH successive strikes for the Baggies in the Premier League, Nigeria International attacker, Brown Ideye has suggested struggling West Brom will steady themselves back into the clear with a focused vision and vital wins.

In a chat with www.footballlive.ng the in-form 26-year-old has underlined the need for focus, hard work and wins as the way to go. ” We just have to be focused, be calm. We have to be forwardlooking, put some hard work in

while winning games and picking vital points, that’s what we need right now.”

The forward has helped Tony Pulis’ side pick 4 points in two games. He came of the bench on Sunday to get the equalizer against Burnley in the 67th minute and was rewarded with a starter’s place against Swansea 3 days later.

He didn’t disappoint as he delivered in the second half with a 60th minute strike and an assist for club top scorer this season, Saido Berahino (10).

• Garba

The Super Eagles of our dream <<<<<<Continued from back page The leaders of these crises will be the second assistant should know now that things coach. Emmanuel Amuneke cannot change. So, if they must should also be in the Eagles’ be members of the Eagles, they technical crew since he monitors should be made to sign codes of the youth in our domestic league. conduct to guide their activities A quartet of coaches - Keshi, in camp, just as it is done in their Siasia, Manu and Amuneke - is European clubs. one many African countries The NFF must offer what it don’t have. They excelled as can easily afford than playing to Eagles stars and played the the gallery. It is foolhardy to tell game at the highest level, the players that they would be especially Amuneke who played paid $10,000 each for matches for Barcelona. What this setting won and later pay $5,000. And does for all our national teams is the only way the players/NFF that the coaching techniques will feud can be resolved is for the be the same and it will be easier Glasshouse chiefs to disclose the for the Eagles to fill gaps noticed details of the Code of Conduct in the team, using the to Nigerians. This way, it will be exceptionally good players in the easy to apportion blames during age-grade teams. crises.

An Eagles bench that has Nigeria is blessed with talents Keshi, Siasia, Amuneke and at the grassroots. The problem Manu putting heads together starts with having the template will get results. I also think that to fish out the players through Keshi will not discard competitions and training suggestions from Siasia and/or programmes. It is through such Manu in the course of matches programmes that games masters since he knows their level of are trained to teach the kids the competence. right way to play games not only There won’t be any leadership soccer. With such awareness tussle under this arrangement around the country, it becomes because everyone has his team. expedient for the NFF through What happens is that if the the state FAs to have data bases Eagles have a competition and for the players discovered. Those the others are not busy, they will exceptional ones can be nurtured join Keshi in preparing the team. and exposed to all the national The essence of this arrangement teams. is that the Eagles need a player We have wasted seven in any position, Siasia and Manu months since our exit from the will contact the player(s) who 2014 World Cup trying to find can fill that position at short out what went wrong with the notice.

Eagles in Brazil. The government Nigeria is the only country chose the wrong option by where the senior national team hounding the last NFF President, is not measured by the number Aminu Maigari, out of office. The of domestic league players in it. fallout of that decision massively This doesn’t encourage growth impacted on how the Eagles since the exceptional players in prosecuted the qualifiers for the the domestic game fall easily for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, slavish contracts from shylock which the Elephants of Cote d’ agents, all in the name of being Ivoire lifted in Malabo on Sunday tagged foreign-based players. night by beating Black Stars of In the event that any of the Ghana 9-8 on penalties after the coaches isn’t comfortable with 120 minutes encounter. the arrangement, the NFF Seven months on, nothing has should wield the big stick changed for the Eagles, with no because they are in the national one sure of the next man to team jobs because of their handle the team for the friendly pedigree as ex-internationals, not games in March. NFF’s because they are not eminently Technical Committee boss Felix qualified to hold such exalted Anyansi Agwu told the media positions. None of them has a in Abuja on Tuesday that he UEFA Grade A licence, which body recommended the they could acquire if they truly retention of Stephen Keshi as the want to be professional coaches. chief coach. But the Big Boss said NFF could enroll them for the he had not been spoken to about course and ensure that they the decision - as at Tuesday. complete.

Agwu ought to have told us The Eagles need a thinking if the contract with Keshi is a bench not a docile one from continuation of the N5 million which the players cannot draw monthly salary or the improved inspiration when a game is going one of N7 million, which was awry. A thinking bench is never paid to the coach by Sports bereft of ideas to unlock any Minister Tammy Danagogo? stubborn opposition.

Agwu should have told us the Nigeria is the only country duration of the contract. Will without a home ground for its NFF go ahead with its plan of a national teams. This idea of pay cut for Keshi since the team playing our matches around the isn’t busy now? How will the country is good, but it doesn’t coaches’ salaries be paid? He give our players the home should have told us these – and advantage which other more. countries’ players enjoy when Whispers from the Glasshouse they play in front of their suggest that Keshi won’t be nationals. given a freehand to run the One of the things that worked team, like in the past, as he against the Eagles in grabbing would have to work in tandem the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations’ with the NFF Technical qualification was the frequent Committee. Again, Keshi won’t change in venues. When the pick his lieutenants. He will work Eagles made the UJ Esuene with assistant coaches picked by Stadium in Calabar home, they his employers. These are very never lost a game. The Eagles tough conditions. Will Keshi may have lost to Congo DR at accept the offer? home in the one of the games of My suggestion to the NFF is the qualification series, but that for them to give Keshi the job wasn’t enough reason for the since they are stuck to him but change of venue because that all our age-grade coaches should defeat was the fallout of the serve as his assistants. Keshi coach’s clash with the officials of won’t frown at the decision to the former NFF, who boycotted work with Samson Siasia as his the game. Are we set for our assistant coach. Garba Manu dream Super Eagles?

NEWS

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CRIME

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

&

OTHER STORIES

I used to take drugs before S raping my victims –Suspect Village head: he has defiled 20 girls this year alone EFORE nemesis caught up with him early this week, 27-year-old Stephen Nyong, who resides in Calabar, Cross River State, had a field day allegedly raping innocent victims he always went in the night to hunt.

Nyong, a suspected member of a gang of rapists, who terrorised residents of Calabar South, was caught in the act after youths of the area laid in wait for him, being fed up with his nefarious escapades.

A native of Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, it was gathered that he resides at 18B, Inyang Edem Street, Mount Zion, Calabar.

The suspect, who was seriously beaten up by the youths that caught him, confessed that he took Tramadoline and other hard drugs to get high before going out at night to hunt for victims.

He blamed the devil for his actions.

“It is the fear I instilled in them that aroused me to ‘perform’ and I made them beg me. I only realised myself only when I was out of the place. In fact, I can’t explain how it happened; I regained my senses when everything

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•Nyong

n Nicholas KALU, Calabar n was over,” he said.

The village head of Ndom Ndang, the community where Nyong mostly operated, Muri Okon Etim Effiong, said a gang of rapists had been operating in his domain for a long time.

Effiong said: “As the custodian of this place, myself and the chief made a decision to deal with them and we have gotten one today.

He and other gang members have raped over 60 girls; he alone has defiled over 20 girls within this 2015 alone. He has been chased in more than three compounds but was not caught, but his sins have caught up with him today.”

Effiong said they did not not only rape the girls but made sure they injured them as well as stole their valuables.

“It was the Sunday night’s attack that got the youths in the area angry and they decided to lay siege for him and their kingpin on our instruction. Unfortunately, the leader of the gang, responsible for grooming them over the years, is now at large,” he said.

A resident of the area who gave her names as Agnes, described the suspect as a brutal rapist who showed no mercy to any of his victims and stabbed them with a knife after defiling them.

“After defiling my neighbour, Mary and her roommate, he still stabbed both of them in the head with a very deep cut and he also took their phones and N8,000 from them, they were both taken to the hospital this morning.

“I started hearing them scream at about 1:00 am till around 4:30am, it was terrifying and I am glad that he has been apprehended.”

It was learnt that Nyong and members of his gang, who had been on the rampage, terrorising women and the entire neighborhood for about a decade, intensified their nefarious activities visiting almost every compound that was not properly secured each night since the beginning of this year.

The suspect, who was thoroughly beaten up by a mob was taken to the palace of the village head for interrogation before he was taken away by the police.

USPECTED armed robbers, who attacked a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, in a recent robbery operation stole over N1.4 million cash from the bank's Automated Teller Machine (ATM) vault.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing where scores of robbery suspects were paraded at the state command headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.

The 10-man robbery gang, armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, stormed the bank on January 28, 2015 at about 1.00 am and held two policemen on guard and held the two bank security men hostage after inflicting brutal machete cuts on their bodies.

Lakanu said the hoodlums gained entrance into the banking hall and broke one of the ATM vaults from where they emptied cash totalling N1, 435, 500.00 and also made away with two AK47 rifles with 59 rounds of live ammunition to unknown destinations.

All the injured security guards were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

According to Lakanu, objects like one iron bar, one iron cutter and a complete bank security uniform found at the bank premises were recovered as exhibits in the case.

On 14th November 2014, at about 9.40 pm, Lakanu said the Police received information that one ash coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number LAGOS 777 AJ was snatched from the owner, Chief Gbenga Ojo at Tinuola area, Oke Ila, Ado-Ekiti.

Lakanu said the robbers were pursued by a team of policemen, forcing them to abandon one ash coloured Toyota Avensis car with registration number LAGOS JJJ 10 CZ which belongs to one Stephen Tunji of Plot 11, Oyedeji Layout, Olubadan Estate, Ife Road, Ibadan.

According to him, two members of the gang, Chinedu Agwu and Esho Adekunle, were later apprehended in Benin City, while the snatched Toyota Camry was recovered . That case has since been charged to court.

The CP said: ‘’On 2nd December, 2014, at about 3.40 pm, one Taiwo Boboye of Kure Guest House, GRA, Ado-Ekiti, in company of one Funke Salami and one Femi Boboye reported that seven armed men suddenly intercepted them on their farm land located at Ikingbinshin/ Olorunda area of Ado-Ekiti and dispossessed them of N170,000 and four mobile phones. ‘’The complainant sustained serious machete

•Some of the suspects

Robbers st from Ekiti b •Three prison escapees nab n Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado-Ekiti n cut injury on his head. One of the suspects, Odunayo Samuel, was arrested and the case has been charged to court. ‘’One of the inmates of Ado-Ekiti prison that escaped during a recent attack on the facility, Adegboye Sunday, has been arrested for a fresh case of attempted robbery. ‘’Sunday led a four- man robbery gang on 5th December, 2014 to the home of one Akingbinsola Feyi at Ori Apata area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10.45pm attempting to rob her and other people who were cooking in preparation for a wedding ceremony. ‘’The prison escapee was arrested, while three other members of the gang fled. The case has been charged to court.

Five injured as tricycle ope

Furore over alleged killing of woman in Ogun by suspected herdsmen HERE was an outrage on Monday at Asa village in Oja Odan community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, following the alleged killing of one Mrs. Ayesi Balogun, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

A cross section of the villagers condemned the activities of the herdsmen asking the state government to apprehend the masterminds of the dastardly act.

The mother of three was said to have gone to her farm on Saturday February 7, 2015, when she was allegedly killed by the herdsmen.

The deceased was allegedly raped before being killed by her assailants.

A resident, Adewale Samson, said: “This is one death too many in this community.

The herdsmen have been terrorising our people for a long time despite a peace pact they signed to sheathe their swords a few years ago. We are no longer safe to go out or farm and it is disheartening that law enforcement agents are not doing much to protect innocent indigenes.”

A traditional ruler, who asked not to be named, lamented the incessant attacks by the Fulani herdsmen in the community, urging the state government to step into the matter.

He said: “This is not the first time Fulani herdsmen would be killing our people. We are peace-loving people and we have cried out several times to security agencies for protection, yet, our people are killed every year by the herdsmen. We are using this opportunity to urge Governor Ibikunle Amosun and law enforcement agencies to save

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n Kunle AKINRINADE n us from being wiped out by these herdsmen.”

A group of concerned people of the community, under the aegis of Ketu Advancement Front (KAF), in a statement on Monday, condemned the killing of the woman asking the state gov ernment to ensure adequate protection from “marauding herdsmen”.

The statement, signed by the Coordinator and Secretary of the group, Kunle Abiose and Joseph Bankole, read in part: “We are sad to announce that Mrs. Ayesi Balogun, a poor mother of three, was raped and hacked to death on her farm in Asa, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, over the weekend by Fulani herdsmen.

“On sighting her entering the farm, the killer-herdsmen, who had taken over her farm, pounced on her, probably gang-raped her before hacking her to death.”

The group explained that the community had lodged complaints with relevant security agencies in the past without tangible response.

“The latest in the series of the ceaseless murder cases has been reported to the OjaOdan Police Station.

The spokesman of Ogun State Police Command, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone, confirmed the incident.

He said: “ It might be a reprisal killing by the Fulani herdsmen because “a few days ago, the body of a Fulani man was found in the bush in the same area.”

•Some Keke Napep operators at the scene ELL was let loose in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State penultimate Thursday when two factions of the commercial tricycle operators fought over the control of a park.

Five persons were said to have sustained various degrees of injury during the mayhem.

The clash, which literally shut down commercial activities in Agbelekale area of the community, created panic as policemen frantically tried to contain the violence.

Trouble started when some members of the Ile- Epo branch of Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) in Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area were said to have attempted to create a new park at Omi Ata Bus Stop on Agbelekale-Ekoro Road, a move said to have angered the Abule Egba branch of the association, which claimed the area was under its jurisdiction.

An unidentified chieftain of the Ile- Epo branch of TOOAN had stormed Omi Ata bus stop with some of his colleagues about 9 am on

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n Kunle AKINRINADE n the fateful day in an attempt to forcibly establish a new park there, but they were chased away by members of the Abule Egba branch.

The unnamed chieftain and his supporters were said to have returned to the area with the intention to forcibly inaugurate the park but they were again resisted by members of the Abule Egba branch.

Bottles, cutlasses, charms and other dangerous weapons were freely used during the clash that shattered the relative peace of the community.

When our correspondent visited the community, business operators and shop owners were yet to reopen for business, while the area was deserted.

A few of the tricycles apparently abandoned by owners in the wake of the clash were parked beside the road.

An eyewitness, who spoke in confidence, described the incident as shocking, saying that gov-

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015

olukunle87@yahoo.com

bed for alleged robbery ‘’Another prison escapee in the November 30 attack on Ado-Ekiti prison, Ajimoko Kayode, was also involved in a fresh case of robbery. ‘’Kayode, alongside four other suspects on 20th January, 2015 between 12.50 am and 1.30 am invaded Olokemeji area of Ado-Ekiti and broke into five houses robbing all occupants of their valuables. ‘’The valuables include 11 mobile phones, a laptop, N93,000.00 cash, jewelry, two wristwatches, three torchlights with all the items valued at N306,150.00.’’

The police boss said the efforts by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) led to the arrest of two other members of the

rators clash ernment should call the warring transporters to order.

“The clash was disturbing and shocking.

The Ile Epo branch was led by a man who was brandishing a blood-stained charm to scare people, while policemen stood helplessly as the violence festered. But for the arrival of men of OPMEZA (an anti-crime team comprising of soldiers), the situation could have been worse. Members of the warring factions attacked each other with charms, cutlasses and bottles looted from nearby traders’ shops and residents ran for dear lives while the clash lasted for several hours.”

A trader, Olabisi Quadri, said: “Policemen were deployed from Meiran and Ile Epo divisions to quell the violence. About five persons were injured during the clash and law enforcement agents were able to arrest some of the perpetrators of the violent clash. We are still in shock as I speak to you as we don’t know when they would come here again to cause problems.”

A tricycle operator, who asked for anonymity, explained: ”The Ile- Epo branch had been making moves to establish an unapproved park at Omi Ata bus stop against the rules of the association, which stipulates that no branch should operate a unit outside of its immediate territory.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of TOOAN, Mr Joseph Odusanya, explained that the matter had been resolved.

He said: “It is normal for people to disagree but we have been able to resolve the matter for the feuding parties and everything is in order now.”

The spokesman of Lagos Police Command, Mr Kenneth Nwosu, had promised to make his comments available to our reporter, but he did not do so at press time.

25-yr-old arraigned for defiling 4-yr-old n Rukayat JIMOH n 25- year- old man, Kingsley Churchill, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ebute Meta, Lagos State, for allegedly defiling a four-yearold girl.

He was said to have sexually assaulted the girl by inserting his fingers and penis into her private part.

He allegedly committed the offence on January 24, 2015, at No 6 Adeshokan Street, Ayobo, Lagos.

The charge sheet reads: "That you Kingsley Churchill 'm' on 24th of January 2015 at No 6 Adeshokan Street, Ayobo, Lagos, in the Lagos magisterial district, did sexually assault one Ella 'f', aged 4 years by inserting both your fingers and penis into her vagina and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 259 of the criminal law of Lagos State, Nigeria,2011.’’

He pleaded not guilty to the onecount charge of sexual assault .

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant has committed an offence punishable under Section 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria.

The defence counsel, Mr. J.Adewumi, asked the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

The presiding magistrate, A.O Isaac, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 and two sureties in like sum, stating that each surety should pay a refundable sum of N30,000 each .

The case was adjourned till March 4.

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( 08167164657 or 08023910970 )

My friend died from her husband’s punches, says detained murder suspect n Ebele BONIFACE n

• I had no hand in her death —Widower

woman detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, Lagos, over suspicion that she had a hand in the death of her friend has said that she (her friend) might have died from the pains of merciless beating her husband subjected her to before she sought refuge in her house.

Chinyere Onyali, who was being detained by the police in Lagos, said her late friend, Obiageli’s husband, Ikechukwu Anajekwulum a.k.a.

IK, had turned her into a punching bag because she returned late from a journey she had made to the East.

Onyali said she actually reported the battering of Obiageli by her husband at the Iba Police Station in Lagos before the case was transferred to Ojo Police Station and later to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti for discreet investigation.

Obiageli said: “On January 19, this year, Obiageli was returning from the East to Lagos when she called me on the phone that she was approaching Lagos. On reaching their home in Iba (a suburb of Lagos), she called me on the phone again, saying that her husband had turned her into a punching bag for not returning from her trip on time.

“When the beating became unbearable, she ran to my husband’s house, which is very close to theirs.

“I told her that my husband would not tolerate that and that I had never done anything like that since we got married. But when she arrived at our place and I alerted my husband, he pitied her condition and advised her to go to the police station to report her husband, adding that the police would advise her better on where to sleep. She did as my husband advised.

“The following day, which was a Tuesday, one Mr. Okonkwo, an elderly man in the area, advised her to look for people to settle the matter between her and her husband. The police also gave her a phone number with which she could call them if her husband beat her again. ‘’On Wednesday, I was returning from a cyber café where I had gone to fill my JAMB form when I saw people gathered and saying that the woman had collapsed. We called her husband on the phone but he refused to come, saying that they were separated and that their matter was

pending in the village.

“They would have wedded on October 11 last year but her husband is based abroad. When she travelled home, her father-in-law told her not to go back to Lagos yet because of her husband’s annoyance. The husband had even spent four years in Cameroon prison. ‘’Since the incident happened on January 21, I have been detained here in SCID Panti, Lagos.

We have even paid for the autopsy.”

Anajekwulum said: “I am 54 years old and I am based in Brazil where I have a restaurant. I came back from Brazil and wanted to go back but could not do so due to the mysterious death of my wife. This is a woman I married in Nigeria about one year and two months ago.

“Her character was not good. I didn’t like her because she told lies always.

When I told her to stop keeping late nights, she did not listen to me. Any time she was answering a phone call, she would keep a distance so that I would not hear her discussion. For more than one year, the woman I married was doing like that.

“Again, she was too fetish.

I discovered a padlock in her bag which a Reverend Father said was a charm she was using against my progress.

The Reverend Father had to come to our village and stayed for two days during which he used prayers to destroy the charm. ‘’I have a house in Iba and I wanted to let out two of the rooms but up till now, nobody could rent the two rooms. When I climbed the ceiling, I saw my picture in her bag with charms in the ceiling. When I confronted her with the discoveries, especially the padlock, she said it was my brother and a sister that padlocked her womb so that she would not be able to have babies.

“To my greatest surprise, when I poured anointing oil on the key, it vibrated. I paid her dowry but we had not wedded. One day, I called the woman who connected us and told her that I wanted the marriage dissolved.

“This was a woman that had no respect for me.

She could stay out for four hours without my consent. She had used three pastors to threaten my life. One of the pastors is late now.

“I had no hand in Obiageli’s death. I am innocent. She did not have a child for me and did not respect me. What type of wife is that?”

A

,

eal N1.4m ank’s ATM

gang, Jegede Gbenga, who is also a prison escapee and Oluwatuyi Kayode who have since confessed to the crime committed.

One Abayomi Femi and one Aliu Mohammed, both of Sabo, Ado-Ekiti, he said, were also nabbed and they confessed to have been the receivers of some stolen mobile handsets in the case. ‘’Another robbery suspect, Adebayo Bola, with a fellow gang member who is at large broke into the house of one Omotayo Johnson at Olujoda area of Ado-Ekiti with the suspects arming themselves with pistol and a piece of wood. ‘’They ransacked the house and dispossessed the complainant of two pairs of wristwatches, two pairs of wedding rings, and a pair of earrings all valued at N100,000.00 ‘’Upon efforts made by the complainant, the arrested suspect was caught inside his bedroom, while the other suspect identified as Seun fled with all the loot. ‘’But Bola has confessed to the crime and the piece of wood was recovered as an exhibit in the case. ‘’One 21st January, 2015, one James Wasiu Idowu of Oke Oniyo area of AdoEkiti was caught along Olorunda area of the city during a raid carried out by a team of SARS operatives. ‘’Idowu falsely presented himself as a youth corps member but later confessed to have lied on his identity when he could not produce his ID card on demand. ‘’The arrested suspect made confessional statement to the charge and during execution of search warrant in his residence, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform without cap together with a pair of trainers were found therein’’, he said.

Lakanu used the opportunity to assure all the people of Ekiti State of the readiness of the Police to protect life and property, calling for cooperation to nip criminal activities in the bud.

The police boss urged members of the public to volunteer information which could lead to the arrest of criminals to make the state safe for living, business and other activities.

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This was a woman that had no respect for me. She could stay out for four hours without my consent. She had used three pastors to threaten my life...

I had no hand in Obiageli’s death. I am innocent. She did not have a child for me and did not respect me...

,

Consumption of marijuana harmful to youths, society says expert ONSUMPTION of marijuana by Nigerian youths and its attendant addiction has a great implication on the society, the Director-General of Police Assistance Committee of Nigeria (PAC), Dr. Martins John-Oni, has said.

John-Oni, who recently took part in an international conference organised for law enforcement regulators and policy makers in the United States of America to discuss on issues bordering on impact of marijuana on public health and safety, noted “that addiction suffered through marijuana consumption by Nigerian youths had led to serious social implication on the mental and physical development of young adults.”

He said: “The drug abuse among Nigerian youths, including consumption of marijuana, had brought untold hardship on our social system. The development has led to the escalation of social vices among our youths such as cultism, prostitution, armed robbery, kidnapping, mental derailment and political thuggery. It has culminated in the complete

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misuse of our youths and by implication affecting social and economic stability of our youths.”

John-Oni, however, explained that the menace of drug abuse “is being consciously addressed by various government agencies and institutions like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as other law enforcement agencies that have been enforcing government legislation against drug abuse in the country.”

He added that there are other government regulatory institutions such as the Police, Customs, Immigration and border security officials both on the sea, land and airports saddled with the responsibility of monitoring illegal movement of harmful drugs into or out of the country.

He stressed that the time had come for all hands to be on deck to fight the harmful effect that consumption of marijuana and other hard drugs on youths globally.

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 3125

It is good that President Goodluck Jonathan has denied any ambition of elongating his tenure. I doubt if really he has any choice though; but then, the mere fact that he said so is not enough reason for us to believe —Tunji Adegboyega

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NLIKE the parliamentary system of gov ernment, where the Prime Minister is only first among equals in a body of ministers picked from parliament, most of the key officials in government under the presidential system are appointed at the discretion of the President with the constitutional requirement of confirmation by the National Assembly. Under the presidential system, therefore, the quality of heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies will often reflect the intellectual capabilities, moral integrity, statesman-like wisdom and patriotic instincts of the President. A President with a high quotient of these qualities will naturally seek and appoint the ablest and most competent men and women to assist in achieving his vision for the nation.

An intellectually challenged and patriotically famished Presidency which is deficient in vision and integrity is also naturally likely to attract men of the lowest intellectual, professional and moral calibre into government. For one, such a Presidency is most unlikely to appoint officials of superior capability especially when the outsize ego of the overall boss far exceeds his natural capacities. In such a situation, he is unlikely to be intelligent enough to realize that aides of the most sublime qualities in high office can only boost the quality of governance for which the President will naturally take credit. Furthermore, even those aides of high ability in the administration will most likely deliberately climb down to the Lilliputian mental environment in which they find themselves to keep their jobs. The implication will be a rudderless administration systematically descending from one level of absurdity to even more atrocious depths of theatrical tragi-comedy till it inevitably self-destructs.

It is certainly only under a presidency like that of Dr Goodluck Jonathan that a country can be so unfortunate to appoint and keep in office such men of superlative mediocrity as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki and the current team of service chiefs.

Under their collective leadership, a rag tag band of Boko Haram ragamuffins have consistently and continuously run rings round and routinely humbled an ordinarily invincible Nigerian military machine in the embattled North-east region of the country. Mutinies in the Nigerian military have been embarrassingly high in recent times. Stories have been rife of under-equipped and demotivated soldiers reluctant to engage insurgents they would normally rout in more auspicious circumstances.

The way the military high command handled its recent collaboration with the Jonathan presidency to abort the polls previously scheduled for today and the 28th of this month only demonstrates the manifest ineptness of the service chiefs. Even if they wanted to help an embattled President fearful of a humiliating electoral loss, the NSA and service chiefs could have gone about it in a strategically smarter and less selfindicting way. First, the NSA publicly advocated postponement of the polls to enable a more widespread distribution of Permanent Voters Cards by the Independent National Electoral

A President and his mediocre security chiefs Did the military high command think through this move with characteristic clinical military precision? Their professional acuity was unfortunately blunted by wanton and irresponsible partisanship

‘ •President Jonathan •Dasuki Commission (INEC). When the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, was resolute on the preparedness of the commission to hold the elections on the scheduled dates, the NSA and service chiefs now informed INEC that they could not provide security for the exercise. They needed to concentrate their energies for the next six weeks, they claimed, to crush the Boko Haram insurgency.

Did the military high command think through this move with characteristic clinical military precision? Their professional acuity was unfortunately blunted by wanton and irresponsible partisanship. What are the implications of the NSA’s letter to INEC? First, it amounted to an indictment of Dr Jonathan and the PDP which have been unable to provide the country with a police force capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities over the last 16 years without the unconstitutional intervention of the military in the statutory responsibilities of the police. Second, it was a self-indictment of the military leadership, which has confessed to its inability to fulfil its constitutional obligations to the country.

Third, if the military can crush in six weeks an insurgency that has festered for six years, it

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makes itself vulnerable to suspicions and insinuations that it had the capacity to do so all along but had deliberately failed to act till a moment like this for partisan reasons. If so, the military leadership can be held responsible for partisan dereliction of duty that has led to loss of thousands of lives as well as loss of Nigerian territory to insurgents. Fourth, in announcing to the whole world that it cannot provide security for elections in Nigeria for the next six weeks because it is concentrating all its energies and resources on fighting insurgency in the North-east, the military has sent a dangerous signal to unpredictable terrorists abroad that other parts of Nigeria may be vulnerable during the period.

This is unpardonable military tactlessness.

Fifth, the postponement of the elections is the greatest psychological victory the military high command has so unintelligently handed Boko Haram since the commencement of the insurgency. It shows that the terrorists are achieving their objective of disrupting normalcy not just in one region but the whole of Nigeria. They will greatly celebrate this victory. In countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, also faced by insurgency challenges, elections have been successfully held on schedule to deny terrorists any such satisfaction, which implies that they are winning.

But then, are there any lessons the opposition can learn from the unfolding tragic episode? I think so. First, the Jonathan presidency has deliberately divided, bought over and severely weakened potent civil society groups in the last six years. The opposition should have been empowering and working with new civil society groups and coalitions to protect democracy at moments like this. Secondly, the opposition should have continued to step up the pressure for the deepening of electoral reforms particularly the measures suggested by the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reforms Committee to strengthen the institutional autonomy of INEC. Dr Jonathan has only capitalised in the slackening of the struggle for deeper electoral reforms to seek to manipulate existing weaknesses to his electoral advantage. Third, neither the opposition nor the media has any excuse for not monitoring INEC’s handling of Permanent Voters Cards more closely and blowing the whistle early enough for identified anomalies to be addressed.

Can Dr Jonathan get away successfully with his current efforts to manipulate the elections in his favour? I do not think so. The weight of public opinion is too much against him. Indeed, his complicity in the postponement of the elections has only further exposed his administration’s vulnerable underbelly. The truth is that the allpowerful Nigerian President has demonstrated a visceral fear of people’s power by desperately trying to avoid elections by all means. A President who won and celebrated a pan-Nigerian victory in 2011 is obviously scared of a pan-Nigerian defeat in 2015. It is a grand irony. This unprecedented presidential fear of elections is itself a great victory for the Nigerian people. Dr Jonathan cannot postpone the ever increasing momentum for change forever.

Furthermore, history is not on Dr Jonathan’s side. All Nigerian leaders before him who tried one form of tenure elongation or the other failed abysmally. He will not be an exception. In attempts at electoral manipulation and tenure elongation of this nature, there are always unanticipated consequences that the manipulators are not prepared for. For instance, are Dr Jonathan and his accomplices sure that all PDP members are with them on this project? How are they sure that some PDP members are not silently rooting for a Buhari presidency?

Again, have those engaged in these manipulations pondered the implications of the brazen utilization of the military for partisan purposes?

A cardinal lesson of Nigerian history is that it is when partisan politics intervenes in the Nigerian military through the nefarious activities of unscrupulous politicians that the military are opportune to intervene in politics. Let no Nigerian politician, least of all Dr Jonathan, think that the Nigerian military has any special love for them. The military professionals are trained experts in the art of camouflage. As Chief Adisa Akinloye perceptively noted in 1983, there are only two political parties in Nigeria – the politicians and the military. A word should be sufficient to the wise.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

The Super Eagles of our dream

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T’S Saint Valentine Day. It’s Lover’s Day. No celebration because I will be remembering my son Oloruntoba Falode, who was killed in Dubai in one of the most bizarre circumstances on February 15. My son, you must be wondering? Oloruntoba Falode is Aisha Falode’s son who was pushed down from a 17-storey building in the aftermath of last year’s Valentine Day. Sad to think it is already one year with no trace of Oloruntoba’s killers. But on Sunday (February 15), I will attend the special one year thanksgiving/remembrance service for Toba at trinity House, Zion Centre, Water Corporation Road, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Oniru beach Area from 9.30 am. I’m still in shock even though it is over a year since Toba’s demise. I hope I can find the courage to meet with Toba’s mother’s Aisha. Take heart Aisha. Toba is in safe hands and resting in perfect peace. I

digress!

Most of our players and indeed coaches think they are doing us a favour by playing for the country. The players reckon that they are leaving their European clubs which have better match bonuses to play for the country for pittance, which is what the $5,000 or $10,000 they get amounts to. Many would have dumped the Super Eagles for their European clubs but for the international clause which makes it mandatory for them to have played at least 75 per cent of their national team’s matches to qualify for a new deal.

Eagles have been tottering because most of the players are no longer motivated to give their best. Many of them have been through two World Cups; others three. These groups have won the Africa Cup of Nations, played in the semi-finals and have at least two bronze medals in their wardrobes from third-place finishing at previous Africa Cup of Nations.

As for the coaches, they have seen it all for

club and country. They feel that the country is perpetually indebted to them, simply because they played football in their youthful days. How about the other athletes? What of the soldiers who get killed defending the country? What of the policemen and women who get killed by bandits in their duty posts?

What our players fail to understand is that most of them rose to stardom using our national teams. Rather than damage the podium through heart-wrenching performance, isn’t it advisable that they bow out honourably?

Indeed, it is about time chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) planned send forth matches for our ageing stars. It is ridiculous and unfair that stars, such as the late Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh et al were not pulled out of the national team with pomp and ceremony, given their awesome contributions to the game. It is also laughable that the ceremony designed to send forth Austin Jay Jay Okocha from the Super Eagles

turned out to be a water polo game than a soccer match because of the waterlogged pitch at the Warri Stadium.

Except we celebrate our stars through such send forth games, those deserving of such a ceremony would remain in the Eagles, not to contribute but to influence the younger players.

These long-serving players are the ones who introduce the bad things of the past into the team. Truth be told, Eagles are perpetually enmeshed in crises because of the “landlords,” who remain in the team because of their past contributions, not what they exhibit now.

Except we clear the Eagles deck of its rot, nothing enduring would be achieved. We must punish those who held us hostage at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. It is the only way that we can show them and indeed others that what they did was unacceptable. The bane of the Eagles is indiscipline. They are quick to protest for reasons that bother on a systemic failure.

•Continued on Page 61

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